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Despite protests from many in his own party, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a bill Thursday, May 16, making marked changes to juvenile justice in the state. The state has been suffering an alarming increase in violent crimes by juveniles in the last year, causing many to call for changes to practices that were seen as ineffective.
Once signed, the legislation will take effect November 1, 2024.
The legislation would give more oversight and authority to the Office of Juvenile and create additional rehabilitative and diversionary services for younger children alleged to have committed car theft and other crimes. It will also codify a state-run program that targets youth most likely to be the victims or perpetrators of gun violence.
“We are incredibly optimistic about the change this legislation will begin to have within our juvenile system,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates, a Democrat. “While it’s not a cure-all for a system that has long been plagued with a host of glaring deficiencies, it certainly is a positive start to addressing some of those issues.”
Bates has been fighting to stop the drastic increase in juvenile crime in the city despite pushback from Mayor Brandon Scott who opposes consequences for young offenders. Bates and fellow State's Attorneys have demanded changes.
The biggest change will be the expansion of Juvenile Court jurisdiction to 10-12 year olds. Previously, these youngsters were merely taken home to their parents unless caught committing carjacking, arson, murder and rape. These changes expand the list of charges 10- to 12-year-old children can face to include certain firearm offenses, aggravated animal cruelty and third-degree sex offenses, which include using a weapon or threatening or physically harming someone while also committing sexual assault.
Opponents claim that not enough time has passed to see the positive effects of the previous legislation. Heather Warnken, the executive director of the University of Baltimore School of Law’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform, said, “Sadly, it’s pretty common in public safety policymaking to be impatient,” she said. “Implementing the solutions right and bearing fruit … take time.”
Supporters of the new law disagree and say the State cannot wait longer to get juvenile crime under control. Many claim the bill doesn't go far enough.
The bill is attached here:
