Bill > SB770

This bill establishes a comprehensive crisis support and assistance framework for public schools and creates a stakeholder workgroup to study hiring practices for organizations working with minors. The first section requires local school systems to provide crisis support when a school employee is removed from their position due to alleged criminal activity or safety concerns. Each county board must establish a crisis response team and standardized protocols that include a communication plan, resources for parents and school personnel, trauma-informed counseling services, and guidance for supporting students and staff during challenging situations. The second section establishes a diverse stakeholder workgroup to examine the potential impact of adding requirements for job applicants to disclose their history of "boundary-violating behavior" - defined as actions that compromise a minor's safety, are exploitative, or inappropriate. The workgroup, which includes representatives from various state organizations, will review definitions, assess implementation costs and administrative burdens, and recommend potential registration and oversight mechanisms for youth-serving organizations. The State Department of Education is required to submit a report on the workgroup's findings by December 1, 2025, with the bill's provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0770?ys=2025RS