Bill > HB1168

This bill mandates that the State Department of Education create a model policy for local school systems to follow when responding to allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, which must include specific components like prompt notification to parents or guardians of a "serious incident" (defined as an event posing a substantial threat to safety, such as credible allegations of sexual misconduct resulting in removal from student contact for over 10 days, physical assault, weapon offenses, threats of violence, child abuse or neglect, or other events requiring emergency response or a formal review). By July 1, 2027, every local school system must adopt a policy based on this model, and they will also be required to establish a webpage detailing serious incidents, confirming their nature, providing non-identifying updates on investigations, offering links to support resources, and updating the page when there are material changes, though law enforcement or child protective services can request delays or redactions of public information. Furthermore, local school systems must notify parents or guardians as soon as feasible about credible allegations, confirming the allegation, indicating if the employee was removed from student contact, describing safety precautions, and listing available support resources, without disclosing the employee's name. Finally, after the conclusion of any child sexual abuse or misconduct case or serious incident, school systems must conduct an "after-action review" within 45 days to analyze how the incident occurred, identify contributing factors, evaluate procedures and communication, assess parent notification timeliness, examine coordination with law enforcement and child protective services, check compliance with transparency requirements, and identify areas for improvement, with a redacted report of findings potentially shared with the State Board and State Superintendent.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1168?ys=2026RS