Hogan Proposes Truth in Sentencing Legislation to Fight Baltimore Crime
Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday his administration would present “truth in sentencing” legislation in the 2018 General Assembly, which starts in January.
Hogan made the comment after he emerged from a meeting in Baltimore with representatives of the city’s criminal justice system. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss crime in the city and the next steps needed to stem the wave of violence. A blog that follows Baltimore homicides says 231 people have been killed in the city so far this year.
“My focus on the meeting was what we could all do collectively from federal, state and local agencies everywhere in the process to do something about this out of control violent crime and murder situation in the city,” Hogan said.
Hogan spoke to reporters after the meeting, which was recorded by a Daily Record reporter on Facebook.
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Under truth in sentencing, generally, criminals serve the time sentenced by a judge. Prisoners in Maryland can get portions of their sentences reduced through good behavior. The system has been complicated by court rulings over the years.
Because the meeting was closed to the public, Hogan said it provided for a “frank and open discussion.”
The meeting prompted criticism from a potential gubernatorial challenger in the 2018 election, Ben Jealous. He issued the following statement:
“Governor Hogan’s decision to hold this secret meeting, locked away from the very communities suffering under violent crime, demonstrates a stunning lack of leadership. Real leadership means having the courage to pull communities together, not lock them out of the necessary conversations to move forward” Jealous said. “Waiting this late into his term to have a frank and honest crime conversation, as homicides and violence have continued to increase, is the worst kind of politics, and makes clear the governor is more interested in his re-election than solving problems. The fact is, Larry Hogan has spent three years divesting from Baltimore City instead of fighting crime holistically, which means supporting law enforcement while investing in communities who need jobs, good schools and reliable transportation.”
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Gov Hogan says he's disappointed judges didn't show up. He plans to intro truth in sentencing bill next legislative session pic.twitter.com/Q4EvSWU0Kj
— David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) August 29, 2017
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