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Bill

Bill

HB 246

Human Services - Adult Protective Services

2025 Regular Session

Maryland's signed APS law strengthens adult abuse protections through expanded reporting requirements and investigation authority for vulnerable seniors and disabled adults.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 37
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Bill Summary · HB 246

Legislative bill overview

HB 246 modifies Maryland's Adult Protective Services (APS) framework to strengthen protections for vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill has already been signed into law (Chapter 37, effective 2025), indicating it successfully completed the legislative process with gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Adult Protective Services directly impacts seniors and disabled adults who cannot fully care for themselves. Changes to APS protocols affect mandatory reporting requirements, investigation procedures, and intervention authority—determining how quickly authorities can help vulnerable populations experiencing mistreatment in homes, facilities, or care settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of mandatory reporters: Expanding who must report suspected abuse may increase administrative burden on professionals while potentially improving detection rates
  • Privacy vs. intervention balance: Strengthened APS authority to investigate and access private information raises concerns about civil liberties versus protective necessity
  • Resource allocation: Enhanced APS responsibilities require adequate funding and trained caseworkers; underfunding could create bottlenecks rather than improvements

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

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