Senate advances measure to limit adult charges for youth

Senators beat back four Republican amendments Wednesday to advance a bill that would reduce the number of crimes for which youth are automatically charged as an adult, with a final vote possible this week.

By: William J. Ford

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 731

Last Updated: 5 days, 20 hours ago

Body Text Preview

Senators beat back four Republican amendments Wednesday to advance a bill that would reduce the number of crimes for which youth are automatically charged as an adult.

Senate Bill 323, which never got out of committee before last week in 14 years of trying, should get a final Senate vote this week.

“It’s certainly a historic thing,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), after Wednesday’s floor session. “I think …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us