House Bill 983, introduced in Maryland on March 15, 2025, seeks to empower local school boards to provide educational materials exclusively in English. The bill allows local boards to request a declaratory judgment from the court, which would permit them to bypass state mandates requiring multilingual resources. However, this judicial approval hinges on the court's determination that the state board's decision was arbitrary or an abuse of discretion.

Key provisions of the bill include the authority for the Attorney General to issue subpoenas and conduct fact-finding hearings to ensure compliance with the law. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, if passed.

The proposal has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and community members. Proponents argue that it streamlines educational resources and promotes English proficiency among students. Critics, however, contend that it undermines the needs of non-English speaking students and could exacerbate educational inequalities.

The implications of House Bill 983 are substantial, as it touches on issues of language access in education, cultural inclusivity, and the role of local versus state governance in educational policy. As discussions continue, the bill's future remains uncertain, with potential amendments and further scrutiny expected in the coming legislative sessions.