Howard County delegation reviews bill to codify student closures for select religious holidays, tables pending legal review

The Howard County House Delegation discussed HOCO 10-25 on the county school calendar, a bill that would require schools to close for student attendance on specified holidays beginning in the 2026–27 school year and would limit the statutory closure language to the first day of each listed holiday.

Tara, a staff member who presented a combined set of two amendments, told the delegation, “they clarify that the provisions of this bill would begin for the 2026 to through 2027 school year” and that the amendments “indicate that the closure would be for student attendance only.” Dara, a staff member, summarized the practical effect: “As amended, the bill only creates an obligation for the schools to be closed, as it relates to student activities. It doesn't impact the board's authority relating to offices or administration.”

Delegates pressed whether the change…