Higher Education - Disciplinary Records - Use in Admissions and Disciplinary Proceedings

SB 151 prohibits Maryland colleges and universities from asking applicants about their K-12 disciplinary records (e.g., suspensions or expulsions from public/private primary/secondary schools) in admissions applications. The bill allows institutions to consider disciplinary records only for cases involving academic dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism. It requires schools using third-party applications that ask about disciplinary records to post a notice stating such records won’t disqualify applicants. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all Maryland public and private institutions of higher education.