Bill > HB475

This bill, known as the Juvenile Offender Protection Act, mandates that the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) cannot knowingly hire or keep any employee who has been convicted of a serious crime, including abduction, kidnapping, murder, manslaughter (excluding involuntary manslaughter), rape, first or second-degree sexual offenses, child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, certain felony offenses related to child abuse, continuing a course of conduct with a child, first-degree assault, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to rape, or assault with intent to commit a sexual offense. The only exception is if the judgment of conviction for any of these crimes has been reversed or vacated. This legislation aims to enhance the protection of juveniles by ensuring that individuals with a history of such convictions are not employed by the DJS, and it is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0475?ys=2026RS