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MarylandHB 08092026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program - Funding

Sponsored By: Samuel I. Rosenberg (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationApprenticeships and InternshipsAppropriationsAttorneysBaltimore CountyBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.GovernorHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsScholarships and Student Financial AidState Universities and CollegesStudentsWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Scholarships for Maryland public service interns

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible college and graduate students can get $2,000 to $6,000 for a public service internship. You must agree to serve in the internship, and awards depend on available funds. Priority goes to Maryland residents who show interest in public service and help low‑income or underserved people, including legal help, social work, and nursing shortage areas. The program runs three tracks: the Governor’s Summer Internship, the Sondheim Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship, and the Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows. Your school must nominate you by January 1 for summer and fall, and by October 1 for spring. Scholarships are awarded by January 15 (spring), May 1 (summer), and August 1 (fall).

Stronger, steady state funding for internships

Maryland provides yearly funding for the internship scholarship program. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Governor must budget at least 125% of the program’s fiscal year 2026 funding. The budget must also give UMBC at least 125% of its fiscal year 2026 funding for the three named programs. The Governor may also fund the Shriver Center to run the program. The law takes effect July 1, 2026; the 125% floor starts in FY2028.

Shriver Center runs internships and matching

Starting July 1, 2026, the Shriver Center administers the internship scholarship program. The Center also serves as a single place to match public and nonprofit employers with program interns. This makes placements and hiring simpler for students and host organizations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Samuel I. Rosenberg

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 48

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 112 • No: 17 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 36 • No: 7 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 108 • No: 24 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 780

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (112-17)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (36-7)

    4/7/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/6/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {903022/1 Adopted

    4/6/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/6/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/12/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (108-24)

    3/11/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026House

  13. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  14. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    3/10/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  16. First Reading Appropriations

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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