Genuine negotiations

Democratic legislators had a press conference yesterday on our plan to address public safety.

Delegate Maggie McIntosh tweeted:

Crime isn’t just a Baltimore City issue -it’s a statewide issue. Our plan will address several strategies including: tougher penalties for witness intimidation, making sure parole and probation agencies have the resources they need, and audits on gun crimes #Working4MD #MDGA2020pic.twitter.com/2ya8kGkRwX

Governor Hogan gave his State of the State address today.

If you do not consider any other legislation, and if you accomplish nothing else in the next 61 days, pass the “Violent Firearm Offenders Act of 2020,” which increases penalties for those who use guns to commit violent crimes, toughens penalties for those who possess stolen firearms and guns with obliterated serial numbers, and those who use, possess, or supply illegal guns to violent criminals.

I have introduced a bill focusing on parole and probation officers, who supervise people who were incarcerated but are now in the community. My legislation would require that we hire more of these officers to address the current shortage and study how they can be more effective in reducing recidivism. study

The key is not what was tweeted, said, or blogged this week but what we do next.

Will there be genuine negotiations between the Governor and the legislature and a willingness to compromise to reach a sound policy outcome?

More intensive supervision

My last bill drafting request dealt with one of the most important issues of the session – public safety.

Individuals who are striving to lead a productive life after incarceration should be assisted. Serious parole violators should return to prison or be subject to more rigorous oversight.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Region has the most staff resources for parole and probation, but it also has the highest number of specialized populations requiring more intensive levels of supervision.

The average caseload for an agent is 82. The legislation I have requested would lower that number to 50 for any agent managing a caseload involving offenders identified as requiring more intensive supervision. My bill would also have agents use technology to enhance supervision of their clients.

I am going to educate myself on this issue prior to the bill hearing.

I welcome your thoughts.

  • My Key Issues:

  • Pimlico and The Preakness
  • Our Neighborhoods
  • Pre-Kindergarten
  • Lead Paint Poisoning