Bill > HB1433

This bill modifies the jurisdiction of the juvenile court by removing several existing restrictions on which cases involving young offenders can be handled in juvenile court. Specifically, the bill eliminates previous provisions that automatically excluded certain serious cases from juvenile court jurisdiction, such as crimes potentially punishable by life imprisonment, specific violent crimes like abduction and kidnapping, and cases involving children who have previously been convicted as adults. The legislation broadens the juvenile court's ability to handle cases involving younger defendants by allowing more discretion in determining whether a case should be heard in juvenile or criminal court. The bill maintains some age-based restrictions, such as keeping the minimum age for certain serious offense jurisdictions at 10-16 years old, and preserves provisions that a child under 13 cannot be charged with a crime. The changes are prospective, meaning they will only apply to cases occurring after the bill's effective date of October 1, 2025, and will not retroactively impact existing criminal prosecutions or delinquency proceedings. The overall intent appears to be providing more flexibility in the juvenile justice system and potentially allowing for more rehabilitative approaches for younger offenders.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1433?ys=2025RS