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SB 136

Education - Safe Schools Fund - Grant Allocations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Folden

Maryland bill establishes Safe Schools Fund grants to support school safety initiatives through competitive allocations reviewed by Appropriations Committee.

Hearing 3/26 at 2:30 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 136

Legislative bill overview

SB 136 establishes or modifies a Safe Schools Fund in Maryland that allocates grants to support school safety initiatives. The bill has progressed through the Budget and Taxation Committee with amendments and is now under Appropriations review. The specific allocation amounts, eligible uses, and distribution mechanisms are not detailed in the provided action summary.

Why is this important

School safety funding directly affects student and staff security through investments in infrastructure, mental health resources, threat assessment programs, or emergency preparedness. Grant-based approaches allow schools with varying needs and resources to access targeted funding, though effectiveness depends on how funds are distributed and used.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation methodology: Whether grants are distributed equitably across urban, suburban, and rural districts, or if larger/wealthier districts have advantages in application processes
  • Acceptable uses of funds: Debate over whether funding should prioritize physical security measures (cameras, locks), mental health services, threat assessment teams, or armed personnel in schools
  • Accountability and measurability: Questions about how the state will track whether grants achieve meaningful safety improvements and what reporting requirements schools must meet

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

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