HB 700 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program and Study

HB 700 establishes a direct admission program for high school students meeting Maryland's college and career readiness standard (CCR standard) at participating public universities starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. Eligible students - those who meet the CCR standard, complete required courses, and apply during 12th grade - would receive conditional admission without traditional application processes. The Maryland Higher Education Commission would administer the program using its financial aid system and the Common Application, while universities must waive application fees for participants. Participation is voluntary for institutions, which may set additional criteria but must report them annually and verify student eligibility.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program → Third - Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program and Study · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding a requirement for the Commission to conduct a study on the program and by including public senior higher education institutions in the establishment of eligibility requirements. The bill also updated the start date for the Direct Admission Program to the 2028-2029 academic year and modified the criteria for student eligibility, specifically requiring students to meet eligibility requirements specified in a Memorandum of Understanding.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include a mandatory study on program administration and to involve public senior higher education institutions in setting eligibility rules, whereas the original version focused solely on establishing the program and notifying the Commission of eligible students.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the Commission to conduct a study on administering the direct admission program in consultation with the Department.

Added a requirement for the Commission, Department, and universities to establish eligibility requirements and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to specify them.

TIMELINE

Changed the start date for the Direct Admission Program from the 2027-2028 academic year to the 2028-2029 academic year.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified student eligibility criteria to require that students meet eligibility requirements specified in a Memorandum of Understanding, in addition to meeting the CCR standard.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026

How they voted

134–0

Passed · 8 other

Total votes 142

Mar 24, 2026

D Democratic103

96 Yea 7

93% Yea

R Republican39

38 Yea 1

97% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Committee

Rereferred to Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Committee

Referred Rules

upper

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

lower

Mar 24, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (134-0-8)

house of delegates

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

First Reading Appropriations

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors