MD HB111

Expands the definition of "abuse" by removing the requirement that the perpetrator be a specific category of person (parent, household/family member, caregiver, supervisor, or authority figure), making the definition apply regardless of the abuser's relationship to the child

Expands the definition of "sexual abuse" similarly by eliminating the list of specific perpetrator categories, so sexual molestation, exploitation, and sex trafficking of a child qualify as abuse regardless of who commits the act

Removes the definitions of "family member" and "household member" from the statute since these categories are no longer relevant to determining whether conduct constitutes abuse

Amends Section 5-701 of the Family Law Article in the Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: October 1, 2026