HB575Introduced in the House of Delegates
Public Schools - Student Attendance - Excused or Discretionary Absences for Civic Engagement
Introduced by Jheanelle Wilkins, District 20
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Requiring the student attendance policy of each county board of education to include a provision allowing an excused or discretionary absence for a public school student participating in civil engagement activities; and clarifying that civic engagement includes testifying virtually or in person at a hearing of a legislative body, meeting with members of the legislative body, contributing to the consideration, development, or implementation of policy issues, or participation in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 630
May 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Third Reading Passed · April 13, 2026
114
Yes
20
No
7
Absent or Not Voting
141 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Buckel | 1 | Yes |
| Terry Baker | 1 | No |
| Jim Hinebaugh | 1 | Yes |
| William Wivell | 2 | No |
| William Valentine | 2 | No |
| Matthew Schindler | 2 | Yes |
| Ken Kerr | 3 | Yes |
| Kris Fair | 3 | Yes |
| Karen Simpson | 3 | Yes |
| Barrie Ciliberti | 4 | Yes |
Bill history
First Reading Ways and Means
Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means
Favorable with Amendments {123323/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (114-16)
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
Favorable with Amendments {853224/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (43-1)
House Concurs Senate Amendments
Third Reading Passed (114-20)
Passed Enrolled
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 630
Verify the information
- Official page on the Maryland Legislature website
- Favorable with Amendments 123323/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Favorable with Amendments 853224/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Vote - House - Committee - Ways and Means (supplement)
- Vote - Senate - Committee - Education, Energy, and the Environment (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Enrolled (text)
- Chaptered (text)
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