HB111 amends Maryland’s Family Law definitions used in the child abuse and neglect subtitle. The bill expands the definitions of “abuse” and “sexual abuse” by removing language that tied those terms to abuse committed by specified categories of people, such as a parent, household member, caregiver, supervisor, or other person with authority over the child. It also clarifies that child labor trafficking and sex trafficking are included within the relevant definitions regardless of who commits the conduct.
In practical terms, the bill broadens the scope of conduct that can trigger child abuse reporting, investigation, and related child welfare responses. It updates the statutory definitions in § 5-701 so that allegations of physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, labor trafficking, and sex trafficking can be treated as abuse even when the perpetrator is not a family member, caregiver, or other person in a position of authority. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
Impact
HB111 would amend Section 5-701 of the Family Law Article, which governs the definitions used throughout Maryland’s child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation framework. By expanding the definitions of “abuse” and “sexual abuse,” the bill would affect how local departments, law enforcement, prosecutors, educators, health practitioners, and other mandated reporters identify and process suspected child maltreatment cases. It would likely increase the number of incidents eligible for investigation under the child welfare system and align the statute more closely with trafficking-related protections for minors.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee testimony or vote history in the provided materials, so no direct public sentiment can be measured from the bill record here. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be a protective child-safety measure intended to strengthen reporting and investigation of abuse and trafficking involving minors. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments in the supplied context suggests no documented controversy in the available materials, though that does not indicate unanimous support.
Contention
The main policy issue raised by the bill’s text is the expansion of child abuse and sexual abuse definitions beyond abuse committed by parents, household members, caregivers, or other authority figures. Supporters would likely view this as closing gaps that can leave trafficked or otherwise abused children unprotected when the perpetrator is outside the traditional caregiving relationship. Potential critics could be concerned about broader reporting and investigation exposure, possible increases in child welfare caseloads, or the need to ensure the expanded definitions are applied consistently and not overbroadly. No specific objections are documented in the provided committee materials.