MD SB711

Expands Maryland's legal definition of "neglect" in Family Law Section 5-701 to include failure or refusal to provide a child with education required by law

Applies to any parent or other person with permanent or temporary care, custody, or supervisory responsibility for a child under age 18

Retains existing neglect criteria requiring circumstances that indicate harm or substantial risk of harm to the child's health, welfare, or mental state

Effective date: October 1, 2026

Sponsored by Senators Corderman, West, Salling, Watson, and Carozza; introduced February 6, 2026 and assigned to Judicial Proceedings Committee