Governor Larry Hogan announced the passing of emergency legislation in response to the number of shootings that take place in Baltimore City.
These legislations, known as the “Violent Firearms Offender Act” and “Judicial Transparency Act” were passed during the special session of the Maryland General Assembly.
"People are being shot nearly every single day in Baltimore City, and we have an obligation to do something about it right now.
Today, our administration has introduced emergency legislation to require tougher sentencing for violent offenders, specifically those who continue to commit violent felonies with guns, and to bring greater transparency to the sentences handed down by judges for all violent crimes," said Governor Hogan in a news release.
Governor Hogan said these reforms has been a multi-year effort by his administration and the majority of Baltimore City residents, and all Marylanders, strongly support these bills.
"We have all waited long enough. City leaders, the city delegation, and all members of the General Assembly must finally work with us to make our neighborhoods safer and to get these violent shooters off the streets," he said.
This legislation comes following Baltimore City surpassing 300 homicides for the seventh year in a row just a few weeks ago. At that time Governor Hogan announced that the state would immediately fast-track and expand its $10 million Neighborhood Safety Grants program, order a review of all funding provided to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, and urge the Baltimore Police Department to redouble their tactical efforts in high-crime areas.
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