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HB 942

Criminal Law - Interference of Custody Orders - Penalties

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Johnson

HB 942 establishes criminal penalties for violating Maryland custody orders, deterring parental abduction and enforcement of family court decisions.

First Reading Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 942

Legislative bill overview

HB 942 modifies Maryland criminal law to establish or enhance penalties for interference with custody orders. The bill specifically addresses cases where individuals violate court-ordered custody arrangements, potentially by taking children in violation of legal custody determinations or failing to return children as required by court order.

Why is this important

Custody interference affects vulnerable populations—primarily children—and undermines the authority of family courts. Clear penalties deter violations that can result in parental abduction, emotional harm to children, and destabilization of established custody arrangements that courts have deemed in the child's best interest.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement disparities: Critics may argue the law could be applied unevenly across socioeconomic groups, with affluent parents better able to afford legal defense or relocate with children
  • Definitional boundaries: The bill's scope regarding what constitutes "interference" may be ambiguous—does it cover temporary delays, good-faith custody disputes, or only intentional violations?
  • Custodial parent protections: Debate may arise over whether the law adequately protects non-custodial parents or domestic violence survivors who flee with children, or if it prioritizes custody order compliance over safety concerns

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

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