MD HB1290

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

Courts may exclude a child from proceedings only if the child's attorney determines presence is not in the child's best interest and notifies the court of a waiver, or if the court makes findings on the record that presence is not in the child's best interest.

Before excluding a child, courts must consider less restrictive alternatives including schedule adjustments, remote participation, trauma-informed support, or limiting the child's time physically in the courtroom.

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

Effective date: October 1, 2026.