# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 3. Attendance and Discipline of Students

#### Section 7-301.4

(a) In this section, "legislative body" means an entity that:

  (1) Meets to set or carry out public policy;

  (2) Is subject to the Open Meetings Act; and

  (3) Consists of members who are elected or appointed by the Governor or a local executive authority.

(b)

  (1) The student attendance policy of a county board shall include a provision allowing an excused or discretionary absence for a public school student participating in civic engagement activities.

  (2) Civic engagement activities shall include:

    (i) Testifying virtually or in person at a hearing of a legislative body;

    (ii) Meeting with members of a legislative body;

    (iii) Contributing to the consideration, development, or implementation of policy issues; and

    (iv) Participating in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program.

  (3) If the attendance policy requires a note to excuse an absence, the policy shall authorize an appropriate representative to provide a note or reasonable documentation to excuse the student's absence.

(c) A county board shall adopt policies and procedures to carry out the requirements of this section.

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