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MarylandHB 08452026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationAccidentsAge -see also- Age of Maj; Children; Elderly; Inf&Tod.; etcApprenticeships and InternshipsCertificationsClassifications and DesignationsCommunity CollegesConstructionCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsDomestic Partnerships and Civil UnionsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Interstate AffairsKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HseResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Scholarships and Student Financial AidSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchSpousesStudentsTimeTransportation, Department ofTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcTuitionWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More aid for transportation worker families, with limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, these scholarships can cover your total cost of attendance at any college. Each award cannot be more than the annual tuition and mandatory fees at the most expensive 4‑year University System of Maryland school (not counting UMGC or the Baltimore campus). Each award must be at least the lesser of $3,000 or your school’s tuition and fees. You can keep the scholarship up to 5 years full‑time or 8 years part‑time.

Transportation worker scholarship fund and payouts

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a special, nonlapsing fund just for these scholarships. The Higher Education Commission runs it; the State Treasurer holds the money; interest stays in the fund. Colleges decide who is eligible and report counts every February and October. The Commission pays schools based on verified eligible students, and unfunded awards get priority the next fiscal year. When practicable, transportation agencies or their contractors must share family contact info after eligible accidents so families hear about the scholarship.

Promise scholarship for Delmar High grads in MD

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you live in Delmar, Maryland and graduated from Delmar High School in Delaware, you can get the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. You must enroll in a vocational certificate, certificate, associate degree, or a registered apprenticeship. You must attend your county or regional community college, or a Maryland community college with on‑campus housing.

Who qualifies for transport worker scholarships

Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants must be age 16 or older and accepted or enrolled in a regular undergraduate, graduate, or professional program. You may qualify if you are a surviving transportation worker or a qualifying relative of a surviving or fallen worker. Qualifying relatives include a child, stepchild, spouse, unmarried partner, the child or stepchild of an unmarried partner, and, if no closer survivor, a sibling. A fallen worker is someone in construction, rehabilitation, or operation of a State transportation facility who died on or after January 1, 2022 in an on‑duty accident. A surviving worker is someone in those jobs who survived an on‑duty accident on or after January 1, 2022 that caused at least $100,000,000 in total damages.

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: 300 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 712

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/7/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {243227/1 Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

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

    4/6/2026Senate

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

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (126-0)

    3/21/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {313528/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    3/20/2026House

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

    2/17/2026House

  16. First Reading Appropriations

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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