MD HB980

Establishes the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General to investigate complaints about child welfare services, inspect foster care and group homes, and maintain a 24-hour toll-free helpline for reporting concerns about children in state custody.

Requires criminal history records checks for all adults living in the home of a court-appointed guardian, with guardians mandated to immediately notify local departments when new adults begin residing in the home.

Prohibits the Social Services Administration from placing children in unlicensed settings, including hotels, motels, short-term rentals, homeless shelters, and office buildings.

Creates a guardianship review process allowing local departments to petition juvenile court within 30 days if criminal background check results raise concerns about a child's best interests.

Makes it a misdemeanor to discriminate, retaliate, or willfully interfere with the Ombudsman's duties, punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment.