Bill > HB1105

This bill introduces comprehensive new requirements for screening and hiring individuals who will have direct contact with minors in various organizations, including schools, child care centers, youth-serving organizations, and contracting agencies. The bill expands the existing employment screening process by introducing a new category of "boundary-violating behavior," which is defined as adult actions that compromise a minor's safety, are exploitative or harmful, or involve inappropriate interactions such as unwanted physical contact, emotional manipulation, or sharing inappropriate information. Applicants for positions involving direct contact with minors must now submit detailed information about their employment history, including contact information for current and former employers, a consent form allowing release of records related to child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and boundary-violating behavior, and a notarized child protective services background clearance form. Prospective employers are required to conduct thorough employment history reviews, contact previous employers, request reports from the Department of Education, and obtain child protective services background clearances. The bill also establishes provisions for emergent employees, allows for limited temporary hiring, mandates information sharing between organizations, and provides protections for good-faith disclosures about potential misconduct. Organizations are prohibited from entering into agreements that suppress information about investigations or disciplinary actions, and individuals who provide false information or fail to disclose material information can be subject to professional discipline, including termination or denial of employment.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1105?ys=2025RS