On February 7, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January submitted written testimony to the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 386- County Boards of Education- Student Members- Voting Rights and Participation in Executive Sessions. This bill extends certain voting rights to student members of local boards of education.
Extending voting authority over school system budgets and collective bargaining is particularly concerning to counties. From MACo Testimony:
Counties have significant and well-founded concerns about the prospect set forth in SB 386 of high school students − who are potentially underage and unable to even vote in Maryland elections − having voting power over the largest portion of a county’s operating budget.
SB 386’s cross-file, HB 456, was also heard on February 7, 2024 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Brianna January submitted written testimony in opposition to this bill.
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