HB 1259

Passed both chambers

Zoning Authorities - Operation of Family Child Care Homes - Prohibitions and Requirements

Sponsor: Jessica Feldmark (District 12A)Committee: Economic MattersSubject: Local Government - GenerallyStatus: Conference Committee Appointed (as of Sep 4, 2026)

What this bill does

Official synopsis

Prohibiting a local jurisdiction in the State from denying or restricting the operation of certain family child care homes if the family child care home meets the licensing requirements established by the State Department of Education; and requiring a local jurisdiction to designate the operation of certain family child care homes as a residential activity and as a permitted use.

AI analysis is off. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to enable summaries, pros and cons, and questions.

Analysis reads the bill text, the fiscal note, and the witness list. It is generated by Claude and reviewed by nobody, so check the source documents before you rely on it.

Testimony (21)

MGA witness list

FAV 15FavorableFWA 2Favorable with amendmentsUNF 4Unfavorable

Position	Witness	Organization	Testimony
FAV	Colmers, Elly	Compass Advocacy	Oral
FAV	Hudson, Bill	Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland	Written (PDF)
FAV	Schaefer, Stephanie	MDAEYC	Written (PDF)
FAV	DANIELS, RUBY	MSFCCA	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Allen, Hannahlobbyist	Maryland Chamber of Commerce	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Allen, Hannahlobbyist	Maryland Chamber of Commerce	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Peusch, Christina	Maryland State Child Care Association	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Peusch, Christina	Maryland State Child Care Association	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Cratsley, Laurel	Maryland State Department of Education	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Cratsley, Laurel	Maryland State Department of Education	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Caucus, Womens	Maryland Womens Caucus	Written (PDF)
FAV	Brittain, Megan	Individual	Oral + Written (PDF)
FAV	Delegate Feldmark, Delegate Feldmarklegislator	Individual	Oral
FAV	Delegate Feldmark, Delegate Feldmarklegislator	Individual	Oral
FAV	Morrow, Beth	Individual	Written (PDF)
UNF	Bailey Thupari, Angelica	Maryland Municipal League	Written (PDF)
UNF	Bailey Thupari, Angelica	Maryland Municipal League	Written (PDF)
UNF	Hessler, Thereselobbyist	Individual	Written (PDF)
UNF	Tibbals, Trudy	Individual	Written (PDF)
FWA	Butchko, Dominic	Maryland Association of Counties (MACo)	Oral + Written (PDF)
FWA	Butchko, Dominic	Maryland Association of Counties (MACo)	Written (PDF)

Organizations on record

Compass AdvocacyFAV 1

Family Child Care Alliance of MarylandFAV 1

Maryland Association of Counties (MACo)FWA 2

Maryland Chamber of CommerceFAV 2

Maryland Municipal LeagueUNF 2

Maryland State Child Care AssociationFAV 2

Maryland State Department of EducationFAV 2

Maryland Womens CaucusFAV 1

MDAEYCFAV 1

MSFCCAFAV 1

Registered lobbyists who testified

FAVAllen, HannahMaryland Chamber of CommerceRegistered for: Maryland Chamber of Commerce

UNFHessler, ThereseRegistered for: City of Gaithersburg; Elevate Recovery Centers; Evolve Kids Care; Evolve Life Centers; High Roller Technologies; Laila's Gift…