HB 1329 sets a new annual funding target of $550 million for Maryland public school construction beginning in fiscal year 2027, replacing the previous $450 million target for 2023-2026. It directs the state to maintain a relatively stable number of funded projects in the Capital Improvement Program within debt affordability guidelines. The bill explicitly states this $550 million target does not include funding from the Built to Learn Program. This change affects all public school construction projects eligible for state capital funding under the Capital Improvement Program.
HB 800 updates Maryland’s education law to explicitly include "student well-being and human flourishing" alongside behavioral health services. It amends sections of the education code (including 5-212, 6-122, and 7-447) to define student well-being as progress across eight dimensions: social, environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and financial well-being. The bill requires school staff training to recognize issues affecting these areas and directs the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports to advance student well-being initiatives. It directly affects Maryland public schools, staff, and students by integrating holistic well-being into existing education funding, training, and support systems.
HB 1163 would lower the voting age for Howard County Board of Education elections from 18 to 16 years old. It proposes a constitutional amendment and amends election law to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote specifically in school board elections within Howard County. The bill requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election to take effect. This change would directly affect Howard County residents aged 16-17 who are otherwise eligible to vote (citizens, registered, and residents). It does not apply to other elections or counties.
SB 709 creates Maryland's Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize institutions of higher education that provide strong support for military-connected students. The bill updates the definition of "military-connected student" to include service members, veterans, and their spouses/dependents, and establishes specific requirements for colleges seeking designation. To qualify, colleges must designate a uniformed services liaison, maintain a dedicated webpage with transition resources, offer student-led transition programs, and provide staff training on military-connected student needs. Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, this program complements the existing Purple Star Schools Program and directly affects colleges and military-connected students statewide.
HB 1368 (Shifra’s Act) requires Maryland public schools to provide written notice to parents when a special education service or support specified in a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is missed, incomplete, or interrupted. Parents must receive this notice within 3 school days, including the reason for the missed service, steps the school will take to address it, and information about requesting an IEP meeting. The law applies specifically to services required daily (after 5 missed instances in 10 days), scheduled services (after missed instances exceeding twice the specified period), or patterns substantially limiting service delivery. This notice requirement aims to ensure transparency and prompt resolution of service gaps for students with disabilities.
SB 960 requires Maryland's Interagency Commission on School Construction to distribute state funds directly to public charter schools for maintaining and operating their facilities, rather than through local governments. The bill mandates that starting in fiscal year 2028, the state budget must include funding equal to $1,600 multiplied by the prior year's total enrollment across all public charter schools. This applies to facilities owned or leased by charter schools, or those they occupy for educating students. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the Commission to establish regulations for implementation.
HB 1438 requires Maryland's State Board of Education to review and update public high school graduation requirements at least every five years. After approval, the Board must implement changes for students entering high school in the school year following the review. This bill directly affects all public high school students in Maryland by establishing a regular cycle for updating graduation standards. The law amends Section 7-205.1(b) of the Maryland Annotated Code and takes effect July 1, 2026. It does not change current requirements but mandates periodic review and implementation for future student cohorts.
HB 809 establishes funding requirements for Maryland's Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program. The bill mandates that starting in fiscal year 2028, the Governor must include in the annual budget an appropriation for the program equal to at least 150% of the fiscal year 2026 level, with specific requirements for University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) funding. The program provides scholarships ($2,000-$5,000) to Maryland college and graduate students pursuing public service internships, prioritizing residents with demonstrated interest in careers serving low-income or underserved communities through legal, social work, nursing, or other public/nonprofit sectors. It directly affects eligible students and administers through the Shriver Center, ensuring sustained funding for three specific internship tracks: Governor’s Summer Internship, Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership, and Sondheim Public Service Law Fellowships.
SB 764 establishes a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour for education support professionals in Maryland public schools, effective July 1, 2028. It directly affects county boards of education (which must pay this wage) and noncertificated school staff in non-supervisory bargaining units, such as aides, secretaries, and maintenance workers. The bill requires the State Department of Education to report by December 1, 2026, on the cost of implementing this wage, broken down by school system. It does not change current wages but mandates a new hourly rate for these positions starting in 2028.
SB 648 requires all Maryland local school systems to join a national Educator Identification Clearinghouse (operated by a national membership organization) for background checks on educator job candidates. It mandates that schools screen every candidate for licensed educator positions starting October 1, 2026, using this clearinghouse. Candidates must apply for their teaching license after receiving an offer but before starting work, and obtain the license before interacting with students. This bill directly affects Maryland school districts and all educators seeking licensed positions in the state.
