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MarylandHB 02972026 Regular SessionHouse

Adult Education - High School Diploma Pathways - MDiplomaWorks Pathway

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Education - MiscellaneousPrivate Sector Labor and IndustryAge -see also- Age of Maj; Children; Elderly; Inf&Tod.; etcCertificationsClassifications and DesignationsCommittees and CommissionsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Department ofElectronic GovernmentIndustry and ManufacturingJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLabor, Department ofPilot ProgramsPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchPublications -see also- Maryland Register; TextbooksPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchReportsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRules and RegulationsSchool TestingSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchStudentsSunsetWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New adult path replaces GED exams

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland replaces the GED exam option with the MDiplomaWorks Pathway. Adults can earn a Maryland high school diploma by showing equivalency through a mix set by the Department, under regulations by the Secretary and the State Board of Education. Parts can include industry credentials, basic-skills tests, career and technical classes, and on-the-job learning. You qualify if you live in Maryland, do not already have a diploma, are not under compulsory school attendance, and have withdrawn from full-time school. The Department of Labor also posts pathway information on its website and in publications during 2027 and 2028.

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: 294 • No: 15

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 7 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 124 • No: 8 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 169

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (128-7)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {403027/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/16/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (124-8)

    3/13/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/12/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {633825/1 Adopted

    3/12/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/11/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026House

  15. Hearing canceled

    2/2/2026House

  16. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  17. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/14/2026House

  18. Pre-filed

    9/16/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/12/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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