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SB 277

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ATTENDANCE AND ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Mara Gorman and 9 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 277 strengthens protections and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students, ensuring attendance flexibility, equitable access, and coordinated support to stay i

Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
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Bill Summary · SB 277

Summary of SB 277 (Delaware, 153rd Session)

Overview

  • Bill: SB 277
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Delaware, 153rd Session
  • Title: An Act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to attendance and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students
  • Introduced: 2026-04-15
  • Committee: Education Committee (Senate) – Assigned at introduction
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary and co-sponsors include Mara Gorman, Dave Sokola, Dave Lawson, Bryant Richardson, Claire Snyder-Hall, Kyra Hoffner, Eric Morrison, Josue Ortega, Ray Seigfried, and Melanie Ross Levin

Purpose and Intent

SB 277 aims to modify Delaware law governing attendance and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students. The bill seeks to clarify and strengthen requirements related to school attendance, reporting, and supportive accommodations to ensure that pregnant and parenting students have equitable access to education and are supported in managing pregnancy- or parenting-related needs while continuing their schooling.

Key Provisions (Expected Scope)

Note: The bill text is not provided here, but typical provisions in this policy area generally include:
- Attendance and Excused Absences: Establishing protections for pregnancy- and parenting-related absences, specifying when absences are excused and how they are to be documented.
- Accommodations and Supports: Requir­ing schools to provide reasonable accommodations (e.g., flexible scheduling, reduced course loads, modified assignments, access to nurse/medical facilities) to minimize disruption to education due to pregnancy or parenting duties.
- Access to Education: Ensuring pregnant and parenting students have equal access to coursework, extracurricular activities, and extracurricular participation, potentially including accommodations for transportation or attendance.
- Reporting and Records: Provisions around confidentiality, record-keeping, and reporting requirements to monitor compliance and outcomes for pregnant and parenting students.
- Non-Discrimination Protections: Reinforcing protections against discrimination based on pregnancy or parenting status within school policies and practices.
- Coordination with Health/Support Services: Encouraging or mandating collaboration with school nurses, counselors, social workers, and community services to support students’ health and family needs.
- Transition and Return-to-School: Provisions to facilitate timely and sustained return to classes after medical leave, including academic adjustments and tutoring when needed.
- Definitions: Clarification of terms such as “pregnant student,” “parenting student,” “accommodations,” and “absences.”

Affected Parties

  • Students: Pregnant and parenting students enrolled in Delaware public schools (K-12 and potentially alternative education programs) who could benefit from expanded attendance protections and accommodations.
  • Schools and Districts: School administrations, attendance officers, guidance counselors, and school nurses responsible for implementing accommodations, documenting absences, and ensuring compliance.
  • Parents/Guardians and Families: Family members who may be involved in decision-making around accommodations and support services.
  • State Education Authorities: Department of Education and related agencies responsible for enforcing attendance policies and monitoring statutory compliance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Education Committee in the Senate as of 2026-04-15.
  • Next Steps:
    • The Education Committee will review, potentially hold hearings, and amend the bill.
    • If advanced, the bill would proceed through the Senate floor for debate and a vote.
    • If passed by the Senate, it would move to the House (as applicable in Delaware’s bicameral process) for consideration, committee review, and votes.
  • Effective Date: The bill’s effective date and any phase-in period would be specified in the final enacted text (not provided here).

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Positive Impacts: Could enhance educational continuity for pregnant and parenting students, reduce stigma and disciplinary actions related to pregnancy, and improve health and academic outcomes through structured accommodations and supports.
  • Operational Impacts: Schools may need to update attendance policies, training for staff, and processes for documenting accommodations and monitoring compliance.
  • Equity Considerations: Aligns with broader equity goals by ensuring students with pregnancy or parenting responsibilities receive appropriate educational access and non-discriminatory treatment.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include specific bill text provisions or anticipated fiscal implications once the full bill language is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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