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MarylandHB 04972025 Regular SessionHouse

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

Sponsored By: Vaughn Stewart (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Social Services - GenerallyChildrenAbductionAttorneys' FeesAttorney GeneralCampsChild CareChildren (4-12)Civil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.DamagesDisabilitiesDisciplineMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Repeat OffendersRestitutionSubstance Abuse TreatmentTimeTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Legal remedies for child transport violations

For claims arising on or after October 1, 2025, individuals can sue youth transport companies that violate these requirements. They can seek repayment, compensation for harm, and statutory damages of up to $500 per violation. Reasonable attorney's fees are also available if repayment or damages are awarded. Individual lawsuits must be filed within 10 years after the victim reaches adulthood. Maryland's Attorney General can also sue and seek a court order stopping violations. The Attorney General can seek statutory damages up to $1,000 for a first offense and $3,000 for later offenses.

New safety protections for children during transport

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland sets safety rules for businesses specializing in taking children to residential child care programs. The rules apply when a covered program is the child's final intended destination. Covered programs include state-licensed, regulated programs providing 24-hour care and structured services. Coverage also includes certain wilderness programs, boot camps, educational or therapeutic boarding programs, and behavior programs. These programs must serve children with histories of emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance use disorders, or specified disabilities. Hospitals, detention and youth correctional facilities, substance abuse treatment facilities, qualifying foster family homes, and other secure facilities are excluded. Companies cannot use blindfolds, hoods, or mechanical restraints such as handcuffs or chains. Only trained staff may use physical restraints, and only to prevent likely, immediate serious physical harm when no less restrictive option works. Restraints must stop when the danger ends and cannot serve as punishment, staff convenience, or a substitute for supervision. Pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. are banned, except by companies under contract with Maryland's Department of Human Services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Charlotte Crutchfield

    Democratic • House

  • Robin L. Grammer

    Republican • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Sheree Sample-Hughes

    Democratic • House

  • Stuart Michael Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Simpson

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Tomlinson

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 343

    5/6/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    4/7/2025Senate

  4. Motion Rules Suspend Two Readings Same Day Const/Rule 24 (Senator Gile) Adopted

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2025Senate

  7. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/7/2025Senate

  8. Rereferred to Finance

    4/7/2025Senate

  9. Referred Rules

    4/3/2025Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/3/2025House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/2/2025House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {133728/1 Adopted

    4/2/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2025House

  14. Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/27/2025House

  15. First Reading Judiciary

    1/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/2/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/20/2025

    PDF

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