Higher Education - Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program - Eligibility

HB 980 expands eligibility for Maryland's Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program to include military dependents (sons, daughters, stepchildren, or surviving spouses) who are eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Chapter 35 Survivors' Dependents' Educational Assistance. The bill simplifies verification by allowing applicants to submit a Chapter 35 eligibility certificate, or if unavailable, have a school official verify their eligibility instead. This change directly affects military families who previously faced barriers in proving Chapter 35 eligibility for the scholarship. The bill modifies Maryland's Education Article sections 18-601(c)(1), (d)(2)(vii), and (f)(1) to implement these changes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.