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MarylandSB 01422026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Maryland Military Department - National Guard - Tuition Assistance

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationPublic SafetyArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesCertificationsContinuing EducationDigital Products -see also- Digital ImagesEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Higher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Job Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMilitary DepartmentPersonal Protective EquipmentScholarships and Student Financial AidTuitionWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Full tuition and training help for Guard

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Maryland Military Department covers 100% of in‑state tuition for eligible Guard members. It also pays required training costs like tools, safety gear, uniforms, software, and job licenses. Help applies to regular undergraduate, graduate, professional, vocational, and trade courses certified by the Adjutant General. Funding is only available when the State budget provides money.

Guard service and repayment rules for aid

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, aid comes with service rules. If you get help for undergraduate, vocational, or trade courses, you must stay active for at least 2 years after finishing. If you get help for graduate or professional courses, you must stay active for at least 4 years. To be certified, enlisted members need 24 months left on enlistment, or officers/warrant officers must sign a 24‑month commitment from the first day of classes. If you are discharged for a reason the Adjutant General designates, your aid ends and you must repay that semester’s amount within 30 days.

More schools qualify for Guard tuition help

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, you can use Guard tuition help at more schools. Private postsecondary vocational, trade, or career schools qualify if they are recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission or the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council. You must still meet all program rules.

Protections if your Guard unit disbands

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, if your unit was disbanded on or after Sept 1, 2013 and you received aid, you can transfer to another unit in Maryland or another state to meet your service time. If the military offers you early separation after your unit is disbanded, you are excused from the 2‑ or 4‑year service requirement.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 144

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/30/2026House

  7. Hearing canceled

    3/30/2026House

  8. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  9. Referred Appropriations

    3/6/2026House

  10. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    3/5/2026Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed

    3/3/2026Senate

  12. Favorable Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/2/2026Senate

  14. Hearing 1/28 at 10:00 a.m.

    1/21/2026Senate

  15. Hearing canceled

    1/21/2026Senate

  16. Hearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  18. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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