Bill > HB901

This bill requires public schools in Maryland to recognize a student's autism diagnosis from qualified external professionals, such as developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, or speech-language pathologists, as valid until the school completes its own initial evaluation. The school must begin this evaluation within 30 days of receiving the external diagnosis and written parental consent, and during this evaluation period, the school must provide the supports recommended in the external diagnosis, unless those recommendations conflict with law or pose a safety risk. These supports will continue until the school's evaluation is finished and a determination is made about the student's ongoing needs, aiming to ensure students receive necessary assistance without delay while their eligibility for school-provided services is formally assessed.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0901?ys=2026RS