MD HB288

Authorizes the State Superintendent of Schools to declare a prolonged state of emergency (preventing in-person attendance for 14+ consecutive school days) due to natural disasters, civil disasters, public health emergencies, or specific security threats identified by law enforcement

Shifts emergency declaration authority from the Governor under the Public Safety Article to the State Superintendent, who must consult with the Governor and relevant agencies (Emergency Management, State Police, or Health Department) and issue written declarations

Allows declarations to target specific local school systems or individual schools rather than requiring statewide application, based on written request from a county superintendent or the State Superintendent's own determination

Emergency declarations may be terminated by joint resolution of the General Assembly, affirmative vote by the State Board of Education, or decision by the State Superintendent

Effective date of July 1, 2026