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SB 381

Education - School Building Energy Usage - Monthly Report

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Watson and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland schools must submit monthly energy usage and cost reports tracking electricity, gas, and water consumption for operational transparency and efficiency improvement.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 381

Legislative bill overview

SB 381 requires Maryland schools to generate and submit monthly reports on building energy usage. The bill mandates tracking and reporting of electricity, natural gas, water consumption, and related costs across school facilities to improve transparency and accountability in energy management.

Why is this important

Energy costs represent a significant portion of school operational budgets, often competing with classroom resources and teacher salaries. Monthly reporting creates data visibility that can identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and help districts make informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and energy conservation investments. This transparency also enables schools to benchmark performance and potentially lower utility expenses district-wide.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Schools would need to implement systems to collect and compile monthly data, requiring staff time and potentially new software, creating costs that may offset energy savings
  • Data accuracy and consistency: Varying building ages, meter conditions, and reporting methods across districts could produce inconsistent or unreliable data, limiting meaningful comparison
  • Undefined consequences: The bill doesn't specify what happens if schools fail to report, don't meet efficiency targets, or how the data will be used, raising questions about enforcement and practical application

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

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