State board approves publishing several COMAR amendments including childcare emergency sanctions and nondiscrimination rule

The Maryland State Board of Education voted to publish several proposed COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) amendments and related notices after staff presented the rule language and a brief explanation of intent.

The Office of Child Care proposed a new "emergency intermediate sanctions" regulation that would allow targeted, immediate enforcement actions (for example limiting capacity in a single classroom or prohibiting specific individuals from being alone with children) while an investigation is pending, rather than closing an entire program. Staff said emergency suspensions are rare (under 1% of programs last year) and the new tool would allow more narrowly tailored responses to urgent health or safety concerns.

MSDE also asked to publish an amendment to COMAR 13A.02.06 to allow local education agencies to identify students who use transportation as a 504 accommodation as eligible for a $1,000 transportation grant per student (the grant is described in Education Article 5-218). Finally, the board moved to publish regulations implementing the nondiscrimination complaints procedures required by recent legislation (Bill 666 from the 2022 session). For each item the board heard a short staff presentation, asked clarifying questions and approved motions to publish; votes were recorded as "aye" with motions passing.