Maryland Correctional Services Section 3-808

      (a)      The Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Assistant Commissioner for Operations, or the Assistant Commissioner for Administration may grant compassionate leave to an inmate confined in a correctional facility in the Division to visit a member of the inmate's immediate family who is seriously ill or attend the funeral of a member of the inmate's immediate family.

      (b)      (1)      When granting compassionate leave to an inmate, the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Assistant Commissioner for Operations, or the Assistant Commissioner for Administration shall:

                  (i)      issue a written authorization that:

                        1.      specifies the conditions of the compassionate leave; and

                        2.      may be conditioned on the inmate's agreement to waive the right to contest extradition proceedings; and

                  (ii)      file a copy of the authorization in the Commissioner's office.

            (2)      While on compassionate leave, an inmate at all times shall possess a copy of the authorization for compassionate leave.

      (c)      (1)      The duration of compassionate leave shall include reasonable time:

                  (i)      for travel; and

                  (ii)      for fulfilling the purpose of the leave.

            (2)      The Commissioner may require an inmate to whom compassionate leave is granted or anyone acting on the inmate's behalf to reimburse the Division for the expenses incurred by the Division in granting the leave.

      (d)      The failure of an inmate to comply with the terms of the inmate's authorization for compassionate leave is a violation of § 9-404 of the Criminal Law Article.

      (e)      The Commissioner may adopt regulations to carry out this section.