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SB 886

SB 886 - This act establishes the "Keep Our Schools Safe Act" and creates and modifies provisions relating to school safety. For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act authorizes a tax credit for teachers, administrative personnel, and athletic coaches at public, private, and charter schools to purchase a firearm or pay for an eligible firearms safety course. No taxpayer may claim a tax credit in excess of $150, and the total amount of tax credits allocated in any tax year shall not exceed $500,000. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall establish criteria defining an eligible course and shall post such criteria, along with a list of eligible courses, on the DPS website, as well as submitting this information to the Department of Revenue. (Section 135.1300) The act creates the "Keep Our Schools Safe Act" relating to school protection officers and firearm safety training for students. Currently, a school district may designate a teacher or school administrator a school protection officer. This act requires each public school, charter school, and private school to designate a school protection officer to be present at all times when children are on the school campus, as provided in the act. In addition to teachers and administrators, a school may also designate a retired law enforcement officer or retired member of the Armed Forces of the United States to serve as a volunteer school protection officer. A school protection officer shall carry a concealed firearm and a self-defense spray device. Any volunteer school protection officer who violates provisions of law regarding concealed firearms and self-defense spray may be subject to removal from the building and dismissal as a volunteer. Any teacher or administrator who violates such provisions may additionally be subject to employment termination proceedings. Before an individual is designated a school protection officer, a school shall conduct a public hearing regarding such appointment, as provided in current law. Each school shall ensure that all students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade eight participate in a mandatory, annual Eddie Eagle Gunsafe training course on firearm safety provided by the National Rifle Association. (Section 160.665) This act similar to SB 399 (2023), HCS/HB 1961 (2020), and provisions in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 523 (2020), HCS/SS/SB 600 (2020), and in HCS/SB 774 (2020). OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Schroer

Creates Maryland's seven-member delegation (plus an advisory committee) to participate in an Article V constitutional convention, with qualifications, oversight, and costs.

Hearing Cancelled S Education Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 886

Summary — SB 886: Amendments Convention Called Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution — Delegation to the Convention

Status: Introduced; assigned to committee. Effective date provision: June 1, 2025 (triggered only if two‑thirds of the states apply to Congress to call an Article V convention).

Purpose
- Establish a statutory framework for Maryland’s participation in an amendments convention called under Article V of the U.S. Constitution by requiring the General Assembly to appoint a state delegation (and an advisory committee) and by prescribing the qualifications, duties, limits, and oversight mechanisms that will govern commissioners to that convention.

Key provisions
- Trigger and timing: If two‑thirds of the states invoke Article V and an amendments convention is called, the General Assembly must, in the next regular session, appoint a delegation and an advisory committee under this subtitle.
- Delegation size and appointment: The delegation consists of seven commissioners appointed by a resolution adopted by a majority of those present and voting in a joint session of the General Assembly.
- Qualifications for commissioners:
- U.S. citizen for at least 5 years and state resident for at least 5 years;
- At least 25 years old and a registered voter;
- No federal employment/contracting within the prior 10 years (military service is excepted);
- No federally elected/appointed office in the prior 10 years;
- No felony convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude (or any felony within prior 10 years);
- May not hold a state elected office while serving as commissioner.
- Oath and credentials: Commissioners must execute a written oath; a copy is filed with the Secretary of State and provided as credential.
- Compensation and benefits: Commissioners receive the same pay as a member of the House of Delegates (prorated) and the same expense allowance. Gift limit while serving: $200 (with narrow exceptions).
- Operational rules and limitations:
- Delegation elects chair(s), designates who casts the state’s vote on the convention floor, and designates the delegation’s media spokesperson;
- Commissioners may not alter the traditional convention decision rule that each state has one vote;
- Commissioners are prohibited from voting in favor of any proposed amendment that would alter the text of core individual‑liberty guarantees (explicitly protects the Bill of Rights and the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th Amendments).
- Communication rules limit commissioners’ public statements about convention business (only designated spokesperson may speak to media).
- Advisory committee:
- Composition: one member appointed by the Speaker (House), one by the President (Senate), and one jointly appointed member (approved by majorities of both chambers). Committee selects its chair.
- Duties: monitor the convention (including committees/subcommittees), hire staff, advise commissioners on scope/authority (must respond to requests within 24 hours), and fill vacancies by appointing interim commissioners pending General Assembly action.
- Removal/recall: Commissioners may be removed by joint resolution of the General Assembly or, when the Assembly is not in session, by majority vote of the advisory committee (subject to subsequent legislative action).
- Enforcement: If the advisory committee determines a commissioner exceeded authority it must remove the commissioner and notify legislative leaders and the convention presiding officers.

Who is affected
- The General Assembly (responsible for appointment and oversight);
- Individuals appointed as commissioners and advisory committee members;
- State budget/general fund if an Article V convention is called (the bill authorizes compensation, expenses, and advisory committee staffing).
- Maryland taxpayers potentially, to the extent direct expenditures occur once a convention is convened.

Fiscal impact
- The fiscal note indicates potential general fund expenditures (potentially significant) if a convention is called — costs are uncertain because it is unknown whether or when an Article V convention will be convened.

Procedural/timeline notes
- The statute would become operative after the triggering event (two‑thirds of states invoke Article V) and the requirements apply in the General Assembly’s next regular session following that event.
- The bill establishes rapid advisory timelines (e.g., 24‑hour response requirement by the advisory committee for advice requests).

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

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