SB 198 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Prince George's Community College - Aerospace and Aviation Systems Technology Programs - Feasibility Study

SB 198 requires Prince George’s Community College to establish an Aerospace Technology Studies Program by December 2026, in collaboration with Maryland’s Higher Education Commission, Department of Commerce, and local economic development groups. The program must include training in aerospace systems, avionics, advanced manufacturing, and AI applications, with industry internships and a clear high school-to-college career pathway. It mandates formal partnerships with local aerospace employers and requires annual reports on progress and student outcomes to state and county officials. The bill directly affects students seeking aerospace careers and local employers needing skilled workers, focusing on workforce development without specifying funding or cost.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Oct 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Oct 29, 2025 Signed May 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Prince George's Community College - Aerospace Technology Studies Program → Third - Prince George's Community College - Aerospace and Aviation Systems Technology Programs - Feasibility Study · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was expanded from a single program focus to a comprehensive feasibility study for two new aerospace and aviation technology programs. The scope now includes detailed requirements to analyze workforce demand, curriculum design, facility needs, and industry partnerships before implementation. This shift moves the legislation from immediate program establishment to a planning phase that ensures the programs meet current and future labor market needs.

Scope change

The bill's scope broadened from establishing one specific Aerospace Technology Studies Program to conducting a feasibility study for both Aerospace and Aviation Systems Technology Programs, including detailed curriculum and infrastructure assessments.

SCOPE

Added a requirement for a comprehensive feasibility study and program design assessment to evaluate the viability of new aviation systems technology programs.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the required curriculum to include four specific areas: aerospace systems technology, avionics and electronics, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence in aerospace.

Added detailed mandates for the feasibility study to examine workforce demand, employer needs, credential structures, facility requirements, and startup costs.

Added a requirement for structured industry engagement, including employer roundtables and workforce charrettes, to validate program alignment with labor markets.

TIMELINE

Changed the reporting deadline from December 15, 2026, to December 1, 2027, to allow time for the feasibility study to be completed.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

How they voted

47–0

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 49

Mar 3, 2026

D Democratic36

34 Yea 2

94% 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

Amendments

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 784

executive

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Returned Passed

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Appropriations

lower

Mar 25, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (133-2-7)

house of delegates

Mar 20, 2026

Committee

Referred Appropriations

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Introduced

Floor Amendment {

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 16, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)

senate

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Oct 29, 2025

Introduced

Pre-filed

upper

6 primary · 0 co-sponsors