HB 479 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program Workgroup - Establishment

HB 479 establishes the Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program to create a structured, tuition-free pathway for high school students in Southern Maryland - especially those from underrepresented groups and rural areas - to begin teacher preparation while earning college credits. The State Department of Education, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, will administer the program, ensuring participants are treated as dually enrolled students with no tuition or fees required. The University System of Maryland must develop the program and teacher preparation pathway, with a workgroup (including appointed members from the Governor, Senate, and House) overseeing its design. This program aims to address local teacher shortages and build a diverse educator pipeline, aligning with statewide education goals.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program and Program Workgroup - Establishment → Third - Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program Workgroup - Establishment · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to reassign it to the Appropriations Committee and mark it as favorably reported with amendments, indicating a shift in legislative focus toward funding implications. The substantive text was significantly reorganized to clarify the program's purpose and the roles of various state entities, specifically changing the mandate for the University System of Maryland to develop recommendations rather than the full program itself. Additionally, the definition of the Program Workgroup was altered to remove specific legislative appointees (Governor, Senate, and House representatives), suggesting a move toward a more administrative or stakeholder-driven composition.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding the development of the program shifted from a direct mandate on the University System of Maryland to a requirement for them to develop recommendations in consultation with the State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

REQUIREMENT

The University System of Maryland's role was changed from developing the full program to developing recommendations for the program in consultation with other state agencies.

DEFINITION

The composition of the Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program Workgroup was modified to remove specific legislative appointees (Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker).

TIMELINE

The bill was reassigned to the Appropriations Committee and marked as favorably reported with amendments, indicating a procedural change in its legislative journey.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 31, 2026

How they voted

133–2

Passed · 7 other

Total votes 142

Mar 31, 2026

D Democratic103

98 Yea 5

95% Yea

R Republican39

35 Yea 2 Nay 2

89% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 13, 2026

Committee

Referred Rules

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

lower

Mar 31, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (133-2-7)

house of delegates

Jan 23, 2026

Committee

First Reading Ways and Means

lower

8 primary · 0 co-sponsors