Bill > SB386

This bill modifies Maryland's education law regarding how reportable offenses are defined and how schools and juvenile services handle notifications about student arrests. The key change is removing the previous requirement that a reportable offense must occur off school premises and not at a school-sponsored event. Now, the definition of a "reportable offense" focuses solely on the type of criminal activity, which includes various violent crimes, sexual offenses, weapons violations, and other specific criminal code violations. The bill also introduces a new requirement for the Department of Juvenile Services to promptly notify local school superintendents and principals about certain decisions made during juvenile offender inquiries, specifically when an intake officer proposes an informal adjustment or denies authorization to file a petition for a reportable offense. Additionally, the bill maintains confidentiality provisions about these reports, stipulating that the information cannot be part of a student's permanent record and can only be used to provide appropriate educational support and maintain school safety. The changes aim to improve communication between law enforcement, juvenile services, and schools while protecting student privacy, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0386?ys=2025RS