Rise in Maryland juvenile auto thefts motivates lawmakers to pass juvenile justice bills

The MD House and Senate are both moving forward with bills designed to improve the juvenile justice system in response to an increase in crimes like auto theft and handgun violations.

Part of the bill that has been getting a lot of attention relates to how the state would handle auto theft cases involving children between 10 and 12, as authorities in Baltimore have cited an increase in juvenile auto thefts.

Now, children under 13 can only be charged with violent offenses. Earlier in the session, lawmakers were considering expanding the jurisdiction of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to children under 13 for firearms-related offenses, auto thefts, third-degree sexual offenses and aggravated animal abuse.