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MarylandHB 02312026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Higher Education - Guaranteed Access Grant Program - Applicability

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationApplicants and ApplicationsGrantsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Records -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsScholarships and Student Financial Aid

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State ranks need for college grants

Beginning in the 2029–2030 award year, the State Office ranks applicants by financial need each year. It sends statewide lists to colleges by October 1 at the latest. Colleges must use these lists and state rules to decide who gets a Guaranteed Access Grant and the amount. Colleges send award notices, and students may accept the offers. Each semester, colleges report recipients and amounts. The State reimburses colleges for those initial and renewal awards. The Office also lists students eligible to renew awards and adopts rules to run this process.

State college grant changes start 2029–2030

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. The new state college grant procedures apply starting with the 2029–2030 financial aid award year. From that year on, colleges and the State Office must follow these rules for awards and payments.

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: 179 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 98

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

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

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/12/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    3/11/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    3/10/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)

    2/9/2026House

  12. First Reading Appropriations and Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/14/2026House

  13. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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