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SB 400

Residential Child Care Programs - Transportation Companies - Regulation (Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act of 2025)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile

Maryland law now requires transportation companies serving residential child care programs to meet safety and licensing standards to prevent child abduction and ensure transport security.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 344
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Bill Summary · SB 400

Legislative bill overview

SB 400 establishes regulatory requirements for transportation companies that provide services to residential child care programs in Maryland, with a focus on preventing child abduction and ensuring safety protocols. The bill, now law (Chapter 344), creates licensing and operational standards for these transport providers to protect vulnerable youth in state-licensed care facilities.

Why is this important

Transportation of children in care is a critical vulnerability point where incidents of abduction, trafficking, or neglect can occur. By establishing clear regulatory frameworks and safety standards, the law aims to protect some of Maryland's most vulnerable populations—children already in the state's residential care system—while providing oversight mechanisms for transport companies serving these facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Transportation companies may face increased expenses for licensing, background checks, training requirements, and safety equipment that could be passed to facilities or the state
  • Regulatory scope ambiguity: Questions about which companies qualify as "residential child care program transportation" and whether independent contractors face different requirements than established firms
  • Implementation timeline: Facilities may struggle with transition periods if existing providers cannot quickly meet new regulatory standards, potentially disrupting services

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

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