MD HB575

County boards of education must adopt attendance policies that excuse public school student absences for civic engagement activities at "public facing bodies" (entities subject to the Open Meetings Act with elected or appointed members)

Excused activities include testifying virtually or in person at hearings, meeting with body members, contributing to policy development, and participating in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program

Students must be allowed at least 15 hours or 2 school days for testifying and civic engagement activities, plus additional time for the full length of the Page Program

These civic engagement absences are in addition to any existing excused absence allowances under county board policies

Effective date: July 1, 2026