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Bill would require schools to notify parents when mandated reporters contact CPS about school staff
Summary
Sponsor Delegate Michelle Gayton presented HB 1046 to require schools to notify parents or guardians when a mandated reporter reports suspected abuse by a school employee or volunteer to Child Protective Services, with exceptions to protect investigations and when parents are implicated. School nurses, attorneys and former teachers described cases where parents first learned from news reports and supported the bill with clarifying amendments.
Delegate Michelle Gayton told the committee HB 1046 is designed to close a gap she says leaves parents uninformed when a mandated reporter within a school reports suspected abuse by school staff to Child Protective Services (CPS). "If your child falls down at school and they skin their knee, you are alerted," Gayton said, arguing that parents deserve similar notice if a mandated reporter believes their child may have been harmed.
School nurses, special‑education attorneys and parent advocates testified in support. Lori Scott, a practicing school nurse and parent of a child with disabilities, said parents need timely notification so they can arrange medical care and emotional support. Attorney Ashley Van Clee described families whose children were alleged victims and whose parents were not notified promptly; she cited the Malleier case in Frederick County as an example that exposed procedural gaps.
Committee members probed whether notification could endanger investigations or risk notifying a parent who might be the suspect. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill contains—and would be amended to clarify—exceptions: parents who are under investigation or otherwise suspected would not be notified in ways that would jeopardize child safety or evidence. The sponsor noted amendments drafted using county school models (Baltimore County, Howard County) to clarify processes including consultation with law enforcement and CPS before disclosure.
Supporters argued the bill sets a statutory timeframe for notification (example language discussed: before the start of the next school day) to prevent parents from learning of a report only when the case reaches the news. Opponents (some medical groups and social‑work advocates) had filed letters expressing concern about situations where notifying a parent immediately might risk safety; the sponsor said the amendments are intended to address those concerns.
What happens next: The sponsor said she will work with stakeholders and the committee on clarified amendment language that protects investigations while ensuring timely parental notice.
