SB 508 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Somerset County Board of Education - Alterations

SB 508 modifies Somerset County Board of Education rules by adding a nonvoting student member position elected by high school students, who serves a one-year term starting July 1. It increases annual compensation for adult board members from $3,000 to $6,000 (chair) and $2,700 to $5,000 (member), and provides a $5,000 scholarship for student members completing a full term. The bill also restricts student members from attending executive sessions unless invited by a majority vote of the board. These changes directly affect Somerset County's school board members, high school students (as voters for the student seat), and the county’s budget for board compensation.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Apr 14, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Somerset County Board of Education - Alterations Third - Somerset County Board of Education - Alterations · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to add a nonvoting student representative to the Somerset County Board of Education, replacing a deleted section that previously outlined student member roles. The amendment also updated the bill's metadata to reflect its emergency status and favorable committee report, while reorganizing the text of existing sections regarding member terms and compensation.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a new nonvoting student member position on the county board, whereas the original text had removed specific student-related provisions.
ELIGIBILITY

Added a provision for one nonvoting student member from each public high school in the county to be selected according to existing procedures.

TECHNICAL

Added metadata indicating the bill is an emergency measure with a favorable committee report and adopted status.

Reorganized the numbering and structure of sections regarding member residency, election terms, and removal procedures to accommodate the new student member provision.

FISCAL

Updated compensation figures for the board chairman and members, increasing the chairman's pay from $3,000 to $6,000 and member pay from $2,700 to $5,000.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 5, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 26, 2026

How they voted

400
Passed · 9 other
Total votes 49
Mar 5, 2026
D Democratic36
29 Yea 7
80% Yea
R Republican13
11 Yea 2
84% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 14, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 151
executive
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Returned Passed
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Ways and Means
lower
Mar 26, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (129-1-12)
house of delegates
Mar 21, 2026
Committee
Referred Ways and Means
lower
Mar 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (40-0-9)
senate
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mary Beth Carozza
Mary Beth Carozza
RRepublican
MD
38