MD HB552

Establishes an Independent Investigation into the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, a youth detention facility in Prince George's County where hundreds of African American children died and were buried in unmarked graves while in State custody

Appoints a Principal Independent Investigator (selected by Senate and House committee leaders) with authority to hire two deputies and retain consultants, with required expertise in criminal/civil investigations, civil rights law, or restorative justice

Requires the investigation to use ground-penetrating radar to locate graves, conduct forensic analysis and DNA collection from remains, review records from State Archives and juvenile services, and document institutional conditions including abuse and neglect allegations

Grants the investigator authority to access sealed juvenile and medical records, conduct archaeological excavations without separate permits, and perform genetic genealogical DNA analysis without standard judicial authorization requirements

Final report with findings and recommendations due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2028; the Act takes effect immediately as an emergency measure and expires June 30, 2029