Ch. 323                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Education

7-304.

(a), (1) In accordance with the rules and regulations of the county board, each
principal of a public school may suspend for cause, for not more than 5 school days, any
student in the school who is under the direction of the principal.

(2)     The student or his parent or guardian promptly shall be given a
conference with the principal and any other appropriate personnel during the suspension
period.

(b)     At the request of a principal, a county superintendent may suspend a student
for more than 5, school days or expel him.

(c)     (1) If a principal finds that a suspension of more than 5 school days or
expulsion is warranted, he immediately shall report the matter in writing to the county
superintendent.

           (2) The county superintendent or his designated representative promptly

shall make a thorough investigation of the matter.

(3)     If after the investigation the county superintendent finds that a longer
suspension or expulsion is warranted, he or his designated representative promptly shall
arrange a conference with the student and his parent or guardian.

(4)     If after the conference the county superintendent or his designated
representative finds that a suspension of more than 10 school days or expulsion is
warranted, the student or his parent or guardian may:

(i) Appeal to the county board within 10 days after the determination;

(ii) Be heard before the county board or its designated committee; and

(iii) Bring counsel and witnesses to the hearing.

(5)     Unless a public hearing is requested by the parent or guardian of the
student, a hearing shall be held out of the presence of all individuals except those whose
presence is considered necessary or desirable by the board.

(6)     The appeal to the county board does not stay the decision of the county
superintendent.

(7)     The decision of the county board is final.

(d)     (1) This subsection applies to Prince George's County only.

(2)     Any student expelled or suspended from school shall remain away from
the school premises during those hours each school day when the school the student
attends is in session.

(3)     The expelled or suspended student may return to the school premises

- 1894 -