Montgomery County will not have to pay a $23.4 million penalty for failing last year to meet state requirements on local education spending.

On Thursday, the House of Delegates joined the Senate in approving the penalty waiver, which comes as lawmakers are re-examining local school spending requirements.

Montgomery County had sough a waiver from the state school board and was denied. County officials took their case to lawmakers, telling them the board failed to consider the economic downturn and their history of paying more than was required under the law.

Maryland lawmakers are debateing a measure that would require the state school board to consider such circumstances.

— Julie Bykowicz