Juvenile Crime, Gun Violence, and Public Safety Workforce Top of Gov. Moore’s Legislative Agenda

Governor Moore says accountability and crime prevention will be the hallmarks of all of the administration’s public safety priorities. 

Public Safety Press Conference

During an announcement today, Governor Moore laid out his priorities to improve public safety across the Maryland. His legislative proposals specifically address three areas, while he additionally touched on some broader topics. The underlying thread remained across all issues, which was that accountability and data-driven measures will be necessary for all changes that show up on his desk.

2024 legislation will cover the below areas:

  • Victims Compensation Reform Act to provide better and more resources to victims.
  • Growing Apprenticeships and Public Safety Act (GAPS Act) to bolster the public safety workforce and pipeline.
  • Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention Act to help get more illegal guns off the streets and establish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Maryland Department of Health, in accordance with guidelines from the Biden administration.

Broader efforts will focus on accountability in juvenile justice and a bolstering of services for juvenile offenders. While the Governor said all options are on the table for strategizing around this issue, extending the length of probation for juvenile offenders and increasing the severity of penalties for crimes committed with illegal guns are paramount.