Education (K-12 Education)

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 700: Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program and Study

HB 700 establishes a direct admission program for high school students meeting Maryland's college and career readiness standard (CCR standard) at participating public universities starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. Eligible students - those who meet the CCR standard, complete required courses, and apply during 12th grade - would receive conditional admission without traditional application processes. The Maryland Higher Education Commission would administer the program using its financial aid system and the Common Application, while universities must waive application fees for participants. Participation is voluntary for institutions, which may set additional criteria but must report them annually and verify student eligibility.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes direct admission for CCR-qualified students, expanding higher education access without traditional applications at public universities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 189: Public Middle, High, and Charter Schools - Start Time for Instruction

HB 189 requires all Maryland public middle schools to begin instruction no earlier than 8:00 AM and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM starting in the 2028-2029 school year. It also mandates that county school boards and public charter schools implement a public awareness campaign starting in 2027-2028 to educate communities about sleep deprivation impacts and benefits of later start times. Waivers for earlier start times are only permitted for specific emergencies like natural disasters, not routine scheduling. The bill directly affects public middle and high schools, charter schools, and their communities through these timing requirements and outreach obligations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates later school start times to address student sleep deprivation, aligning with research showing improved academic outcomes and health, thus supporting student well-being in education.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates public awareness on sleep deprivation impacts, aligning with public health initiatives to improve student health outcomes through later school start times.92% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety Student Health

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 403: Sales and Use Tax - Elementary or Secondary School Book Fairs - Exemption

SB 403 exempts sales tax on in-person book fairs held at Maryland elementary and secondary schools. It applies to sales by schools, parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), or other nonprofit groups operating these events on school premises. The exemption covers sales where students, staff, or PTO members act as agents for vendors, with all net proceeds used solely for the school's educational benefit. This bill adds a new tax exemption provision (Section 11-204(b)(9)) to Maryland’s tax code, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts sales tax on school book fairs, providing tax relief for educational programs and increasing net proceeds for schools per tax code amendment.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts sales tax on school book fairs, increasing net proceeds for educational programs without direct state funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives K-12 Education Teachers

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 574: Prince George’s County Teen Pregnancy Support Program and Fee in Child Support Cases – Established PG 504–26

HB 574 establishes the Prince George’s County Teen Pregnancy Support Program to assist public high school students in the county who are parents or expecting parents. The bill requires Prince George’s County Circuit Court to collect a $100 fee in certain child support cases (applications for new/modifying support decrees or enforcing arrears), with all revenue remitted quarterly to the county school board. This funding will support the program, which provides students with childcare vouchers, parenting education, and other resources. The program applies only to students attending public high schools in Prince George’s County, and the fee is in addition to other existing fees. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates mandatory $100 fee in child support cases to fund a public school teen pregnancy program, directly allocating revenue to support a government service.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds K-12 student childcare via court fees to improve educational access for teen parents, directly supporting retention and program access in public high schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood K-12 Education

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 479: Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program Workgroup - Establishment

HB 479 establishes the Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program to create a structured, tuition-free pathway for high school students in Southern Maryland - especially those from underrepresented groups and rural areas - to begin teacher preparation while earning college credits. The State Department of Education, in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, will administer the program, ensuring participants are treated as dually enrolled students with no tuition or fees required. The University System of Maryland must develop the program and teacher preparation pathway, with a workgroup (including appointed members from the Governor, Senate, and House) overseeing its design. This program aims to address local teacher shortages and build a diverse educator pipeline, aligning with statewide education goals.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates tuition-free teacher pathway for underrepresented students, expanding access to education careers and supporting teacher workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Teachers

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 2, 2026

HB 109: Institutions of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Schools - Title VI Coordinators

HB 109 requires all Maryland public colleges, universities, and local school systems to appoint a designated Title VI Coordinator by July 1, 2026. These coordinators must ensure compliance with federal civil rights law (Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. The bill establishes a direct complaint process, allowing students, parents, or others to file discrimination complaints with a school or college's Title VI Coordinator instead of (or in addition to) the State Superintendent. Coordinators must investigate complaints, maintain records, provide training, and promote equal access to programs. This law directly affects all Maryland public K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires Title VI coordinators to ensure anti-discrimination compliance in schools, directly protecting educational access under civil rights law.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRequires Title VI compliance to prevent national origin discrimination in schools, protecting immigrant students from bias in federally funded education programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 198: 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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new aerospace program at community college with industry partnerships, career pathways, and training in high-demand fields, expanding educational opportunities and workforce development.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates AI and aerospace technology training program at community college, advancing tech workforce development through targeted education and industry partnerships.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes aerospace technology training programs with industry partnerships, advancing transportation infrastructure and workforce development in aviation systems.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Artificial Intelligence Airports

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

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 79: County Boards of Education - Student Technology Use Policy - Requirements

SB 79 requires Maryland county school boards to create and adopt policies restricting student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during school hours. It mandates a complete ban for elementary and middle school students, while allowing limited use for high school students under specific exceptions - such as for documented health needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or educational purposes. Policies must be published online and in student handbooks, reviewed every two years, and include disciplinary measures for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting all public school districts and students in Maryland.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill mandates restrictions on student device use during school hours, limiting technology access in educational settings per explicit requirements.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts student use of personal electronic devices (technology) in schools, directly limiting technology access for elementary/middle students and imposing strict controls for high school.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 478: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Classroom Supplies Purchased by Teachers - Alteration

HB 478 modifies Maryland's income tax by expanding the existing $250 deduction for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses to include prekindergarten teachers. Previously, only K-12 classroom teachers qualified; this bill explicitly adds prekindergarten teachers employed full-time in state programs. The deduction remains limited to $250 per year for supplies used by students or for teaching preparation, excluding expenses already deducted federally. This change affects prekindergarten teachers statewide who purchase classroom supplies without reimbursement, effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands income tax deduction for teachers, providing tax relief to prekindergarten educators without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tax deduction for preK teachers' classroom supplies, supporting educator financial relief and expanding access to teacher expense benefits.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands tax deduction for prekindergarten teachers' classroom supplies, providing financial support for work-related expenses under employment benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax K-12 Education Teachers