Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB812

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Higher Education - Disciplinary Records - Use in Admissions and Disciplinary Proceedings

Impact

The enactment of SB812 will have significant implications for state education laws. By removing the requirement for applicants to disclose their disciplinary records, the bill is designed to lower barriers for students who may have previously faced difficulties in gaining admission due to such records. Additionally, institutions will be limited in their ability to consider these records during the admissions process, fostering a more inclusive environment for potential students.

Summary

Senate Bill 812 addresses the issue of how disciplinary records are utilized in the admissions and disciplinary processes of institutions of higher education. Specifically, the bill prohibits these institutions from using admissions applications that ask about an applicant's disciplinary record, except under certain circumstances. This prohibition aims to create a more equitable admissions process by ensuring that students are not disproportionately affected by past disciplinary issues when seeking to enroll in higher education.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB812 highlight a variety of viewpoints. Proponents argue that the bill promotes fairness and rectifies systemic issues where students from marginalized backgrounds may be unfairly impacted by their disciplinary histories. Critics, however, express concern that the bill could allow students with serious past infractions to escape accountability, potentially compromising campus safety and integrity. The balance between protecting student rights and maintaining institutional standards remains a critical area of discussion.

Additional_notes

Overall, SB812 seeks to reform how higher education institutions approach the consideration of disciplinary records, emphasizing rehabilitation and equitable opportunities for all students while navigating contentious issues of accountability and safety in academic settings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD SB151

Higher Education - Disciplinary Records - Use in Admissions and Disciplinary Proceedings

MD HB510

(New Title) establishing a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

MD HB05426

An Act Requiring The Availability Of An Advisor During Disciplinary Proceedings At Institutions Of Higher Education.

MD HB3452

Relating to inquiries into the criminal and disciplinary history of an applicant for undergraduate admission to a public institution of higher education.

MD HB738

Provides relative to student disciplinary proceedings (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

MD SB179

Education; the academic and disciplinary records of each transferring student shall be provided within five days; require

MD SB0888

Education: discipline; school disciplinary proceedings; modify. Amends sec. 1310d of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1310d). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0886'26, SB 0887'26

MD HB664

Health Occupations - Licensed Direct-Entry Midwives - Disciplinary Actions

MD SB54

State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners - Grounds for Disciplinary Action - Restrictions

MD HB2808

Medical board; disciplinary action

Similar Bills

NJ A1114

Establishes position of Ombudsman of Student Discipline to serve within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

SC H3486

Student and Administration Equality Act

CA AB602

Public postsecondary education: student behavior: drug and alcohol use: rehabilitation programs.

LA HB738

Provides relative to student disciplinary proceedings (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

MD SB151

Higher Education - Disciplinary Records - Use in Admissions and Disciplinary Proceedings

TN SB2259

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to public institutions of higher education.

TN HB2194

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to public institutions of higher education.

WI AB501

Free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)