Delegate Bob Long: “Juvenile Justice Reform”

-The following article was submitted by Sixth District Delegate Bob Long about the problems with the Juvenile Justice Reform bill-

The Juvenile Justice Reform bill was passed in 2022 and we are starting to see the dangerous results of
this bill.

Sen. Jill Carter introduced this bill and all Republicans voted against the bill. Larry Hogan vetoed the bill,
but the Democrats still overrode his veto.

Now juveniles can get away with crime and they know it.

Fox 45 featured a story on an 11-year-old from Essex who has been picked up for stealing cars 13 times since May 31. Each time he was released back to his parents because of the loophole.

The law also prevents police from interviewing a juvenile about a crime.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger have also shared their frustration with this new law as they can’t properly perform their jobs.

Unfortunately, Maryland is heading in the wrong direction. We must change directions and hold juveniles responsible for unlawful acts.

Children need to learn there are consequences for breaking the law.

Children must learn at a young age to have respect for others and more importantly respect for themselves.

I will fight to get these reform bills repealed when we do go back in session. I am hopeful that the Democrats are on board too.