MarylandCounty library boards may select students to vote on policies
Starting July 1, 2026, county library boards may select eligible students for one-year terms, giving them a vote on board policy matters.
What it does
County library boards may select a student member through a process they set. The student may vote on policy matters, and a board may allow votes on other matters.
Argument forA student who votes on library policies may help boards consider how their decisions affect young people.
Argument againstBecause boards decide whether students can vote on other matters, students may have little say in some board decisions.
More detail
A county library board may select a student member through a process it establishes. The student must be a junior or senior enrolled in a public or nonpublic high school, or a home instruction program, in the county the library serves. Students must have good character and an interest in library matters; high school students must also be in good standing. The board selects the student during the student’s sophomore or junior year. The student may vote on policy matters. The board may allow the student to vote on other matters by adopting a policy or bylaw. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. A student member serves a one-year term.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 622Became Law
- Apr 10Passed EnrolledTo Governor
- Apr 10Third Reading PassedMajor
- Apr 10Senate Concurs House Amendments
- Apr 10Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 8Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Apr 8Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Apr 8Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and MeansMinor
- Mar 25
- Vote recorded On Third Reading (Amend). Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 24
- Vote recorded Bill is on Third Reading for Final Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 23Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 20Referred Ways and MeansMinor
- Mar 19Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Mar 18Second Reading Passed
- Mar 18Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Mar 16Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentMinor
- Mar 3
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 10Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 4First Reading Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentIntroduced
Education