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MarylandSB 05092026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Higher Education - Workforce Pell Grant Program - Implementation

Sponsored By: Jim Rosapepe (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationAccreditationAdvertisingApplicants and ApplicationsApprenticeships and InternshipsCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.CurriculumData -see also- Census; DemographicsDemographics -see also- Census; DataDisclosureEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic CommunicationEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsEvidenceFederal Aid -see also- CARES ActFederal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesGovernorHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Higher Education CommissionIndependent ContractorsIndustry and ManufacturingIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Internet -see also- Internet AccessJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabRecruitment and HiringReportsRules and RegulationsScholarships and Student Financial AidSchool TestingStudentsTimeTuitionUnfair Trade PracticesWork, 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.

Tuition capped and protections for students

Starting June 1, 2026, a school cannot charge more in tuition and fees for a short‑term program than the Pell Grant maximum for that program period. Schools cannot outsource core control of programs to outside companies unless they make clear disclosures, avoid incentive pay or tuition sharing, and keep control of governance and curriculum. Schools cannot partner with companies that offer student loans, lines of credit, or income‑share agreements unless any loan is 0% interest. Non‑credit courses in these programs must transfer to at least one college, even if a student does not finish. If the Attorney General or a court finds unfair or deceptive practices, the Governor must revoke the school’s approval.

Quality rules for programs and apprenticeships

Approved programs must train for high‑skill or high‑wage, in‑demand jobs and meet employer hiring needs. They must lead to a recognized, stackable credential and give academic credit that counts toward related certificates or degrees. Schools must show at least a 70% completion rate within 150% of normal time and a 70% job placement rate 180 days after completion. The program must have run in the prior 12 months and follow tuition and fee rules. Apprenticeship classroom instruction at a college is presumed to meet key criteria, and approved apprenticeships must include on‑the‑job and classroom learning with competency checks under faculty oversight.

Pell grants for short-term training, with approval

Beginning June 1, 2026, Maryland implements the federal Workforce Pell program. Students can get Pell for short-term programs that are 150–599 hours, 8–14 weeks, and not correspondence. A school must have the Governor’s approval for each program and a federal determination before it can disburse or advertise Pell to Maryland students. Approved programs must send verification every two years to keep approval. The Governor decides on approvals after consulting the Workforce Development Board.

Data reporting and application fees for schools

Starting June 1, 2026, the Workforce Development Board collects yearly data from schools that run approved short‑term programs. Schools must submit the required data by September 30 each year. The Board and the Higher Education Commission send a yearly report to the General Assembly with summaries and student aid data. The Board, the Commission, or an authorized entity may charge an application fee to evaluate program approval. The law does not set the fee amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dalya Attar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

Yes: 133 • No: 2 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 724

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed with Amendments (133-2)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Floor Amendment {363622/1 (Delegate Smith) Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026House

  8. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  10. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {203323/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    2/10/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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