MD SB595

Vacancies for elected school board members occurring 55+ days before the primary election filing deadline in the second year of the term must be filled through a special election at the next general election

Vacancies occurring 54 days or less before that deadline, or when no candidate qualifies for the ballot, must be filled by remaining board members through a public process requiring advertised vacancy, resume review, livestreamed interviews, and public vote

Vacancies for appointed school board members must be filled within 60 days using the county's existing appointment method

Standardizes vacancy procedures across all Maryland counties and Baltimore City, replacing the current patchwork of county-specific rules involving governors, county executives, county councils, and nominating commissions

Takes effect July 1, 2026