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HB 993

Education - Public Middle Schools - Course on Consequences of a Felony Murder Conviction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway

Maryland middle schools must teach students about felony murder convictions and their legal consequences before graduation.

Hearing 2/24 at 11:00 a.m. (Ways and Means)
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Bill Summary · HB 993

Legislative bill overview

HB 993 would require Maryland public middle schools to include a course or curriculum unit on the consequences of felony murder convictions. The bill mandates that students learn about the legal definitions, sentencing implications, and collateral consequences of felony murder charges before graduation from middle school.

Why is this important

This bill addresses juvenile awareness and legal literacy by exposing young people to serious criminal consequences during formative years. Proponents argue early education about felony murder laws may deter risky behavior among adolescents and provide important civics knowledge about the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum burden and scope: Schools already manage crowded curricula; opponents may question whether this specific criminal topic warrants mandatory middle school instruction over other legal or civic subjects
  • Age-appropriateness concerns: Middle schoolers (typically ages 11-14) span significant developmental ranges; critics may argue the graphic nature of felony murder consequences could be traumatizing or too advanced for younger students
  • Implementation and funding: The bill doesn't specify funding mechanisms, teacher training requirements, or detailed curriculum standards, raising questions about how districts would practically implement this mandate

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

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