Wicomico leaders say House Bill 121 “backpedals” progress on drug arrests

Legislation moving forward in the Maryland General Assembly is not sitting well with some Wicomico County leaders.

House Bill 121, which cleared the House this week, would repeal the mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain drug-related charges.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello says this takes away the traction prosecutors and law enforcement are making in getting drugs off the street, especially when it comes to the heroin epidemic.

Advocates argue the measure could allow judges to consider drug treatment as opposed to more time behind bars.

Meanwhile, legislation praised by Maciarello, that would hold heroin dealers responsible for fatal overdoses, has been moved back to the committee level. This means it likely will not move forward until next year.