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MarylandHB 00572026 Regular SessionHouse

Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established

Sponsored By: Joe Vogel (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationApplicants and ApplicationsAwards, Medals, and Prizes -see also- Gaming&Gambl; LotteryCivic OrganizationsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education, Boards ofEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Board ofEducation, State Department ofHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchReportsRules and RegulationsSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchStandards and Best PracticesStudents

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Civic awards for Maryland high schoolers

The law creates the Maryland Civic Excellence Program for public high schools. Beginning July 1, 2026, in participating districts, students can earn a Seal of Civic Excellence. The State Board sets the rules by the 2027–2028 school year. To earn the Seal, a student completes a civic-service capstone as an extracurricular activity in state, county, or local government. Schools show the award with a cord, medal, or a mark on the diploma.

Schools may partner with nonprofits and colleges

Participating school districts may partner with nonprofits, civic groups, or colleges to support the program. This help is optional and only for districts that join. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Opt-in districts must run civic program

Joining the program is voluntary for a school district. If a district opts in, every public high school in that district must run the program and cannot opt out. Each school must add a civic-service capstone as an extracurricular activity. The activity can be an existing one or a new one supervised by a paid staff member. Schools must follow State Board rules.

Yearly reports from participating districts

Each participating district must send a program report to the Maryland Department of Education by July 1, 2028, and every July 1 after that. The report covers the most recently finished school year. This duty applies only to districts that join the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 676

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/6/2026Senate

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

    4/3/2026Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/20/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (129-0)

    3/19/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {783423/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/19/2026House

  12. Hearing 1/29 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/14/2026House

  13. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/14/2026House

  14. Pre-filed

    8/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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