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MD HB1504

MD HB1504
Juvenile Law - Child in Need of Supervision - Mandatory Petition (NyKayla Strawder Memorial Act)


summary

Introduced
02/14/2025
In Committee
02/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Requiring an intake officer to file a petition alleging that a child under the age of 13 years is a child in need of supervision if the child is alleged to have committed an act that results in the death of a victim; and requiring a law enforcement officer to forward a complaint alleging that a child under the age of 13 years committed an act that resulted in the death of a victim to the Department of Juvenile Services for appropriate action.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the NyKayla Strawder Memorial Act, modifies Maryland's juvenile justice laws to mandate specific actions when a child under 13 years old is involved in a fatal incident. Currently, intake officers have discretion in handling juvenile complaints, but this bill requires them to file a petition alleging the child is in need of supervision if the child is accused of causing a death. Similarly, law enforcement officers must now forward complaints involving children under 13 who are alleged to have caused a death to the Department of Juvenile Services for appropriate action. The bill specifically adds language to existing statutes in the Courts and Judicial Proceedings and Criminal Procedure articles, creating a mandatory reporting and petition filing process for these serious incidents involving very young children. The new provisions are similar to existing requirements for motor vehicle theft cases involving children under 13, but extend the mandatory reporting to fatal incidents. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving agencies time to prepare for the new legal requirements.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations (on 02/14/2025)

bill text


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