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Bill

HB 1390

Public Schools - Veterans' Day - Excused Student Absence

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 16 co-sponsors

Maryland bill allows public school students excused absences on Veterans' Day to attend veteran observances without academic penalties.

Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1390

Legislative bill overview

HB 1390 would allow Maryland public school students to be excused from school on Veterans' Day to participate in Veterans' Day observances and activities. The bill enables students to take an authorized absence without academic penalty when attending veteran-related events or ceremonies.

Why is this important

Veterans' Day recognition in schools shapes how young people understand military service and civic commemoration. This bill creates a formal mechanism for student participation in Veterans' Day activities, potentially increasing youth engagement with veteran communities while balancing educational continuity concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Instructional time loss: Critics may argue that excused absences reduce classroom instruction time and could impact academic achievement, particularly if absences cluster or become frequent
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may lack clear criteria for what constitutes a qualifying "Veterans' Day observance," potentially leading to inconsistent application across school districts
  • Equity and access: Students whose families lack connections to veteran events may effectively lose school days without meaningful participation, raising fairness questions about how the absence is utilized

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

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