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SB 524

Juvenile Records - Access by Baltimore City Mayor's Office

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Washington

SB 524 grants Baltimore's Mayor's Office access to sealed juvenile court records typically kept confidential to protect minors' privacy and rehabilitation.

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Bill Summary · SB 524

Legislative bill overview

SB 524 would grant the Baltimore City Mayor's Office access to juvenile court records that are normally sealed and confidential under Maryland law. The bill modifies existing restrictions on who can view these sensitive records, creating a specific exception for the mayor's office to access juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance proceedings.

Why is this important

Juvenile records are typically sealed to protect minors' privacy and rehabilitation prospects, as a fundamental principle of the juvenile justice system. Granting executive access to these records raises questions about data security, privacy protections, and how such information would be used—whether for policy analysis, individual targeting, or other purposes that could affect young people's futures.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and rehabilitation concerns: Opponents may argue that exposing sealed juvenile records undermines the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile courts and violates minors' rights to a fresh start
  • Scope and safeguards unclear: The bill's language regarding what the mayor's office can do with accessed records, how data will be protected, and whether access is limited to aggregate/statistical use versus individual case information is not specified
  • Precedent for executive access: This creates a pathway for other executive officials to request similar access to confidential judicial records, potentially eroding the firewall between branches of government

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

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