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MarylandHB 02822026 Regular SessionHouse

Adult Protective Services – Modifications

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Family LawElderlyAbuse -see also- Child Abuse; Dom. Viol.; Elder Abuse; etcCaregiversElectronic CommunicationElectronic GovernmentEvidenceHuman Services, Department ofInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Sexual OffensesTimeVulnerable Adults -see also- DevDisab; EldPers; PhysDisab

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Clearer abuse, neglect, exploitation rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law clarifies what counts as abuse of a vulnerable adult. Abuse includes physical injury, psychological harm, and sexual abuse by a trusted person. Sexual abuse includes incest, rape, and other criminal sexual conduct. Psychological harm means severe emotional distress that hurts the person’s ability to function. Neglect means a trusted person willfully denies food, clothing, needed medical care, shelter, or supervision. Exploitation means a trusted person misuses the adult’s money or property without consent. The law defines a “trusted person,” including relatives, friends, household members, caregivers, and others expected to protect or care for the adult.

Faster, clearer adult abuse investigations

Beginning October 1, 2026, local departments follow clearer rules for adult abuse investigations. They must decide if the person is at risk of harm. They must use three findings: Indicated, Not Indicated, or Undetermined. “Indicated” and “Not Indicated” use a “more likely than not” standard. Each investigation must finish and issue a finding within 60 days.

Online portal to report abuse

Beginning October 1, 2026, people can report suspected abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, or exploitation online. The online portal joins phone calls, direct contact, written reports, and the statewide hotline. Mandatory reporters must report as soon as possible; the portal gives another fast option.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 652

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026House

  9. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/18/2026House

  10. Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  11. Hearing canceled

    1/22/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/05 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  13. First Reading Judiciary

    1/14/2026House

  14. Pre-filed

    9/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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