Maryland · 2026 Regular Session · Bill

HB 980: Family Law and Human Services - Guardianship Assistance Program and State Foster Youth Ombudsman - Establishment (Kanaiyah's Law)

Enacted Last action April 28, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 158

Plain-language summary

HB 980 is a bill introduced in the Maryland House on February 6, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Family Law and Human Services - Guardianship Assistance Program and State Foster Youth Ombudsman - Establishment (Kanaiyah's Law). Primary sponsor: Mike Griffith (Republican), Gabriel Acevero (Democratic), Chris Adams (Republican), Jackie Addison (Democratic), Kevin Anderson (Republican), Steve Arentz (Republican), Lauren Arikan (Republican), Terry Baker (Republican), Barry Beauchamp (Republican), Regina Boyce (Democratic), Jason Buckel (Republican), Brian Chisholm (Republican), Barrie Ciliberti (Republican), Derrick Coley (Democratic), Eric Ebersole (Democratic), Mark Edelson (Democratic), Elizabeth Embry (Democratic), Kris Fair (Democratic), Jessica Feldmark (Democratic), Jeff Ghrist (Republican), Wayne Hartman (Republican), Jim Hinebaugh (Republican), Kevin Hornberger (Republican), Tom Hutchinson (Republican), Julian Ivey (Democratic), Jay Jacobs (Republican), Nic Kipke (Republican), Bob Long (Republican), Mangione, Susan McComas (Republican), Ric Metzgar (Republican), April Miller (Republican), Bernice Mireku-North (Democratic), Todd Morgan (Republican), LaToya Nkongolo (Republican), Julie Palakovich Carr (Democratic), Cheryl Pasteur (Democratic), Edith Patterson (Democratic), Jesse Pippy (Republican), Teresa Reilly (Republican), Kent Roberson (Democratic), Mike Rogers (Democratic), April Rose (Republican), Malcolm Ruff (Democratic), Stuart Schmidt (Republican), Sean Stinnett (Democratic), Josh Stonko (Republican), Chris Tomlinson (Republican), William Valentine (Republican), Joe Vogel (Democratic), Jennifer White Holland (Democratic), Jheanelle Wilkins (Democratic), C.T. Wilson (Democratic), William Wivell (Republican), Jon Cardin (Democratic), Scott Phillips (Democratic), Gary Simmons (Democratic), Gabriel Moreno (Democratic), Kym Taylor (Democratic), Karen Simpson (Democratic), Frank Conaway (Democratic), Jamila Woods (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 28, 2026): Approved by the Governor - Chapter 158.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Mike Griffith (Republican); Gabriel Acevero (Democratic); Chris Adams (Republican); Jackie Addison (Democratic); and 58 more.