Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Abuse Screening topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staffer: SB 447 would allow limited sharing of child-abuse records for background checks to meet federal requirements
Summary
Mike Cardozo, speaking for Sen. Don (as recorded), said SB 447 updates state law to permit limited sharing of child-abuse and neglect history for preplacement employment and volunteer screening, with DHS-friendly amendment to preserve federal compliance.
Mike Cardozo testified to the House Judiciary Committee on behalf of Senator Don (as recorded in the transcript) in support of Senate Bill 447, cross'filed with House Bill 1326. He said SB 447 would update Maryland law to allow child'serving organizations to request child'abuse and neglect history needed to screen prospective employees and volunteers, aligning state law with federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requirements.
Cardozo described a friendly amendment from the Department of Human Services intended to allow the department to continue complying with federal statute and funding requirements and said the amendment would conform SB 447 and HB 1326 to identical postures. He asked for a favorable report.
Committee took no additional public testimony on SB 447 during the sponsor'only presentation. The hearing record shows the bill is procedural in nature to provide employers and organizations outside the school system a mechanism to request needed confidential information for screening purposes.
