SB 378 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Public Libraries - Young Readers Matching Grant Program, Funding, and Services

SB 378 updates Maryland's funding formula for regional library resource centers and county public libraries, increasing per-resident funding from $8.75 (2022) to $11.58 (2032 and beyond) for regional centers, and from $17.10 (2022) to $22.37 (2032 and beyond) for county libraries. It requires each public library to offer at least one new service, such as early childhood literacy programs, digital equity initiatives, or mental health support, by partnering with community organizations. The bill also mandates that libraries adopt written policies meeting state standards to receive state funding, with the Comptroller withholding funds for non-compliance. These changes affect all 23 Maryland county library systems and their regional resource centers, directly impacting how they allocate state funds and deliver services. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

Third - Education - Regional Resource Centers and County Libraries - Funding → Enrolled - Public Libraries - Young Readers Matching Grant Program, Funding, and Services · 7 edits · May 26, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized as an enrolled act, changing its status from a Senate draft to a law ready for the Governor's signature. The scope was expanded to include a renamed 'Young Readers Grant Program,' shifting its focus from a 'Matching Grant' to direct support for book-gifting services and early literacy. Funding calculations for regional resource centers were updated with new per-resident rates for fiscal years 2016 through 2022, and the list of required library services was modified to prioritize early childhood literacy and reading skills over previous digital or STEM initiatives.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly include the 'Young Readers Grant Program' and its affiliated services, whereas the original version focused primarily on regional resource centers and general county library funding.

SCOPE

The bill title and purpose were updated to rename the 'Young Readers Matching Grant Program' to the 'Young Readers Grant Program' and add specific services for young readers.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'Affiliated service' (nonprofit book-gifting organizations) and 'Early reader organization' to clarify who can receive grants.

FISCAL

Funding allocation rates for regional resource centers were adjusted for fiscal years 2016 through 2022, replacing the previous schedule.

The annual appropriation amount for the Young Readers Grant Program was increased from $350,000 to $450,000.

REQUIREMENT

The list of required library services was changed to focus on early childhood literacy, school readiness, and reading proficiency, replacing requirements for kindergarten assessment scores, pandemic learning gap programs, and digital equity initiatives.

New requirements mandate that grant applications include specific plans to serve children in low-income zip codes.

TECHNICAL

The document status changed from a Senate Bill draft to an Enrolled Bill, indicating it has passed all legislative stages and is awaiting the Governor's approval.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

How they voted

41–0

Passed · 8 other

Total votes 49

Mar 24, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% Yea

R Republican13

9 Yea 4

69% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 625

executive

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Enrolled

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Introduced

Senate Concurs House Amendments

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

lower

Mar 25, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (117-20-5)

house of delegates

Mar 24, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (41-0-8)

senate

Mar 21, 2026

Committee

Referred Appropriations

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Committee

First Reading Budget and Taxation

upper

12 primary · 0 co-sponsors