Bill > HB233

This bill, titled "Education - Public School Construction - Alterations," proposes several changes to how public school construction and renovation projects are managed and approved in Maryland. Key provisions include raising the cost threshold for when additions or renovations to school buildings require State Superintendent approval from $1,000,000 to $1,000,000 if they affect the layout of student-occupied spaces, and increasing the threshold for change orders on renovations or construction projects that require State approval from $50,000 to $200,000 for projects affecting student-occupied spaces. It also mandates that county school boards must obtain approval from the State Superintendent before acquiring land or buildings for educational use, or before renting, repairing, improving, or building school facilities, including additions or renovations costing over $1,000,000 that alter the configuration of student spaces. The bill also adjusts reporting deadlines for the Interagency Commission, which oversees public school construction, and modifies the criteria for when the State requires reimbursement of debt service for former school buildings used for local government purposes, specifically by expanding the definition of "school purposes" to include any purpose eligible for State funding for public school construction. Furthermore, it shifts the focus of the Interagency Commission's annual assessment of school buildings from a general survey to a "maintenance effectiveness assessment" and a "statewide facilities assessment," which will incorporate more detailed data on building conditions and allow local education agencies to report deficiencies, lead paint, and asbestos information. Finally, the bill clarifies that certain construction and systemic renovation projects costing over $1,000,000 and receiving or requesting State funding, or those involving HVAC system replacements, are subject to specific review and approval processes by the Interagency Commission and the Department of General Services.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0233?ys=2026RS