Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-608

in effect

(a) In this section, “missing child” means a minor whose whereabouts are unknown to a parent or other person who has permanent care and custody or responsibility for the supervision of the minor. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a parent or other person who has permanent care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor under the age of 13 years may not recklessly or willfully fail to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency that the minor is a missing child within 24 hours of the time at which the parent or other person knew or should have known that the minor is a missing child. (c) This section does not apply if the fact that the minor is a missing child has already been reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=3-608&enactments=falseFetched: 10/16/2026