Maryland Lawmakers Approve Bill to Raise Juvenile Trial Age

Controversial measure would shift more cases to juvenile court system.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A Maryland Senate committee has approved a bill that would raise the age at which juveniles can be tried as adults from 14 to 16 years old. The measure also reduces the list of offenses that automatically move juveniles into the adult court system.

Why it matters

The bill aims to reduce the number of juveniles being tried as adults, which advocates say can be costly and counterproductive, often failing to provide needed services and rehabilitation. However, the proposal has faced opposition from prosecutors who argue it could allow more serious offenders to avoid adult charges.

The details

The bill's sponsor, Maryland State Sen. Will Smith, said that 80-85% of cases starting in the adult system either get dismissed or transferred back down, calling it a waste of time and money. He noted that trying juveniles as adults can cost around $150,000 per child without providing necessary services or education.

  • The Senate committee approved the bill on February 28, 2026.

The players

Will Smith

A Maryland state senator who sponsored the juvenile justice reform bill.

Maryland States Attorneys Association

An organization that opposed the bill, though the sponsor said recent conversations were 'very productive'.

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What they’re saying

“By sending them to the adult system first automatically, you're spending about $15,000 a day, $150,000 per child. That kid could lay in that cell for three months to two years without services, without education.”

— Will Smith, Maryland State Senator (wbal.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Maryland Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects an ongoing debate over juvenile justice reform, with advocates pushing to keep more young offenders in the juvenile system while prosecutors argue for maintaining tougher adult charges in certain cases.