Family Law - Equity Courts - Care and Custody of Children (Uniform Nondiscrimination in Treatment and Evidence (UNITE) Act)

HB 923 (the UNITE Act) requires Maryland equity courts to apply identical custody, guardianship, and evidence standards to immigrant children as to U.S. citizen children. It specifically mandates equal treatment in cases involving Special Immigrant Juvenile Status under federal law, ensuring immigrant children aren’t subjected to different procedures or evidentiary rules. The bill aims to prevent discriminatory practices or procedural disparities that could harm a child’s stability or access to legal protections. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects immigrant children navigating custody proceedings in Maryland.