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Bill

HB 163

County Boards of Education - Student Technology Use Policy - Requirements

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Kaufman and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland requires county school boards to adopt comprehensive student technology use policies addressing safety, appropriate conduct, and digital privacy protections.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 163

Legislative bill overview

HB 163 requires Maryland county boards of education to establish and implement comprehensive policies governing student use of technology devices and platforms. The bill mandates specific requirements for these policies, including guidelines for appropriate use, consequences for violations, and protections for student privacy and digital safety.

Why is this important

As schools increasingly integrate technology into learning, clear usage policies protect students from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and data privacy breaches while establishing consistent expectations across districts. Well-designed policies can also help districts manage technology resources effectively and reduce liability for misuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Schools may resist state-imposed requirements, arguing they should set policies reflecting their communities' values and resources
  • Enforcement complexity: Implementation costs and administrative burden on districts to develop, communicate, and enforce consistent policies across multiple schools
  • Balancing restrictions with learning: Defining appropriate restrictions without limiting educational technology benefits or digital literacy development students need
  • Privacy safeguards specificity: Unclear whether the bill adequately protects student data or places excessive monitoring burdens on districts

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

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