MarylandMaryland commission investigates deaths and graves at former youth institution
A new Maryland commission will investigate the former youth institution, report its findings, and make recommendations; its work is funded through the state budget.
What it does
Maryland establishes a commission to investigate a former youth institution, locate graves, identify children who died there, and examine the institution’s history and conditions.
Investigators may access related sealed juvenile, medical, and administrative records and conduct grave surveys and DNA searches, with limits on DNA use and protections for living people.
The commission’s funding comes through the state budget. The Attorney General may seek grants or other funds to supplement it, with commission approval of grant applications.
Argument forThe investigation could help families identify children buried at the site, learn how they died, and share their connections to the institution.
Argument againstAccess to sealed records and DNA searches could expose sensitive personal information, even though the law limits DNA use and protects living people’s identities.
More detail
Maryland establishes a commission to direct and oversee an investigation of the former institution. The investigation covers the institution’s history, conditions, and resident deaths, and must locate graves, identify those buried there, and examine institutional practices. The commission must consult descendants and community members and follow ethical and professional standards. The investigation cannot prosecute crimes; evidence of criminal conduct must be referred to the Attorney General or an appropriate State’s Attorney. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. The commission must send an initial progress report by December 31, 2027, and a final report by December 31, 2029.
The commission and its contractors may access related confidential records and conduct archaeological work and DNA searches under specific safeguards. These powers apply to work at the former institution’s grounds and to records related to the institution. DNA searches must be used only to identify the deceased and notify descendants; samples cannot be used to screen for medical conditions or traits, and DNA data must be destroyed when the investigation ends. Living people mentioned in accessed records must remain confidential, though the commission may disclose deceased people’s names and circumstances in reports and memorials. The commission must consult the Maryland Historical Trust and Department of Health about methods and safety. The law takes effect July 1, 2026; DNA data must be destroyed when the investigation concludes.
The Attorney General may seek federal grants and other funds for the commission, subject to commission approval of grant applications. This funding provision applies to the commission and its work. State budget funding remains the stated funding source; additional grants and other funding may supplement it. The Attorney General administers commission funds, including private donations designated for this purpose. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2030.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 608Became Law
- Apr 11Passed EnrolledTo Governor
- Apr 11Third Reading PassedMajor
- Apr 11House Concurs Senate Amendments
- Apr 9Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Apr 9Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator Harris) Adopted
- Apr 9Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Apr 9Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Apr 9Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 28
- Vote recorded On Third Reading and Final Passage (Hse concurred). Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 23Referred Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 22
- Vote recorded On Third Reading (Amend). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 20Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Mar 19Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Mar 19Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Mar 19Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Mar 8
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 9Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 27First Reading Government, Labor, and ElectionsIntroduced
Criminal JusticeCivil Rights & VotingGovernment & Ethics