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MarylandHB 07952025 Regular SessionHouse

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - Employee Certification and Awareness Materials

Sponsored By: Ryan Spiegel (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryHigher EducationAwareness and OutreachCertificationsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; Telecom; etc.Debt ManagementDisclosureEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic CommunicationFinancial Regulation, Division ofFormsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Public Employees -see also- State EmployeesRules and RegulationsScholarships and Student Financial AidState EmployeesTeachersWork, 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.

Easier loan forgiveness paperwork for workers

Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying Maryland public service employers must certify employment for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. They must do this when current or former employees request certification and when employees leave, without unreasonable delays. Certification must cover the requested period, or the entire employment period if none is named. Employers can send certification directly to the U.S. Department of Education when federal rules allow. Employers must adopt policies that maximize qualifying full-time service and recognize workers who meet the federal minimum. For adjunct or tenured professors at higher education institutions, each credit, contact, or classroom hour counts as at least 3.35 work hours. A higher amount applies when the federal program allows it. Consecutive academic terms count as continuous employment despite separate contracts or routine academic breaks. These policies do not override employer rules about extra pay or work duties. The Commissioner of Labor and Industry must adopt rules to carry out these requirements.

Workers receive loan forgiveness information regularly

Beginning October 15, 2025, Maryland's Student Loan Ombudsman must prepare, update, and share Public Service Loan Forgiveness materials with public service employers. Materials include a standard letter, a detailed fact sheet with official federal website addresses, and frequently asked questions. The Ombudsman works with state agencies to support outreach and employer compliance. Beginning November 15, 2025, qualifying employers must give new hires the latest materials within 30 days of starting work. Employers can use mail, email, or in-person orientation; beginning March 15, 2026, all employees must receive the latest materials annually, in writing or electronically.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ryan Spiegel

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Anne R. Kaiser

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley J. Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 158 • No: 21

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/25/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 324

    5/6/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/2/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (33-13)

    4/2/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    3/28/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    3/28/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/27/2025Senate

  7. Hearing 3/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/13/2025Senate

  8. Referred Finance

    2/26/2025Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (125-8)

    2/25/2025House

  10. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    2/20/2025House

  11. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    2/19/2025House

  12. Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/29/2025House

  13. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/20/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/29/2025

    PDF

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