By AI, Created 8:45 PM UTC, May 25, 2026, /AGP/ – Governor Wes Moore signed SB 323 into law in Annapolis, narrowing automatic adult prosecution for children and setting Maryland on a path to remove all children from adult jails and prisons by 2029. Advocates say the measure could affect more than 500 youth a year and reshape how the state handles young people in the justice system.
Why it matters: – Maryland’s new law cuts back automatic adult charging for children, which could reduce trauma, violence, and long-term harm tied to adult court and adult confinement. – The law is projected to affect more than 500 youth each year. – The measure creates a path to remove all children from adult jails and prisons in Maryland by 2029.
What happened: – Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 323, the Youth Charging Reform Act, into law on May 26, 2026, in Annapolis. – Human Rights for Kids joined legislators, youth advocates, impacted young people, and allied organizations at the signing ceremony. – The law narrows the offenses that automatically send children into adult court…