Bill would require recurring child‑abuse training for childcare providers and clarify mandatory‑reporter status

Sponsor Delegate Shawn A. Stanette presented House Bill 1034, urging mandatory, consistent training for educational support professionals and child‑care providers in recognizing and reporting abuse. He framed the measure as a preparedness and prevention step that would equip childcare staff to detect signs of abuse and to follow reporting procedures.

Union and provider witnesses — including SEIU Local 500 and the Maryland State Childcare Association (MSCCA) — endorsed the bill’s intent to standardize recurring training and to include child‑care workers in mandated‑reporter definitions. They pressed for accessible, free online training and for implementation that does not unduly punish providers for administrative non‑compliance. MSCCA and other witnesses voiced concern with language authorizing license suspension or revocation solely for training non‑compliance and requested amendments to prefer corrective action plans and technical assistance instead.

Supporters including trainers and childcare association leaders emphasized that proper training protects children and reduces staff turnover. They recommended clearer enforcement language so the state can hold providers accountable while avoiding immediate closures that would displace children and further destabilize families.

Next steps: The sponsor signaled openness to amendment and stakeholder negotiation on enforcement provisions before the committee votes.