Annapolis, Md. (DG) – In Annapolis on Friday, a Senate committee advanced legislation to reduce the number of crimes for which youths are automatically charged as adults, but the measure faced sharp opposition from some lawmakers and prosecutors.
Critics on the committee argued the changes would weaken accountability for serious offenses and endanger public safety. Frederick County Senator William Folden stood alone in voting against the bill, citing recent violent cases and saying such behavior should lead to adult consequences. Opponents outside the chamber include the state’s top prosecutors, who have publicly opposed the reform, warning that under-resourced juvenile systems are not equipped to handle more complex cases and that lowering automatic adult charging could hinder efforts to curb youth crime.
The full Senate could debate the bill this week.
By: Dianah Gibson
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