MarylandHB 01022026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members - Advance Enrollment Procedures

Sponsored By: Edith J. Patterson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Data -see also- Census; DemographicsDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsDisabilitiesEducation, Boards ofEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic CommunicationIndividualized Education and 504 PlansIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Internet -see also- Internet AccessInterstate AffairsKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansLocal Government MandatesMilitary FamiliesNoticesParents and GuardiansPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipSchool AdministrationStudentsVeterans and Military Families, Department of

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Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Keep IEP and 504 services moving

Beginning July 1, 2026, the remote form lets you note if your child has an IEP or a 504 plan from the sending state. If so, the county board must work with you and the sending school to provide appropriate education without undue delay. The school must deliver special education or 504 services, as appropriate, while plans are set up in Maryland.

Advance school enrollment for military kids

Beginning July 1, 2026, your child can apply early to a Maryland public school if you are an active service member moving to Maryland on official orders. The child may apply even if not yet living in the county. This covers course registration and charter school lotteries. Every county must offer a free remote application with no in-person visit or fees. “Dependent child” includes a natural, step, adopted, or financially dependent child.

State posts military family school info

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state publishes and keeps up-to-date guidance for military families on school advance enrollment. It includes Purple Star Schools, the Interstate Compact for military children, and help for children with disabilities. The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families runs this with the state’s military education partners.

Stay enrolled through the school year

Beginning July 1, 2026, if your child used advance enrollment, they can stay in that school until the end of the current school year. This holds even if your family later does not meet residency rules. Your child has the same access to classes, sports, clubs, and school programs as other students.

Finalize enrollment: 10-day deadline and proof

Beginning July 1, 2026, to use advance enrollment you must share official orders that station you in Maryland in the current or next school year. Within 10 days of the arrival date shown on your orders, you must provide proof the child is your dependent, a copy of the orders, and proof of residence in the county. You may use a temporary on‑base lodge, a purchased or leased home or apartment, federal government housing, or off‑base military housing as your address for proof.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Edith J. Patterson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 2/26/2026