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MarylandSB 01822026 Regular SessionSenate

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 and neglect definitions for vulnerable adults

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law clarifies what counts as abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Abuse includes physical injury, sexual abuse, or serious emotional harm by someone in a relationship of trust. Neglect means willfully denying food, shelter, needed medical care, clothing, therapy, or supervision. Exploitation means using a vulnerable adult’s money or property without consent by a trusted person. The law also defines “relationship of trust” and “psychological harm” to guide reports and cases.

Faster adult protection investigations and decisions

Beginning October 1, 2026, local departments must start an investigation within 5 working days, or within 24 hours for emergencies. They must finish within 60 days and issue an "Indicated," "Not indicated," or "Undetermined" finding. Investigations must decide if the person is a vulnerable adult, if harm occurred, and the risk of harm, and then identify causes, responsible people, and check the home environment. Agencies involved may share relevant client information to coordinate the investigation.

New reporting rules and privacy protections

Beginning October 1, 2026, health practitioners, police, and human service workers who see signs of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, or exploitation must notify the local department. Hospital or public health staff must also alert the head of the institution or a designee right away. Anyone can report as soon as possible by phone, in person, online portal, in writing, or the statewide hotline. Long‑term care ombudsmen must protect resident and complainant identities under federal rules.

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: 164 • No: 0

House vote • 4/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 653

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    4/3/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    2/27/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/26/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed

    2/24/2026Senate

  9. Favorable Adopted

    2/24/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    2/23/2026Senate

  11. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/21 at 11:00 a.m.

    1/13/2026Senate

  13. Pre-filed

    9/16/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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