Maryland school systems must adopt sexual abuse response plans

The State Department of Education must develop a model response policy for local school systems. The model covers credible school-related reports of sexual abuse or misconduct. A credible report is specific and plausible, comes from someone with apparent knowledge, and warrants temporary protective action. The model policy must not interfere with a thorough and unbiased investigation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Each local school system must adopt a response policy, post a link to the statewide resource platform, notify parents, and share limited public updates about serious incidents. These duties apply to each local school system. A serious incident includes certain credible allegations that result in removal from student contact for more than 10 days, as well as other serious safety events. Parent notices must confirm receipt of a credible allegation, say whether the employee was removed from student contact, describe safety steps, and list available support referrals; they may not name the employee under investigation. For serious incidents, the system must post nonidentifying information about the incident and investigation, with relevant support links. Law enforcement or child protective services may request that details be withheld or public communication delayed. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. Parent notice is due as soon as feasible after the system learns of a credible allegation.

Each local school system must review its response after a covered case or serious incident ends. The review follows the conclusion of a child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct case or a serious incident. The review must examine how the incident occurred, contributing conditions, gaps in procedures or communication, parent notification, coordination with authorities, transparency, and possible improvements. The system may provide a redacted written report to the State Board and State Superintendent. The review must occur within 45 days after the case or incident concludes.