Maryland Lawmakers Consider Changes to School After Labor Day Law

Several Maryland State House committees have approved a bill that would give local school districts the option of returning to starting the school year before Labor Day.

The 2017-2018 school year was the first in Maryland to start after Labor Day, after an executive order, championed by Comptroller Peter Franchot was signed by Governor Larry Hogan. That declaration stated all school systems in the state must start after Labor Day.

Now, Maryland’s Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee has approved a bill that would place the decision on when to start school back in the hands of local school districts.

Several local retailers in Maryland’s coastal communities have reaped the benefits of the law, extending the tourism season.

The bill was approved along party lines in a 7-4 vote. It now moves to a full vote on the Senate floor.