Delegate Pippi advocates for stricter hiring policies at Department of Juvenile Services

The Maryland General Assembly's Judiciary Committee convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including House Bill 1142 and House Bill 652. The meeting focused on addressing issues related to student truancy and the hiring practices within the Department of Juvenile Services.

The session began with a discussion on House Bill 1142, which aims to improve the support system for students identified as truant. A committee member expressed concern that while current systems may have access to relevant information about truancy, they often lack the necessary follow-up actions. The member emphasized the importance of implementing a structured program that includes caseworkers who can work with families to identify and address barriers to attendance. The discussion concluded without further questions, marking the end of testimony on this bill.

Following this, Delegate Pippi presented House Bill 652, which seeks to prohibit the hiring of individuals with serious criminal convictions within the Department of Juvenile Services. The bill specifically targets those convicted of offenses such as abduction, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, and various forms of assault. Delegate Pippi underscored the importance of ensuring that individuals in positions of authority over juveniles do not have a history of violent or predatory behavior.

The meeting concluded with no additional questions or discussions, highlighting the committee's focus on enhancing the safety and support systems for Maryland's youth. The next steps for both bills will involve further review and potential voting in upcoming sessions.