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MarylandHB 02972026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

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

GED pilot and easier exam access

The law launches a GED Option pilot in at least three local school systems. The pilot starts in the 2027–2028 school year and runs for two school years. Each pilot superintendent may select up to 150 students who are 17 or older and at high risk of not graduating. Selected students must take the Maryland diploma exam before the pilot ends. The law also expands exam eligibility: students in the State GED Option for English learners or this pilot do not need to withdraw or meet the compulsory‑attendance rule. Agencies report results by December 1, 2028 and December 1, 2029. The law takes effect October 1, 2026 and these authorities run through September 30, 2030.

New MDiplomaWorks diploma pathway for adults

The law creates MDiplomaWorks as another way to earn a Maryland high school diploma. You must live in Maryland, not already have a diploma, be out of compulsory school attendance, and be withdrawn from full‑time school. You complete a mix of items: industry credentials, basic‑skills tests, career and technical classes, and on‑the‑job learning. Diplomas are awarded under rules set by the Secretary and the State Board. The law takes effect October 1, 2026 and is authorized through September 30, 2030. In 2027 and 2028, the Department of Labor publishes pathway info online and in adult diploma materials.

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: 6

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 124 • No: 8 • Other: 9

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

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/12/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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