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SB 359

Child Care Facilities - Criminal History Records Check - Requirement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaneka Henson

Maryland bill mandates criminal background checks for all child care facility workers and regular visitors to protect children from individuals with disqualifying criminal histories.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 361
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Bill Summary · SB 359

Legislative bill overview

SB 359 requires criminal history records checks for all individuals working at or regularly present in child care facilities in Maryland. The bill establishes mandatory background screening standards to vet employees and potentially volunteers or contractors with access to children in these settings.

Why is this important

Child safety in care facilities is a foundational public health concern, as children are among the most vulnerable populations. Background checks help prevent placement of individuals with violent or sexual offense convictions in positions of trust, directly affecting the safety of thousands of children in Maryland's child care system.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether "regularly present" includes parents, delivery personnel, maintenance workers, or only staff—potentially creating administrative burden or scope creep
  • Cost allocation: Who bears the expense of background checks (facilities, state, individuals) and whether this creates barriers for small providers or job seekers with financial constraints
  • Rehabilitation and second chances: How the bill handles individuals with older convictions, minor offenses, or successfully rehabilitated records, and whether it allows case-by-case consideration

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

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