Should this bill pass, state laws concerning educational discipline will shift towards a more restorative approach, aiming to limit the over-application of suspensions and expulsions. Schools will be required to collect and analyze data to monitor disciplinary action and ensure that policies do not unfairly target specific demographic groups. This focus on data collection could foster greater accountability among educational institutions, potentially leading to legislative changes at both the state and local levels that redefine acceptable disciplinary measures and support resources within schools.
Summary
SB1338, known as the 'Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025', aims to mitigate the impact of exclusionary discipline practices in schools that disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly girls of color. The bill seeks to enforce policies that reduce the use of punitive disciplinary measures and promote a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. Significant provisions include the collection of data regarding suspension and expulsion rates, strategies for implementing restorative practices, and ensuring mental health supports are available for affected students. It addresses the need to support students facing adversity, such as those from low-income backgrounds, those experiencing trauma, or those with disabilities.
Contention
Notably, there may be points of contention involving the prohibition of traditional disciplinary measures such as zero-tolerance policies and school-based law enforcement practices. Critics may argue that eliminating these measures could undermine school safety or enable disruptive behavior. Furthermore, discussions around funding allocation for implementing these reforms—estimated at $500 million annually—could spark debate among lawmakers about priorities in education and public safety funding. Balancing the need for a secure learning environment with the imperative of social justice remains a central theme in the discourse surrounding this bill.
Creation of a State Debt – Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, and the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loans of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025