MarylandHB 14402025 Regular SessionHouse

Courts - Parental Accommodations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Breastfeeding mothers can request jury excusal

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland mothers summoned for jury service can request excusal because they breastfeed or express breast milk. They must show their status through a juror questionnaire, interview, or other evidence. A jury judge decides; a jury commissioner can decide when the county jury plan allows it. Approval is not guaranteed. Excusals last only as long as needed and are limited to two unless a judge finds extraordinary circumstances. The person must then be summoned again. The Judiciary must report excusal requests, approvals, and denials by jurisdiction and type of excuse for the prior calendar year. Reports are due December 31, 2025, and each December 31 afterward.

Private nursing rooms in new courthouses

Maryland circuit courthouses built or undergoing major renovation on or after October 1, 2025, must maintain a private lactation room. Court employees and members of the public must have access to nurse or express breast milk. The room must have a chair, table, nearby electrical outlet, sink, and refrigerator. Its door must lock from the inside. The requirement does not cover existing courthouses unless they undergo a qualifying major renovation.

Fewer parents qualify for childcare jury excusal

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland lowers the child-age limit for childcare-based jury excusal from under 4 to under 3. Caregivers of 3-year-olds no longer qualify on this ground. A summoned person must have legal custody and personally provide continuous care during normal court hours. They must show this through a juror questionnaire, interview, or other evidence. A jury judge or county-authorized jury commissioner can approve the request, but approval is not guaranteed. Excusals last only as long as needed and are limited to two unless a judge finds extraordinary circumstances. The person must then be summoned again.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Robbyn Lewis
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Lauren Arikan
Republican • House
Frank M. Conaway
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Gary Simmons
Democratic • House
Sean A. Stinnett
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Nicole A. Williams
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 184 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/13/2025