Bill > SB574

This bill requires the Charles County Board of Education to provide significant advance notice and engage in public consultation before making changes that would stop a private company from continuing to provide student bus transportation services, a situation defined as "displacement" unless the company is terminated for cause, has acted unsafely, or refuses to continue service under existing terms. Specifically, the Board must give at least 10 years' written notice to all current providers and hold at least one public hearing on the advisability of the Board providing these services itself, with public notice of the hearing published in a local newspaper. Following the public hearing, and at least two years before any actual displacement, the Board must send written notice by registered mail to the affected provider. However, the Board can proceed with displacement sooner than two years if they pay the displaced provider an amount equal to their gross receipts for the previous 24 months, or if both parties agree to a different timeline or compensation, or if the provider voluntarily stops offering the services. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

Charles County Senators (Other)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0574?ys=2026RS