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Bill

HB 1429

Youth Services Bureaus - Criminal History Records Checks - Employees, Volunteers, and Interns

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marvin Holmes

Maryland requires Youth Services Bureaus to conduct criminal background checks on all employees, volunteers, and interns working with youth to enhance child safety.

Hearing 3/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1429

Legislative bill overview

HB 1429 requires Youth Services Bureaus in Maryland to conduct criminal history record checks on all employees, volunteers, and interns before they work with youth. The bill establishes mandatory background screening procedures to verify that individuals do not have disqualifying criminal convictions.

Why is this important

Youth Services Bureaus provide critical services to minors, making background checks a fundamental safeguarding measure. This bill closes potential gaps in oversight by ensuring consistent vetting across all categories of workers—not just paid staff—reducing risk of harm to vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Conducting background checks on volunteers and interns creates administrative and financial burdens, potentially discouraging volunteer participation in youth programs
  • Scope of disqualifying offenses: The bill's effectiveness depends on which crimes are deemed disqualifying; unclear standards could lead to inconsistent application or over-exclusion of candidates
  • Privacy and data handling: Background check requirements raise questions about how criminal records are stored, accessed, and protected, particularly concerning individuals with resolved or minor offenses

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

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