Maryland2026Active
HB0060
Kaitlyn's Law for Sickle Cell Disease in Colleges
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law stops colleges from denying access to students with sickle cell disease, requires them to provide reasonable accommodations and reporting procedures, and directs the state health department to create education campaigns and support frameworks.
What it does
- Colleges must give reasonable accommodations to students diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
- Schools cannot deny access or services to any student because they have sickle cell disease.
- Every college must create a clear way for people to report if the school breaks these rules and publicize this procedure.
- The Maryland Department of Health will make an education campaign about challenges young adults face with this condition, including health crises.
- A group including state officials and community leaders will write new procedures for schools to follow when supporting students.
Who it affects
- Students at institutions of higher education in the State who have sickle cell disease
- Faculty, administrative staff, and health personnel working at these colleges
- The Maryland Department of Health
- Institutions of higher education throughout the State
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not list exactly what specific accommodations a school must provide, only that they must be reasonable.
- Schools are encouraged but not required to hold their own events or assessments if money allows.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Accommodations
- Changes or help that a school gives to let a student succeed while managing their health needs.
- Stigmas
- Negative beliefs or unfair judgments about people who have sickle cell disease, which the law aims to reduce through education.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Prohibiting an institution of higher education from denying access or services to a student based on the student's diagnosis of sickle cell disease; requiring an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations for students with sickle cell disease; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to develop an education and awareness campaign, designed to enhance understanding of sickle cell disease and reduce stigmas, for institutions of higher education in the State regarding students with sickle cell disease; etc.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the Senate - First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Finance