County Boards of Education - Root Causes of Chronic Absenteeism and Expulsion - Investigation and Reporting

HB 523 requires every Maryland county board of education to investigate and report on the root causes of student absenteeism and expulsions. Specifically, boards must examine factors like a student's home situation, family vacations, health issues (mental, physical, or substance use), school environment, and whether the student provides care or translation for family members. Starting January 1, 2026, each county must submit quarterly reports for 10 years to state legislative committees and local representatives detailing these findings. The bill directly affects all county school boards and aims to identify systemic issues impacting student attendance and discipline.