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SB 924

State Government - Office of the Correctional Ombudsman - Juvenile Justice Monitor - Appointment

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Smith

The bill formalizes a four-year term and Senate-confirmation process for the JJMU Director, appointed by the Correctional Ombudsman.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 924

SB 924 — State Government: Office of the Correctional Ombudsman — Juvenile Justice Monitor (Maryland)

Status: Hearing scheduled 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
Introduced: Jan 28, 2025 (Judicial Proceedings Committee)
Primary sponsor: Senator Smith

Purpose / Intent

The bill modifies the governance and appointment process for the Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit (JJMU) within Maryland’s Office of the Correctional Ombudsman. It establishes the appointment authority, term length, and a limited Senate confirmation requirement for the Unit’s full‑time Director of Juvenile Justice Monitoring.

Key provisions

  • Adds an express appointment and term provision to §9‑4013 of the State Government Article for the JJMU Director:
    • The full‑time Director of Juvenile Justice Monitoring is to be appointed by the Correctional Ombudsman.
    • The Director serves a four‑year term.
    • If the Correctional Ombudsman appoints a Director who has previously served in that role, that appointment must be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent (i.e., confirmation).
  • Leaves existing budgetary language intact: salaries and operating expenses for the Director and JJMU staff are provided in the State budget.
  • Retains the Ombudsman’s role, in cooperation with the Secretary of Budget and Management, to set minimum salaries, qualifications, and training standards for JJMU positions.
  • Effective date in the bill text: October 1, 2025.

Background / JJMU functions (from fiscal note)

The JJMU investigates whether the needs and rights of youth under the Department of Juvenile Services are being met and not being violated. Typical duties include reviewing grievance and disciplinary reports, conducting unannounced site visits and inspections, evaluating treatment and facility conditions, and reviewing incident and child protective services reports.

Who is affected

  • Office of the Correctional Ombudsman (appointing authority) and JJMU (organizational leadership).
  • The Director position (newly formalized 4‑year term).
  • The Maryland Senate (limited role when a previously serving Director is reappointed).
  • Department of Juvenile Services operations are indirectly affected through oversight continuity.

Fiscal / operational impact

  • Fiscal Note (Maryland Legislative Services): No material effect on State or local finances or operations.
  • Administrative impacts are limited to appointment/confirmation procedures when applicable; staffing and pay remain subject to existing budget and administrative processes.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan 28, 2025; referred to Judicial Proceedings.
  • Public hearing scheduled 2/19 at 1:00 p.m. (per status reported).
  • If enacted as written, the bill would specify an October 1, 2025 effective date.

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

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