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Bill

HB 879

Task Force to Improve Attendance and Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison and 17 co-sponsors

Maryland creates task force to study school absenteeism causes and develop recommendations to improve attendance and student outcomes.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 243
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Bill Summary · HB 879

Legislative bill overview

HB 879 establishes a task force in Maryland charged with studying and developing strategies to improve school attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism among students. The task force will examine root causes of absenteeism, review existing programs, and make recommendations for systemic improvements. The bill was signed into law in May 2025 after passing both chambers of the Maryland legislature.

Why is this important

Chronic absenteeism (typically defined as missing 10% or more of school days) significantly impacts student academic achievement, graduation rates, and long-term outcomes. By creating a dedicated task force, Maryland is acknowledging that absenteeism is a systemic issue requiring coordinated, evidence-based solutions rather than isolated school-by-school responses. The task force's recommendations could inform future legislation and school policy affecting hundreds of thousands of students statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Task forces require funding and staff time; critics may question whether resources should go directly to schools instead of a study commission
  • Root cause complexity: Absenteeism stems from diverse factors (poverty, transportation, mental health, family circumstances) that may exceed schools' ability to address without broader social support systems
  • Implementation accountability: Recommendations from task forces often lack enforcement mechanisms; effectiveness depends on whether schools and districts actually adopt suggested improvements

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

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