Bill > HB1057

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on potential state support for private treatment foster care homes (which are out-of-home placement facilities designed to provide intensive care and treatment for children with special physical, emotional, or behavioral needs). Instead of directly providing child care stipends as originally proposed in earlier drafts, the bill mandates that the department investigate appropriate forms of funding or assistance that could help these private providers deliver their services more effectively. By December 1, 2025, the Department must submit a report to the General Assembly detailing their findings and recommendations. The bill is temporary, becoming effective on June 1, 2025, and automatically expiring on May 31, 2026, after which the legislation will be automatically repealed. This approach represents a shift from the previous version of the bill, which would have directly allocated budget funds, to a more exploratory and research-driven approach to understanding the needs of private treatment foster care homes.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1057?ys=2025RS