‘Elopement’ bills, to safeguard those with autism, dementia, steadily advancing

By: Danielle J. Brown

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: March 21, 2026

Words: 1,098

Last Updated: 1 hour, 34 minutes ago

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Shari Bailey said she was brought to tears this week when a lawmaker texted her with the news that the House had passed a bill, inspired by her daughter, that aims to improve outcomes for people with autism or dementia who wander off.

It was one bit of good news in a string of positive developments for a package of bills Bailey is backing that deal with the problem of “elopement.”

The House voted unanimously …

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