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HB 531

Education - Remote Learning Accommodations - Established (College Disability Education Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andre Johnson and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland law requires colleges to provide remote learning accommodations for disabled students, expanding educational access while institutions navigate implementation costs and program-specific constraints.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 531

Legislative bill overview

HB 531 establishes remote learning accommodations for college students with disabilities in Maryland, creating a framework for institutions to provide distance learning options as a reasonable accommodation under disability law. The bill requires colleges to develop policies ensuring students with disabilities can access coursework remotely when needed, while maintaining academic rigor and program integrity.

Why is this important

College students with disabilities often face barriers to in-person attendance due to mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, sensory disabilities, or other conditions. This bill directly addresses educational access by requiring institutions to formally recognize remote learning as a viable accommodation, potentially benefiting thousands of students across Maryland's higher education system.

Potential points of contention

  • Program-specific limitations: Some academic programs (clinical rotations, laboratory work, hands-on trades) may have legitimate barriers to remote delivery, creating questions about which programs must comply and who determines exceptions
  • Institutional cost burden: Colleges may argue the bill imposes unfunded mandates requiring technology investment, faculty training, and course redesign without state funding allocation
  • Standardization concerns: Different institutions offering varying levels of remote access could create inequities, raising questions about state oversight and enforcement mechanisms
  • Definition clarity: The bill may need clearer definitions of what constitutes adequate remote accommodation versus fundamental alterations to programs

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

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