Maryland Attorney General Announces Major Legislative Victories for Justice and Voting Rights

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced significant legislative achievements following the conclusion of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. These newly enacted laws are poised to bring about substantial advancements in justice, equity, and accountability across the state, addressing long-standing issues within the youth justice system, enhancing protections for sexual assault survivors, and bolstering voting rights protections.

Among the most impactful reforms is the establishment of new state-level authority for the Attorney General to challenge discriminatory voting practices at the county and municipal levels. This legislation serves as a crucial safeguard at a time when federal enforcement of voting rights has been notably weakened. The session also saw the passage of new state-level protections against housing discrimination, reinforcing the Office of the Attorney General’s civil rights enforcement efforts amid federal threats to fair housing laws.

A key legislative priority, the Youth Charging Reform Act (SB 323), significantly alters how young people are processed in the juvenile justice system. Historically, Maryland has been among states with the most regressive approaches to charging juveniles as adults, disproportionately impacting Black youth. This new law narrows the scope of offenses for which children can be automatically charged as adults, reserving adult court jurisdiction for more serious crimes. Furthermore, it prohibits the housing or confinement of minors, even those facing adult criminal prosecution, in settings where they could interact with incarcerated adults, aligning Maryland with national best practices and federal law.

The General Assembly also established the Commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children (SB 776 / HB 552). The Office of the Attorney General will spearhead this commission, tasked with investigating the deaths of hundreds of Black boys interred in unmarked graves at the former House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children in Cheltenham, Prince George’s County. The commission’s work will involve forensic, genealogical, and archival research to identify the deceased, locate their descendants, and propose policy reforms. Preliminary work to establish the commission has already begun, with an organizational meeting anticipated this fall and substantive investigations to commence before the end of 2026.

In an effort to fortify democratic participation, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 (SB 255) grants the Office of the Attorney General new powers to safeguard Maryland voters. This law explicitly prohibits election practices within county and municipal elections that diminish the voting power of protected classes. It empowers both the Attorney General and private individuals to initiate legal challenges against such practices in court, ensuring that every Marylander’s vote carries equal weight.

The Verbal Waiver Transparency Act (SB 531 / HB 491), championed by the OAG’s Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Committee, provides enhanced decision-making power to survivors of sexual assault. This legislation, passed unanimously by both chambers, ensures that law enforcement cannot leverage any form of waiver to dissuade survivors from pursuing criminal investigations. The authority to decide the course of action rests solely with the survivor.

Additionally, legislation was enacted to strengthen fair housing protections (HB 573). The Civil Rights Division of the OAG strongly advocated for this bill, which enhances enforcement tools against housing discrimination and segregation. The law clarifies the legal mechanism of “disparate impact liability,” holding housing providers accountable for policies that, while appearing neutral, result in discriminatory outcomes. This is particularly significant as federal administrations have moved to eliminate such protections, and Maryland’s action ensures these vital tools remain available to combat housing discrimination and protect the civil rights of its residents, including people of color, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.

Attorney General Brown expressed his gratitude to Governor Wes Moore, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and the staff of the Office of the Attorney General for their collaborative efforts throughout the legislative session.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland

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