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SB 421

Sickle Cell Disease - Institutions of Higher Education - Policies, Procedures, and Educational Campaigns

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Washington

Maryland colleges must adopt sickle cell disease support policies, procedures, and educational campaigns to assist affected students and raise campus awareness.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
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Bill Summary · SB 421

Legislative bill overview

SB 421 requires Maryland institutions of higher education to establish policies, procedures, and educational campaigns related to sickle cell disease. The bill mandates that colleges and universities implement support systems for students with sickle cell disease and educate the broader campus community about the condition.

Why is this important

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black Americans and requires ongoing management, including pain episodes and regular medical care that can interfere with academic attendance and performance. Without institutional support and awareness, students with this condition face significant barriers to educational success. Establishing standardized policies ensures consistent support across Maryland's higher education system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Colleges may argue that mandated policies and campaigns create unfunded administrative and educational burdens
  • Scope definition: Uncertainty about what specific procedures and campaign elements are required could lead to compliance disputes and inconsistent interpretations across institutions
  • Medical vs. institutional roles: Questions about how far colleges should go in medical accommodation versus referring students to healthcare providers, and liability concerns for institutions

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

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