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MarylandHB 07742025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Higher Education - Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - Alterations

Sponsored By: Debra Davis (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationAppropriationsBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsClassifications and DesignationsCommunity CollegesDemographics -see also- Census; DataFood InsecurityGovernorGrantsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Higher Education CommissionPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchReportsStandards and Best PracticesState Universities and CollegesStudents

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Students get clearer meal-sharing information

Beginning July 1, 2025, public and private four-year colleges with meal-sharing programs must make program information public. They must explain how students donate unused meal-plan credits and how students in need apply to receive them. When applicable, they must also explain how unused donated credits support an on-campus food pantry.

Private colleges can earn hunger-free status

Beginning July 1, 2025, private colleges can qualify for Maryland’s Hunger-Free Campus designation. Four-year colleges must meet all program standards, including food access, SNAP help, meal sharing, student surveys, and reporting. Two-year colleges follow the same standards except for SNAP retailer options and meal sharing. The designation recognizes campus hunger efforts; it does not award grant money.

Lower required funding for campus hunger

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law requires the Governor’s budget to include $150,000 annually for Hunger-Free Campus grants. The requirement covers fiscal year 2023 and each year after. For fiscal year 2027 onward, this replaces the separate $225,000 annual requirement, lowering required funding by $75,000 a year.

Private campuses cannot get hunger grants

Beginning July 1, 2025, private two-year and four-year colleges cannot receive Hunger-Free Campus grants. Regional higher education centers run by private nonprofit institutions are also excluded. This funding ban applies even when a campus earns the hunger-free designation.

Campus grants lose fixed dollar limits

Beginning July 1, 2025, eligible public colleges and regional centers still need hunger-free status and must pledge a matching contribution. The law removes the former $25,000 minimum cash or in-kind match. The Maryland Higher Education Commission sets award amounts without the former $25,000 to $150,000 range for first-time grants. This removes both the first-time award floor and ceiling.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Debra Davis

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 240 • No: 82

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 102 • No: 36 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 11 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/14/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 35 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 323

    5/6/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (102-36)

    4/7/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/7/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (35-11)

    4/3/2025Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/2/2025Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {593721/1 Adopted

    4/2/2025Senate

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

    4/2/2025Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/17/2025Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (103-35)

    3/14/2025House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/14/2025House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {333428/1 Adopted

    3/14/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    3/14/2025House

  14. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/13/2025House

  15. First Reading Appropriations

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/14/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/29/2025

    PDF

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