en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to require the Department of Juvenile Services to notify school officials when students charged with “reportable offenses” in another jurisdiction are transferred into their school system.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, was filed at the request of Washington County Public Schools.
It now goes to the House of Delegates, where a companion bill sponsored by Del. Paul Corderman, R-Washington, is set for a hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Judiciary Committee.
These offenses, as defined by law, range from murder to cruelty to animals. There are more than 60.
WCPS sought the bill the past two years because when a student from another jurisdiction is charged with one of these offenses, goes through the juvenile justice system and is placed in a group home in Washington County, there’s no legal requirement that school officials are told what the offense or disposition was.
If students already enrolled in Washington County are arrested for one of these offenses, law enforcement agencies must notify school officials.
The school system also is notified if charges are modified or there’s an adjudication.
WCPS Chief Legal Counsel Anthony Trotta has told Herald-Mail Media the bill stemmed from requests by staff members who said the information is necessary to meet those students’ needs, which could include special services.
Another consideration, he said, is safety for all students.
The Senate approved the bill Wednesday without debate. A similar bill failed in committee last year.
Careers Staff Directory Accessibility Site Map Legals Our Ethical Principles Terms of Service Privacy Policy Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy PolicyDo Not Sell My Info / Cookie Policy
Contact Us Support Local Business Advertise Your Business Advertising Terms and Conditions Licensing & Reprints Help Center Subscriber Guide My Account Give Feedback