Maryland Could Soon Order Alleged Domestic Abusers to Wear Tracking Devices

Maryland lawmakers just passed a bill that allows courts to require some alleged domestic abusers to wear GPS tracking devices, NBC Washington reports.

Amber’s Law, which was passed unanimously and awaits a signature from Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, would give judges the ability to order individuals accused of domestic violence to wear the devices before pretrial release or probation. If the alleged abuser travels to an area barred by a court, the victim will get a smartphone alert, according to NBC. Democratic State Delegate Aruna Miller, who sponsored the bill, said that she wanted to give domestic abuse victims more tools to keep themselves safe.

The legislation is named after Amber Schinault, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Kugler, in 2012. He was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder in 2014. Schinault’s mother, Angela Zarcone, told NBC that she was proud to see the bill pass.

“I feel like it’s the birth of my first grandchild,” she said. “It’s Amber’s legacy.”

[NBC Washington]