MarylandSB 05082026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Somerset County Board of Education - Alterations

Sponsored By: Mary Beth Carozza (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education - Local BillsCommittee ChangesCounty CommissionersEducation, Boards ofElectionsEmergency BillsLocal Government MandatesMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentOpen GovernmentPublic InformationPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesScholarships and Student Financial AidSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchSomerset CountyStudentsTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher pay and expenses for Somerset school board

The board chair is paid $6,000 a year. Each other nonstudent board member is paid $5,000 a year. Nonstudent members also get $500 each year for in‑county official duties. The chair and other nonstudent members are repaid for actual expenses for official work done outside Somerset County.

Student board seats and $5,000 scholarship

Each public high school in Somerset County has one nonvoting student on the school board. The student must be a 12th grader in Somerset County public schools and is elected by classmates. The student serves one year starting July 1, cannot vote, and may join closed sessions only if a board majority invites them. A student who completes the full term receives a $5,000 scholarship for higher education.

County commissioners now fill board vacancies

The Somerset County Commissioners appoint a qualified person to fill any empty school board seat. The appointee serves the rest of the term and stays until the elected successor qualifies.

School board votes in public, records required

The county school board must take final actions at a public meeting. The board must keep a formal record of each public meeting. The board can act in a closed session only when the law allows.

Tighter residency rules to serve on Somerset board

A candidate for the county board must be a registered voter of Somerset County. A member elected from a district must live in that district. If a member moves out of their district, they must stop serving.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary Beth Carozza
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 1

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 1 • Other: 12

Senate vote • 3/20/2026