Legislative Achievements

JustUs has worked to pass several bills into law since 2021 that affect the equity of our community. Through the cultivation of robust partnerships with influential figures and institutions such as the Prince George’s County Police Department, County ouncil members, and Congressional leaders. JustUs has participated in high-profile discussions and events addressing issues like policing and community relations.

The JustUs Initiative has formed solid relationships with the Prince George’s County Police Department headed by Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Council Members Wala Blegay, Calvin Hawkins, Krystal Oriada, Senators Jill Carter and Nick Charles. Dawn Dalton was the special guest of Congressman Glen Ivy for the 2023 United States Presidential State of The Union Address. Dawn participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Round Table Discussion on The State of Policing in America with Philonos Floyd, Mike Brown Sr. RowVaughn Wells, Samara Rice and others. More importantly, JustUs has formed solid trusting relationships with our youth, parents, and coaches in the Prince George’s County community by creating safe spaces for all. Our organization has traveled across the country representing our people and impacting lives.

Passed

2021 MD House Bill HB670

Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021

Repeal of the (LEOBR) Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights

2021 MD Senate Bill SB626

Use of Force Bill

Prohibiting a law enforcement officer from intentionally using excessive force

2021 MD Senate Bill SB0178

Anton’s Law (Maryland Public Information
Act)

Gives full transparency to the history of an officer. Requiring that an application for a certain no-knock search warrant be approved in writing by a police supervisor and the State's Attorney

2022 MD Senate Bill SB691

Juvenile Justice Reform

Altering provisions of law relating to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, the juvenile intake process, and the placement of a certain child in detention or community detention.

2023 MD House Bill HB1071

Cannabis Odor Bill

Stipulates that evidence of odor alone cannot be the sole basis for findings in criminal procedures related to cannabis possession, smoking fines in public, stops, and searches.

Pending

MD HB1183

District Court Commissioners and False Statements

Prohibiting a District Court commissioner from issuing an arrest warrant to an individual other than a police officer or a State's Attorney; and increasing the penalty for making a certain false statement or report to a certain governmental official or unit from 6 months to up to 3 years imprisonment.