Child Abuse and Neglect - Disclosure of Reports and Records

HB 1326 expands who can access child abuse and neglect reports in Maryland. It allows the Department of Human Services to disclose these records to school personnel (including principals and superintendents), child care facility operators, and higher education institutions when they need to investigate or take action against employees or contractors who interact with children. The bill requires safeguards to protect the identity of reporters and others whose safety could be endangered by disclosure. This directly affects schools, child care centers, and colleges by enabling them to address potential abuse concerns involving staff or contractors.