MD HB944

Removes the provision allowing local departments of social services to bypass reunification efforts solely because a parent previously lost parental rights to a sibling of the child

Eliminates the requirement that courts consider a parent's prior involuntary loss of parental rights to a sibling when deciding whether to terminate parental rights for a current child

Retains all other grounds for bypassing reunification efforts, including aggravated circumstances (chronic abuse, sexual abuse, torture, abandonment) and violent crime convictions

Amends both the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article (Section 3-812) and the Family Law Article (Section 5-323)

Takes effect October 1, 2025