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SB 447

Child Abuse and Neglect – Disclosure of Reports and Records

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile

SB 447 expands disclosure access to Maryland child abuse and neglect reports and records, balancing child protection oversight against privacy and investigative concerns.

House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Simpson, Arikan and Moreno)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 447

Legislative bill overview

SB 447 modifies Maryland's child abuse and neglect reporting and record disclosure procedures. The bill alters how reports and records related to child abuse and neglect investigations can be accessed and shared among relevant parties. Specific provisions regarding which entities gain access, under what circumstances, and with what safeguards remain pending review at the scheduled hearing.

Why is this important

Child protection records involve highly sensitive personal information about vulnerable minors and families. Changes to disclosure rules directly affect the balance between transparency for oversight purposes and privacy protections for children and families involved in investigations. These modifications could impact law enforcement investigations, child welfare agencies, legal proceedings, and families' rights to access information about themselves.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Expanding access to abuse/neglect reports may improve accountability but could expose sensitive family information or ongoing investigations prematurely
  • Investigative Integrity: Broader disclosure might compromise ongoing investigations or allow subjects to access information that could lead to witness intimidation or evidence tampering
  • Scope of Eligible Recipients: Disagreement likely exists over which agencies, legal representatives, or other parties should receive access to these confidential records

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

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