Maryland lawmakers address school safety in wake of Kayla Hamilton's murder

The Maryland General Assembly's Ways and Means Committee convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss House Bill 951, a proposed measure aimed at enhancing school safety by improving communication regarding juvenile offenses. The bill was inspired by the tragic case of Kayla Hamilton, a young woman who was murdered in Harford County by a juvenile suspect who was allowed to attend school while the investigation was ongoing.

Delegate Eric Griffith highlighted the critical need for the bill, explaining that due to a technicality involving the waiting period for DNA evidence, the suspect could not be formally charged and was permitted to enroll in local schools. This situation raised significant safety concerns for students and staff, as the school officials were unaware of the potential danger posed by the suspect.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the current notification process regarding serious juvenile offenses. Under the new framework, only the state's attorney would have the authority to notify school superintendents about a juvenile suspected of committing violent crimes, such as first or second-degree murder or violent sexual felonies. This notification would be limited to the superintendent and their designee, ensuring that sensitive information does not unnecessarily circulate within the school system.

State's Attorney Allison Healy supported the bill, emphasizing the need for effective communication to protect students. She noted that the existing law did not allow for timely notifications, which could prevent dangerous individuals from being in school environments. Superintendent Sean Bolsom echoed this sentiment, stating that the bill would provide necessary discretion to inform school officials about potential threats.

Tammy Nobles, the mother of Kayla Hamilton, passionately advocated for the bill, recounting the circumstances surrounding her daughter's murder and the failures of the system that allowed the suspect to be placed in schools. She urged lawmakers to prioritize the safety of children and ensure that schools are informed about any potential threats.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of balancing the presumption of innocence for juveniles with the need to protect students from potential harm. The proposed changes aim to close existing loopholes in the reporting of juvenile offenses and enhance the safety protocols within Maryland's schools.

The committee is expected to review the bill further, with advocates urging for a favorable report to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again in the future.