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Bill

HB 197

Public Schools - Restorative Practices Schools - Comprehensive Plan

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Atterbeary and 10 co-sponsors

Maryland requires public schools to develop comprehensive restorative practices plans emphasizing harm repair and relationship-building over traditional suspensions and expulsions.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 240
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Bill Summary · HB 197

Legislative bill overview

HB 197 requires Maryland public schools to develop and implement comprehensive restorative practices plans as alternatives to traditional disciplinary approaches. The bill mandates that schools establish systems focused on repairing harm, rebuilding relationships, and addressing root causes of behavioral issues rather than relying solely on suspensions and expulsions.

Why is this important

Restorative practices aim to reduce school discipline disparities, lower suspension rates (which disproportionately affect students of color), and improve school climate and safety. The approach has been associated with better academic outcomes and reduced recidivism in some jurisdictions, though implementation quality and consistency vary significantly across districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden and costs: Schools must develop comprehensive plans and train staff without necessarily receiving proportional funding increases, creating resource challenges for under-resourced districts
  • Varying effectiveness: Research shows restorative practices work better in some contexts than others; mandatory implementation may produce inconsistent results depending on school capacity and community buy-in
  • Balance with accountability: Critics worry the approach may be perceived as too lenient, while concerns exist about whether serious misconduct is addressed adequately compared to traditional discipline

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

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