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MarylandSB 06852026 Regular SessionSenate

State Department of Education - Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Model Response Policy - Requirements

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationChildrenArchivesAssaultAwareness and OutreachChild Abuse and NeglectCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.Contractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DisclosureEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Department ofElectronic CommunicationElectronic DocumentsElectronic GovernmentEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEvaluations and ReviewsIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Investigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLocal Government MandatesMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.NoticesParents and GuardiansPlans and ProposalsPrivacyPublic Employees -see also- State EmployeesPublic InformationPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySchool AdministrationSexual OffensesStandards and Best PracticesStudentsThreatsTimeTrauma Informed Approach -see also- Mental&Behavioral HealthViolence -see also- Domestic Violence; Hate CrimesVolunteersWeapons -see also- Guns

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

All school systems adopt by 2027

Each local school system must adopt a response policy based on the state model by September 1, 2027. The state model takes effect July 1, 2026.

State website for school abuse help

The Department and the Maryland Center for School Safety build and keep a statewide website on child sexual abuse and misconduct in schools. It explains warning signs, how to report, and trauma-informed tips for parents, and links to certified rape crisis and child advocacy centers. Each local school system must post a clear link to this site on its website. Beginning July 1, 2026, these resources are publicly available.

Statewide school response rules for abuse

The law requires the State Department of Education to create a model sexual abuse and misconduct response policy for schools. The model includes a communications plan, a one-year email and electronic record retention rule, a link to the state resource site, and an after-action review plan. Policies may not block full, unbiased investigations by schools, police, or prosecutors. Beginning July 1, 2026, schools follow this model to shape their local policies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 639

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    4/9/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {673723/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/9/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/23/2026House

  10. Referred Ways and Means

    3/20/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {793620/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

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

    3/16/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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