By MDBayNews Staff
In early February, the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association (MSAA) — an organization of the state’s elected prosecutors — convened in Annapolis to announce its legislative priorities for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. Led by Baltimore City State’s Attorney and MSAA President Ivan J. Bates, the gathering also included prosecutors from jurisdictions large and small, including Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County, underscoring that this is not a localized agenda but a statewide prosecutorial consensus.
Against the backdrop of a session where public safety, justice reform, and juvenile justice are big issues, MSAA’s agenda is notable for its emphasis on real-world experience, evidence, and caution over idealistic policymaking.
Juvenile Justice Reforms: Slow Down, Fix the System First
One of the most consequential and debated items on MSAA’s agenda involves its opposition to a bill that would end automatic charging of juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses. While framed by some advocates as a reform to reduce incarceration of youth, prosecutors argue that Maryland’s juvenile justice system is already struggling with heavy caseloads, staffing shortages, and under-resourcing — and that expanding its responsibilities without addressing those deficiencies would be irresponsible.
State’s Attorneys from across the state were direct in their critique: without appropriate funding, staffing, and infrastructure, shifting more serious cases to a system already under strain will not improve outcomes for youth — and could undermine accountability and public safety.
From a center-right perspective, this stance favors practical reform over symbolic changes and is aligned with fiscal prudence: before expanding the scope of any court system, Maryland should ensure the system can handle its responsibilities effectively.
Supporting Stronger Penalties for Violent Acts
MSAA isn’t solely focused on caution. The group actively supports legislation that increases penalties for egregious conduct, including:
- Jamari’s Law (SB66): Would raise mandatory minimum sentences for manslaughter by vehicle or vessel — recognizing the need for stronger consequences in fatal cases involving reckless driving.
- The Ny’Kala Strawder Act (SB362): Would impose prison terms for individuals who negligently store firearms that a minor can access, preventing further loopholes that leave victims’ families without meaningful justice.
These positions reflect a law-and-order approach that prioritizes accountability, respects victims and their families, and responds to real harm with measured legislative action — an approach broadly consistent with center-right values that emphasize public safety and responsible governance.
A Transparent, Data-Driven Approach
One of the strengths MSAA highlighted was the release of a 99-page juvenile justice report to inform legislators prior to testimony on high-impact bills. This reflects a shift toward evidence-based policy discussions, pushing back against legislation rooted in theory rather than data.
In an era where criminal justice reform can sometimes be driven by well-intentioned slogans, MSAA’s insistence on analyzing real operational challenges before endorsing statutory changes is a welcome contribution to the debate.
How MSAA’s Agenda Could Shape Pending Bills in the 2026 Session
The Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association’s legislative priorities are likely to have direct, immediate consequences for several high-profile bills currently moving — or expected to move — through the General Assembly this session.
Because MSAA represents the prosecutors who must actually implement, enforce, and litigate these laws, lawmakers often give its positions significant weight during committee hearings and floor debates.
Juvenile Justice Overhaul Bills Face Higher Scrutiny
Several proposals aimed at reducing or eliminating the automatic charging of juveniles as adults are now under consideration or expected to be introduced. MSAA’s firm opposition to broad changes in this area — without first fixing systemic capacity issues — could slow or significantly amend those bills.
Prosecutors have signaled that:
- Expanding juvenile court jurisdiction without new funding risks case backlogs and inconsistent outcomes.
- Serious violent offenses may still require adult-court tools to protect victims and communities.
- Legislators may face pressure to add funding triggers, carve-outs, or delayed implementation dates rather than sweeping statutory changes.
Expect committee amendments that narrow eligibility or require impact studies before full rollout.
Stronger Momentum for Vehicle Manslaughter and Firearm Storage Bills
Bills like Jamari’s Law (SB 66) and The Ny’Kala Strawder Act (SB 362) are likely to benefit from MSAA’s public backing.
That support could translate into:
- Faster movement through the Judicial Proceedings and Judiciary Committees.
- Fewer weakening amendments during markup.
- Stronger bipartisan framing focused on victims, deterrence, and accountability rather than ideology.
In close votes, prosecutors’ testimony often carries weight with moderate Democrats and center-right legislators concerned about public safety.
Sentencing and Accountability Proposals Gain Cover
MSAA’s emphasis on targeted penalties for serious harm — rather than broad sentencing rollbacks — may also influence debates over sentencing reform bills introduced in recent sessions and expected to return.
Lawmakers wary of being labeled “soft on crime” may use MSAA’s positions as political and policy cover to:
- Support enhanced penalties for repeat violent offenders.
- Reject blanket sentencing reductions without prosecutorial discretion safeguards.
- Push for data-driven adjustments instead of across-the-board reforms.
Budget and Fiscal Impacts Could Reshape Final Bills
Perhaps most significantly, MSAA’s warnings about under-resourced systems could force fiscal realities into policy debates.
Bills expanding juvenile jurisdiction, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing may now face:
- Mandatory fiscal notes tied to staffing and infrastructure.
- Delayed effective dates pending appropriations.
- Sunset clauses or pilot-program requirements.
That shift aligns with a broader center-right concern: passing laws without funding them is not reform — it’s abdication.
Bottom line: MSAA’s agenda doesn’t just signal opposition or support — it reshapes how bills are written, amended, and ultimately implemented. In a session crowded with criminal justice proposals, prosecutors are making clear that operational reality, public safety, and accountability will be central fault lines in the legislative debate.
Conclusion: A Prosecutor’s Agenda Grounded in Reality
As the General Assembly advances its work, MSAA’s presence in Annapolis lays down a clear marker: criminal justice legislation should be grounded in empirical reality, protect public safety, and ensure transparency and accountability.
Whether lawmakers agree with MSAA’s positions or not, the message from prosecutors is unified and consistent: fix what’s broken before you expand it, back victims and rule-of-law principles, and legislate with an eye toward real operational impacts. That’s a message that should resonate across the political spectrum — particularly among policymakers who are tired of crisis-driven governance and empty rhetoric.
Keep MDBayNews Reporting Free
MDBayNews exists to help Marylanders understand decisions made by state and local leaders — especially when those decisions affect daily life, rights, and public services.
If this article helped clarify what’s happening or why it matters, reader support makes it possible to keep publishing clear, independent reporting like this.
Have a tip or documents to share?
We review submissions carefully and confidentially. Anonymous tips are welcome when appropriate.
Need background research, policy analysis, or legislative clarity?
MDBayNews offers independent research and legislative analysis services, including bill summaries, issue memos, district-level context, and fact-checked opposition research. This work is informational and non-advocacy in nature.
Independent · Confidential · Non-coordinated
Candidate Services | Legislative Services | Sponsored Profiles
Want more?
For deeper analysis, strategies, playbooks, deep dives, and more, subscribe to our premium newsletter, The Blue Heron.
Discover more from Maryland Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.