MD HB134

Creates a rebuttable presumption that visitation is in the best interest of an incapacitated or protected person from their spouse, adult children, adult grandchildren, parents, adult siblings, and other interested parties such as guardians or agents under power of attorney

Allows eligible family members and interested parties to petition the court for reasonable visitation rights when access has been unreasonably denied, with petitions filed in the jurisdiction where the person resides or where a guardian was appointed

Permits the presumption to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence showing harm, including prior abuse or neglect by the petitioner, contrary wishes of the protected person, physician recommendations, or potential harm to health or mental well-being

Grants courts authority to impose restrictions on visitation such as time and frequency limits or monitored visits at the petitioner's expense, and to assess costs or sanctions against bad faith petitioners or parties who unjustifiably denied visitation

Requires authorized decision makers to respond within 72 hours to written requests from interested parties regarding the location of the protected person, funeral arrangements, or burial information