State Department of Education - Asian American History - Accurate Instruction
HB1059 requires the Maryland State Department of Education to support more accurate instruction on Asian American history in public schools. It directs the Department’s Division of Educator Effectiveness to evaluate specified Asian American history training programs for possible inclusion in the State’s continuing professional development system, and to publicize approved opportunities so educators can earn professional development points through them.
The bill also creates an Asian American History Grant Program. Under that program, elementary, middle, and high school teachers may apply for grants of up to $2,000 to help pay for professional development in Asian American history, and school libraries may apply for up to $1,000 per year to purchase age-appropriate materials on Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Governor must include a $500,000 annual appropriation for the program. In addition, the Department must identify or develop a professional development course on Asian American history, align it with existing social studies standards, and disseminate age-appropriate instructional materials for Asian American History Month during the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years.
The bill adds a new section to the Education Article, creating a state-level framework for educator training, instructional materials, and grant funding focused on Asian American history. It affects the State Department of Education, county boards of education, teachers, and school libraries by establishing new duties, grant eligibility, reporting requirements, and a temporary appropriation mandate. The act is temporary, taking effect July 1, 2026 and automatically expiring June 30, 2029 unless extended by the General Assembly.
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill, as it passed the House on third reading by a wide margin of 126 yeas to 7 nays. The committee report was favorable with amendments, indicating general agreement with the bill’s purpose while allowing for some revisions. No committee transcript was provided, and the bill was still pending a Senate hearing in the available context.
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the state’s role in directing curriculum-related professional development, the cost of the grant program, and the requirement for a $500,000 annual appropriation beginning in fiscal year 2028. Another possible issue is whether the Department should be required to identify, adapt, or make available specific outside-developed courses and materials. The strong House vote suggests limited opposition overall, but the small number of nays indicates some members may have objected to the funding, mandate structure, or curriculum-related policy choices.