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SB 81

Criminal Law - School Resource Officers - Prohibition on Sexual Activity with Students

2026 Regular Session Introduced by William Folden

SB 81 criminalizes sexual activity between school resource officers and students, establishing specific offense statutes to protect students from abuse of authority by law enforcement in schools.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 453
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Bill Summary · SB 81

Legislative bill overview

SB 81 creates criminal penalties specifically prohibiting school resource officers (SROs) from engaging in sexual activity with students. The bill establishes this as a distinct offense under Maryland criminal law, with enhanced accountability measures for law enforcement personnel working in educational settings.

Why is this important

School resource officers occupy positions of significant authority and trust within school communities, making students particularly vulnerable to abuse of power. This legislation addresses a gap in statutory protections by explicitly criminalizing sexual misconduct by SROs, potentially increasing prosecution effectiveness and serving as a deterrent to such abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definitional clarity: Questions about what constitutes "sexual activity" and whether the law covers grooming behaviors, possession of exploitative materials, or only direct sexual contact
  • Sentencing and penalties: Stakeholders may disagree on whether penalties are proportionate, with some arguing they should be harsher given the position of authority involved, while others express concerns about inconsistent sentencing compared to similar offenses
  • Implementation and reporting: Uncertainty about which agencies oversee enforcement, how investigations will be conducted, and whether school districts must implement specific reporting protocols or training requirements

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

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