After more than a decade, youth charging bill passes, heads to governor’s desk

By: William J. Ford

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: April 7, 2026

Words: 827

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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It took about 14 years, but it’s done.

The House of Delegates voted 92-39 on Monday to give final approval to Senate Bill 323, which limits the number of offenses for which youth can be automatically charged in adult courts. The bill now goes to Gov. Wes Moore (D). who is expected to sign it.

Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), the bill’s sponsor, called passage in both chambers “a significant step forward,” even …

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