MarylandHB 07762026 Regular SessionHouse

Juvenile Law - Child in Need of Supervision - Mandatory Petition (NyKayla Strawder Memorial Act)

Sponsored By: Malcolm P. Ruff (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Juvenile LawChildren (4-12)ComplaintsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathJuvenile Justice and DelinquencyJuvenile Services, Department ofLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PolicePetitionsVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries Compensation

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster juvenile intake and prosecutor action

Beginning October 1, 2026, intake officers must review complaints within 15 business days. If police asked for detention but it was denied, intake must review within 2 business days. When intake denies filing or seeks informal adjustment in serious cases (like alleged felonies or listed gun/public safety offenses) or when the child was already under juvenile supervision, the full file goes to the State’s Attorney right away. After receiving the file, the prosecutor must act within 30 days: file a petition or peace order, refer to the juvenile agency for informal handling, or dismiss.

Police must notify parents of charges

Beginning October 1, 2026, when police charge a minor, they must make a reasonable attempt to tell the parent or guardian. If police take a minor into custody, they must try to notify the parent or guardian promptly, as juvenile law requires.

No child interview in serious cases

Beginning October 1, 2026, intake officers do not have to interview the child when the complaint alleges a felony or certain serious gun or public safety offenses. The rest of the intake inquiry still happens. This speeds cases but reduces the child’s direct input at this stage.

Under-13 serious cases face mandatory action

Beginning October 1, 2026, if a complaint says a child under 13 stole a motor vehicle, the intake officer must file a petition saying the child needs supervision. If a complaint says a child under 13 committed an act that caused someone’s death, the intake officer must file a petition. Police must also send these under‑13 car theft or fatal‑act complaints to the Department of Juvenile Services for action.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Malcolm P. Ruff
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Gabriel Acevero
Democratic • House
Marlon Amprey
Democratic • House
Derrick Coley
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Bernice Mireku-North
Democratic • House
N. Scott Phillips
Democratic • House
Stephanie Smith
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Karen Toles
Democratic • House
Melissa Wells
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Jheanelle K. Wilkins
Democratic • House
Nicole A. Williams
Democratic • House
Caylin Young
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026