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MarylandSB 00702026 Regular SessionSenate

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.; etcAwareness and OutreachCertificationsClassifications 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: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New diploma pathway for Maryland adults

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland offers MDiplomaWorks as a new way to earn a state high school diploma. You qualify if you live in Maryland, do not have a diploma, are no longer under compulsory attendance, and left a full‑time school program. To earn the diploma, you complete components approved by the state: industry credentials, academic skill assessments, career and technical coursework, and on‑the‑job learning. A diploma is awarded once you complete the pathway under rules set by the Secretary of Labor and the State Board of Education. In 2027 and 2028, the Department of Labor must post and include MDiplomaWorks information in its adult diploma materials. This pathway replaces the old GED‑by‑exam framework.

GED pilot program ends in 2026

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland ends the GED Option Pilot Program in selected school districts. The pilot’s selection, participation, and reporting rules are removed from law. Students and districts no longer have that pilot pathway.

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: 212 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 7 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 168

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (127-7)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {983122/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    3/25/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/16/2026House

  12. Referred Ways and Means

    2/13/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/12/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/10/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {673320/1 Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

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

    2/9/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 1/28 at 10:00 a.m.

    1/21/2026Senate

  18. Hearing canceled

    1/21/2026Senate

  19. Hearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  20. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  21. Pre-filed

    9/16/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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