The Assembly's Legislative Black Caucus has strongly opposed SB 122, a supposed crime reform bill that brings us back to the days of harsh penalties, mandatory minimum sentences and hyper-empowered prosecutors. Tell your delegates that it shouldn't get passed in the House.

The Job Opportunities Task Force (a coalition of which Progressive Maryland is an active member) has been keeping the harsh and punitive Hogan-Zirkin crime bill (SB 122) out front in the final-week debate in the General Assembly. As we have said, the bill provides for mandatory minimum sentences and enables overzealous and conviction-happy prosecutors to seek to override judges on the admissibility of evidence in gun-related cases. Progressive Maryland's tough language pushing back against this bill has been designed to alert the public that this is a punitive, politically-fueled measure. Sign our petition against the bill and contact your Delegates about joining the Assembly’s Black Caucus in opposing and removing the bill’s harsh provisions while, hopefully, preserving the funding for Baltimore community restoration.

Here is today’s (Friday, April 6) Action Alert from JOTF; your activism can make a difference:

Action Alert: THE HOGAN-ZIRKIN CRIME BILL
 

The Maryland Legislative Black Caucus strongly rejected the proposed Senate Bill 122, even as amended by the House Judiciary Committee, because it will disproportionately impact poor communities of color. Senate Bill 122 does not address the causes of recidivism, poverty, or joblessness and will only drive unemployment by increasing the number of individuals who have a criminal record.

JOTF is thrilled that the Black Caucus rejected this proposed solution for Baltimore, and is cautiously optimistic that their colleagues in House of Delegates chamber of the Maryland General Assembly will respect their vote and follow suit in its opposition. JOTF strongly opposes SB 122 as it will increase incarceration through mandatory minimums and sentence enhancements and will also disproportionately impact poor communities of color.  Legislation that seeks to tie needed funding in community-based initiatives for Baltimore City to tried-and-failed mandatory minimums and sentence enhancements that ensure more black and brown residents are incarcerated is misguided and offensive. This is why the Legislative Black Caucus' opposition should be respected and followed.  

Your Delegate(s) needs to hear from YOU.  Please take a moment to contact your Delegate(s) to urge them to support the Black Caucus vote and urge the House Leadership to REJECT SB 122. Click here to input your address to locate your representatives.  

Example Email/Phone Script:
Dear Delegate _____. My name is ______ and I am calling/emailing to urge your opposition of SB 122, which increases mandatory minimums and maximum sentences and disproportionately impacts communities of color. This bill will simply increase our reliance on incarceration, which does not deter crime and predominantly impacts communities of color from accessing stable, reliable employment. SB 122 does nothing to truly address the root causes of crime in Baltimore. We need to invest in supportive systems that increase employability, safety, and community. I urge you to oppose SB 122 and work towards better pathways for community safety that don’t rely on the heavy and ineffective use of mass incarceration. 

Note that JOTF (and Progressive Maryland) has other legislative concerns on the table as the Assembly heads toward sine die in the next few days:

>>Child Support -The Payment Incentive Program Act of 2018 (HB1554) passed the House overwhelmingly and needs passage by the Senate. Read more about why we need this bill.

>>Higher Education - Educational Excellence Award Eligibility - High School Diploma by Examination (SB 842/HB 781) -- the Senate needs final action on SB 842.  Read more

 >>The Maryland REDEEM (Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act) Act of 2018 (SB 1212/HB 1383) needs to get out of committees in both Senate and House – but it can still pass. Read more