Maryland Senate Bill SB887

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Primary and Secondary Education - Title IX - Policies and Procedures (Hear Our Voices Act of 2022)

Impact

The bill requires the establishment of a database to facilitate the submission and management of sexual misconduct complaints within local school systems. Schools are mandated to notify parents or guardians of students who file complaints and to annually report aggregated data on such complaints to the Department of Education. These provisions signify a robust commitment to addressing sexual misconduct, reflecting a progressive approach to safeguarding students in educational environments.

Summary

Senate Bill 887, titled the 'Hear Our Voices Act of 2022,' establishes new requirements for handling sexual misconduct complaints in primary and secondary education settings in Maryland. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to develop comprehensive policies and procedures for reporting, administering, investigating, and resolving incidents of sexual misconduct related to Title IX. This framework aims to enhance accountability in schools and ensure that complaints are addressed efficiently and transparently.

Contention

A key point of contention surrounding SB887 is the provision that allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against local school systems that fail to comply with the established policies. This aspect of the bill underscores a shift towards increased legal accountability, which some proponents argue is necessary for protecting student rights. However, critics may raise concerns about the burden this could place on school systems, particularly smaller districts that may struggle to meet the new requirements without additional resources.