ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A bipartisan bill aimed at changing how young people are charged in Maryland is advancing through the 2026 General Assembly, drawing both support and criticism as lawmakers, advocates and law enforcement officials weigh in on juvenile justice reform.
Known as the Youth Charging Reform Act, Senate Bill 323 and its companion House Bill 409 would alter the jurisdiction of the state’s juvenile courts by repealing provisions that automatically require certain juveniles to be charged as adults. Under current law, some crimes committed by minors automatically place them in adult criminal court regardless of individual circumstances. The proposed legislation would eliminate automatic adult charging for a range of offenses, instead giving prosecutors and judges discretion to determine whether a case should stay in juvenile court, where rehabilitation is a primary focus.
Supporters of the bill — including Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and juvenile justice reform advocates — argue the measure would reduce the number of young people entering the adult criminal system without undermining public safety. They say automatic transfer to adult court can hinder rehabilitation and lead to worse long-term outcomes for youth, while placing an unnecessary burden on the justice system…