The aim of House Bill 459 is to limit the number of children entering the system, which data shows is likely to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood children commit more violent offenses.

For Anne Arundel County police, they say the law is preventing them from charging people that usually would be.

Like when a 12-year-old boy brought a handgun and a loaded magazine to MacArthur Middle School.

Police tell us they weren’t able to charge him.

We spoke with Senator Jill Carter who sponsored the bill in 2022.