Overview
During the 2019 session of the Maryland General Assembly the legislature passed and Governor Hogan signed
Senate Bill 856 /
House Bill 606 establishing the Juvenile Justice Reform Council (JJRC or Council), which is to be staffed by the Department of Legislative Services.
The JJRC is charged with,
- using a data-driven approach to develop a statewide framework of policies to invest in strategies to increase public safety and reduce recidivism of youth offenders;
- research best practices for the treatment of juveniles who are subject to the criminal and juvenile justice systems; and
- identify and make recommendations to limit or otherwise mitigate risk factors that contribute to juvenile contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Additionally, the JJRC is directed to convene an advisory stakeholder group that includes representatives from organizations with experience in juvenile justice policy reform, advocating for groups with disproportionate contact with the criminal and juvenile justice system, advocating for victims of crime, and restorative justice. The JJRC will work with the advisory stakeholder group to conduct roundtable discussion forums to seek public input regarding juvenile justice system reform in all geographic regions of the state. Lastly, the JJRC is required to utilize a technical assistance provider to help carry out the mission of the Council. By December 1, 2019, the council must submit an interim report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly; a final report is due by December 1, 2020.
For up to date information about the Council, including meeting dates, agendas, and video, please visit the
Juvenile Justice Reform Council.
Reports:
JJRC Implementation