MD HB1290

Children who are subjects of Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) proceedings gain the right to be present at their court hearings under new Section 3-831 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article

Courts may exclude a child from a CINA proceeding only if the child's attorney requests waiver of the child's presence at the proceeding

The child's attorney cannot waive the child's right to be present at consultations required under § 3-823(J) of the subtitle

CINA proceedings involve children under 18 who have been abused, neglected, or have developmental disabilities or mental disorders, and whose parents or guardians are unable or unwilling to provide proper care

Effective date: October 1, 2026