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MarylandHB 02882026 Regular SessionHouse

State Superintendent of Schools - Prolonged State of Emergency - Authority to Declare

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationAwareness and OutreachEducation, State Board ofEmergency Management, Department ofEmergencies -see also- PandemicsGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteGovernorHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofNoticesPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyState Police, Department ofTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Counties must post virtual school plans

Beginning July 1, 2026, each county board must have a virtual education plan for prolonged emergencies. The plan uses the county’s 2020–2021 continuity plan as a baseline, with an adoption deadline of June 1, 2024. Plans must be updated every two years. Plans must cover staffing, instruction, tests and learning supports, social‑emotional supports, communication, technology, meals and health services, and a safe return to in‑person learning. The latest plan must be posted on the county board website.

How schools switch to remote learning

Beginning July 1, 2026, when a prolonged emergency stops in‑person classes and the county decides remote learning is required, the county must start its approved virtual plan right away. Counties can adjust their plans to local needs and must send changes to the State Board as soon as possible. The State Board must accept a plan or return it with required changes within 10 calendar days. If returned, the county must fix and resubmit within 5 calendar days. The State Board also must set statewide rules with minimum standards for these plans.

State can declare and end school emergencies

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Superintendent can declare a prolonged school emergency that stops in‑person classes for at least 14 straight school days. Triggers include a natural or civil disaster, a public health emergency, or a specific security threat named by law enforcement. The Superintendent must consult the Governor and, when needed, emergency, police, and health agencies. A written notice must describe the emergency and list the schools or systems affected, and be shared quickly. The emergency can end by a joint resolution of the General Assembly, a State Board vote, or the Superintendent, and the Superintendent must publish a written end notice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 37 • No: 6 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 36 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 599

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (37-6)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/6/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/3/2026Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (96-36)

    3/18/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {633520/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/13/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026House

  13. Hearing canceled

    2/2/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  15. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/14/2026House

  16. Pre-filed

    9/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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