Maryland House of DelegatesSB 218Apr 10, 2026

State Superintendent of Schools - Prolonged State of Emergency - Authority to Declare

Passed 96–37Party-line

What it does: Lets the State Superintendent of Schools, instead of the Governor, declare a prolonged state of emergency when an event prevents in-person attendance for at least 14 consecutive school days, allowing virtual instruction. (AI-written summary of the bill; the official record shows the exact version voted)

Question before the chamber: Third Reading (SB) Calendar No.58 · On Third Reading

Read the official record ↗

The tally

Yes 96 · No 37 · Not voting 8

Bar: green = yes, brown = no, striped = not voting.

Votes by party
Party	Yes	No	Not voting
Democrats	96	0	6
Republicans	0	37	2

Most Democrats voted yes; most Republicans voted no.

The full roll (141)

“Not voting” is a recorded non-vote, not a reason for the absence. Parties come from public rosters; how we count.