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MarylandSB 04002025 Regular SessionSenate

Residential Child Care Programs - Transportation Companies - Regulation (Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act of 2025)

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Social Services - GenerallyChildrenAbductionAttorneys' FeesAttorney GeneralCampsChild CareCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.DamagesDisabilitiesDisciplineMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Repeat OffendersRestitutionSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySubstance Abuse TreatmentTimeTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Legal remedies for youth transport violations

For claims arising on or after October 1, 2025, individuals can sue youth transport companies for breaking the safety rules. They can seek repayment, compensation for harm, and statutory damages of up to $500 per violation. Reasonable attorney’s fees are also available if repayment or damages are awarded. Lawsuits must be filed within 10 years after the victim reaches the legal age of adulthood. Maryland’s Attorney General can also sue to seek a court order stopping violations. The Attorney General can seek statutory damages up to $1,000 for a first offense or $3,000 for a later offense. These state enforcement amounts are not direct household payments.

New transport safeguards for children

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland sets safety rules for businesses specializing in transporting children to covered residential care programs. Covered programs provide licensed, 24-hour care. They include certain wilderness programs, boot camps, boarding schools, and behavior programs serving children with listed diagnoses or disabilities. Exclusions include hospitals, detention and youth correctional facilities, substance abuse treatment facilities, foster family homes, and secure facilities. Children in a local social services department’s care, custody, or guardianship are also excluded. Transport companies cannot use blindfolds, hoods, or mechanical restraints. Physical restraints or force are allowed only to address a substantial risk of immediate, serious physical harm when no less restrictive option works. Restraints cannot replace adequate supervision or be used for punishment or convenience. Only adequately trained staff may apply restraints, and only while the immediate danger lasts. Companies cannot pick up children between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., except companies under contract with Maryland’s Department of Human Services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 233 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 344

    5/6/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/7/2025Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (139-0)

    4/7/2025House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/2/2025House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {613720/1 Adopted

    4/2/2025House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2025House

  9. Hearing 3/26 at 3:15 p.m.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Hearing canceled

    3/26/2025House

  11. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  12. Referred Judiciary

    3/15/2025House

  13. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    3/14/2025Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/13/2025Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {743328/1 Adopted

    3/13/2025Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/13/2025Senate

  17. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/3/2025Senate

  18. First Reading Finance

    1/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/20/2025

    PDF

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