Committee hears bill requiring DJS review when child under 13 causes a death
HB776 would require law‑enforcement referrals and a Department of Juvenile Services petition for Child In Need of Assistance (CINA/SINs) when a child under 13 commits an offense resulting in death; family members and Sen. Jill P. Carter urged mandatory interventions and improved victim services.
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Annapolis — The House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 19 heard HB776, the Nikayla Estrada Memorial Act, which would require law‑enforcement officers who make complaints alleging a child younger than 13 caused a death to refer the case to the Department of Juvenile Services and prompt a CINA (child in need of assistance) petition. Sponsor Delegate Malcolm Ruff framed the bill as a remedial measure to ensure mandatory assessment and wraparound services rather than leave outcomes to officer discretion.
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