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MarylandSB 02182026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education, Boards ofEducation, State Board ofEmergency Management, Department ofEmergencies -see also- PandemicsGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteGovernorHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Law Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceNoticesPublic InformationPublic 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 keep virtual plans ready

Each county board adopts a virtual education plan by June 1, 2024, using its 2020–2021 continuity plan. The plan must cover staffing, instruction, tests and supports, social-emotional learning, community communications, technology, nutrition and health, and a return to in-person school. Boards update the plan every two years and post the latest version on the board’s website. The State Board sets minimum standards and rules to carry out these requirements. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

Quick switch to virtual during emergencies

When a prolonged emergency affects a local system, a county board may move one or more schools to virtual learning under its approved plan. If in-person attendance must stop and the board decides virtual is needed, the board starts the plan right away. The board can adjust the plan for local needs and must send changes to the State Board as soon as possible. The State Board has 10 calendar days to accept a plan or return it. If returned, the county has 5 calendar days to fix and resubmit. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

State can declare long school emergencies

The law lets the State Superintendent declare a prolonged school emergency. It applies when a disaster, public health threat, or named security threat stops in-person school for 14 straight school days. The Superintendent must consult the Governor, issue a written notice that names the affected systems or schools, and share it widely. A non-statewide order can only cover the named systems or even a single school; it can end by the legislature, the State Board, or the Superintendent, with written notice. This subtitle does not limit the Health Secretary’s public health powers. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

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: 169 • No: 51

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 8 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 37 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 598

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-8)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (96-37)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {123624/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    3/25/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/16/2026House

  12. Referred Ways and Means

    2/25/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (39-6)

    2/24/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/20/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {553729/1 Adopted

    2/20/2026Senate

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

    2/20/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/04 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  19. Pre-filed

    9/29/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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