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Bill

HB 197

Comprehensive Community Safety Funding Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorig Charkoudian and 9 co-sponsors

HB 197 establishes dedicated state funding for Maryland community safety programs, directing resources to local prevention and engagement initiatives through a comprehensive allocation mechanism.

First Reading Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · HB 197

Legislative bill overview

HB 197 establishes a comprehensive funding mechanism for community safety initiatives across Maryland, allocating state resources to support local public safety programs, crime prevention, and community engagement efforts. The bill appears designed to provide dedicated funding streams for municipalities and organizations working on community-based safety measures alongside traditional law enforcement.

Why is this important

Community safety funding directly affects public wellbeing, neighborhood security, and how local governments allocate resources between prevention and enforcement. The bill's approach to funding could influence whether communities emphasize crime prevention programs, youth services, mental health response, or traditional policing—each with different long-term outcomes for public safety and community trust.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation formula: Disagreement over how money is distributed among jurisdictions (by population, crime rate, need assessment, or other metrics) will likely affect which communities benefit most
  • Program eligibility and oversight: Questions about what types of initiatives qualify as "community safety" and how the state ensures accountability versus local discretion in spending
  • Relationship to police funding: Unclear whether this supplements or redirects existing law enforcement budgets, which could generate opposition from law enforcement unions or police reform advocates depending on the structure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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