MD HB1350

Redirects all child abuse and neglect reports to the State Department of Human Services instead of local departments of social services or law enforcement agencies

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and maintain a centralized intake system to receive, record, and assess all child abuse and neglect reports for validity

Assigns validated reports to the appropriate local department for investigation, with local departments retaining responsibility for conducting investigations within existing timeframes (24 hours for physical/sexual abuse, 5 days for neglect/mental injury)

Applies to all report types including mandatory reporter submissions, substance-exposed newborn notifications, and reports of children at risk from registered sex offenders

Takes effect October 1, 2026