(a) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commissioner shall operate a comprehensive rehabilitative prerelease unit for women that:

(1) is a separate structure in which the services specified in § 3-303(b) of this subtitle are provided;

(2) has security features for female inmates who:

(i) present the least risk of violence;

(ii) present the least risk of escape; and

(iii) have a record of satisfactory institutional behavior; and

(3) matches security level on a validated gender-responsive risk measure.

(b) (1) In determining where to place a prerelease unit for women, the Commissioner shall determine into which area, defined by zip codes, the largest percentage of inmates will likely be released.

(2) A prerelease unit for women shall be located in or adjacent to the zip codes identified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(c) An inmate assigned to a prerelease unit for women may have access to the community for any purpose described in § 3-305(a) of this subtitle.

(d) The Department shall:

(1) identify a location, acquire property, and design a site plan for the prerelease unit for women on or before June 1, 2021;

(2) begin construction or renovation of the facility on or before September 1, 2021; and

(3) begin operating and providing services in the facility on or before June 1, 2023.