Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that raises the dropout age for students enrolled in Maryland public schools.

Highlights:

• Requires each child residing in the state to regularly attend public school during the entire school year from the age of 5 through the age of 17, whereas existing law only required school attendance until age 16, beginning July 1, 2015 (Sec. 1).

• Requires each child residing in the state to regularly attend public school during the entire school year from the age of 5 through the age of 18, whereas existing law only required school attendance until age 16, beginning in July 1, 2017 (Sec. 2).

• Repeals homeschooling as a reason for exemption from the requirement to attend school (Secs. 1 & 2).

• Repeals part-time attendance in GED courses as a reason for exemption from the requirement to attend school (Secs. 1 & 2).

• Requires a child under the age of 18 who is no longer participating in GED courses or who has failed to obtain a passing score on the GED to return to public school  (Secs. 1 & 2).

Full Bill Text