MD SB737

Juvenile courts must place children on probation (not secure confinement) if they have committed more than one violent crime, used a firearm in a crime more than once, or been found habitually truant more than once

Mandatory probation must include a treatment service plan and require both the child and their parent, guardian, or custodian to participate in rehabilitative services

Courts must order parents, guardians, or custodians to participate in the treatment service plan and meet with juvenile counselors if they refuse or fail to do so voluntarily

The Department of Juvenile Services must implement treatment service plans within 25 days and certify implementation to the court; failed implementations are reported to the Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform

Effective October 1, 2026