MARYLAND: Under the leadership of Senate President Bill Ferguson and Senator Will Smith, a comprehensive juvenile justice reform bill was recently signed by Governor Wes Moore. The new law expands jurisdiction for the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), which could help support accountability measures and rehabilitation support for severe criminal offenses by youth as young as 10-12. The bill requires more coordination between DJS and the courts and extends the probation length of young offenders. The legislation also invests in rehabilitation and intervention programs. As chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, Smith played a key role in taking a comprehensive approach that balances accountability and individual and public safety.