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Bill

SB 484

Family Law - Child Abuse and Neglect - Reporting

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike McKay

Maryland bill adjusts child abuse and neglect reporting requirements, potentially expanding or narrowing who must report and under what circumstances.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 484

Legislative bill overview

SB 484 modifies Maryland's mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements. Based on the bill title and sponsorship context, it likely adjusts who must report suspected abuse, what circumstances trigger reporting obligations, or how reports are handled by state agencies. The bill is currently in early legislative stages with a hearing scheduled for mid-February 2026.

Why is this important

Child abuse and neglect reporting laws directly affect child safety outcomes and the responsiveness of protective services. Changes to reporting thresholds, mandated reporter categories, or procedural requirements can either expand protections or reduce unnecessary investigations—both have significant consequences for vulnerable children and families involved in the system.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of mandatory reporters: Expanding the definition may increase reports but risk overwhelming agencies; narrowing it may miss abuse but reduce false allegations
  • Reporting thresholds: Changing what constitutes "reasonable suspicion" affects sensitivity versus specificity of the system
  • Confidentiality and due process: Balancing victim protection with accused individuals' rights to know allegations against them

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

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