SB 509 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Higher Education - Workforce Pell Grant Program - Implementation

This bill establishes Maryland's framework for implementing the federal Workforce Pell Grant Program. It requires the Governor, after consulting with workforce and education entities, to approve short-term education programs (150-600 hours, 8-15 weeks) that align with high-skill occupations and employer hiring needs. Approved programs must offer stackable credentials, provide academic credit transferability toward further education, and prepare students for in-demand careers. Institutions cannot disburse funds or advertise these programs to Maryland students without state approval, with biennial compliance reviews mandated for ongoing eligibility.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Third - Higher Education - Workforce Pell Grant Program - Implementation → Enrolled - Higher Education - Workforce Pell Grant Program - Implementation · 4 edits · May 26, 2026

MODERATE

The bill has been formally enrolled and prepared for the Governor's signature, marking the transition from a draft to an official piece of legislation. Substantively, the text of the bill remains largely unchanged, with the primary modifications being the reorganization of definitions and the removal of redundant repeal language. The core policy intent to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program in Maryland remains intact.

Scope change

The bill's scope and applicability remain unchanged; it continues to govern the implementation of the Workforce Pell Grant Program within Maryland's higher education system.

ENFORCEMENT

Added formal enrollment markings, including the Great Seal presentation details and proofreader signatures, indicating the bill is ready for the Governor's approval.

DEFINITION

Reorganized the definitions section to align with the bill's new structure, moving the definition of 'Program' to subsection (A)(2) and 'Registered Apprenticeship' to subsection (A)(3).

SCOPE

Removed the instruction to repeal and reenact existing Article 10 sections, as the bill now proceeds by adding new sections rather than repealing old ones.

TECHNICAL

Adjusted line numbering and formatting throughout the document to reflect the new enrolled status and structural changes.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 22, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 21, 2026

How they voted

44–0

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 49

Mar 22, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% 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 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 724

executive

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Enrolled

upper

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 9, 2026

Introduced

Senate Concurs House Amendments

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Introduced

Floor Amendment {

lower

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Appropriations

lower

Mar 22, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (44-0-5)

senate

Mar 21, 2026

Committee

Referred Appropriations

lower

Mar 21, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (134-2-6)

house of delegates

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 Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors