Bill > SB151

This bill modifies Maryland's higher education admissions and disciplinary policies by establishing new regulations regarding criminal history and disciplinary records. Specifically, the bill prohibits institutions of higher education from using admissions applications that ask about an applicant's criminal history or disciplinary record, with limited exceptions for third-party applications. The bill defines "disciplinary record" as information relating to student discipline from any public or private primary or secondary school in any state. Institutions are allowed to make inquiries about a student's criminal history for purposes like campus residency decisions and offering supportive counseling, but cannot automatically restrict access based on criminal history. The bill also allows institutions to develop processes for restricting campus residency for students convicted of specific serious crimes, such as sexual crimes or crimes of violence. Additionally, institutions may now consider a student's disciplinary record specifically in cases related to academic dishonesty. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide more equitable and nuanced approaches to evaluating student backgrounds during the admissions and disciplinary processes.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0151?ys=2025RS