Bill > HB737

This bill, known as the Right to Learn Act of 2022, has several key provisions: 1. It requires county boards of education to annually notify parents/guardians of students attending "failing schools" (those with 2 or fewer stars under the state's school rating system for the past 2 years) about the school's status and available alternative education options, such as other public schools, nonpublic schools, or home instruction programs. 2. It establishes the "Right to Learn Program" to provide scholarships to students attending failing schools who choose to pursue an alternative education option. The county board must remit the total per-pupil funding amount to the state for each student receiving a scholarship. 3. It establishes the "Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program" to provide scholarships for students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch to attend nonpublic schools, subject to certain eligibility requirements for participating nonpublic schools. 4. It creates an advisory board to review and certify the list of BOOST program applicants and determine scholarship award amounts. Overall, the bill aims to expand educational options and opportunities, particularly for students attending underperforming public schools.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0737?ys=2022RS