Education - Student Behavior - Parent and Guardian Notice and Required Counseling (Parent and Guardian Accountability Act)

HB 655 requires public school principals to send written notice to parents or guardians when a student has two or more incidents of violent or disruptive behavior on school property or during school activities in a single school year. This notice mandates that parents/guardians seek and participate in counseling with their child, warns that failure to do so is unlawful under new Section 3-8A-30.1, and provides referrals to counseling resources. The bill directly affects parents/guardians of students exhibiting such behavior, with non-compliance potentially leading to court-ordered community service. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Maryland’s Education Article (§ 7-304.2) and Courts Article (§ 3-8A-30.1).