How a Bill Becomes a Law in Maryland
In Maryland anyone can suggest an idea to be considered for a law. Generally, a local Delegate or Senator's
office will work up an idea and then ask an attorney that works for the Maryland Assembly to draft the idea into
a bill. The bill is then introduced into the House or Senate as its First Reading. A First Reading involves
a person reading the bill's number and title. The bill is then assigned to a particular committee.
When the committee holds its hearing on the bill, members of the public as well as experts in the field are allowed
to present testimony in support or against the bill. Anyone may testify as long as they arrive before the hearing
and sign up. All persons testifying should have printed copies of their remarks that will be distributed to committee
members.
After the hearing, the committee will vote to favorably recommend the bill, recommend the bill with amendments, or
give the bill an unfavorable recommendation. At this point, the bill is sent back to the full floor for its
Second Reading. The Second Reading is when all the members of either the House or Senate can debate the bill.
Addtional amendments can be included at this time. The bill is then printed one final time and returned for
its Third Reading.
If the bill passes in its chamber of origin, it is then sent over to the other chamber for consideration. A
similar process occurs with three Readings and a committee hearing. Once a bill passes in both chambers, it is
sent to the governor for his signature. The governor may sign the bill into law or kill the bill with a veto.
|
2007 Legal Updates
|
HOMESCHOOL RELATED LEGISLATION
2007: HB 857 - Income Tax - Credit for Education Materials - Home Instruction Program
UPDATE: This bill received an unfavorable report by the Committee.
This bill allows parents of homeschooling children to claim a credit on their State income tax up to a specified amount
for specified materials for use with their homeschooling program.
Get the latest update on HB 857.
Facts: The tax credit would not exceed $300. Costs from cooperative classes, tutoring services, books and instructional
materials would be eligible deductions.
Status: Referred to the House Ways and Means Committe.
What You Can Do: Send a letter, e-mail or call the members of the committee to express your support for this bill
that gives nominal yet much appreciated tax relief to homeschooling families.
2007: SB 116 - Special Education - Children in a Home School Setting
UPDATE: This bill died in Committee with no action.
This bill will guarantee that Maryland homeschool students, who have been identified as having a learning disability through their
local public school IEP services, will be considered for special educational services, as provided under the Federal IDEA program.
Get the latest update on SB 116.
Facts: Currently, Maryland schools are not required to provide any special educational services to homeschoolers
who have been found to have a learning disability.
Status: Referred to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs.
What You Can Do: Send a letter, e-mail or call the members of the committee to express your support for this bill
that gives fair consideration to homeschool children who are in need of special education services.
2007: HB 264 - Child Support - Deviation From Child Support Guideline
UPDATE: This bill received an unfavorable report from the Judiciary Committee after its hearing on February 8.
This bill adds a clause to existing regulations that allows the court to consider a child's right to maintain their current standard
of living by altering child support guidelines that must otherwise be followed.
Get the latest update on HB 264.
Facts: Numerous homeschool children have been placed into school as a result of divorce because the mothers have been
required to earn a minimum wage living regardless of how long they have homeschooled their children.
Status: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
HOMESCHOOLING REGULATIONS
Become familiar with Maryland Regulations
governing how families may homeschool in the state of Maryland. Remember, local school boards may not impose
additional requirements on homeschooling families beyond what is required through COMAR. It is recommended that
families print a copy of the regulations for easy and accurate reference during any county conducted review you may attend.
Still have questions? Read our Q/A on what
you can be asked to provide at a review.
|
GENERAL EDUCATION RELATED LEGISLATION
2007: SB 525 and HB 538 - Higher Education - Dual Enrollment Grant Program
UPDATE: These bills passed both House and Senate, with amendments, and was signed into law.
However, the language defines a
student as being enrolled in a secondary school, thereby effectively excluding homeschoolers from this program.
This bill would require the Maryland Higher Education Commission to establish and administer a dual enrollment grant program.
Get the latest update on SB 525.
Get the latest update on HB 538.
Facts: According to the current bill, students would be required to be enrolled in both a secondary school and
an institution of higher learning in order to qualify for these funds. Further, the students must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6)
but a maximum of eleven (11) credits. The current wording of this bill effectively blocks homeschoolers from receiving any
funds from this grant program.
Status: SB0525 referred to the Senate Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.
HB0538 referred to the House Ways and Means Committeee.
2007: HB 204 - Tax Credit - Student Textbooks
UPDATE: This bill passed both House and Senate, with amendments, and was signed into law.
This bill allows for certain individuals to claim a tax credit for textbooks purchased for use at institutions of higher education.
Get the latest update on HB 204.
Status: Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
What You Can Do: Send a letter, e-mail or call the members of the committee and request that college textbook purchases be eligible for a tax credit.
2007: HB 206 - Scholarship Program - Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award
UPDATE: This bill received an unfavorable report. Its corresponding Senate Bill, 980, was
withdrawn by its sponsor.
This bill would authorize state funds to be used for 100 - $2,000 renewable scholarships for students who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout or
received the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Get the latest update on HB 206.
Facts: The Supreme Court has upheld that, as a private club, the Boy Scouts of America have the right to
discriminate against individuals on the basis of religion and sexual orientation. This ruling effectively condones discrimination and
blurs the line between state support for a religious based group.
Status: Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Maryland Assembly Online
The Maryland Assembly maintains a easy-to-access website
where you can find information on
how a bill becomes a law in our state. You can also locate your State or
Federal elected officials in order to contact them online, by phone, fax or mail with your opinion. Finally,
you can check here for a list of
Maryland House Committees or for a
Maryland Senate Committee that may be considering a specific bill.
2006 Legislation
See Bills of interest from the 2006 Maryland Assembly session.
|
|
