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MarylandHB 14902026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Family Investment Program - Temporary Cash Assistance - Good Cause and Adequate Reason Exceptions

Sponsored By: Emily Shetty (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Social Services - GenerallyAdministrative AgenciesCommittees and CommissionsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.FormsHuman Services, Department ofKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansMontgomery CountyNoticesParents and GuardiansPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPSocial Services -see also- Public BenefitsSupport of Dependents -see also- AlimonyTermination of Services

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More cash aid protections for families

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland protects Family Investment Program cash aid when families have good cause for not cooperating with child support. Good cause means cooperation may go against the child's best interests. Grounds include stated risks of physical or emotional harm or retaliation, conception through rape or incest, and pending or considered adoption. They also include risks that cooperation could discourage a parent from maintaining a relationship with or supporting the child. The program cannot deny, reduce, or end aid when good cause applies. The Child Support Administration must also assess adequate reasons beyond a person's control, including misdirected mail, disasters, civil disorder, critical illness, or a family crisis needing full attention. Travel qualifies when the person is away during both the notice-mailing and scheduled-appointment periods. An approved adequate reason prevents denial or termination; the 25% cut to the entire grant applies only without either protection.

Easier cash aid paperwork for families

Beginning October 1, 2026, families can request a child-support good-cause decision anytime during their Family Investment Program application or certification. A spoken or written statement is enough; Maryland cannot require written proof, outside verification, notarization, or another costly format. Workers must record spoken statements, help families prepare requests, and provide required notices and chances to claim good cause. When someone does not provide requested child-support information, Maryland must explain that they can state they lack it and offer help. Making that statement counts as cooperation with child support.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Emily Shetty

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gabriel Acevero

    Democratic • House

  • Bonnie Cullison

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Aletheia McCaskill

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 138 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 12

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 30 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 763

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (35-12)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/20/2026Senate

  8. Referred Finance

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (103-30)

    3/18/2026House

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  11. Floor Amendment {553127/1 (Delegate Shetty) Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  12. Favorable Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    3/16/2026House

  14. Hearing 3/11 at 1:35 p.m.

    3/11/2026House

  15. Hearing canceled

    3/11/2026House

  16. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/17/2026House

  17. First Reading Appropriations

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/13/2026

    PDF

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