Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 263: Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members - Advance Enrollment Procedures

SB 263 allows dependent children of active-duty military members to enroll in Maryland public schools remotely before relocating, using official military orders as proof of eligibility. It requires counties to create a free, no-physical-attendance remote registration process and to note if a child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan from their previous school. The bill ensures children with disabilities receive appropriate education without delay and permits continued enrollment through the school year even if residency changes. Military families can use temporary housing addresses (like base housing) as proof of residence. The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families must publish clear enrollment information on these procedures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables remote enrollment for military dependents, ensures IEP/504 continuity, preventing educational delays for vulnerable students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 339: Maryland School for the Deaf - Membership of Board of Trustees - Alterations

SB 339 changes the composition of the Maryland School for the Deaf's Board of Trustees. It reduces the total number of trustees from 19 to 13 and increases the required number of deaf trustees from 6 to 7. The bill also adds a requirement that each geographic region of Maryland must be represented by at least one board member. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, aim to better reflect the deaf community and geographic diversity in the school's governance.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationChanges governance to better reflect deaf community and geographic diversity, enhancing educational access representation for the school.70% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 311: Education - The Blueprint for Maryland's Future - Revisions

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends Concentration of Poverty Grant funding indefinitely, updates teacher certification, and removes redundant reporting requirements, strengthening ongoing educational support and access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 292: County Boards of Education - Student Transportation - Sunset Repeal and Study

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRepeals sunset provisions to maintain county boards' ability to use non-standard vehicles for student transportation, ensuring continued educational access and operational stability for K-12 schools.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRepeals sunset on student transportation rules for non-standard vehicles, ensuring continuity of current policy under vehicle regulations90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 410: Public Libraries - State Library Resource Center - Funding

SB 410 adjusts Maryland's funding formula for public libraries by increasing per-resident allocations for both regional resource centers and the State Library Resource Center. It raises the regional funding rate from $9.59 per resident in 2025 to $9.79 in 2026 and $9.99 annually starting in 2027. For the State Library Resource Center, it increases funding from $1.97 per resident in 2024 to $2.07 for 2025-2027, then gradually rising to $2.64 per resident by 2032 and beyond. These changes directly affect all regional libraries receiving state funding and the statewide State Library Resource Center. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for public libraries via higher per-resident allocations, directly advancing public service funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases library funding, enhancing educational access and resources for K-12 communities through expanded library services and infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 623: Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates Purple Star Colleges Program to support military-connected students in higher education, expanding access and institutional support for this group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRecognizes colleges supporting military-connected students (including veterans) via military liaisons, strengthening educational support services for veterans and their families.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 204: Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes civic recognition program to enhance student civics proficiency and curriculum engagement, aligning with 'enhances student programs' indicator without restrictions or defunding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 420: Public Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan and Reporting

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates support plans for pregnant parenting students at public colleges, including referrals to childcare and assistance programs, enhancing educational access and support for this demographic.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRefers students to Medicaid/WIC, directly improving healthcare access for pregnant/parenting students through institutional support plans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 486: Higher Education - Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program - Eligible Institutions

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands scholarship access for UMES graduate students in specific programs, increasing educational funding and access in higher education.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands scholarships for healthcare graduate programs (PA, pharmacy, PT, vet med), directly funding future healthcare workforce development.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 324: Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program and Study

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes direct admission program for high school students meeting CCR standards, expanding access to public higher education institutions starting 2027-2028.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education