Posted on 04/08/24
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 8, 2024:
Dear Baltimore Community,
A few months ago, I wrote to you about bills I filed to address juvenile crime in Maryland. Here is the link to the letter I wrote for context:
I am writing to you again to share great news from Annapolis. The House & Senate passed a comprehensive piece of legislation addressing many of our concerns and the bills I filed!
Unfortunately, the Maryland General Assembly has been moving in the opposite direction over the last few years regarding addressing juvenile crime, so this is a huge win and move in the right direction.
This legislation expands jurisdiction for certain crimes committed by juveniles between ages 10 and 13. Several years ago, the law was changed to not allow juveniles under the age of 13 to be charged with many crimes, including handgun possession and motor vehicle theft. That will no longer be the case once this legislation is signed into law. This legislation also addresses increasing the length of time of probation in an effort to ensure juveniles are not becoming repeat offenders and notifying the courts regarding violations of GPS monitoring.
As I said in my original article about the bills I filed to address juvenile crime, “I hear you."
I heard your concerns about the increase in juvenile crime, and I share these concerns, which is why I began session with juvenile crime as a priority and why I filed five bills to change the laws surrounding juveniles.
I would like to thank Speaker Adrienne Jones, Senate President Bill Ferguson, Chairman Luke Clippinger, and Chairman Will Smith for working with me to address juvenile crime and making sure this legislation passes both chambers.
As with most things, we will not see immediate change overnight. However, I look forward to this addressing our concerns long term and to our communities being safer as a direct result of this legislation.
Thank you for your continued support and Chag Kasher Sameach!
Delegate Dalya Attar