WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 1 –
Chapter 627
(House Bill 1219)
AN ACT concerning
Maryland Educator Shortage Reduction Act of 2023
FOR the purpose of altering the qualifications for early childhood education teacher
certification completed through an alternative teacher preparation program; altering
the qualifications for early childhood education teacher certification completed
through an alternative preparation program; requiring the State Department of
Education, in consultation with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, to
establish specific goals for the recruitment and retention of teachers in teacher
preparation programs in the State; requiring the Department to establish and
maintain a Maryland Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity Dashboard;
stating the intent of the General Assembly for Maryland to join the Interstate
Teacher Mobility Compact as a member state; specifying that the General Assembly
and the State Board of Education shall ensure that certain steps are taken for
Maryland to become a member state in the Compact; transferring the administration
of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland program from the Maryland Higher Education
Commission to the Department; including under the category of altering the period
of time by which certain “high staff qualifications” for publicly funded eligible
prekindergarten providers certain early childhood education teachers employed for
a certain period of time; must begin being implemented; altering the requirements
for, and expanding the purpose of, the Nancy Grasmick Teacher Award to include
mental health professionals employed by public schools in the State; renaming the
Nancy Grasmick Teacher Award to be the Na ncy Grasmick Public School
Professional Award; altering the qualifications for applicants and recipients of the
Teaching Fellows for Maryland program; establishing the Grow Our Own Educators
Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to individuals who pledge to fulfill a
certain service obligation as a full–time teacher in the State; requiring the
Department Teacher Development and Retention Program to provide support to
students interested in pursuing careers in the teaching profession; requiring the
Commission to administer the Program and to take certain actions to develop and
implement the Program; requiring the Commission to take certain actions to
evaluate the Program; establishing the Grow Our Own Educators Scholarship
Teacher Development and Retention Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; requiring
interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring the Office of
Student Financial Assistance within the Maryland Higher Education Commission to
consider a certain recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship to be in
compliance with certain service obligation requirements under certain circumstances;
establishing the Educator Internship Stipend Program to provide stipends to student
teachers in internships working directly with students; requiring the Department to
administer the Program and take certain actions to evaluate the Program; and
generally relating to the recruitment and retention of teachers in the State.
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Education
Section 6–120(a) and (b), 6–120(a) and (b), 6–121, 7–1A–04(a), 18–1501 through
18–1503, 18–1506, 18–2201 through 18–2204, 18–2206, 18–2209, and
18–2210
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Education
Section 18–2205
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume)
BY adding to
Article – Education
Section 6–128 and 6–129; 6–128; and 18–2701 through 18–2705 18–2706 to be under
the new subtitle “Subtitle 27. Grow Our Own Educators Scholarship Teacher
Development and Retention Program”; and 18–2801 to be under the new
subtitle “Subtitle 28. Educator Internship Stipend Program”
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(i)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)170. and 171.
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – State Finance and Procurement
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)172.
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Education
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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6–120.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Alternative teacher preparation program” means a program
[established]:
(I) ESTABLISHED by a county board, AN INSTITUTION OF HI GHER
EDUCATION, OR A NONPROFIT ORGAN IZATION and approved by the State
Superintendent [that:];
[(i)] (II) [Leads] THAT LEADS to a participant receiving a Resident
Teacher Certificate issued by the Department; and
[(ii)] (III) [Includes] THAT INCLUDES teaching assignments with
supervision and mentoring by a qualified teacher.
(3) “ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGAR TEN PROVIDER ” HAS THE MEANING
STATED IN § 7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE.
[(3)] (4) “Partner school” means a local school system, nonpublic school,
[or] nonpublic special education school, OR ELIGIBLE PREKINDE RGARTEN PROVIDER
that has a written partnership agreement with an institution of higher education or
alternative teacher preparation program to provide a teacher training practicum for
participants enrolled in a teacher preparation program at the institution of higher education
or alternative teacher preparation program.
(b) (1) Each participant in an undergraduate and a graduate teacher
preparation program shall complete a teacher training practicum as a requirement for
graduation.
(2) [An] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS
SUBSECTION, AN alternative teacher preparation program shall require each participant
to successfully complete a teacher training practicum.
(3) (I) AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHE R PREPARATION PROGRA M FOR
AN EARLY CHILDHOOD E DUCATION CERTIFICATI ON SHALL REQUIRE EAC H
PARTICIPANT TO SUCCESSFULLY :
1. COMPLETE A TEACHER TR AINING PRACTICUM ; OR
2. SATISFY CRITERIA ESTA BLISHED BY THE
DEPARTMENT UNDER SUBP ARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TH AT EVALUATE
THE KNOWLEDGE AND SK ILLS FROM PRIOR LEAR NING RELATING TO EAR LY
CHILDHOOD E DUCATION. Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(II) THE DEPARTMENT , IN COLLABORATION WIT H
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGH ER EDUCATION , SHALL ESTABLISH STAN DARDS FOR AND
CRITERIA TO EVALUATE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SK ILLS FROM PRIOR LEAR NING
RELATING TO EARLY CH ILDHOOD EDUCATION , INCLUDING FROM A REG ISTERED
APPRENTICESHIP .
6–120.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Alternative teacher preparation program” means a program
[established]:
(I) 1. ESTABLISHED by a county board, AN INSTITUTION OF
HIGHER EDUCATION, OR A NONPROFIT ORGAN IZATION and approved by the State
Superintendent [that:]; OR
2. ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT ;
[(i)] (II) [Leads] THAT LEADS to a participant receiving a
Resident Teacher Certificate issued by the Department; and
[(ii)] (III) [Includes] THAT INCLUDES teaching assignments with
supervision and mentoring by a qualified teacher.
(3) “ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGAR TEN PROVIDER ” HAS THE MEANING
STATED IN § 7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE.
[(3)] (4) “Partner school” means a local school system, nonpublic school,
[or] nonpublic special education school, OR ELIGIBLE PREKINDE RGARTEN PROVIDER
that has a written partnership agreement with an institution of higher education or
alternative teacher preparation program to provide a teacher training practicum for
participants enrolled in a teacher preparation program at the institution of higher
education or alternative teacher preparation program.
(b) (1) Each participant in an undergraduate and a graduate te acher
preparation program shall complete a teacher training practicum as a requirement for
graduation.
(2) [An] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS
SUBSECTION, AN alternative teacher preparation program shall require each participant
to successfully complete a teacher training practicum.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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(3) (I) AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHE R PREPARATION PROGRA M FOR
AN EARLY CHILDHOOD E DUCATION CERTIFICATI ON SHALL REQUIRE EAC H
PARTICIPANT TO SUCCE SSFULLY:
1. COMPLETE A TEACHER TR AINING PRACTICUM ; OR
2. SATISFY CRITERIA ESTA BLISHED BY THE
DEPARTMENT UNDER SUBP ARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TH AT EVALUATE
THE KNOWLEDGE AND SK ILLS FROM PRIOR LEAR NING RELATING TO EAR LY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION .
(II) THE DEPARTMENT , IN COLLABORATION WIT H
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGH ER EDUCATION , SHALL ESTABLISH STAN DARDS FOR AND
CRITERIA TO EVALUATE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SK ILLS FROM PRIOR LEAR NING
RELATING TO EARLY CH ILDHOOD EDUCATION , INCLUDING FROM A REG ISTERED
APPRENTICESHIP .
6–121.
(a) A teacher preparation program shall:
(1) Include the following components of instruction:
(i) Basic research skills and methods and training on the routine
evaluation and use of research and data to improve student performance;
(ii) Differentiation of instruction and demonstration of cultural
competence for students of diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and economic backgrounds with
different learning abilities;
(iii) Implementation of restorative approaches for student behaviors;
(iv) Identifying and assessing, in the context of the classroom, typical
student learning deficits and techniques to remedy learning deficits;
(v) Recognizing and effectively using high quality instructional
materials, including digital resources and computer technology;
(vi) Core academic subjects that teachers will be teaching;
(vii) Methods and techniques for identifying and addressing the social
and emotional needs of students, including trauma–informed approaches to pedagogy; and
(viii) Skills and techniques for effective classroom management;
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(2) Require program participants to demonstrate competency in each of the
components required under paragraph (1) of this subsection;
(3) Provide training in the knowledge and skills required to understand
and teach the Maryland curriculum frameworks; and
(4) On or after July 1, 2025, require passing a nationally recognized,
portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability as a requirement for graduation.
(b) Each teacher preparation program shall incorporate classroom observations
in which the program participant is observed in different school settings at the beginning
of the teacher preparation program to assist a program participant in determining if the
program participant has the aptitude and temperament for teaching.
(c) A teacher preparation program shall develop a method for regularly
communicating and collaborating with local school systems, including, if necessary,
through financial memoranda of understanding, to strengthen teacher preparation,
induction, and professional development programs.
(d) (1) An institution of higher education that offers graduate level courses in
school administration shall develop:
(i) A method for evaluating the potential of program participants to
be effective school leaders; and
(ii) A curriculum to enable school leaders to organize and manage
schools to achieve the effectiveness of top–performing schools or school systems, including:
1. Management of highly skilled professionals in a
professional work environment; and
2. Effective peer observations and effective evaluations of
other personnel.
(2) These courses shall include clinical experience and assessments to
determine whether participants demonstrate competency in these areas.
(e) An institution of higher education:
(1) May, if the institution of higher education shows cause, expand the total
number of credit hours required to graduate from an undergraduate teacher preparation
program by up to 12 credits; and
(2) May not require a number of credit hours in excess of 132 total credit
hours to graduate from an undergraduate teacher preparation program.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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(f) To further support and strengthen the profession of teaching in the State, the
Department shall:
(1) Provide technical assistance and other supports to teacher preparation
programs at institutions of higher education in the State;
(2) Develop a systemic method of providing feedback to teacher preparation
programs to ensure that institutions of higher education have the most current information
about the content, composition, and expectations for teachers of prekindergarten through
12th grade classes; [and]
(3) Assist teacher preparation programs in seeking and retaining highly
qualified individuals, including individuals from groups historically underrepresented in
the teaching profession;
(4) ESTABLISH IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MARYLAND HIGHER
EDUCATION COMMISSION, ESTABLISH SPECIFIC GOALS FOR T HE RECRUITMENT
AND RETENTION OF TEA CHERS IN TEACHER PRE PARATION PROGRAMS
THROUGHOUT THE STATE; AND
(5) REQUIRE TEACHER PREPA RATION PROGRAMS THAT FAIL TO
MEET THE GOALS ESTAB LISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER ITEM (4) OF THIS
SUBSECTION TO SUBMIT AN ACTION PLAN TO TH E DEPARTMENT WORK WITH
TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS THAT FAIL T O MEET THE GOALS EST ABLISHED
UNDER ITEM (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION T O DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN THAT
DEMONSTRATES HOW THE TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM WILL MEET TH E
GOALS.
(g) The State Board and the Professional Standards and Teacher Education
Board shall, in consultation with the Accountability and Implementation Board established
under § 5–402 of this article, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
6–128.
(A) (1) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2025, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
ESTABLISH AND MAINTA IN A MARYLAND EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT , RETENTION,
AND DIVERSITY DASHBOARD.
(2) THE SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE
DASHBOARD SHALL INCLU DE DEMOGRAPHIC INFOR MATION AND KEY DATA POINTS
REGARDING EDUCATORS IN CLASSRO OMS AND PROSPECTIVE EDUCATORS WITHIN
TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE:
(I) CERTIFICATED AND NONC ERTIFICATED PERSONNE L IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS ; AND Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(II) PROSPECTIVE EDUCATORS WITHIN TEACHER
PREPARATION PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE WHO ARE PARTICI PATING IN
TEACHER INTERNSHIPS .
(3) (I) THE DASHBOARD MAY NOT INCL UDE ANY DEMOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION THAT COU LD BE USED TO IDENTI FY SPECIFIC INDIVIDU ALS.
(II) ANY DEMOGRAPHIC THAT IS LESS THAN 5% OF THE
RELEVANT POPULATION MAY BE REPORTED SIMP LY AS “< 5%”.
(B) (1) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER 1
THEREAFTER , EACH COUNTY BOARD SH ALL REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT
DEMOGRAPHIC AND JOB STATUS INFORMATION O N EDUCATORS EMPLOYED BY, AND
TEACHER INTERNS PLAC ED IN, THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS W ITHIN THE JURISDICTI ON OF
THE COUNTY BOARD DUR ING THE PREVIOU S SCHOOL YEAR .
(2) EACH COUNTY BOARD SHA LL REPORT THE INFORM ATION
REQUIRED UNDER PARAG RAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION D ISAGGREGATED BY :
(I) SCHOOL;
(II) GENDER;
(III) RACE;
(IV) ETHNICITY;
(V) AVERAGE LENGTH OF SER VICE;
(VI) STATUS ON THE CAREER LADDER ESTABLISHED U NDER §
6–1002 OF THIS TITLE;
(VII) NUMBER OF EDUCATORS H IRED DURING THE REPO RTING
PERIOD; AND
(VIII) ATTRITION RATES OF ED UCATORS DURING THE R EPORTING
PERIOD.
6–129.
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “COMPACT” MEANS THE INTERSTATE TEACHER
MOBILITY COMPACT.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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(B) (1) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO JOIN THE
INTERSTATE TEACHER MOBILITY COMPACT AS A MEMBER S TATE.
(2) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE STATE BOARD SHALL ENSURE
THAT ALL NECESSARY S TEPS ARE TAKEN FOR MARYLAND TO BECOME A MEMBER
STATE IN THE COMPACT.
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERSTATE TEACHER MOBILITY COMPACT IS
TO FACILITATE THE LI CENSURE OF TEACHERS ACROSS THE MEMBER ST ATES, WITH
THE GOAL OF IMPROVIN G ACCESS TO THE TEAC HING PROFESSION AND SERVING THE
NEEDS OF STUDENTS AC ROSS THE MEMBER STAT ES TO RECEIVE A QUAL ITY
EDUCATION FROM QUALI FIED TEACHERS .
(D) (1) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APP LY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR A
STANDARD PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE, AN INDIVIDUAL IN A COMPACT MEMBER
STATE SHALL:
(I) HOLD A BACHELOR ’S DEGREE; AND
(II) HAVE COMPLETED ALL RE QUIREMENTS OF A PROG RAM FOR
TEACHER LICENSURE AP PROVED BY THE LICENS ING AUTHORITY OF THE COMPACT
MEMBER STATE .
(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP AN APPLICATION P ROCESS
FOR A STANDARD PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE UNDER THI S SECTION, WHICH
SHALL INCLUDE A REQU IREMENT FOR APPLICAN TS TO UNDERGO A CRIM INAL
BACKGROUND CHECK .
(3) ON RECEIPT OF AN APPL ICATION FOR A STANDARD
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE UNDER THI S SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL :
(I) ISSUE THE LICENSE TO THE APPLICANT ; OR
(II) SHOW CAUSE FOR THE DE NIAL TO ISSUE A LICE NSE TO THE
APPLICANT.
(4) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTA BLISH A NOTICE AND A PPEAL
PROCESS FOR APPLICAN TS TO APPEAL DECISIO NS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN
ACCORDANCE W ITH THIS SECTION.
(E) (1) THE STATE BOARD AND THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND
TEACHER EDUCATION BOARD MAY ESTABLISH R EGULATIONS AUTHORIZI NG THE
AUTOMATIC ISSUANCE O F A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE TO TEACHE RS WHO ARE
LICENSED IN A COMPACT MEMBER STATE . Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(2) A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS
MINIMAL EQUIVALENCY AS THE ELIGIBLE LICE NSE UNDER THE COMPACT.
(F) WHEN A LICENSE ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH T HIS SECTION IS UP
FOR RENEWAL , THE DEPARTMENT MAY REQUIR E THE TEACHER TO COM PLETE
STATE–SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS A S A CONDITION FOR RE NEWAL OF THE LICENSE .
7–1A–04.
(a) All eligible prekindergarten providers shall include structural elements that
are evidence–based and nationally recognized as important for ensuring program quality,
including:
(1) Beginning in the 2025–2026 2027–2028 school year:
(i) High staff qualifications, including teachers who, at a
minimum[, hold]:
1. [State] HOLD STATE certification for teaching in early
childhood education; [or]
2. [A] HOLD A bachelor’s degree in any field and are
pursuing residency through the Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program,
which includes early childhood coursework, clinical practice, and evidence of pedagogical
content knowledge; OR
3. ARE PURSUING STATE CERTIFICATION T HROUGH AN
ALTERNATIVE PREPARAT ION PROGRAM APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER §
6–120 OF THIS ARTICLE
A. HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED IN THE FIELD OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2025;
B. MEET THE EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA IN EFFECT ON
JULY 1, 2023, FOR A CHILD CARE CEN TER TEACHER OR A CHI LD CARE PROVIDER IN
A FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OR A LARGE FAMI LY CHILD CARE HOME ; AND
C. HAVE BEEN ASSESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON OR
BEFORE JULY 1, 2025, THROUGH AN I N–CLASSROOM OBSERVATIO N AS HAVING
SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FROM PRIO R LEARNING AND JOB
EXPERIENCE TO PROVID E EXCELLENT EARLY CH ILDHOOD EDUCATION ; and
(ii) Teaching assistants who have at least: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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1. A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate; or
2. An associate’s degree;
(2) Professional development for all staff;
(3) A student–to–classroom personnel ratio of no more than 10 to 1 in each
class;
(4) Class sizes of no more than 20 students per classroom;
(5) A full–day prekindergarten program;
(6) Inclusion of students with disabilities to ensure access to and full
participation in all program opportunities;
(7) For at least 1 year before a student’s enrollment in kindergarten,
learning environments that:
(i) Are aligned with State Early Learning and Development
Standards;
(ii) Use evidence–based curricula; and
(iii) Use instruction methods that are:
1. Developmentally appropriate; and
2. Culturally and linguistically responsive;
(8) Individualized accommodations and supports for all students;
(9) Instructional staff salaries and benefits that are comparable to the
salaries and benefits of instructional staff employed by the county board of the county in
which the early learning program is located;
(10) Program evaluation to ensure continuous program improvement;
(11) On–site or accessible comprehensive services for students;
(12) Community partnerships that promote access to comprehensive
services for families of students; and
(13) Evidence–based health and safety standards.
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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18–1501.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) (1) “Eligible field of employment” means employment in the State by an
organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation
under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) “Eligible field of employment” includes employment by the State or any
local government in the State, but does not include being employed as a judicial clerk in
any court.
(c) “Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study
that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:
(1) A college or university, government, or commercial source; or
(2) An organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is
exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(D) (1) “MENTAL HEALTH PROFESS IONAL” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO
IS:
(1) A PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEE CERT IFICATED UNDER TITLE 6,
SUBTITLE 4 OF THIS ARTICLE; AND
(2) EMPLOYED IN A LOCAL S CHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE TO
PROVIDE MENTAL HEALT H SERVICES, INCLUDING AS A SCHOO L PSYCHOLOGIST ,
RESOURCE PSYCHOLOGIS T, PSYCHOLOGIST COORDIN ATOR, SOCIAL WORKER,
SOCIAL WORKER SUPERV ISOR, SCHOOL COUNSELOR , OR MENTAL HEALTH
COORDINATOR PROVIDES MENTAL HEAL TH SERVICES IN PUBLI C SCHOOLS AND IS
EMPLOYED BY :
(I) A COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM ; OR
(II) A LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTM ENT TO PROVIDE SCHOO L
HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH AN AGREEMENT WITH A COUNTY BOARD .
(2) “MENTAL HEALTH PROFESS IONAL” INCLUDES A SCHOOL
PSYCHOLOGIST , RESOURCE PSYCHOLOGIS T, PSYCHOLOGIST COORDIN ATOR, SOCIAL
WORKER, SOCIAL WORKER SUPERV ISOR, SCHOOL COUNSELOR , OR MENTAL HEALTH
COORDINATOR .
[(d)] (E) “Program” means the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment
Program. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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18–1502.
(a) There is a program of loan assistance repayment known as the Janet L.
Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program in the State.
(b) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall assist in the repayment of
the amount of any higher education loan owed by an individual who:
(1) [(i)] Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from:
[1.] (I) A college or university in the State of Maryland; or
[2.] (II) A school of law[; or
3. FOR A MENTAL HEALTH P ROFESSIONAL , ANY
ACCREDITED COLLEGE O R UNIVERSITY; OR
(ii) Receives a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) from the
Department after completing an alternative teaching preparation program approved by the
State Superintendent];
(2) Obtains eligible employment;
(3) Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income
levels established by the Office, including any additional sources of income; and
(4) Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.
(c) (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section AND
PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , the Office shall assist in the repayment of the
amount of any higher education loan owed by a public school teacher OR MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL in the State who[:
(1) Has taught] HAS BEEN EMPLOYED in Maryland for at least [2 years:]
1 YEAR.
[(i)] (2) [In] A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHE R MUST HAVE BEEN
EMPLOYED IN MARYLAND FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR TEACHING IN science, technology,
engineering, fine arts, or math subjects[;]:
[(ii)] (I) In a school in which at least the following percentages of
the students are enrolled in the free and reduced price lunch program in the State:
1. 75% through June 30, 2025; and Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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2. 55% beginning July 1, 2025; or
[(iii)] (II) In a school that:
1. Had Title I status during the 2018–2019 school year;
2. Lost Title I status after the 2018–2019 school year; and
3. Participates in the United States Depa rtment of
Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision[; and
(2) Has received the highest performance evaluation rating for the most
recent year available in the county in which the teacher taught].
(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist
in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a [public]:
(1) PUBLIC school teacher in the State who:
[(1)] (I) Has taught in Maryland for at least 2 years:
[(i)] 1. In science, technology, engineering, fine arts, or math
subjects;
[(ii)] 2. In a school in which at least the following percentages of
the students are enrolled in the free and reduced price lunch program in the State:
[1.] A. 75% through June 30, 2025; and
[2.] B. 55% beginning July 1, 2025; or
[(iii)] 3. In a school that:
[1.] A. Had Title I status during the 2018–2019 school year;
[2.] B. Lost Title I status after the 2018–2019 school year;
and
[3.] C. Participates in the United States Department of
Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision; and
[(2)] (II) Has received [the highest] A performance evaluation rating for
the most recent year available in the county in which the teacher taught; OR
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
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(2) MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WHO HAS PROVIDED MENTAL
HEALTH SERVICES IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS AS AN EMPLOYEE OF:
(I) A COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM ; OR
(II) A LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTM ENT THROUGH AN AGREE MENT
WITH A COUNTY BOARD .
(d) (1) A grant awarded under subsection (c) of this section shall be known as
the Nancy Grasmick [Teacher] PUBLIC SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL Award.
(2) A recipient of a Nancy Grasmick [Teacher] PUBLIC SCHOOL
PROFESSIONAL Award shall be known as a Nancy Grasmick [Teacher] PUBLIC SCHOOL
PROFESSIONAL Scholar.
(e) An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall
demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational
expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.
(f) Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in §
18–1501(c)(2) of this subtitle shall require the approval of the Office.
(g) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist
in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a licensed clinical
alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapy counselor, or a
licensed clinical professional counselor whose practice is located in a high–need geographic
area of the State as determined by the Maryland Department of Health.
18–1503.
(a) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt regulations to
establish:
(1) The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman
Loan Assistance Repayment Program;
(2) The maximum total income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman Loan
Assistance Repayment Program, including any additional sources of income;
(3) That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an
individual who:
(i) Graduated from an institution of higher education in the last 3
years;
(ii) Is a resident of the State; Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(iii) Is employed on a full–time basis; and
(iv) 1. Provides, as the principal part of the individual’s
employment, legal services to low–income residents in the State who cannot afford legal
services, nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of
this title, or other services in an eligible field of employment in which there is a shortage of
qualified practitioners to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State; or
2. For teacher AND MENTAL HEALTH PR OFESSIONAL
applicants only, qualifies for a Nancy Grasmick [Teacher] PUBLIC SCHOOL
PROFESSIONAL Award;
(4) A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office of
Student Financial Assistance in repaying the loan of an eligible individual, based on the
individual’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;
(5) A procedure and schedule for the monthly or annual payment of the
amount of loan assistance provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance to the
eligible individual, as appropriate to assist an eligible individual in meeting loan
forgiveness program requirements;
(6) A requirement that an eligible individual apply to federal loan
forgiveness programs for which the individual may qualify;
(7) A requirement that an eligible individual notify the Office of Student
Financial Assistance if the individual receives other loan repayment assistance; and
(8) An annual review of the eligibility of each individual participating in
the Program.
(b) [The Office of Student Financial Assistance may not approve more than 50%
of the total number of awards for teacher applicants to Nancy Grasmick Teacher Scholars.
(c)] The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt any other regulations
necessary to implement this subtitle.
18–1506.
The Office shall publicize the availability of the Program, including by publicizing
the Program:
(1) At historically black colleges and universities; and
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 17 –
(2) In a manner that focuses on students who are historically
underrepresented in the teaching [field] AND MENTAL HEALTH PR OFESSIONAL FIELDS ;
AND
(3) TO ELIGIBLE MENTAL HE ALTH PROFESSIONALS IN AN EFFORT TO
RECRUIT AND RETAIN M ENTAL HEALTH PROFESS IONALS TO PUBLIC SCH OOLS IN THE
STATE.
18–2201.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Eligible institution” means a:
(1) Public senior higher education institution in the State that possesses a
certificate of approval from the Commission and has a department, school, or college of
education; or
(2) Private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that
possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission, has a department, school, or
college of education, and agrees to provide a matching grant to an undergraduate or
graduate student, as appropriate, who receives a Teaching Fellows for Maryland
scholarship in the lesser of:
(i) 100% of the annual cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the
University of Maryland, College Park Campus; or
(ii) 50% of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the private
nonprofit institution of higher education.
[(c) “Office” means the Office of Student Financial Assistance as defined in §
18–101(c) of this title.]
[(d)] (C) (1) “Service obligation” means to teach full time in the State as a
teacher in a Maryland public school or a public prekindergarten program [that has at least
50% of its students eligible for free or reduced price meals (FRPM)]:
(I) THAT IS IN A HIGH –NEEDS SCHOOL , AS DEFINED
IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT ; OR
(II) IN A GRADE LEVEL OR C ONTENT AREA IN WHICH THERE IS A
SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIE D EDUCATORS , AS DETERMINE D IDENTIFIED BY THE
DEPARTMENT .
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 18 –
(2) “Service obligation” does not mean employment as teaching assistants,
volunteer service, paid fellowships, or internships.
18–2202.
(A) There is a program of Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarships that are
awarded under this subtitle for students who pledge to work as public school or public
prekindergarten teachers in the State upon completion of their studies at [schools that have
at least 50% of the students in the school eligible for free or reduced price meals (FRPM)]:
(1) A HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOL , AS DEFINED IDENTIFIED BY THE
DEPARTMENT ; OR
(2) IN A GRADE LEVEL OR C ONTENT AREA IN WHICH THERE IS A
SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIE D EDUCATORS , AS DETERMINED IDENTIFIED BY THE
DEPARTMENT .
(B) (1) EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT TO THE OFFICE A
LIST OF HIGH–NEEDS:
(1) HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOLS IN WHICH THE RE ARE A SIGNIFICANT
PROPORTION OF :
(I) TEACHER VACANCIES ; AND
(II) TEACHERS TEACHING IN A GRADE LEVEL OR CONTENT
AREA OTHER THAN THE GRADE LEVEL OR CONTE NT AREA IN WHICH THE Y ARE
CERTIFICATED .; AND
(2) EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT TO THE OFFICE A
LIST OF GRADE GRADE LEVELS AND CONTENT A REAS IN WHICH THERE ARE A
SIGNIFICANT PROPORTI ON OF:
(I) TEACHER VACANCIES ; AND
(II) TEACHERS TEACHING IN A GRADE LEVEL OR CON TENT
AREA OTHER THAN THE GRADE LEVEL OR CONTE NT AREA IN WHICH THE Y ARE
CERTIFICATED .
18–2203.
(a) [The Office shall annually] EACH YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL select
eligible students and offer a scholarship to each student selected to be used at an eligible
institution of their choice. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 19 –
(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a recipient of the Teaching
Fellows for Maryland scholarship shall:
(i) [Be a Maryland resident or have graduated from a Maryland
high school;
(ii)] Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, be accepted
for admission or currently enrolled at an eligible institution as a full–time or part–time
undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a course of study or program in an academic
discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate;
[(iii) 1. Have achieved at least:
A. For a student currently enrolled in high school, an overall
grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, or an overall grade point average
in the top 15% of the student’s grade, after completion of the first semester of the senior
year;
B. For a student currently enrolled as a full –time
undergraduate student, a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale and
satisfactory progress toward a degree in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland
professional teacher’s certificate;
C. A score of 500 on the reading and math portions of the
SAT, with a combined score of at least 1100 on the reading and math portions of the SAT;
D. A composite ACT score of 25; or
E. A score of 50% on the GRE; and
2. Have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to or
aptitude for teaching;]
(II) 1. BE IN THE TOP 25% OF THE STUDENT ’S GRADUATING
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS , CONTINUE TO MAKE SAT ISFACTORY PROGRESS T OWARD A
DEGREE, AND MAINTAIN THE STA NDARDS OF THE INSTIT UTION;
2. HAVE A 3.0 UNWEIGHTED CUMULATIV E
HIGH SCHOOL GRADE PO INT AVERAGE ON A 4.0 SCALE, CONTINUE TO MAKE
SATISFACTORY PROGRES S TOWARD A DEGREE , AND MAINTAIN THE STA NDARDS OF
THE INSTITUTION ; OR
3. CONTINUE TO MAKE SATI SFACTORY PROGRESS
TOWARD A DEGREE , AND MAINTAIN THE STANDAR DS OF THE INSTITUTION, AND Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 20 –
SUBMIT A LETTER OF SUPPORT FR OM THE DEAN OR CHAIR OF THE COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION OR RESPECTIVE DEPART MENT IN WHICH THE TE ACHING CREDENTIAL
PROGRAM IS HOUSED AT THE APPLIC ANT’S INSTITUTION;
[(iv)] (III) Sign a letter of intent to perform the service obligation
upon completion of the recipient’s required studies;
[(v)] (IV) Accept any other conditions attached to the award; and
[(vi)] (V) Satisfy any additional criteria the [Commission]
DEPARTMENT may establish.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, an individual who,
at the time the individual is scheduled to matriculate at an eligible institution, will have
been employed as a teaching assistant at a public school or public prekindergarten program
in the State for at least 2 years:
(i) May apply for a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship
under this subtitle; and
(ii) Is eligible to hold a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship
as a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student.
(3) A recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may be
an individual who is enrolled or plans to enroll at an eligible institution as a full–time or
part–time undergraduate or graduate student who:
(i) Changes majors to pursue a course of study or program in an
academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate; or
(ii) Seeks to change careers to pursue a course of study or program
in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate.
(4) IN SELECTING AWARDEES FOR A TEACHING FELLOWS FOR
MARYLAND SCHOLARSHIP , THE OFFICE SHALL GIVE PRE FERENCE TO APPLICANT S,
INCLUDING THOSE APPL YING UNDER PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , WHO
HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED I N A PUBLIC SCHOOL OR A PUBLICLY FUNDED
PREKINDERGARTEN PROG RAM WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS.
(c) A recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may not hold a
Maryland professional teacher’s certificate.
(d) (1) Applicants who are secondary school students shall provide a high
school transcript after completion of the first semester of their senior year.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 21 –
(2) Applicants who are currently enrolled in an eligible institution shall
provide the most recent college transcript, or if not applicable, the applicant may submit a
final high school transcript.
(3) Applicants who are not currently enrolled in an eligible institution, but
who are high school graduates, shall provide a final high school transcript.
(4) Applicants who are high school graduates and are not currently
enrolled in an eligible institution, but have completed some courses at an eligible
institution, shall provide the most recent college transcript.
(5) Applicants who are not currently enrolled in an eligible institution, but
who are college graduates, shall provide a final college transcript.
18–2204.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the recipient of a Teaching
Fellows for Maryland scholarship shall repay the [Commission] DEPARTMENT the funds
received [as set forth in § 18–112 of this title] if the recipient does not:
(1) Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible course of study or
program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle;
(2) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, perform PERFORM the service
obligation to teach in a public school or a public prekindergarten program [that has at least
50% of its students eligible for free or reduced price meals (FRPM)] IN A HIGH–NEEDS
SCHOOL, AS DEFINED IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT , OR IN A GRADE L EVEL OR
CONTENT AREA IN WHIC H THERE IS A SHORTAG E OF QUALIFIED EDUCA TORS, AS
IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT , for a period of:
(i) For a recipient who received a scholarship as an undergraduate
student, 1 year for each year that the recipient has a scholarship awarded under this
subtitle; and
(ii) For a recipient who received a scholarship as a graduate student,
at least 2 years; and
(3) Become professionally certified to teach in the State of Maryland within
the time period specified by the [Commission in consultation with the Maryland]
Department [of Education].
(b) (1) If a recipient is unable to perform the service obligation required under
this subtitle because there are no available positions in a [public school or public
prekindergarten program that has at least 50% of its students eligible for free or reduced
price meals (FRPM)] QUALIFYING SCHOOL , GRADE LEVEL , OR SUBJECT CONTENT Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 22 –
AREA, the recipient may work in any public school or public prekindergarten program in
the State.
(2) IF A RECIPIENT PERFOR MS THE SERVICE OBLIG ATION BY
TEACHING AT A SCHOOL , GRADE LEVEL , OR CONTENT AREA PREV IOUSLY
IDENTIFIED AS HIGH NEEDS HIGH–NEEDS THAT IS NO LONGER ID ENTIFIED AS HIGH
NEEDS HIGH–NEEDS, THE RECIPIENT MAY CO NTINUE TO TEACH IN T HAT SCHOOL,
GRADE LEVEL, OR CONTENT AREA WITH OUT BEING REQUIRED T O REPAY THE FUNDS
RECEIVED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.
(c) The [Office] DEPARTMENT shall forgive a recipient of a Teaching Fellows for
Maryland scholarship for 2 years of an award if:
(1) (i) The recipient has taken the teacher certification examination,
approved by the State Board of Education, in 2 consecutive years; and
(ii) The recipient fails to pass the teacher certification examination
within the time period specified by the [Commission] DEPARTME NT in accordance with
subsection (a)(3) of this section; or
(2) The recipient provides to the [Office] DEPARTMENT satisfactory
evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent the recipient from becoming
professionally certified to teach in the State.
18–2205.
(a) The annual scholarship award shall be:
(1) At a public senior higher education institution in the State that has a
department, school, or college of education, 100% of the equivalent annual tuition,
mandatory fees, and room and board of a resident undergraduate student or graduate
student, as appropriate, at the public senior higher education institution; or
(2) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, at a private nonprofit
institution of higher education in the State that has a department, school, or college of
education, an amount equal to:
(i) The lesser of:
1. 100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees
of a resident undergraduate student or graduate student, as appropriate, at the University
of Maryland, College Park Campus; or
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 23 –
2. 50% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees
of a resident undergraduate or graduate student, as appropriate, at the eligible private
nonprofit institution of higher education; and
(ii) 100% of the room and board of a resident undergraduate student
or graduate student, as appropriate, at the eligible private nonprofit institution of higher
education in the State.
(b) A private nonprofit institution of higher education shall provide a matching
scholarship award in an amount equal to the award calculated in subsection (a)(2)(i) of this
section.
18–2206.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each recipient of a
Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may renew the award three times if the
recipient:
(1) [Continues to be a resident of the State or graduated from a high school
in the State;
(2)] Continues to be a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate
student at an eligible institution as determined by the Office; AND
[(3) Has achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0
scale and maintains this minimum cumulative grade point average throughout the
remainder of this award, or failing to do so, provides evidence of extenuating circumstances;
(4) In the judgment of the institution, is making satisfactory progress
toward a degree; and
(5) Maintains the standards of the institution]
(2) (I) HAS ACHIEVED A 3.0 CUMULATIVE GRADE POI NT AVERAGE
ON A 4.0 SCALE, CONTINUES TO MAKE SA TISFACTORY PROGRESS TOWARD A
DEGREE, AND MAINTAINS THE ST ANDARDS OF THE INSTI TUTION; OR
(II) CONTINUES TO MAKE SAT ISFACTORY PROGRESS T OWARD A
DEGREE, AND MAINTAINS THE STANDA RDS OF THE INSTITUTION, AND SUBMITS A
LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE DEAN OR CHAIR OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
OR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMEN T IN WHICH THE TEACH ING CREDENTIAL PROGR AM IS
HOUSED AT THE APPLIC ANT’S INSTITUTION.
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 24 –
(b) Each recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may renew
the annual award four times if the recipient is enrolled in a course of study that, as
determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete.
18–2209.
The Governor annually shall include IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL AN
APPROPRIATION OF at least the following amounts [in the State budget] for the
[Commission] DEPARTMENT to award scholarships under this subtitle:
(1) For fiscal year 2022, $4,000,000;
(2) For fiscal year 2023, $8,000,000;
(3) For fiscal year 2024, $12,000,000; and
(4) For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, [$18,000,000]
$10,000,000.
18–2210.
(A) (1) The [Office of Student Financial Assistance shall:
(1) Publicize], IN COLLABORATION WIT H THE DEPARTMENT , SHALL
PUBLICIZE the availability of Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarships[; and].
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE SHALL FOCUS ON PUBLI CIZING THE
AVAILABILITY OF THE TEACHING FELLOWS FOR MARYLAND SCHOLARSHIPS :
(I) AT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UN IVERSITIES IN
THE STATE; AND
(II) TO TEACHING ASSISTANT S AND OTHER EDUCATIO NAL
SUPPORT STAFF C URRENTLY WORKING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND P UBLICLY FUNDED
PREKINDERGARTEN PROG RAMS; AND
(III) IN A MANNER THAT PROM OTES THE PROGRAM TO
STUDENTS WHO ARE MEM BERS OF GROUPS THAT ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE
TEACHING PROFESSION .
[(2)] (B) To the extent practicable, THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE SHALL
award scholarships under this subtitle in a manner that reflects ethnic, gender, racial, and
geographic diversity.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 25 –
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
as follows:
Article – Education
SUBTITLE 27. GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP TEACHER
DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM.
18–2701.
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.
(B) “ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS:
(1) A RESIDENT OF THE STATE ENROLLED IN THE FIRST OR SECOND
YEAR AT AN INSTITUTI ON OF INITIAL ELIGIB ILITY; AND
(2) INTERESTED IN PURSUIN G A CAREER IN THE TE ACHING
PROFESSION.
(C) “ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION ” MEANS AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION IN THIS STATE THAT POSSESSES A CERTIFICATE OF APP ROVAL FROM
THE COMMISSION AND HAS A DEPARTMENT , SCHOOL, OR COLLEGE OF EDUCAT ION.
(D) “ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGAR TEN PROVIDER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED
IN § 7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE.
(E) (C) “FUND” MEANS THE GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R THIS
SUBTITLE.
(D) “INSTITUTION OF INITIA L ELIGIBILITY” MEANS AN INSTITUTION OF
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE WHERE AT LEAST 40% OF THE ATTENDEES ARE
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FEDERAL PELL GRANTS.
(F) (E) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS
SCHOLARSHIP TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM ESTABLISHED
UNDER THIS SUBTITLE .
18–2702.
(A) (1) THERE IS A GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM. Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 26 –
(2) THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM IS A
PILOT PROGRAM DESIGN ED TO INCENTIVIZE A COHORT OF STUDENTS T O PURSUE A
CAREER IN THE TEACHI NG PROFESSION .
(B) (1) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
SUPPORT TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHO ULTIMATELY PLEDGE TO FULFILL A
SERVICE OBLIGATION A S A TEACHER EMPLOYED FULL–TIME BY A COUNTY BOARD
OR AN ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGARTEN PROV IDER IN THE STATE IN A HIGH–NEEDS
SCHOOL, GRADE LEVEL , OR CONTENT AREA IN T HE STATE IN WHICH THERE IS A
SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS , AS IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT .
(2) THE PROGRAM SHALL PROVIDE AN INCREASING LEVEL OF
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS INTEREST ED IN PURSUING A
CAREER IN THE TEACHI NG PROFESSION , BEGINNING BY OFFERIN G ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS A ONE–TIME STIPEND FOR PAR TICIPATION IN AN EXP ERIENTIAL
LEARNING OPPORTUNITY IN A CLASSROOM AND C ONCLUDING BY PLACING THOSE
INDIVIDUALS IN HIGH –NEEDS SCHOOLS , GRADE LEVELS , OR CONTENT AREAS .
(C) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSION, THE DEPARTMENT THE
OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH ELIG IBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPLICANT TO:
(1) BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE;
(2) (I) BE ACCEPTED FOR ADMIS SION IN A TEACHER
PREPARATION PROGRAM AT AN ELIGIBLE INSTI TUTION IN THE STATE; OR
(II) BE ACCEPTED IN AN ALT ERNATIVE TEACHER PRE PARATION
PROGRAM UNDER § 6–120 OF THIS ARTICLE; AND
(3) BE ENROLLED IN THE FI RST OR SECOND YEAR A T AN INSTITUTION
OF INITIAL ELIGIBILI TY IN AN ASSOCIATE ’S OR A BACHELOR ’S DEGREE PROGRAM ;
AND
(2) PLEDGE BEFORE RECEIVING AN E DUCATOR INTERNSHIP
STIPEND UNDER § 18–2703 OF THIS SUBTITLE , PLEDGE TO FULFILL A SERVICE
OBLIGATION AS A TEAC HER EMPLOYED FULL –TIME BY A COUNTY BOARD OR AN
ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGA RTEN PROVIDER IN THE STATE FOR A MINIMUM O F 4 IN A
HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOL , GRADE LEVEL , OR CONTENT AREA IN W HICH THERE IS A
SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS , AS IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT , FOR A MINIMUM OF
2 YEARS.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 27 –
(D) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM
AND ESTABLISH A PROC ESS FOR ELIGIBLE IND IVIDUALS TO APPLY TO THE
PROGRAM.
(2) THE DEPARTMENT ’S PROCESS SHALL INCL UDE ESTABLISHING A
HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND DIVERSE APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE TO REVIEW
APPLICATIONS FROM EL IGIBLE INDIVIDUALS W HO ARE ACCEPTED IN A N
ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION PROG RAM UNDER § 6–120 OF THIS ARTICLE.
(E) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE SHALL DEVELOP A PROC ESS FOR
AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS STIPENDS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO M EET THE ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PROGRAM.
(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF THE
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO RECIPIENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM OFFICE SHALL
GIVE PREFERENCE TO A PPLICANTS WHO HAVE B EEN EMPLOYED IN A PU BLIC
SCHOOL OR A PUBLICLY FUNDED PREKINDERGART EN PROGRAM WITHIN TH E LAST
5 YEARS.
18–2703.
(A) EACH RECIPIENT OF A S CHOLARSHIP UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL USE
THE SCHOLARSHIP AWAR D FOR TUITION AND MA NDATORY FEES AT AN E LIGIBLE
INSTITUTION.
(B) EACH RECIPIENT OF A S CHOLARSHIP UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL
SIGN AN AGREEMENT AT THE TIME OF THE INIT IAL AWARD TO:
(1) FULFILL A 4–YEAR SERVICE OBLIGAT ION AS A TEACHER
EMPLOYED FULL –TIME BY A COUNTY BOA RD OR AN ELIGIBLE PR EKINDERGARTEN
PROVIDER IN THE STATE WITHIN 6 YEARS OF GRADUATION FROM A TEACHER
PREPARATION PROGRAM AT AN ELIGIBLE INSTI TUTION; AND
(2) REPAY THE STATE THE AMOUNTS AWA RDED UNDER THIS
SUBTITLE IF THE RECI PIENT DOES NOT FULFI LL THE SERVICE OBLIG ATION OR DOES
NOT GRADUATE FROM A TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM AT AN ELIGIB LE
INSTITUTION.
(C) A RECIPIENT’S SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SHALL BE TERMINATED IF THE
RECIPIENT DOES NOT S ATISFY THE REQUIREME NTS OF THE TEACHER P REPARATION
PROGRAM AT THE ELIGI BLE INSTITUTION IN W HICH THE RECIPIENT I S ENROLLED.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WAIV E REPAYMENT OF A SCH OLARSHIP
AWARD FOR A RECIPIEN T WHO IS UNABLE TO F ULFILL THE SERVICE OBLIGATION O R Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 28 –
DOES NOT GRADUATE FR OM A TEACHER PREPARA TION PROGRAM AT AN E LIGIBLE
INSTITUTION DUE TO M EDICAL REASONS .
(E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WORK WITH COUNTY BOARDS A ND ELIGIBLE
PREKINDERGARTEN PROV IDERS TO ENSURE EMPL OYMENT OF SCHOLARSHI P
RECIPIENTS AFTER GRA DUATION.
(A) (1) A IN EACH SCHOOL YEAR F ROM THE 2023–2024 SCHOOL YEAR
THROUGH THE 2025–2026 SCHOOL YEAR , A RECIPIENT WHO IS SEL ECTED FOR
SUPPORT UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL RECEIVE AN INITIAL STIPEND T O SUPPORT
THE RECIPIENT’S PARTICIPATION IN AN EXPERIENTI AL LEARNING OPPORTUN ITY IN
A PUBLIC SCHOOL OR P UBLICLY FUNDED PREKI NDERGARTEN CLASSROOM .
(2) THE EXPERIENTIAL LEAR NING OPPORTUNITY SHA LL:
(I) OCCUR WITHIN THE FIRS T OR SECOND YEAR OF THE
RECIPIENT’S ENROLLMENT IN AN I NSTITUTION OF INITIAL ELIGIBILI TY; AND
(II) CONTRIBUTE TO THE EDU CATION OF THE STUDEN TS IN THE
CLASSROOM IN WHICH T HE RECIPIENT PARTICI PATES.
(3) THE PURPOSE OF THE IN ITIAL STIPEND AWARDE D UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION IS TO NUR TURE IN THE RECIPIEN T A PASSION FOR BECOMING A
TEACHER.
(4) IF THE INSTITUTION OF INITIAL ELIGIBILITY HAS A WRITTEN
AGREEMENT WITH A PUB LIC PARTNER SCHOOL O R PUBLICLY FUNDED
PREKINDERGARTEN PROG RAM FOR THE ESTABLIS HMENT OF A TRAINING
PRACTICUM UNDER § 6–120 OF THIS ARTICLE , THEN THE RECIP IENT’S
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNIN G OPPORTUNITY SHALL BE IN A CLASSROOM WI THIN THE
PARTNER SCHOOL .
(5) THE OFFICE SHALL DETERMIN E THE AMOUNT OF THE INITIAL
STIPENDS AWARDED UND ER THIS SUBSECTION .
(B) (1) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , IF A
RECIPIENT INITIALLY SELE CTED FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT UNDER SUBSECTION (A)
OF THIS SECTION CONT INUES TO BE INTEREST ED IN PURSUING A CAR EER IN THE
TEACHING PROFESSION , THE RECIPIENT MAY CO NTINUE TO RECEIVE AN ANNUAL
STIPEND UNTIL THE RE CIPIENT ENROLLS IN A N INTERNSH IP OR PRACTICUM THAT
IS PART OF A COURSE OF STUDY LEADING TO A MARYLAND PROFESSIONAL
TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 29 –
(2) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO REC EIVE ADDITIONAL ANNU AL STIPENDS
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N, A RECIPIENT OF PROGRAM SUPPORT MUST CONTINUE
TO:
(I) BE ENROLLED IN AN ASSOCIATE ’S OR A BACHELOR ’S
DEGREE PROGRAM ;
(II) MAKE SATISFACTORY PRO GRESS TOWARD A DEGRE E AND
MAINTAIN THE STANDAR DS OF THE INSTITUTIO N IN WHICH THE STUDE NT IS
ENROLLED; AND
(III) PARTICIPATE IN EXPERI ENTIAL LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL OR PUB LICLY FUNDED PREKIND ERGARTEN
CLASSROOM THAT CONTR IBUTE TO THE EDUCATI ON OF THE STUDENTS I N THE
CLASSROOM .
(3) IF THE INSTITUTION TH AT THE PROGRAM RECIPIENT ATT ENDS
HAS A WRITTEN AGREEM ENT WITH A PUBLIC PA RTNER SCHOOL OR PUBL ICLY
FUNDED PREKINDERGART EN PROGRAM FOR THE E STABLISHMENT OF A TR AINING
PRACTICUM UNDER § 6–120 OF THIS ARTICLE , THEN THE RECIPIENT ’S
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORT UNITY SHALL BE IN A CLASSROOM WITHIN THE
PARTNER SCHOOL .
(4) A PROGRAM RECIPIENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL STIPENDS
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N WHETHER OR NOT THE PROGRAM RECIPIENT IS
ATTENDING THE INSTIT UTION OF INITIAL ELI GIBILITY THAT THE RECIPIENT
ATTENDED WHEN THE RE CIPIENT WAS AWARDED AN INITIAL STIPEND U NDER
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION.
(5) THE OFFICE SHALL DETERMIN E THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL
STIPENDS AWARDED UND ER THIS SUBSECTION .
(C) (1) A IN EACH SCHOOL YEAR F ROM THE 2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR
THROUGH THE 2028–2029 SCHOOL YEAR , A PROGRAM RECIPIENT SHA LL BE
ELIGIBLE FOR AN INTE RNSHIP STIPEND IF TH E PROGRAM RECIPIENT :
(I) IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A TEACHER PREPARA TION
PROGRAM AT AN INSTIT UTION OF HIGHER EDUC ATION IN THE STATE THAT,
THROUGH ITS COURSE O F STUDY LEADS TO A MARYLAND PROFESSIONAL
TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE;
(II) IS CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN AN INTERNSHIP OR A
PRACTICUM PROVIDING DIRECT EXPERIENCE WO RKING WITH STUDENTS IN A Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 30 –
PUBLIC SCHOOL OR PUB LICLY FUNDED PREKIND ERGARTEN PROGRAM AS PART OF
THE RECIPIENT’S COURSE OF STUDY ;
(III) CONTINUES TO MAKE SAT ISFACTORY PROGRESS T OWARD A
DEGREE AND MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS OF THE INSTITUTION; AND
(IV) PLEDGES TO FULFILL A SERVICE OBLIGATION F OR 2 YEARS
AS A TEACHER EMPLOYE D FULL–TIME IN A HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOL , GRADE LEVEL, OR
CONTENT AREA IN WHIC H THERE IS A SHORTAG E OF TEACHERS , AS IDENTIFIED BY
THE DEPARTMENT UNDER PARA GRAPH (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
(2) A PROGRAM RECIPIENT WHO MEETS THE REQUIREMEN TS OF
PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION SHALL REC EIVE AN INTERNSHIP S TIPEND OF
UP TO $20,000 FOR A 10–MONTH EDUCATOR INTER NSHIP.
(3) IF THE RECIPIENT OF A N INTERNSHIP STIPEND DOES NOT
FULFILL THE SERVICE OBLIGATION, THE RECIPIENT SHALL REPAY THE
COMMISSION THE FUNDS RECEIVED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION AS S ET FORTH IN §
18–112 OF THIS TITLE.
(4) IN ORDER TO ENSURE TH AT PROGRAM RECIPIENTS FU LFILL THE
SERVICE OBLIGATION , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBM IT TO THE OFFICE A LIST OF:
(I) HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOLS IN WHI CH THERE ARE A
SIGNIFICANT PROP ORTION OF:
1. TEACHER VACANCIES ; AND
2. TEACHERS TEACHING IN A GRADE LEVEL OR
CONTENT AREA OTHER T HAN THE GRADE LEVEL OR CONTENT AREA IN W HICH THEY
ARE CERTIFICATED ; AND
(II) GRADE LEVELS AND CONT ENT AREAS IN WHICH T HERE ARE
A SIGNIFICANT PR OPORTION OF:
1. TEACHER VACANCIES ; AND
2. TEACHERS TEACHING IN A GRADE LEVEL OR
CONTENT AREA OTHER T HAN THE GRADE LEVEL OR CONTENT AREA IN W HICH THEY
ARE CERTIFICATED .
18–2704.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 31 –
FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM SHALL BE AS P ROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET.
18–2705.
(A) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2028, THE COMMISSION SHALL HIRE AN
INDEPENDENT CONSULTA NT TO EVALUATE THE E FFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM
IN ATTRACTING NEW TE ACHERS TO THE PROFES SION.
(B) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2029, THE COMMISSION SHALL REPO RT
THE RESULTS OF THE E VALUATION TO THE GOVERNOR, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
§ 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
18–2706.
(A) THERE IS A GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP TEACHER
DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION FUND.
(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS SUPPORT
TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDU ALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PU RSUING A CAREER IN T HE
TEACHING PROFESSION AND WHO ULTIMATELY PLEDGE TO FULFILL A SERVICE
OBLIGATION AS A TEAC HER EMPLOYED FULL –TIME BY A COUNTY BOARD OR AN
ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGARTEN PROV IDER IN A HIGH–NEEDS SCHOOL , GRADE LEVEL,
OR CONTENT AREA IN W HICH THERE IS A SHOR TAGE OF TEACHERS .
(C) THE DEPARTMENT COMMISSION SHALL ADMINISTER THE FUND.
(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY ,
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND.
(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF :
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND;
(2) INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND; AND
(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND.
(F) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM AND
PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS SUPPORT TO RECIPIENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM.
Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(G) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED.
(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO
THE FUND.
(H) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE STATE BUDGET .
SUBTITLE 28. EDUCATOR INTERNSHIP STIPEND PROGRAM.
18–2801.
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “PROGRAM” MEANS THE EDUCATOR INTERNSHIP
STIPEND PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER THIS SECTION .
(B) (1) THERE IS AN EDUCATOR INTERNSHIP STIPEND PROGRAM.
(2) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE STIPENDS TO
STUDENT TEACHERS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN AN INTERNSHIP OR PRA CTICUM
THAT PROVIDES EXPERI ENCE WORKING DIRECTL Y WITH STUDENTS AS A PART OF
THE REQUIREMENTS NEC ESSARY TO EARN CERTI FICATION.
(3) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMI NISTER THE PROGRAM.
(C) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR TH E PROGRAM, AN APPLICANT SHALL :
(1) BE CURRENTLY ENROLLED AT AN ELIGI BLE INSTITUTION AS A
FULL–TIME OR PART–TIME UNDERGRADUATE O R GRADUATE STUDENT P URSUING A
COURSE OF STUDY OR P ROGRAM IN AN ACADEMI C DISCIPLINE LEADING TO A
MARYLAND PROFESSIONAL TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE;
(2) COMPLETE AN INTERNSHI P OR A PRACTICUM PROVIDING D IRECT
EXPERIENCE WORKING W ITH STUDENTS AS PART OF THE APPLICANT ’S COURSE OF
STUDY OR PROGRAM LEA DING TO A MARYLAND PROFESSIONAL TEACHER’S
CERTIFICATE; AND
(3) (I) BE IN THE TOP 25% OF THE APPLICANT ’S GRADUATING
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS , CONTINUE TO MAKE SAT ISFACTORY PROGRESS T OWARD A
DEGREE, AND MAINTAIN THE STA NDARDS OF THE INSTIT UTION;
(II) HAVE A 3.0 UNWEIGHTED CUMULATIV E HIGH SCHOOL
GRADE POINT AVERAGE ON A 4.0 SCALE, CONTINUE TO MAKE SAT ISFACTORY WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 627
– 33 –
PROGRESS TOWARD A DE GREE, AND MAI NTAIN THE STANDARDS OF THE
INSTITUTION; OR
(III) CONTINUE TO MAKE SATI SFACTORY PROGRESS TO WARD A
DEGREE, MAINTAIN THE STANDAR DS OF THE INSTITUTIO N, AND SUBMIT A LETTER
OF SUPPORT FROM THE DEAN OR CHAIR OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OR
RESPECTIVE DEPARTME NT IN WHICH THE TEAC HING CREDENTIAL PROG RAM IS
HOUSED AT THE APPLIC ANT’S INSTITUTION.
(D) A PARTICIPANT IN THE PROGRAM MAY RECEIVE A STIPEND OF UP TO
$20,000 FOR A 10–MONTH EDUCATOR INTER NSHIP.
(E) (1) FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM SHALL BE AS P ROVIDED IN THE
STATE BUDGET .
(2) THE DEPARTMENT MAY PRORAT E THE AMOUNT OF THE STIPEND
BASED ON THE AVAILAB LE FUNDS AND NUMBER OF APPLICANTS .
(F) (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL HIRE AN INDEPENDENT CONSU LTANT
TO EVALUATE THE EFFE CTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM IN ATTRACTING NEW
TEACHERS TO THE PROF ESSION.
(2) THE EVALUATION SHALL EMPLOY:
(I) RANDOM ASSIGNMENT , IF FEASIBLE AND ETHI CAL; OR
(II) OTHER RESEARCH METHOD S THAT ALLOW FOR THE
STRONGEST POSSIBLE C AUSAL INFERENCES , IF RANDOM ASSIGNMENT IS NOT
FEASIBLE AND ETHIC AL IN THIS INSTANCE .
(3) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2027, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REPO RT
THE RESULTS OF THE E VALUATION TO THE GOVERNOR, AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
§ 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Article – State Finance and Procurement
6–226.
(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless
inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the
terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the
State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to
receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General
Fund of the State. Ch. 627 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 34 –
(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply
to the following funds:
170. the Cannabis Public Health Fund; [and]
171. the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund; AND
172. THE GROW OUR OWN EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP
TEACHER RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Office of Student
Financial Assistance within the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall consider the
recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship under Title 18, Subtitle 22 of the
Education Article who is performing the service obligation under the requirements of §
18–2204 of the Education Article in effect before the effective date of this Act as compliant
with the terms of the scholarship award and may not require the recipient to repay the funds
received under the scholarship.
SECTION 2. 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 2023. Section 2 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 6 years and, at the
end of June 30, 2029, Section 2 of this Act, with no further action required by the General
Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.
Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2023.