Bill > HB123

This bill amends Maryland education law to update definitions and reporting requirements for offenses committed by students. It redefines "law enforcement agency" to refer to a different section of the Public Safety Article and expands the definition of "school system" to include higher education institutions for dual enrollment programs. The bill also broadens the list of "reportable offenses" to include additional serious crimes, such as certain violations related to child pornography and other felonies if committed by an adult. Crucially, it clarifies that when a student is arrested for a reportable offense or an offense related to criminal organization membership, law enforcement must notify the local superintendent, school principal, and school security officer within 24 hours, and the State's Attorney can also provide this notification if law enforcement fails to do so. The bill also mandates that the State's Attorney promptly inform school officials of the case's disposition, and it outlines how this information can be shared confidentially between school systems for the student's educational programming and safety, with strict rules for its destruction. Furthermore, it requires public schools with students in grades six through twelve to designate at least one school security officer and mandates an annual report from the Department of Education detailing information about reportable offenses, student demographics, and school actions taken. Finally, it requires that if a student is removed from their regular school program due to a reportable offense, their attorney should be invited to participate in relevant conferences and reviews.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0123?ys=2026RS