ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Charles County Public Schools staff attorney Eric Schwartz provided an update at the county school board meeting on March 11, saying more than 3,000 bills have been introduced in the 2025 General Assembly session, though none have passed yet. As the session nears the March 17 crossover date, legislative activity is expected to increase. This recap highlights key bills that may impact the district.
Senate Bill 727/House Bill 1359 – Charles County – Student Bus Transportation Providers – Provider Displacement
SB 727 / HB 1359
These bills would require Charles County Public Schools to provide a 10-year advance notice before terminating contracts with private providers of student bus services. Currently, around 80% of student transportation is handled by outside contractors, with the rest managed in-house. The Senate and House versions are similar, though some differences remain.
House Bill 596 – Education – Dependent Children of Service Members – Advance Enrollment Procedures
HB 596
This bill aims to simplify school enrollment for military families relocating to Maryland. Although an existing process allows such enrollment, the bill would require additional state assistance. The Board of Education has supported the bill with amendments, some of which have been incorporated into the legislation.
House Bill 147 – County Boards of Education – Elementary and Middle Schools – Student Technology Use Policy
HB 147
This bill would require local school boards to establish policies restricting the use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices by elementary and middle school students during school hours, with exceptions. However, the bill would not apply to school boards that already have similar policies in place.
Senate Bill 75 – Juvenile Law – Probation and Treatment Services – Required Disposition (Parental Accountability Act)
SB 75
This bill would mandate parental participation in treatment service plans for children who have committed certain delinquent acts or have been adjudicated as needing supervision by the juvenile court.
The Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) closely monitors numerous bills, many of which have been discussed during its biweekly Legislative Committee meetings. For an updated list of tracked legislation, visit MABE’s advocacy page.
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