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Bill

HB 763

Education - Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program - Human and Sex Trafficking

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 28 co-sponsors

Maryland mandates age-appropriate school curriculum on sexual abuse, assault, and human trafficking awareness to educate and protect students from exploitation.

Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 763

Legislative bill overview

HB 763 establishes a mandatory Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program in Maryland schools, with curriculum components addressing sexual abuse, assault, and human trafficking. The bill requires age-appropriate education at multiple grade levels and specifies that instruction must be integrated into existing health or safety courses.

Why is this important

Sexual abuse, assault, and human trafficking awareness programs in schools can help students recognize warning signs, understand consent, and know how to report abuse—potentially preventing harm to minors. Maryland joins several other states implementing similar mandates, reflecting growing consensus that prevention education should begin early in a student's academic career.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum control and content disputes: Parents and community groups may disagree about what constitutes "age-appropriate" material, particularly regarding sexual assault and trafficking content for younger students
  • Implementation burden and costs: Schools must develop or adopt curriculum, train teachers, and allocate resources without explicit state funding mechanisms detailed in available summaries
  • Parental notification and opt-out rights: The bill's language on parental involvement and whether families can opt children out of instruction is not specified in the action summary, which typically generates debate

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

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