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MarylandSB 04912025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

General Provisions - Veterans Benefits - Honorable Discharge

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Regulations and ProceduresArmed Forces -see also- Military Department; VeteransInjuryMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMedical Testing and DiagnosisMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Public Benefits -see also- FoodStmps; Housing; MedAsstSexual MattersSexual OffensesSexual OrientationVeterans and Military Families, Department ofVeterans

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Broader Maryland veterans’ benefits require discharge proof

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland expands access to state veterans’ benefits, rights, and privileges after some less-than-honorable discharges. Discharges solely due to sexual orientation or gender identity count as honorable for these programs. So do discharges based on related statements or consensual acts that military rules banned at the time of discharge. Veterans can also qualify through a Department of Veterans and Military Families determination using federal criteria in 38 C.F.R. § 3.12. Veterans seeking benefits under this provision must submit documents showing the reason for their discharge to the department’s Secretary.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dalya Attar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Beth Carozza

    Republican • Senate

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin F. Kramer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Jeff Waldstreicher

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 181 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 271

    5/6/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (139-0)

    4/7/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations

    4/2/2025House

  6. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/18/2025House

  7. Referred Health and Government Operations

    3/17/2025House

  8. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/17/2025Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/14/2025Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {723526/1 Adopted

    3/14/2025Senate

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

    3/14/2025Senate

  12. Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/30/2025Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/14/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2025

    PDF

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