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Bill

HB 1326

Child Abuse and Neglect - Disclosure of Reports and Records

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Cardin and 11 co-sponsors

HB 1326 modifies confidentiality rules for Maryland child abuse reports, adjusting disclosure access to sensitive records involving minors and families under investigation.

Passed Enrolled
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1326

Legislative bill overview

HB 1326 modifies Maryland law regarding the disclosure of child abuse and neglect reports and records. The bill adjusts which parties can access these sensitive documents and under what circumstances, altering current confidentiality protections that shield such reports from public view.

Why is this important

Child abuse and neglect records contain highly sensitive personal information about vulnerable minors and families. Changes to disclosure rules directly impact the balance between transparency/accountability and privacy protection, potentially affecting how cases are investigated, prosecuted, and resolved while protecting children's identities and safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Expanding access to reports could expose minors' identities and family circumstances to broader audiences, raising child safety and family privacy concerns
  • Investigative Impact: Changes to who can access records may affect law enforcement investigations, legal proceedings, and the ability to build cases against alleged perpetrators
  • Institutional Accountability: Broader disclosure could increase oversight of child protective services but may also chill reporting if mandated reporters fear record exposure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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