Maryland Legislature Advances Juvenile Justice Reform Bills

The Maryland General Assembly is poised to pass significant juvenile justice reform, aiming to balance rehabilitation with accountability amid rising youth crime rates.

• Legislation to address youth crime is expected to pass the Maryland Senate, having already sailed through the House, and is set to reach Governor Wes Moore's desk.
• The reform efforts come in response to a spate of high-profile juvenile crimes, including shootings and carjackings, and aim to balance rehabilitation with accountability.
• Critics argue the legislation could harm efforts to reduce the incarceration rates of Black youth, which Governor Moore has previously criticized as inexcusably high.
• Key provisions include lowering the age at which the state can pursue criminal charges to 10 years old and extending probation lengths, while also emphasizing connecting children to services.
• Opponents of the legislation fear it represents a step backward, reminiscent of past 'tough on crime' policies, and could disproportionately affect Black and Brown children.

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