The Education Policy Committee recommended republishing COMAR 13A.05.04, programs for library media services, after staff revisions prompted by public comment.

Dr. Chelsea Brewer, Executive Director of Literacy Programs and Initiatives, said the department received comments from stakeholders including P-12 groups and Garrett County representatives. MSDE revised the draft to clarify that the local education agency is responsible for periodic review and approval of school library materials, added flexibility for central-office staffing models, refined protections to align with the Freedom to Read Act and expanded definitions.

Dr. Brewer asked the committee for permission to republish the revised draft for additional public comment. Committee members took no questions and moved and seconded the permission-to-republish motion; the committee’s vote was unanimous.

MSDE will collect further public comments during the republish period and return the regulation to the full board with a public-comment summary and any recommended edits.