MD SB604

Child placement agencies are prohibited from denying adoption applications based on the applicant being divorced, separated, unmarried, having other children, not owning a home, or inability to pay reasonable fees, as well as based on race, color, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender identity of the applicant or child.

Agencies must deny applications when applicants have substantial child support arrears, insufficient funds, disqualifying health issues, are under 18, have criminal backgrounds or child abuse records, have active applications elsewhere, or provided false information.

The Social Services Administration and foster care agencies are prohibited from discriminating against foster parents, prospective foster parents, or children in foster care based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

The Department of Human Services, local departments, and any entity receiving Department funds or selling services to the Department are prohibited from discrimination in service provision (based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity) and employment practices (based on political/religious affiliation, marital status, or the listed characteristics).

The Act takes effect October 1, 2026.