SB 311 revises Maryland's Blueprint for Maryland's Future education plan by making several targeted adjustments to existing provisions. It repeals the annual requirement for county school boards to submit technology spending reports, extends the timeframe for calculating compensatory education enrollment (through 2027), and removes a termination date for Concentration of Poverty Grant funds. The bill also updates teacher certification qualifications, extends deadlines for National Board Certification for principals, and revises definitions for wraparound services in community schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These changes primarily affect school districts, teachers, and state education agencies administering the Blueprint's funding and program requirements.
SB 292 repeals the sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for two 2021 laws that allow county boards of education to provide student transportation using non-standard vehicles under specific circumstances. It specifically removes the June 30, 2026, termination dates from Sections 3 of Chapter 197 and Chapter 198 of the 2021 Acts. This change makes the existing student transportation rules permanent, ensuring county boards can continue using non-standard vehicles for certain student transport without needing new legislation. The bill directly affects county school districts and their transportation policies.
HB 623 creates Maryland's Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize colleges providing strong support for military-connected students, while updating the existing Purple Star Schools Program. The bill directly affects military-connected students (including service members, veterans, and their spouses/dependents) and colleges, including both public/private higher education institutions and private career schools. Key provisions require colleges to appoint a military liaison to assist new military-connected students with transitions, and maintain an easily accessible website with resources on relocation, enrollment, academic planning, and support services. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will administer the program and establish minimum criteria for colleges to earn Purple Star designation.
SB 204 establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program within the State Department of Education to recognize public school students who demonstrate proficiency in civics and civic literacy. Local school systems can choose to participate, using state-developed guidelines (to be finalized by 2027-2028) to determine student eligibility. Participating schools may award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" and attach it to students' high school diplomas. The program requires annual reports from participating schools starting July 2028, and schools may collaborate with civic organizations to support implementation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 218 authorizes Maryland's State Superintendent of Schools to declare a "prolonged state of emergency" when in-person school attendance is disrupted for at least 14 consecutive days. It requires county school boards to create detailed virtual education plans - including staffing, instruction, technology, and return-to-school strategies - before any emergency occurs. These plans must be updated every two years and approved by the State Board of Education. The bill directly affects public school districts, students, and school staff by establishing a standardized process for transitioning to virtual learning during extended disruptions, while clarifying that public health emergency responsibilities remain with the Secretary of Health.
HB 288 authorizes Maryland's State Superintendent of Schools to declare a prolonged state of emergency when school closures prevent in-person attendance for 14+ consecutive days. It requires county school boards to create detailed virtual education plans before emergencies occur, covering instruction, staffing, technology, student support, and return-to-school protocols. These plans must be updated every two years and approved by the State Board. The bill aims to ensure a structured transition to remote learning during extended school disruptions, taking effect July 2026.
SB 420 requires all public institutions of higher education in Maryland (excluding specific exceptions like University of Maryland Global Campus) to collect demographic data on students' parental status, including whether they are parents, legal guardians, or have caregiving responsibilities. It mandates these institutions to adopt a formal support plan for pregnant and parenting students, including referrals to government assistance programs like WIC, child care scholarships, Medicaid, and parenting resources. The Maryland Higher Education Commission must collect this data annually, compile it into reports, and submit summaries to legislative committees starting September 1, 2027. This bill directly affects pregnant and parenting students by requiring colleges to provide structured support services and track demographic needs.
SB 486 expands Maryland's Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to include students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in specific graduate programs. It adds UMES as an eligible institution for students enrolled in four programs: Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. This change directly affects UMES students in these fields who previously could not access the scholarship. The bill amends existing law to update the list of qualifying institutions without changing scholarship amounts ($1,000-$5,000 per year) or other program rules. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 324 establishes a direct admission program for high school students meeting Maryland's college and career readiness standards (CCR standards) at participating public senior higher education institutions, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. It directly affects eligible high school seniors who complete required coursework, meet CCR standards, and apply during their 12th grade. Key mechanisms include requiring the Maryland Higher Education Commission to administer the program through the financial aid system and Common Application, mandating joint notification by the State Department of Education and Commission about students meeting CCR standards, and allowing institutions to participate (with waived application fees and conditional admission offers). Institutions may set additional criteria but must report them annually and can revoke offers for failing to meet standards or diploma requirements.
SB 833 (introduced by Senator Hershey) amends Maryland law to allow Queen Anne’s County Commissioners to use development impact fees for capital costs related to replacing public school facilities. This expands the existing authorized uses of these fees under Section 20-706 of the Maryland Annotated Code, specifically adding school facility replacement as a permitted purpose. The bill applies only to Queen Anne’s County and takes effect July 1, 2026. It is a procedural change to the county’s fee usage rules, not a new tax or broad policy shift.
