HB 57 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established

HB 57 establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program within the State Department of Education to recognize public school students demonstrating proficiency in civics and civic literacy. Local school systems may voluntarily participate to award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" on students' high school diplomas based on criteria developed by the Department by the 2027-2028 school year. Schools must submit annual reports to the Department starting July 1, 2028, detailing program implementation. The bill directly affects Maryland public schools and students, creating a formal recognition system without mandating curriculum changes or altering existing civics education requirements.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Aug 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Aug 20, 2025 Signed May 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established → Third - Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was advanced from its first reading to adoption with a favorable committee report, moving it closer to becoming law. The text of the bill itself was significantly rewritten to clarify that the program specifically targets public high school students and requires a mandatory capstone project focused on civic service. The new language shifts administrative authority from the Department of Education to the State Board of Education for setting specific criteria and regulations.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed to explicitly apply only to public high school students, and the program participation was changed from voluntary to mandatory for participating local school systems.

ELIGIBILITY

The program is now explicitly limited to public high school students, whereas the original text was broader.

Participation in the program is now mandatory for any local school system that chooses to participate, removing the option to opt out of the program entirely.

REQUIREMENT

A mandatory capstone project focused on civic service in state, county, or local government is now required to receive the Seal of Civic Excellence.

The State Board of Education, rather than the Department of Education, is now responsible for developing guidelines and regulations for the program.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was reorganized and renumbered to reflect its new status as an adopted bill ready for final approval.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 19, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 7, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Mar 19, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 676

executive

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted

upper

Apr 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

lower

Mar 7, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (130-0-12)

house of delegates

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

First Reading Ways and Means

lower

Aug 20, 2025

Introduced

Pre-filed

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors