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MarylandSB 02042026 Regular SessionSenate

Public Schools - Maryland Civic Excellence Program - Established

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationApplicants and ApplicationsAwards, Medals, and Prizes -see also- Gaming&Gambl; LotteryCivic OrganizationsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education, Boards ofEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Board ofEducation, State Department ofHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchReportsRules and RegulationsSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchStandards and Best PracticesStudents

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New civic excellence seal for students

Maryland creates the Maryland Civic Excellence Program for public high schools. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. By the 2027–2028 school year, the State Board sets rules for earning a Seal of Civic Excellence. The rules require a civic service capstone done through an extracurricular activity focused on state, county, or local government. A local school system may choose to join. If it joins, every public high school must offer the capstone in an existing or new activity supervised by a paid staff member. When a student meets the rules, the system awards the Seal and shows it with a cord, medal, or a diploma insignia. Participating systems may partner with nonprofits, civic groups, or colleges to support the program.

Annual reports from participating school systems

Each participating local school system must send the Department a report on the program by July 1, 2028, and every July 1 after. Reports cover the most recently completed school year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alonzo T. Washington

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dalya Attar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Beth Carozza

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian J. Feldman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bill Ferguson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jason C. Gallion

    Republican • Senate

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike McKay

    Republican • Senate

  • Justin Ready

    Republican • Senate

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Waldstreicher

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 226 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 677

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (137-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {403823/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/10/2026House

  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

    2/20/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    2/19/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/17/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {883529/1 Adopted

    2/17/2026Senate

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

    2/16/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/04 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  19. Pre-filed

    8/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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