# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 3. Other Crimes Against the Person

### Subtitle 6. Abuse and Other Offensive Conduct

#### Section 3-608

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)