Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative Releases Groundbreaking Report, Hosts Launch Party in Annapolis

The Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC) marked a significant milestone on March 13, 2025 with the release of its comprehensive report on mass incarceration and racial disparities within Maryland’s criminal legal system. The report, which includes 18 key recommendations for reform, was unveiled at a launch party in Annapolis attended by leaders, stakeholders, and legislative partners.

APDM is proud to partner in this initiative by taking on the role of grant administrator for the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC). This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the quest for a more equitable and fair justice system in Maryland. APDM administers MEJC’s grant from the Action Now Initiative, an affiliate of the Arnold Foundation.

The MEJC, an unprecedented collaboration between the Attorney General and the Public Defender, along with key community, government, and private partners, aims to tackle these systemic injustices head-on. With over 40 experienced leaders contributing their expertise, the report presents data-driven solutions and actionable recommendations to drive policy changes.

Public Defender Natasha Dartigue addressed the gathering, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the report. “In both powerful and profound ways, we came together to not only highlight the devastating effects of mass incarceration on Black communities but also to craft a roadmap to meaningful reform and action against injustice,” she said.

Among the key recommendations outlined in the report are:

• Ending non-safety related traffic stops;

• Expanding access to Second Look laws that empower judges to reduce or modify sentences;

• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of racial and geographic disparities in Maryland’s adult prison population;

• Increasing access to medical and geriatric parole;

• Limiting the automatic charging of children as adults.

The launch party in Annapolis provided a space for policymakers and justice advocates to discuss the report’s findings and strategize on next steps for implementation. The event reaffirmed MEJC’s commitment to transforming Maryland’s criminal legal system and ensuring that justice is equitable for all.

With this report as a foundation, the MEJC and its partners are poised to advocate for legislative and policy changes that will bring about long-term systemic reforms. As the momentum from this launch carries forward, Marylanders are encouraged to engage with the findings, push for action, and be a part of the movement toward equitable justice.