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MarylandSB 08642026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Higher Education - Tuition Exemption for Foster Care Recipients - Eligibility

Sponsored By: Alonzo T. Washington (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationAge -see also- Age of Maj; Children; Elderly; Inf&Tod.; etcClassifications and DesignationsFoster CareHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Tuition

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Free tuition for foster and homeless students

Beginning July 1, 2026, foster care recipients and homeless youth do not pay tuition at Maryland public colleges. This applies even if you get scholarships or grants. You must enroll on or before your 25th birthday. You must be in a vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s program and file for federal and State financial aid. The exemption covers tuition charges only.

More students count as foster care recipients

Beginning July 1, 2026, more people count as foster care recipients for college help. You qualify if DHS placed you in out‑of‑home care on or after your 8th birthday for at least 1 year and you were later adopted, placed in guardianship, or reunited with a parent. A younger sibling also qualifies if adopted or placed in guardianship at the same time by the same family. This status makes you eligible for benefits that use this definition, including Maryland’s tuition exemption at public colleges.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Alonzo T. Washington

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 785

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (137-1)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/9/2026House

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

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    3/19/2026Senate

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

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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