MD SB191

Prohibits children in need of assistance (CINA) from being placed in unlicensed settings, defined as hotels/motels, runaway/homeless shelters, or overnight stays in Department offices

Bars state funds from being used to pay for placement or support of children in unlicensed settings

Allows exceptions when the responsible agency demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that reunification efforts failed, kinship caregiver placement was exhausted, no licensed family-based care is available, and all incentives for licensed placement were employed

Limits placement in unlicensed settings to 10 calendar days maximum unless authorized by the Secretary of Human Services

Takes effect October 1, 2025