Bill > HB1015

This bill requires public middle and high schools in Maryland to begin instruction at later times starting in the 2027-2028 school year, specifically mandating that middle schools start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The State Board of Education may grant waivers to schools for earlier start times only if there is a compelling reason, with funding constraints explicitly excluded as a valid justification. Additionally, the bill requires county boards of education and public charter schools to conduct a public information campaign from 2026-2027 to raise awareness about sleep deprivation, the benefits of later school start times, and local implementation strategies. The campaign must target school communities, including parents, teachers, administrators, and coaches, and provide opportunities for feedback. The State Department of Education is authorized to assist with these information campaigns upon request. The legislation aims to address student health and academic performance by allowing students more sleep time in the morning, recognizing research suggesting that teenagers naturally have different sleep cycles and benefit from later school start times. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for the new start time requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1015?ys=2025RS