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MarylandHB 05752026 Regular SessionHouse

Public Schools - Student Attendance - Excused or Discretionary Absences for Civic Engagement

Sponsored By: Jheanelle K. Wilkins (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationCommittees and CommissionsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education, Boards ofEducation, State Department ofEvidenceGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteHearingsMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchStudentsTestimony -see also- WitnessesTimeVolunteers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Excused school absences for civic engagement

Beginning July 1, 2026, every county school board must excuse some civic engagement absences for public school students. Excused reasons include testifying at a public legislative hearing (in person or online), meeting with members of that body, and serving in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. If the attendance policy requires a note, the policy must allow an appropriate representative to provide a note or reasonable documentation. Policies must excuse at least 15 hours or 2 school days for testifying or meeting, and the full length of the Page Program. These absences are lawful, do not count toward chronic absenteeism, and are in addition to other excused absences already allowed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jheanelle K. Wilkins

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jackie Addison

    Democratic • House

  • Derrick Coley

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

  • Jessica Feldmark

    Democratic • House

  • Bernice Mireku-North

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Kent Roberson

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

  • Caylin Young

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 271 • No: 37

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 1 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 114 • No: 20 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 114 • No: 16 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 630

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (114-20)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (43-1)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {853224/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/13/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026Senate

  10. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (114-16)

    3/20/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {123323/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/19/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026House

  16. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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