# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 11A. Student Elopement from School

#### Section 7-11A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Behavior intervention plan" has the meaning stated in Sec. 7-1101 of this title.

(c) "Elopement" means the act of a student leaving the school campus without the permission of a school staff member who has responsibility for the student.

(d) "IEP" means an individualized education program as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(e) "Nonpublic school" has the meaning stated in Sec. 7-1101 of this title.

(f) "School" means:

  (1) A public elementary, middle, or high school;

  (2) The Maryland School for the Blind;

  (3) The Maryland School for the Deaf; and

  (4) A nonpublic school.

(g) "School campus" means the buildings and grounds of a school, including a playground.

(h)

  (1) "Wandering" means the act of a student leaving a classroom or area on the school campus, but not leaving the school campus, without the permission of a school staff member who has responsibility for the student.

  (2) "Wandering" does not include a student leaving a classroom or area on the school campus under a flash pass or another standing arrangement that has been approved by a school administrator.

#### Section 7-11A-02

(a) Each time a student attempts or accomplishes an elopement, the school shall notify the student's parent or guardian of the elopement incident on the same day as the elopement incident.

(b) At least one time each year, a school or a student's IEP team shall review and address with relevant stakeholders a student's wandering or elopement behavior in updating the student's IEP or behavior intervention plan.

#### Section 7-11A-03

A school shall develop policies and procedures to implement the requirements of this subtitle.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)