Sickle Cell Disease - Institutions of Higher Education - Policies, Procedures, and Educational Campaigns (Kaitlyn's Law)
HB0060, known as Kaitlyn’s Law, requires Maryland institutions of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to students diagnosed with sickle cell disease and bars those institutions from denying access to facilities or services because of that diagnosis. It also requires each institution to establish a clear, accessible process for reporting alleged violations and to publicize both the anti-discrimination rule and the reporting procedure to students.
The bill further directs the Maryland Department of Health to create an education and awareness campaign for colleges and universities about the needs of students with sickle cell disease. In consultation with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease, treatment providers, and community organizations, the Department must also develop a framework and procedures for institutions to use in assessing, supporting, and treating affected students. The Department and its partners must provide technical assistance beginning December 1, 2026, monitor implementation, and develop or compile educational materials for faculty, staff, and health personnel to reduce stigma and improve campus support.
The bill adds a new Education Article section governing higher education institutions and new Health-General provisions assigning duties to the Maryland Department of Health and related state entities. It creates an affirmative accommodation obligation for colleges and universities, prohibits denial of access or services based on sickle cell disease, and establishes reporting and notice requirements. It also expands state-level public health and higher education coordination by mandating training, guidance, and implementation oversight related to sickle cell disease on campuses.
The available legislative history suggests the bill was generally favorable, as reflected by its favorable committee report and adoption with floor amendments in the House. The bill’s framing as a student-support and anti-discrimination measure indicates broad sympathy for improving access and awareness for students living with sickle cell disease. No recorded committee transcript or vote breakdown is provided, so the record does not show organized opposition in the materials supplied.
The main policy issues likely concern how far institutions must go in providing “reasonable accommodations,” how reporting and monitoring procedures will be implemented, and the administrative burden on colleges and universities. Another possible point of discussion is the extent to which the bill’s training, awareness, and surveillance activities should be required versus merely encouraged, especially where financial resources may limit implementation. The bill’s consultation requirements suggest an effort to balance institutional feasibility with the needs of students, health providers, and community advocates.