Commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children - Establishment

EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
*hb0552*

HOUSE BILL 552
E3 EMERGENCY BILL (6lr2257)
ENROLLED BILL
— Government, Labor, and Elections/Judicial Proceedings —
Introduced by Delegates J. Long, Toles, Acevero, Addison, Alston, Amprey, Bartlett,
Boafo, Boyce, Coley, Crutchfield, Davis, Harrison, Hill, Holmes, Ivey,
Martinez, McCaskill, Odom, Pasteur, Patterson, Pena –Melnyk, Phillips,
Roberson, Roberts, Ruff, Simmons, Smith, Tayl or, Wells, White Holland,
Wilkins, Wilson, Woods, and Young Young, Fair, Kerr, Lehman, Ruth,
Solomon, and Terrasa

Read and Examined by Proofreaders:

_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.

Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this

_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.

______________________________________________
Speaker.

CHAPTER ______

AN ACT concerning 1

Independent Investigation of Commission on the House of Reformation and 2
Instruction for Colored Children – Establishment 3

FOR the purpose of establishing the Independent Investigation of Commission on the 4
House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children; and generally relating 5
to the Independent Investigation of Commission on the House of Reformation and 6
Instruction for Colored Children. 7

BY adding to 8
Article – State Government 9
2 HOUSE BILL 552

Section 6–1001 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 10. The Commission on the 1
House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children” 2
Annotated Code of Maryland 3
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 4

Preamble 5

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland establish ed the House of Reformation and 6
Instruction for Colored Children (also known under various historical names) in Prince 7
George’s County for over a century as a detention and reformatory institution for youth; 8
and 9

WHEREAS, Recent reports and historical records have brought to light the existence 10
of a neglected cemetery on the grounds of the former institution containing the unmarked 11
graves of hundreds of deceased children, primarily African American boys, who died while 12
in the care and custody of the State; and 13

WHEREAS, The condition of this burial ground represents a profound and 14
long–standing failure of the State to provide dignity in death to children for whom it had 15
assumed responsibility in life, and this neglect has hidden a painful chapter of Maryland’s 16
history from public view and accountability; and 17

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland has a solemn moral and civic duty to the 18
deceased, their families, and all its citizens to uncover the full truth of what occurred at the 19
House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, to account for every child 20
buried in unmarked graves, and to understand the system that allowed such a tragedy to 21
occur; now, therefore, 22

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 23
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 24

Article – State Government 25

SUBTITLE 10. THE COMMISSION ON THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND 26
INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN. 27

6–1001. 28

(a) There shall be an Independent Investigation of the House of Reformation and 29
Instruction for Colored Children. 30

(b) The purpose of the Independent Investigation is to: 31

(1) investigate the history, operations, and resident deaths at the House of 32
Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children; and 33

HOUSE BILL 552 3

(2) provide a complete and public accounting of the children who died and 1
were buried on the grounds of the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored 2
Children and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. 3

(c) (1) (i) The Independent Investigation shall be conducted by a Principal 4
Independent Investigator, appointed by the Chair and ranking member of the Senate 5
Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Chair and ranking member of the House Judiciary 6
Committee. 7

(ii) The Principal Independent Investigator shall have significant 8
experience in: 9

1. leading complex criminal or civil investigations; 10

2. stakeholder and community collaboration; 11

3. civil rights law; 12

4. restorative justice; or 13

5. historical inquiry. 14

(2) (i) The Principal Independent Investigator may appoint two Deputy 15
Independent Investigators to assist in the operational work of the investigation. 16

(ii) The Deputy Independent Investigators shall have significant 17
experience in: 18

1. criminal or civil investigations; 19

2. juvenile justice administration and operations; 20

3. conditions of confinement for youth; or 21

4. racial disparities in the justice system. 22

(d) (1) This section may not be construed to grant the Principal Independent 23
Investigator and Deputy Independent Investigators prosecutorial authority. 24

(2) If the investigation uncovers evidence of criminal conduct, the Principal 25
Independent Investigator and Deputy Independent Investigators shall refer such evidence 26
to the Attorney General or appropriate State’s Attorney. 27

(e) Notwithstanding Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article of 28
the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Principal Independent Investigator has the authority 29
to approve contracts to retain subject matter consultants and entities to meet the needs of 30
the Independent Investigation. 31
4 HOUSE BILL 552

(f) The Independent Investigation shall: 1

(1) use ground –penetrating radar and other modern archaeological 2
methods to locate and map all unmarked graves at the site of the House of Reformation 3
and Instruction for Colored Children; 4

(2) determine the total number of individuals buried at the site of the 5
House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children; 6

(3) where necessary and appropriate, consistent with best practices and 7
with consultation from descendant com munities, conduct the exhumation and forensic 8
analysis of remains to determine age, ancestry, cause of death, and evidence of trauma or 9
neglect; 10

(4) collect DNA samples from remains to establish a database for matching 11
with potential descendants; 12

(5) review all available records from the Maryland State Archives, the 13
Department of Juvenile Services, the Maryland Department of Health, and any other 14
relevant State or local agencies to identify every child who died at the House of Reformation 15
and Instruction for Colored Children; 16

(6) reconstruct institutional policies, living conditions, labor practices, 17
disciplinary methods, and medical care standards throughout the history of the House of 18
Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children; 19

(7) document all allegations and official findings of abuse, neglect, and 20
mistreatment of residents at the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored 21
Children; and 22

(8) make recommendations for: 23

(i) the establishment of a permanent public memorial; 24

(ii) a formal process for the repatriation of identified remains and 25
the dignified reburial of unidentified remains; 26

(iii) policy changes to ensure the proper documentation and handling 27
of deaths in State custody; and 28

(iv) educational initiatives to incorporate this history into the State’s 29
curriculum. 30

(g) (1) The Principal Independent Investigator may request and receive 31
assistance, information, and documents from any State agency or unit of State government, 32
or any agency or political subdivision of the State. 33
HOUSE BILL 552 5

(2) Any agency or unit of government that receives a request under 1
paragraph (1) of this subsection shall comply with the request. 2

(h) (1) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Principal 3
Independent Investigator is authorized to conduct archaeological surveys, test excavations, 4
and carry out the disinterment of human remains on the grounds of the House of 5
Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children without separate agency permits. 6

(ii) The Principal Independent Investigator shall consult with the 7
Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Department of Health regarding methods and 8
safety for actions authorized under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. 9

(2) Title 17 of the Criminal Procedure Article of the Annotated Code of 10
Maryland requiring judicial authorization and a sworn affidavit regarding a suspected 11
homicide do not apply to a forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and a search 12
conducted by the Principal Independent Investigator if: 13

(i) the search is conducted exclusively for the humanitarian purpose 14
of identifying the deceased and notifying descendants; 15

(ii) biological samples are not used to screen for medical conditions 16
or traits; and 17

(iii) all DNA data is destroyed on the conclusion of the investigation. 18

(3) (i) Notwithstanding § 3 –8A–27 of the Courts and Judicial 19
Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland or the Maryland Public Information 20
Act, the Principal Independent Investigator and the Investigator’s desig nees acting in 21
furtherance of the duties specified under this section shall have full unrestricted access to 22
all sealed or otherwise confidential juvenile records, medical records, and administrative 23
files related to the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children. 24

(ii) 1. Subject to subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the 25
Principal Independent Investigator shall maintain the confidentiality of any living 26
individual mentioned in the records under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. 27

2. The Principal Independent Investigator may disclose the 28
names and circumstances of deceased individuals for the purposes of the final report of the 29
Independent Investigation and memorialization. 30

(4) The exemptions to general laws granted in this section are determined 31
by the General Assembly to be necessary due to the unique historical nature of the site for 32
which general laws are inapplicable. 33

(i) Funding for the Independent Investigation shall be as provided in the State 34
budget. 35
6 HOUSE BILL 552

(j) On or before December 31, 2028, the Principal Independent Investigator shall 1
report findings and recommendations of the Independent Investigation to the Governor 2
and, in accordance with § 2 –1257 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code 3
of Maryland, the General Assembly. 4

(A) THERE IS A COMMISSION ON THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND 5
INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN. 6

(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION IS TO: 7

(1) RESEARCH THE HISTORY , OPERATIONS, AND RESIDENT DEATHS 8
AT THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN; 9

(2) PROVIDE A COMPLETE A ND PUBLIC ACCOUNTING OF THE 10
CHILDREN WHO DIED AN D WERE BURIED ON THE GROUNDS OF THE HOUSE OF 11
REFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN; 12

(3) PROMOTE HEALING AND RECONCILIATION THROU GH 13
TRUTH–TELLING, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SYSTEMIC 14
REFORM; AND 15

(4) ENSURE DESCENDANT AN D COMMUNITY VOICE TH ROUGHOUT 16
THE INVESTIGATION AND RECONCILIATION PROCESS. 17

(C) THE COMMISSION CONSISTS OF: 18

(1) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF 19
MARYLAND; 20

(2) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF 21
DELEGATES; 22

(3) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S 23
DESIGNEE; 24

(4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST, OR THE 25
DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 26

(5) THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES, OR THE 27
SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 28

HOUSE BILL 552 7

(6) THE CHAIR OF THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PLANNING 1
BOARD OF THE MARYLAND–NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING 2
COMMISSION, OR THE CHAIR’S DESIGNEE; 3

(7) THE SECRETARY OF JUVENILE SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 4
DESIGNEE; 5

(8) THE CHIEF ARCHAEOLOGIST OF THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT 6
OF TRANSPORTATION’S STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, OR THE CHIEF 7
ARCHAEOLOGIST’S DESIGNEE; 8

(9) THE STATE ARCHIVIST, OR THE STATE ARCHIVIST’S DESIGNEE; 9

(10) THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 10
DESIGNEE; 11

(11) THE CHAIR OF THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON AFRICAN 12
AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE, OR THE CHAIR’S DESIGNEE; 13

(12) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GIBSON–BANKS CENTER FOR 14
RACE AND LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND FRANCIS KING CAREY SCHOOL 15
OF LAW, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 16

(13) THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EXECUTIVE, OR THE COUNTY 17
EXECUTIVE’S DESIGNEE; AND 18

(14) THE SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 19
DESIGNEE; 20

(15) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, OR THE 21
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEE; AND 22

(16) UP TO SIX MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE 23
ATTORNEY GENERAL THAT SHALL INCLUDE: 24

(I) AT LEAST ONE DESCENDANT OF A CHILD BURIED AT THE 25
SITE, A FORMER RESIDENT OF THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION, OR A FORMER 26
JUSTICE–INVOLVED YOUTH; 27

(II) AT LEAST ONE ACADEMIC EXPERT IN FORENSIC 28
ANTHROPOLOGY, ARCHAEOLOGY, AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY , OR OTHER 29
RELATED DISCIPLINES; 30

8 HOUSE BILL 552

(III) AT LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE F ROM A HISTORICALLY 1
BLACK COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE; 2

(IV) AT LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE F ROM A CIVIL RIGHTS 3
ORGANIZATION; AND 4

(V) ANY OTHER COMMUNITY LEADER, ADVOCATE, OR EXPERT 5
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DETERMINES APPROP RIATE TWO INDIVIDUALS WITH 6
EXPERIENCE IN CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND LITIGATION. 7

(D) (1) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL SERVE A S CHAIR OF THE 8
COMMISSION. 9

(2) THE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT A VICE CHAIR FROM AMONG ITS 10
MEMBERS. 11

(E) MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL SERVE A T 12
THE PLEASURE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. 13

(F) (1) A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION: 14

(I) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 15
COMMISSION; BUT 16

(II) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER 17
THE STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE 18
BUDGET. 19

(2) THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY PROVIDE 20
STIPENDS TO DESCENDA NT, FORMER RESIDENT , AND COMMUNITY MEMBER S TO 21
SUPPORT THE PARTICIP ATION IN THE COMMISSION, SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE 22
FUNDS. 23

(G) THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL PROVIDE STAFF FOR 24
THE COMMISSION. 25

(H) THE COMMISSION SHALL: 26

(1) DIRECT AND OVERSEE T HE INVESTIGATION OF THE HOUSE OF 27
REFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN BY CONTRACTI NG 28
WITH QUALIFIED P ROFESSIONAL EXPERTS, INCLUDING UNIVERSITIES, RESEARCH 29
INSTITUTIONS, AND INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS, TO CONDUCT: 30

HOUSE BILL 552 9

(I) FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOG Y, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVE YS, 1
AND HISTORICAL RESEA RCH TO THE HIGHEST E THICAL AND PROFESSIO NAL 2
STANDARDS; 3

(II) LOCATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF ALL GRAVES USING 4
MODERN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND FORENSIC METHODS; 5

(III) IDENTIFICATION OF IN DIVIDUALS BURIED AT THE SITE 6
THROUGH HISTORICAL R ECORDS, FORENSIC ANALYSIS , DNA TESTING, AND 7
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH; 8

(IV) RECONSTRUCTION OF INSTITUTIONAL CON DITIONS, 9
POLICIES, AND PRACTICES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY’S HISTORY; 10

(V) DOCUMENTATION OF DEA THS, INCLUDING 11
CIRCUMSTANCES, CAUSES, AND STATE RESPONSES; AND 12

(VI) ANALYSIS OF SYSTEMIC FAILURES THAT ALLOWE D HARMS 13
TO OCCUR; 14

(2) REVIEW AND APPROVE RES EARCH METHODOLOGIES , WORK 15
PLANS, AND FINDINGS PRODUCED BY CONTRACTED EXPERTS; 16

(3) WHEN APPROPRIATE AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, 17
AUTHORIZE CONTRACTED EXPERTS TO CONDUCT E XHUMATION AND FORENS IC 18
ANALYSIS OF REMAINS IN ACCORDANCE WITH BEST PRACTICES IN FO RENSIC 19
ANTHROPOLOGY AND BIOETHICS; 20

(4) DIRECT CONTRACTED EXPERTS TO ESTABLISH A DNA DATABASE 21
FOR DESCENDANT MATCHING AND PURSUE GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH TO LOCATE 22
AND NOTIFY DESCENDANTS; 23

(5) FACILITATE MEANINGFU L ENGAGEMENT WITH DE SCENDANTS, 24
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES, AND OTHERS WITH HISTORICAL, FAMILIAL, OR 25
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS TO THOSE INTERRED AT THE SITE; 26

(6) PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIE S FOR DESCENDANTS , SURVIVORS, 27
FORMER RESIDENTS , AND COMMUNITY MEMBER S TO SHARE TESTIMONY AND 28
PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT; 29

(7) ESTABLISH PROTOCOLS FOR DESCENDANT NOTIF ICATION, 30
REBURIAL, AND CULTURALLY APPRO PRIATE TREATMENT OF HUMAN REMAINS IN 31
CONSULTATION WITH CONTRACTED EXPERTS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS; 32

10 HOUSE BILL 552

(8) OVERSEE CONTRACTED W ORK FO R RESTORATION AND 1
PRESERVATION OF THE CEMETERY GROUNDS; 2

(9) RECOMMEND THE DESIGN AND THE IMPLEMENTATI ON OF A 3
PERMANENT MEMORIAL AT THE SITE; 4

(10) ENSURE LONG–TERM MAINTENANCE AND ACCESSIBILITY OF THE 5
PERMANENT MEMORIAL DESCRIBED UNDER ITEM (9) OF THIS SUBSECTION; 6

(11) RECOMMEND EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES TO INC ORPORATE THE 7
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED 8
CHILDREN INTO THE STATE’S CURRICULUM; 9

(12) DOCUMENT AND DISSEMI NATE LESSONS LEARNED FOR 10
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND TO INFORM FUTURE STATE–LED RESTORATIVE 11
HISTORY INITIATIVES; 12

(13) MAKE FINDINGS REGARD ING INSTITUTIONAL FA ILURES AND 13
STATE ACCOUNTABILITY BASED ON RESEARCH CO NDUCTED BY CONTRACTE D 14
EXPERTS UNDER THIS SECTION; 15

(14) DEVELOP RECOMMENDATI ONS FOR SYSTEMIC REFORM, WHICH 16
MAY INCLUDE: 17

(I) OFFICIAL STATE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND FORMAL 18
APOLOGY; 19

(II) REPARATIVE MEASURES FOR DESCENDANTS AND 20
SURVIVORS; 21

(III) REFORMS TO PREVENT F UTURE DEATHS IN CUST ODY AND 22
IMPROVE CURRENT JUVENILE JUSTICE POLICIES; 23

(IV) ONGOING COMMEMORATION AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES; 24
AND 25

(V) ANY OTHER MEASURE TH E COMMISSION DEEMS 26
APPROPRIATE TO PROMOTE HEALING AND RECONCILIATION; AND 27

(15) PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO 28
ACCOMPLISH THE COMMISSION’S PURPOSES. 29

HOUSE BILL 552 11

(I) (1) THE SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPHS (2) AND (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION, 1
THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY PROCURE GOODS AND SERVICES ON 2
BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION. 3

(2) THE EXECUTION OF A MAJOR CONTRACT REQUIRES APPROVAL BY 4
VOTE OF THE COMMISSION. 5

(3) TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND CONSISTENT WITH STATE AND 6
FEDERAL LAW, THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL PROCURE GOODS 7
AND SERVICES FROM MARYLAND INSTITUTIONS AND HISTORICALLY BLACK 8
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE STATE. 9

(J) (1) ALL STATE AGENCIES , UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT , AND 10
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIO NS OF THE STATE SHALL COOPERATE AND COMPLY WITH 11
INFORMATION REQUESTS FROM THE COMMISSION AND ITS CO NTRACTED 12
RESEARCHERS AND SHAL L PROVIDE ACCESS TO FACILITIES, RECORDS, AND 13
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT NECESSARY TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. 14

(2) THE COMMISSION, THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MAY 15
ISSUE SUBPOENAS FOR DOCUMENTS AND TESTIM ONY RELEVANT TO THE 16
INVESTIGATION. 17

(K) (1) (I) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY O THER PROVISION OF LA W, THE 18
COMMISSION AND ITS CO NTRACTORS ARE AUTHORIZED TO CONDUC T 19
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVE YS AND TEST EXCAVATI ONS AND CARRY OUT TH E 20
DISINTERMENT OF HUMA N REMAINS ON THE GRO UNDS OF THE HOUSE OF 21
REFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN WITHOUT SEPARATE 22
AGENCY PERMITS. 23

(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSULT WITH THE MARYLAND 24
HISTORICAL TRUST AND THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGARDING 25
METHODS AND SAFETY F OR ACTIONS AUTHORIZE D UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF 26
THIS PARAGRAPH. 27

(2) TITLE 17 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE REQUIRING 28
JUDICIAL AUTHORIZAT ION AND A SWORN AFFI DAVIT REGARDING A SU SPECTED 29
HOMICIDE DOES NOT AP PLY TO A FORENSIC GE NETIC GENEALOGICAL DNA 30
ANALYSIS AND A SEARC H CONDUCTED BY THE PRINCIPAL INDEPENDENT 31
INVESTIGATOR COMMISSION, IF: 32

(I) THE SEARCH IS CONDUC TED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE 33
HUMANITARIAN PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING THE DECE ASED AND NOTIFYING 34
DESCENDANTS; 35

12 HOUSE BILL 552

(II) BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES A RE NOT USED TO SCREE N FOR 1
MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR TRAITS; AND 2

(III) ALL DNA DATA IS DESTROYED ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE 3
INVESTIGATION. 4

(3) (I) NOTWITHSTANDING § 3–8A–27 OF THE COURTS ARTICLE 5
OR THE MARYLAND PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT, THE COMMISSION AND THE 6
COMMISSION’S CONTRACTORS ACTING IN FURTHERANCE OF THE DUTIES SPECIFIED 7
UNDER THIS SECTION S HALL HAVE FULL , UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO ALL SEALED 8
OR O THERWISE CONFIDENTIA L JUVENILE RECORDS , MEDICAL RECORDS , AND 9
ADMINISTRATIVE FILES RELATED TO THE HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND 10
INSTRUCTION FOR COLORED CHILDREN. 11

(II) 1. SUBJECT TO SUBSUBPARA GRAPH 2 OF THIS 12
SUBPARAGRAPH, THE COMMISSION SHALL MAIN TAIN THE CON FIDENTIALITY OF 13
ANY LIVING INDIVIDUAL MENTIONED IN THE R ECORDS UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) 14
OF THIS PARAGRAPH. 15

2. THE COMMISSION MAY DISCLO SE THE NAMES AND 16
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DECEASED INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURPOSES OF REPORTS AND 17
MEMORIALIZATION. 18

(4) THE EXEMPTIONS TO GENERAL LAWS GRANTED IN THIS SECTION 19
ARE DETERMINED BY TH E GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE NECESS ARY DUE TO THE 20
UNIQUE HISTORICAL NA TURE OF THE SITE FOR WHICH GENERAL LAWS A RE 21
INAPPLICABLE. 22

(L) (1) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, FUNDING FOR 23
THE COMMISSION SHALL BE AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 24

(2) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY PURSUE FE DERAL GRANTS AND 25
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES TO SUPPLEMENT STATE APPROPRIATIONS, SUBJECT TO 26
COMMISSION APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATIONS. 27

(3) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL ADMINISTER FUNDING FOR THE 28
COMMISSION, INCLUDING STATE APPROPRIATIONS , FEDERAL GRANTS , AND 29
PRIVATE DONATIONS DESIGNATED FOR THIS PURPOSE. 30

(M) (1) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2027, THE COMMISSION SHALL 31
SUBMIT AN INITIAL REPORT DOCUMENTING THE PROGRESS OF THE INVESTIGATION 32
AND INCLUDING ANY PR ELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND, 33
IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THIS ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 34

HOUSE BILL 552 13

(2) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2029, THE COMMISSION SHALL 1
SUBMIT A FINAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 2
OF THIS ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON: 3

(I) THE COMPLETE FINDING S OF THE COMMISSION’S 4
RESEARCH; 5

(II) ALL IDENTIFIED INDIV IDUALS AND THE CIRCU MSTANCES 6
OF THEIR DEATHS; 7

(III) HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND 8
PRACTICES; 9

(IV) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT, MEMORIAL, 10
REBURIAL, REPARATIVE MEASURES, AND POLICY REFORMS; AND 11

(V) AN ACCOUNTING OF THE COMMISSION’S EXPENDITURES. 12

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is an emerg ency 13
measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health or safety, has 14
been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three –fifths of all the members elected to 15
each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect fr om the date it is 16
enacted shall take effect July 1, 2026. It shall remain effective through July 1, 2029, for a 17
period of 4 years and, at the end of June 30, 2029 2030, this Act, with no further action 18
required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 19

Approved:
________________________________________________________________________________
Governor.
________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Delegates.
________________________________________________________________________________
President of the Senate.