ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — State’s Attorneys from across Maryland are urging lawmakers to provide relief from the state’s reform laws, which they argue have proven crippling since their passage two years ago. The plea comes as supporters of a new bill designed to reform the juvenile justice system make their case before Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
The proposed legislation would enable the prosecution of juveniles under 13 for specific firearm offenses, third degree sexual abuse, animal abuse, and vehicle theft. Currently, those under 13 cannot be prosecuted for non-violent offenses. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger emphasized the need for action, exemplifying the alarming scenario of a 12-year-old entering a school armed with a loaded gun and being exempt from legal repercussions. “We’re not rolling back everything, but we’re taking a look at some of the things we did and saying, hey, this wasn’t a good idea,” Shellenberger stated.
However, opponents argue that the bill is hasty and misguided, emphasizing the importance of conducting further in-depth research rather than resorting to knee-jerk reactions. Kinji Scott, former President of Maryland’s Juvenile Justice Coalition, highlights the lack of programs for children requiring services as a major issue that needs to be addressed. Others echo these sentiments, asserting that bills like this one punish youth without tackling the underlying root causes of their actions.
A hearing on the proposed legislation was also held in a House committee on Thursday. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is set to vote on the bill on Tuesday, with their decision carrying significant weight. Supporters and opponents alike will be closely watching the outcome of this crucial vote, as it could determine the future direction of Maryland’s juvenile justice system.