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MarylandHB 06352026 Regular SessionHouse

Child Care Facilities - Criminal History Records Check - Requirement

Sponsored By: April Miller (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education - MiscellaneousApplicants and ApplicationsChild CareChildren (4-12)Criminal Background InvestigationsEducation, State Board ofEducation, State Department ofElectronic GovernmentEvaluations and ReviewsInfants and Toddlers (0-3)Information TechnologyIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.NoticesPrivacyPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReportsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyTimeVolunteersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier probationary hires in child care centers

Beginning October 1, 2026, first-time applicants to be child care teachers can be hired on a probationary basis in centers that serve children age 2 and up. The prior rule applied only to centers serving children age 3 and up. This expands where new teachers can start work.

Statewide background checks for child care workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, anyone applying for a paid or volunteer role with direct contact with children in registered family or large family child care homes, licensed centers, or centers with a letter of compliance must complete a criminal history records check under Maryland’s Family Law process. The State Department of Education must set up a central unit to run these checks by June 30, 2027. The unit must tell you your submission status within 10 days and, once it gets your record, whether you are eligible within the federal time limit. Your record is confidential, used only for child care purposes, and not shared without your express permission. The unit may keep a list of applicants and, if you or a facility ask, provide written proof that your check is on file.

More deputy superintendents allowed in education

Effective October 1, 2026, the State Superintendent can appoint any number of Deputy State Superintendents. The prior cap of three is removed. This is an internal staffing change at the education department.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • April Miller

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jackie Addison

    Democratic • House

  • Tiffany T. Alston

    Democratic • House

  • Jason C. Buckel

    Republican • House

  • Derrick Coley

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

  • Jessica Feldmark

    Democratic • House

  • Mike Griffith

    Republican • House

  • Wayne A. Hartman

    Republican • House

  • Kevin B. Hornberger

    Republican • House

  • Bernice Mireku-North

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Robert B. Long

    Republican • House

  • Kent Roberson

    Democratic • House

  • Jheanelle K. Wilkins

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 360

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/18/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {813920/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/18/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026House

  13. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/30/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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