Bill limiting suspensions for young students passes

Legislation significantly restricting the circumstances under which Maryland’s youngest students can be suspended or expelled from school is headed to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk after receiving final approval Saturday in the House of Delegates.

The Senate had already approved an identical version of the bill. Both chambers passed the legislation by veto-proof margins despite sharp opposition from some Republican lawmakers.

Del. Brooke Lierman, a Baltimore Democrat and the bill’s sponsor in the House, said she was “really proud” of the legislature for passing the bill.

The legislation allows the suspension or expulsion of students in pre-K through second grade under only the most narrow circumstances. When permitted, suspensions may only last five days. Schools will be required to provide interventions for students with behavioral issues.