As Governor Wes Moore prepares for a ceremonial bill signing on Thursday in Annapolis, one high-profile piece of legislation remains unsigned – the compromise juvenile justice reform plan approved by lawmakers on the final day of the legislative session.

The deal expands the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Services to include 10- to 12-year-olds accused of certain serious offenses like handgun violations, sexual assault, and animal abuse. It also mandates filing a “child in need of supervision” petition for the same age group accused of auto theft.

“The package focuses on accountability and will continue to work to make our communities safer,” Governor Moore stated after the Assembly’s approval, though he did not specify when he would sign it into law.

With the legislative deadline of May 28 looming, political analyst John Dedie suggested the timing of Moore’s signature could be influenced by the hotly contested Baltimore mayoral primary on May 14.

“Signing it after the primary might play better for incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott’s hand,” Dedie noted, pointing out that the legislation was not something Scott actively championed.

In contrast, former Mayor Sheila Dixon, who is challenging Scott, received the endorsement of Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates – a vocal proponent of overhauling juvenile laws during the session.

“It would benefit Dixon and some of Scott’s opponents if Moore signed it before the primary,” Dedie added.

Whenever the governor inks his approval, the reforms will take several months to fully implement. A commission overseeing juvenile programs must convene by June 1, while the expanded jurisdiction and petition process won’t begin until November 1.

As the mayoral primary nears, the political calculus surrounding the bill’s signing highlights the delicate balance Moore must strike in supporting changes broadly backed by state leaders while avoiding perceived favoritism in the high-stakes local election.