Bill > HB773

This bill establishes new rules for student discipline in Maryland's public middle and high schools, giving teachers more authority to manage disruptive classroom behavior. The legislation allows teachers to remove students from the classroom under specific circumstances, such as when a student repeatedly interferes with learning or exhibits unruly, disruptive, or abusive behavior that significantly disrupts the classroom environment. When a teacher removes a student, they must document the behavior, submit documentation to the principal, and send the student to the principal or guidance counselor. The principal then has several options for handling the removed student, including returning them to the classroom (but only with the teacher's consent), placing them in in-school suspension, alternative programs, or limiting their participation in school activities. If sent to a guidance counselor, the student will be disciplined using restorative approaches. Importantly, the bill protects teachers from disciplinary action for removing a student under these guidelines and ensures that such removals are not counted against the school's disciplinary reporting requirements. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to support teachers in maintaining a productive learning environment while providing structured options for addressing student misbehavior.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0773?ys=2025RS