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Bill > HB980

MD HB980

MD HB980
Family Law and Human Services - Guardianship Assistance Program and State Foster Youth Ombudsman - Establishment (Kanaiyah's Law)

summary

Introduced
02/06/2026
In Committee
04/09/2026
Crossed Over
03/21/2026
Passed
04/28/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/28/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Requiring the Secretary of Human Services to establish and maintain a Guardianship Assistance Program to promote the placement and maintenance of children in permanent guardianship homes by providing guardianship assistance to guardians of minor children; establishing the State Foster Youth Ombudsman in the Department of Human Services; requiring the Ombudsman to provide legal expertise in child welfare, custody and guardianship matters, and appeal and due process; etc.

AI Summary

This bill, known as Kanaiyah's Law, establishes a Guardianship Assistance Program and a State Foster Youth Ombudsman to better support children in the foster care system and those in permanent guardianship. The Guardianship Assistance Program, managed by the Secretary of Human Services, will provide financial and medical aid to guardians of minor children to encourage stable, permanent homes. Eligibility for this assistance requires the guardian to be appointed through specific legal channels, the child to have been in foster care with the guardian for at least six months prior to appointment, and a voluntary agreement to be signed. This assistance can continue for individuals over 18 if they are pursuing education, employment, or are unable to work due to a disability, up to age 21. The bill also creates the State Foster Youth Ombudsman within the Department of Human Services, who must be an attorney with child welfare experience. This Ombudsman will offer legal expertise in child welfare, custody, and guardianship matters, investigate complaints from youth in out-of-home care, and advocate for their rights and needs, acting as a neutral party to resolve issues between youth, caregivers, and the department.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (62)

Mike Griffith (R)*,  Gabriel Acevero (D),  Chris Adams (R),  Jackie Addison (D),  Kevin Anderson (R),  Steve Arentz (R),  Lauren Arikan (R),  Terry Baker (R),  Barry Beauchamp (R),  Regina Boyce (D),  Jason Buckel (R),  Jon Cardin (D),  Brian Chisholm (R),  Barrie Ciliberti (R),  Derrick Coley (D),  Frank Conaway (D),  Eric Ebersole (D),  Mark Edelson (D),  Elizabeth Embry (D),  Kris Fair (D),  Jessica Feldmark (D),  April Fleming Miller (R),  Jeff Ghrist (R),  Wayne Hartman (R),  Jim Hinebaugh (R),  Kevin Hornberger (R),  Tom Hutchinson (R),  Julian Ivey (D),  Jay Jacobs (R),  Nic Kipke (R),  Bob Long (R),  Nino Mangione (R),  Susan McComas (R),  Ric Metzgar (R),  Bernice Mireku-North (D),  Gabriel Moreno (D),  Todd Morgan (R),  LaToya Nkongolo (R),  Julie Palakovich Carr (D),  Cheryl Pasteur (D),  Edith Patterson (D),  Scott Phillips (D),  Jesse Pippy (R),  Teresa Reilly (R),  Kent Roberson (D),  Mike Rogers (D),  April Rose (R),  Malcolm Ruff (D),  Stuart Schmidt (R),  Gary Simmons (D),  Karen Simpson (D),  Sean Stinnett (D),  Josh Stonko (R),  Kym Taylor (D),  Chris Tomlinson (R),  William Valentine (R),  Joe Vogel (D),  Jennifer White Holland (D),  Jheanelle Wilkins (D),  C.T. Wilson (D),  William Wivell (R),  Jamila Woods (D), 

Last Action

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 158 (on 04/28/2026)

Taxonomy

Law, Crime, and Family Issues
  • ‐ Child Abuse and Child Custody
Social Welfare
  • ‐ Family Issues
(1 Companion Bills)

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