SB 451 Maryland Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Adult Education - High School Diploma by Examination - Requirements and Study

SB 451 requires Maryland's Department of Labor to allow adult learners to take all components of the General Educational Development (GED) exam in their preferred language, rather than only in English. This directly affects adults seeking high school diplomas through examination, particularly non-native English speakers and English language learners under 21 with interrupted education. The bill also mandates the Department to study offering the exam in additional languages and report findings to legislative committees by December 2026. These changes aim to make the diploma-by-examination process more accessible for diverse language learners.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Signed May 6, 2025

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What changed between versions

Third - Adult Education - High School Diploma by Examination - Requirements and Study → Enrolled - Adult Education - High School Diploma by Examination - Requirements and Study · 4 edits · May 6, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was formally enrolled and presented to the Governor for signature, finalizing its legislative status. The text of the law itself remains substantively unchanged, retaining the same requirements for obtaining a high school diploma by examination and the same timeline for the language study report.

Scope change

The bill's scope and applicability remain unchanged; it continues to apply to individuals in Maryland seeking a high school diploma by examination.

TECHNICAL

The document header was updated to reflect that the bill is now 'Enrolled' and ready for the Governor's approval, replacing the 'Senate Bill' designation and adding formal proofreading and sealing details.

The original introduction date and committee assignment lines were removed as they are no longer relevant once the bill has passed both chambers and been enrolled.

Formal placeholders for the Governor's signature date, time, and the President of the Senate were added to the front of the document.

Minor formatting adjustments were made to the citation of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the layout of the explanatory notes regarding how amendments are displayed.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 23, 2025 · House of Delegates Mar 23, 2025

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 46

Mar 23, 2025

D Democratic33

33 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican13

12 Yea 1

92% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 6, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 327

executive

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed Enrolled

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Introduced

Senate Concurs House Amendments

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

lower

Mar 23, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (45-0-1)

senate

Feb 28, 2025

Committee

Referred Ways and Means

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Feb 25, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Feb 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Jan 22, 2025

Committee

First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

5 primary · 0 co-sponsors