MD HB879

Establishes a Task Force to Improve Attendance and Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Schools, with members including legislators, educators, a student, parent, school counselor, social worker, and representatives from higher education and educational organizations

Task Force must analyze chronic absenteeism data, evaluate local and national best practices, set a statewide reduction goal, and develop guidance and toolkits with culturally responsive, nonpunitive strategies for elementary, middle, and high school leaders

Task Force must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2025, including a single definition of chronic absenteeism and best practices for data collection

State Department of Education must update attendance regulations by December 31, 2025, and distribute the Task Force's toolkit and guidance to local school systems by June 30, 2026

Act takes effect July 1, 2025, and automatically sunsets on December 31, 2026