Maryland House Bill HB655

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Education - Student Behavior - Parent and Guardian Notice and Required Counseling (Parent and Guardian Accountability Act)

Impact

The bill mandates that if a student engages in two or more incidents of violent behavior during a school year, the school principal must notify the parent or guardian about the behavior. This requirement will push for accountability from parents, making them partners in the educational process and behavioral management of their children. In addition, a failure to comply with the counseling requirement can result in potential legal consequences, including community service, which underscores the seriousness with which the law views parental responsibility.

Summary

House Bill 655, titled 'Education - Student Behavior - Parent and Guardian Notice and Required Counseling', aims to establish legal obligations for parents and guardians of students in public schools. The bill makes it unlawful for a parent or guardian to fail to seek and participate in counseling with their child after receiving written notice from the school regarding the child's violent or disruptive behavior. This initiative seeks to encourage parental involvement in addressing behavioral issues at school and to promote a more supportive environment for students struggling with such challenges.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 655 is the extent to which it holds parents accountable for their children's actions, especially in cases where parents may already be facing numerous challenges. Critics of the bill argue that it could place undue pressure on families, particularly those with limited resources or those already dealing with social and economic stressors. Supporters believe that increased parental engagement is essential for improving student behavior and overall school climate, making the outcome of this legislative effort a central focus of debates in the assembly.