A New Year, A New Legislative Session, and Renewed Commitment to Victims

As we step into 2026, we are energized by the opportunities ahead and deeply committed to continuing our work on behalf of crime victims across Maryland. A new year brings renewed purpose—and this legislative session is no exception.

The Maryland General Assembly convened on January 14, 2026, and the session will run through April 13, 2026. During this time, lawmakers will consider a wide range of bills that directly affect victims’ rights, access to justice, and the overall functioning of our criminal justice system.

Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, MCVRC will remain focused on legislation that ensures victims have a meaningful voice, are treated with dignity and respect, and are supported at every stage of the process. Hearings are already being scheduled on bills that impact crime victims, and as priority legislation moves forward, we will keep you informed and let you know when your engagement can make a difference.

Your voice is powerful. When called upon, we ask you to stand with victims, share your perspective, and help advance justice across Maryland. Together, we can shape policies that reflect the needs, experiences, and rights of those most impacted by crime.

We are grateful to have you with us as we move into this important year—and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Attend & Oppose SB0162 – Senate Judiciary Hearing Tuesday

When: Tuesday, 1/27 at 1:00 PM

Where: Senate Judiciary Committee (in person or online)

SB0162 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee and would significantly expand Juvenile Restoration Act (JRA) modification hearings.

What current law allows:

• Up to three sentence modification hearings (Only for individuals sentenced before October 1, 2021)
• Who were under 18 at the time of the offense
• And have served at least 20 years

What SB0162 would change

This bill would extend those same three hearings to all individuals who were under 18 at the time of the offense and have served 20 years, regardless of when they were sentenced — not just those sentenced before October 2021.

Despite other recent changes in the law already requiring courts to consider a defendant’s youth at sentencing, this bill would force victims and their families to repeatedly relive trauma through multiple hearings, even in cases where the offender’s age, maturity, and mental condition were already fully considered by the sentencing judge after hearing detailed evidence.

Please note you do not need to sign up to attend the hearing. Attendance matters. Showing up in person sends a strong message of opposition. Please attend and help us show up in force.

Click here for directions/parking information.

If you have any questions, please email us at mcvrc@mdcrimevictims.org

1. MCVRC was at Capitol Hill for Save Advocacy Day in support of H.R. 909: The Crime Victim Fund Stabilization Act of 2025.

2. MCVRC was proud to stand with Congresswoman Ann Wagner from Missouri, who sponsored the Crime Victims Stabilization Act of 2025. Thanks to her dedication, the bill passed the House and we’re hopeful the Senate is next!

This month would have marked Stephanie Roper’s 66th birthday. We honor her memory by continuing our commitment to the fight for victims’ rights and ensuring survivors and their families are heard, protected, and supported. Stephanie’s legacy continues to guide our work, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice.

Stay tuned for upcoming legislative proposals we will be supporting to strengthen victims’ rights and protections. https://www.mdcrimevictims.org/legislative-efforts/

MCVRC Employee of the Month Award "Journey to Justice"-- a monthly recognition to celebrate team members who go above and beyond in their role. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of appreciation, collaboration, and excellence across all departments.

Congratulations to our January awardee: Kayla Williams🎉

Kayla was nominated by Alonzo R. (our December Journey to Justice recipient) for being a team-member who models a standard of excellence through collaboration, humility through courteousness, and a quiet guidance towards excellence that says, “be yourself, but follow my lead”. 

Click HERE to tune in and view previous Lunch and Learn Sessions.

Our monthly homicide survivors' support group meet monthly on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026. 

It is held in a hybrid format, both virtually and in person at the Upper Marlboro Office (1001 Prince George’s Blvd, Suite 750, Upper Marlboro, MD).

The Support Group is a safe place for friends and family members of victims of homicide to meet, discuss, and support each other. All participants need to call us and request a referral to the homicide support group only (if you prefer individual counseling, we offer that too). 

Spanish Speaking Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place Wednesday, February 4. These are held virtually only.

Individual Counseling is also available for individuals that prefer one on one sessions. Services are available virtually and in person. It may take 1-2 weeks to be seen with an in- person counselor depending on client’s needs and location. Virtual counseling is available within a week.

You can reach MCVRC at 877-VICTIM1 for scheduling and more information. 

Click HERE to reserve your spot!

Our 5th Annual Walk & Resource Fair will be on April 18, 2026 at 8:00 A.M.

The walk portion of this event consists of a 3.1-mile or a 1-mile route, giving participants an option of which length best suits them.

Additional engagement opportunities include learning about available resources, and a memory wall. Non-profits table for free -- contact RBrown@mdcrimevictims.org

This event is one of our victim-centered programs. By sponsoring, you stand with victims and help ensure they are supported throughout their journey toward healing and justice.

Other businesses and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at SSannaBuckles@mdcrimevictims.org

*Limited spots open* Reserve your spot now!

For information on Common Grounds and the work that they do, click here.

Our Annual Ceremony of Remembrance is an event to honor the lives of those taken by criminal violence. The Garden of Remembrance is a sacred space– a place for healing, reflection, and remembrance.

During the ceremony, we gather to honor the memory of our loved ones and stand in support of one another.

To help preserve these memories, we invite you to purchase a personalized memorial brick, which will be placed in the Garden. The cost to purchase a brick is $100. Click HERE to order your brick. Deadline is July 15, 2025

Families and Friends who have purchased a brick are welcome to visit the courthouse anytime throughout the year.

Each day we find motivation to continue to be a voice for those who need one.

These are a small fraction of the faces that motivate us. Their names and photos are taken from our Ceremony of Remembrance event slideshow. Each Wednesday, we share a life that was taken on that date and we celebrate them to remind us that crime is not victimless. These people are real, and their families miss them. These faces are "why we fight."

This work is only possible because of supporters like you. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue showing up for victims across Maryland.

MCVRC is a non-profit organization funded by government and community grants, and generous contributions from former clients and the public who believe in our cause.