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MarylandSB 03592026 Regular SessionSenate

Child Care Facilities - Criminal History Records Check - Requirement

Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Education - MiscellaneousApplicants and ApplicationsChild CareChildren (4-12)Criminal Background InvestigationsData -see also- Census; DemographicsEducation, 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

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

Centralized background checks for child care workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, anyone applying to work or volunteer with direct contact with children at a licensed or registered child care facility must complete a criminal background check. The State Department of Education sets up a central unit by June 30, 2027 to run these checks. The unit tells applicants their status within 10 days and, after it receives state repository results, tells them if they are eligible within the federal deadline. Your criminal-history data stays confidential. The unit may share only your name and check status with you and the facility, and can give written proof that a check is on file.

Teacher probation rules shift to age 2

Beginning October 1, 2026, first‑time applicants for child care teacher jobs in centers that serve preschool or school‑age children age 2 or older must meet probationary employment rules. The rules now apply starting at age 2 instead of age 3. This change only applies to first‑time teacher hires at those centers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 361

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {893524/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    3/25/2026House

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

    3/16/2026House

  12. Referred Ways and Means

    3/13/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {443723/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/9/2026Senate

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

    1/29/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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