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MarylandSB 07282026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

Sponsored By: Mary Beth Carozza (Republican)

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; BaltNamesPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HsePublic Works -see also- Brg&Tun; Hwys; PublBlgFac; etc.Residency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipScholarships and Student Financial AidSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchSpousesStudentsTransportation, 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

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

More aid for transportation worker families

Beginning July 1, 2026, the program is renamed the Fallen and Surviving Transportation Workers Scholarship. You can qualify if you are at least 16 and are a surviving transportation worker, or a listed child, stepchild, spouse, unmarried partner, or sibling of a fallen or surviving worker. Awards can be used for the total cost of attendance at any college. Each yearly award is at least $3,000, or your school’s tuition and mandatory fees if that is lower. Each yearly award cannot be more than the tuition and required fees of the most expensive 4‑year University System of Maryland school, excluding UMGC and the Baltimore campus. You can keep the award up to 5 years full‑time or 8 years part‑time.

Fund and college process for transportation scholarships

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a special, nonlapsing fund to pay these scholarships. The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers the fund, and the State Treasurer invests the money and credits interest to the fund. Each college checks who is eligible and reports counts in February and October each year. The Commission sends money to colleges based on how many eligible students attend, if funds are available, and can prioritize unallocated awards in the next fiscal year. After an accident, transportation agencies or contractors share names and contact details so the Commission can reach families who may qualify.

Promise Scholarship opens to Delmar grads

Beginning July 1, 2026, Delmar, Maryland residents who graduated from Delmar High School in Delmar, Delaware can get the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. You must enroll in a vocational certificate, a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a registered apprenticeship.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Beth Carozza

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Johnny Mautz

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 713

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed with Amendments (134-0)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Floor Amendment {903623/1 (Delegate Smith) Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/7/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {813121/1 Adopted

    4/7/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

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

    3/30/2026House

  11. Hearing canceled

    3/30/2026House

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

    3/26/2026House

  13. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  14. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  15. Second Reading Passed

    3/19/2026Senate

  16. Favorable Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  17. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    2/10/2026Senate

  19. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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