Bill > HB575

This bill requires each county board of education to establish an attendance policy that allows for excused or discretionary absences for public school students participating in civic engagement activities, which are defined to include testifying virtually or in person at hearings of a "public facing legislative body" (meaning an entity that meets to set or carry out public policy, is subject to open meetings laws, and has elected or appointed members), meeting with members of such a body, contributing to the consideration, development, or implementation of policy issues, or participating in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. The bill also clarifies that if a note is required to excuse an absence, an appropriate representative can provide documentation, and these excused absences will not count towards calculations of chronic absenteeism.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0575?ys=2026RS