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HB 890

Family Law - Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations ("Know Before They Knock" Family Right to Notice Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Arikan and 3 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requiring CPS to give families advance notice before abuse/neglect investigations, except emergencies, balancing child safety against family due process rights.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 890

Legislative bill overview

HB 890 would require Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators to provide advance notice to families before conducting home investigations for child abuse or neglect allegations, except in emergency situations where immediate safety concerns exist. The bill aims to give families time to prepare and potentially have legal representation present during CPS inquiries.

Why is this important

CPS investigations are high-stakes interventions that can result in child removal and family separation. Current practices typically allow unannounced visits, which can catch families unprepared and create power imbalances during questioning. This bill attempts to balance child safety protections with family due process rights and transparency in government investigations.

Potential points of contention

  • Child safety vs. notice requirements: Advance notice could allow parents to conceal evidence, move children, or coach them on what to say, potentially compromising investigations into genuine abuse or neglect cases
  • Emergency exception ambiguity: The definition of when "immediate safety concerns" justify unannounced visits may be unclear, creating litigation and inconsistent implementation across agencies
  • Resource and timeline impacts: Requiring advance notice and scheduling could delay investigations, strain already-overworked CPS agencies, and complicate coordination with law enforcement in serious cases
  • Legal representation asymmetry: Families gaining time to secure lawyers before interviews raises questions about whether agencies can also adjust protocols, and whether this advantageous treatment should be uniform across socioeconomic groups

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

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