The Maryland House of Delegates introduced House Bill 350 on March 24, 2025, aimed at supplementing the state budget for fiscal year 2025. This bill seeks to address several key funding needs within the state's criminal justice and victim services sectors.

The primary purpose of House Bill 350 is to allocate additional funds to various programs, including the transfer of a merit position from the Department of Juvenile Services to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP). This transfer is accompanied by a prorated funding amount of $36,413 for half of the fiscal year. The bill also proposes a significant allocation of $4.4 million to cover Victims of Crime Act grant funds, which will be paid out in fiscal 2025.

In addition to these allocations, House Bill 350 includes provisions to reduce the appropriation for fiscal 2025 by $1.7 million, aligning with planned grant awards from the Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund. This reduction is mirrored in both the General Fund and Special Fund appropriations. Furthermore, the bill allocates $500,000 to support the administration of the Juvenile Justice Match program within GOCPP and $1.7 million to enhance the Regional Navigators program, which operates across various jurisdictions in the state.

The introduction of House Bill 350 has sparked discussions among lawmakers regarding the prioritization of funding for victim services and juvenile justice programs. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for improving the state's response to crime victims and enhancing juvenile justice initiatives. However, some opposition has emerged, particularly concerning the reduction in funding for the Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund, which advocates fear could hinder efforts to address sexual violence.

The implications of House Bill 350 are significant, as it reflects Maryland's commitment to bolstering victim services and juvenile justice programs. Experts suggest that the successful passage of this bill could lead to improved outcomes for crime victims and a more effective juvenile justice system. As the legislative session progresses, the bill will likely undergo further scrutiny and potential amendments, with its final form expected to shape the state's approach to crime prevention and victim support in the coming years.