SB 292 repeals the sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for two 2021 laws that allow county boards of education to provide student transportation using non-standard vehicles under specific circumstances. It specifically removes the June 30, 2026, termination dates from Sections 3 of Chapter 197 and Chapter 198 of the 2021 Acts. This change makes the existing student transportation rules permanent, ensuring county boards can continue using non-standard vehicles for certain student transport without needing new legislation. The bill directly affects county school districts and their transportation policies.
SB 307 requires Maryland county school boards to provide free tampons and pads in women’s restrooms at all public schools. Schools must install dispensers in at least two women’s restrooms by October 2022 (for middle/high schools) and all women’s restrooms by August 2025, with elementary schools needing at least one dispenser by October 2022. Boards must regularly restock products and can seek reimbursement from the state for installation costs, using a $500,000 fiscal year 2023 appropriation. This bill directly affects public school districts and students in Maryland’s public schools.
This bill requires every Maryland public school to have at least one airway clearing device (a portable suction device for choking emergencies) and authorizes school nurses and trained staff to use it during choking incidents. It mandates storage near eating areas and training for staff on device use and choking response. The State Department of Education must create a standard form for schools to report all device usage incidents, and the bill grants liability protection to staff acting in good faith during emergencies. The policy applies directly to all public schools, students, and school personnel in Maryland, with implementation required by July 2026.
HB 117 requires every Maryland public school to have at least one airway clearing device (a portable suction device for choking emergencies) and mandates that county school boards establish policies allowing school nurses and trained staff to use these devices during choking incidents. The policy must specify storage locations (near eating areas) and require staff training on device use and choking emergency response. Schools must report all device uses to the State Department of Education via a standardized form, and personnel acting in good faith during emergencies are protected from personal liability. This bill directly affects public schools, county boards, and school staff by standardizing emergency response protocols for choking incidents.
HB 128 requires Maryland county school boards to permit therapy dogs in public schools, subject to specific policies they must create. The bill mandates that all therapy dogs must be certified, accompanied by a handler, and used only in designated areas with clear guidelines for managing allergies or discomfort among students and staff. Each county board must adopt a policy covering certification standards, handler responsibilities, allowed locations, and allergy protocols. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects county school systems, therapy dog handlers, and students with allergies.
HB 704 establishes Maryland's Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education. It provides state funding to cover the difference between federal reimbursement rates for free and paid school meals, directly supporting Maryland schools with high poverty rates (25%+ students qualifying for free meals) that participate in the federal child nutrition program. The state will appropriate $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2028 to complement federal funds, with funds distributed based on school poverty concentration and geographic diversity. Schools must report on program outcomes, meal debt resolution, and reasons for opting out of federal eligibility, with annual reports published online.
HB 546 requires Maryland's State Department of Education to provide a free, mandatory professional development course on educator well-being and flourishing to all school personnel and administrators by July 1, 2027. The course must cover eight key areas of well-being identified by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, including social connections, physical health, emotional resilience, and financial literacy. Schools may use synchronous or asynchronous instruction, and the department can develop the course itself or adapt existing third-party materials. The bill ensures this course is offered at the same rate as other required professional development courses for licensed educators.
SB 299 requires Maryland county boards of education to allow therapy dogs in public schools, subject to specific policies. The bill mandates that each county adopt a policy covering therapy dog certification, handler guidelines, school access rules, parent/student notifications, and accommodations for allergies or discomfort. Therapy dogs must be accompanied by a certified handler and meet defined emotional support criteria for students. This law applies directly to all public schools in Maryland, effective July 1, 2026. It establishes concrete requirements for school policies but does not specify outcomes or funding.
SB 343 modifies Maryland law to clarify how county school boards fund post-college and career readiness (post-CCR) pathways for students meeting college and career readiness (CCR) standards. It requires counties to provide free access to specific pathways (like International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or career-technical programs) for all eligible students, but allows boards to establish income-based eligibility for the college-preparatory pathway (Section 7-205.1(g)(2)). Crucially, students from families earning below 400% of the federal poverty level must receive these pathways at no cost, regardless of income guidelines. The bill directly affects public high school students meeting CCR standards and ensures equitable access to pathways without cost barriers for low-income families.
