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MarylandSB 04022026 Regular SessionSenate

Residential Child Care Programs - Education of Children and Training of Child and Youth Care Practitioners

Sponsored By: Benjamin Brooks (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ChildrenCertificationsChild Abuse and NeglectChild CareChild Custody -see also- VisitationChildren (4-12)Communications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDisciplineEarly Childhood EducationEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Emergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.Group Homes -see also- Foster Care; JuvFacil; SubsAbTrtHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Individualized Education and 504 PlansInternet AccessJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Records -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchSpecial EducationSports and RecreationYouth (10-21) -see also- Minors

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More school help for kids in residential care

Beginning January 1, 2027, residential child care programs must protect a child’s school enrollment. They keep the child in the prior school unless social services decides that is not best; then the child enrolls in the local school or the program’s approved school. Programs must meet teachers at enrollment and when asked, contact teachers about homework, behavior, and activities, and sign and return report cards while keeping a copy on file. Programs must give regular study time and help with homework, projects, skills, and test prep, and encourage extracurriculars. If the child has an IEP, 504 plan, or a school behavior plan, the program’s goals and supports must match those plans. For high school or college students, programs must provide computer access when homework needs software or the internet.

New training rules for youth care workers

Beginning January 1, 2027, the state requires a Board‑approved training program for residential child and youth care practitioner certification. Training must cover child development, disabilities, abuse reporting, suicide risk, approved behavior management, communication, first aid and CPR, medication management, infection control, emergency safety, and, when needed, food and nutrition. If you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and pass the Board exam, the Board may waive the training. If you held a practitioner certificate on July 1, 2026, you do not repeat past training now and do not take new training until your next renewal; you must finish any new required training before renewing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Joanne C. Benson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 209 • No: 7

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 7 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 641

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (128-7)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {293629/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/23/2026House

  10. Referred Ways and Means

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {853022/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    3/19/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/28/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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