Maryland Pushes Bipartisan Bills to Protect Wandering Individuals

Legislation aims to improve police response and access to tracking devices for those with autism, dementia

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Harford County mother, Shari Bailey, is leading a bipartisan effort in the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation that would require law enforcement training on interacting with individuals with autism or dementia who wander or 'elope', as well as make it easier for families to obtain tracking devices for those at risk. The legislative package has received support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Why it matters

This legislation is crucial to protect vulnerable individuals with autism or dementia who are at risk of harming themselves or becoming victims of crime when they wander away from caregivers. Proper police training and access to tracking technology can help ensure these individuals are found quickly and safely.

The details

Bailey's push for the legislation was sparked by a terrifying incident where her non-verbal daughter with autism bolted out the door while being watched by a nanny. The frantic search left Bailey fearing for her daughter's safety. The legislative package includes mandatory law enforcement training on interacting with those with autism or dementia, as well as a bill to make it easier for families to obtain tracking devices for at-risk individuals.

  • In February 2026, the legislative package was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.
  • The bills received hearings with no reported opposition.

The players

Shari Bailey

A Harford County mother whose daughter with autism went missing, inspiring her to push for this legislation.

Delegate Aaron Kaufman

A Montgomery County Democrat who is backing the legislative effort.

Senator Mike McKay

A Republican representing Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties who said proper police training is critical.

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What they’re saying

“I'm quite confident that lives will be saved and Marylanders with disabilities can be part of the fabric of their communities but their safety is endured.”

— Delegate Aaron Kaufman (wmar2news.com)

“With proper training, officers can recognize the signs, deescalate and more effectively respond in ways that are protecting both the individual and the officer.”

— Senator Mike McKay (wmar2news.com)

What’s next

Several of the bills in the legislative package are scheduled for future hearings in the Maryland General Assembly.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort in Maryland highlights the critical need to protect vulnerable individuals with autism, dementia and other conditions who are at risk of wandering or 'eloping'. Improved police training and access to tracking technology can help ensure these individuals are found quickly and safely when they go missing.