PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor                               Ch. 81

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article 83C - Juvenile Services
Section 2-131

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1991 Replacement Volume and 1994 Supplement)

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

Article 83C - Juvenile Services

2-131.

(a)     In this section, "foster parent" includes an individual who cares for a child on
an emergency basis under a shelter care program.

(b)     (1) The Department shall provide liability insurance for foster parents who
care for children under foster parent programs.

(2) Subject to a reasonable deductible limit, which the Department shall set,
the liability insurance shall provide coverage for:

(i) Bodily injury and property damage that a foster child causes to the
person or property of a person other than a foster parent; and

(ii) Actions against a foster parent by a natural parent for any accident
to the foster child.

(c)     (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall reimburse a
foster parent for costs of bodily injury or property damage that the foster child causes to
the foster parent and that insurance does not cover.

(2)     Before reimbursement under this subsection, the Secretary shall be
satisfied that the actions of the foster parent did not contribute substantially to the bodily
injury or property damage sustained.

(3)     Reimbursement under this subsection shall be made for all costs to a
maximum amount of $5,000. However, all payments in excess of [$500] $2,000 require the
approval of the Board of Public Works.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1995.

Approved April 11, 1995.

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