The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted Tuesday to move forward a bill to address the rise in certain crimes among juveniles by providing more diversion and rehabilitative services to children alleged of committing crime. The bill, now headed to the Senate floor where it is likely to face debate, was amended to closely match its companion bill in the House. The legislation brought in response to constituent anecdotes regarding youth crime and a rise in car thefts, carjackings and firearms charges among Maryland children passed on a vote of 7-2. Sens. Jill P. Carter, a Democrat representing Baltimore City, and Charles Sydnor, a Democrat representing Baltimore County, were the only opposition votes.
