EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
*hb0923*
HOUSE BILL 923
F2 (3lr0732)
ENROLLED BILL
— Appropriations/Education, Energy, and the Environment —
Introduced by Delegates B. Barnes, Solomon, and Smith
Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
______________________________________________
Speaker.
CHAPTER ______
AN ACT concerning 1
Higher Education – Appointment of Secretary and Student 2
Financial Assistance – Alterations Accommodations at Public Institutions for 3
Religious Beliefs 4
FOR the purpose of providing that the Secretary of Higher Education is appointed by, and 5
serves at the pleasure of, the Governor; requiring each institution of higher 6
education to adopt a certain written policy regarding the provision of reasonable 7
academic accommodations for students to practice sincerely held faith–based or 8
religious beliefs; altering eligibility criteria for, and the process for awards from, the 9
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards; altering 10
eligibility criteria for services provided to students through the Next Generation 11
Scholars of Maryland Program; altering the administration of the Maryland 12
Community College Promise Scholarship to require community colleges to award 13
scholarships from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship in place of 14
the Office of Student Financial assistance within the Maryland Higher Education 15 2 HOUSE BILL 923
Commission; repealing certain provisions of law related to the intent of the General 1
Assembly for the Commission to be reorganized to establish the Office of Student 2
Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in a certain fiscal year; and 3
generally relating to the appointment of the Secretary of Higher Education and, 4
student financial assistance programs in the State, and accommodations at public 5
institutions for religious beliefs. 6
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 7
Article – Education 8
Section 11–104(a) and (b), 18–303, 18–303.1(c) and (d), 18–303.3, 18–304, 18–307, 9
18–3601, 18–3602, 18–3603, and 18–3604 10
Annotated Code of Maryland 11
(2022 Replacement Volume) 12
BY adding to 13
Article – Education 14
Section 18–303.4 and 15–136, 18–303.4, and 18–3603.1 15
Annotated Code of Maryland 16
(2022 Replacement Volume) 17
BY repealing 18
Chapter 639 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 19
Section 3 20
BY repealing 21
Chapter 640 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 22
Section 3 23
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 24
Article – Education 25
Section 18–303 and 18–303.3 26
Annotated Code of Maryland 27
(2022 Replacement Volume) 28
(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act) 29
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 30
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 31
Article – Education 32
11–104. 33
(a) [(1) In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the] THE Governor 34
shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Secretary of Higher Education. 35
HOUSE BILL 923 3
[(2) (i) The Commission shall submit to the Governor the names of 3 1
nominees for the position of Secretary from which the Governor shall make the 2
appointment. 3
(ii) The Governor may reject the list and request the Commission to 4
submit the names of additional nominees.] 5
(b) (1) The Secretary shall: 6
(i) Select, organize, and direct the staff of the Commission; 7
(ii) Perform the duties the Commission assigns; 8
(iii) See that the policies and decisions of the Commission are carried 9
out; 10
(iv) Serve at the pleasure of the [Commission] GOVERNOR; and 11
(v) Be a member of the Governor’s Executive Council. 12
(2) (i) After consideration of the recommendations of the Commission, 13
the Governor shall include in the annual budget request the salary for the Secretary. 14
(ii) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State 15
budget. 16
15–136. 17
(A) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON SHALL ADOPT A 18
WRITTEN POLICY THAT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATI ONS FOR 19
STUDENTS TO PRACTICE SINCERELY HELD FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS B ELIEFS. 20
(B) THE POLICY SHALL : 21
(1) PROVIDE AN ACCOMMODATION FOR A STUDENT , INCLUDING 22
EXCUSED ABSENCES , FOR A STUDENT TO : 23
(I) OBSERVE FAITH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS H OLIDAYS; OR 24
(II) PARTICIPATE IN ORGANI ZED RELIGIOUS ACTIVI TIES; 25
(2) PROVIDE THAT A STUDEN T BE ALLOWED REASONA BLE 26
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMOD ATIONS FOR MISSING A N EXAMINATION OR OTH ER 27
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT S DUE TO AN EXCUSED ABSENCE UNDER ITEM (1) OF THIS 28
SUBSECTION IF THE ST UDENT’S SINCERELY HELD FAI TH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS 29 4 HOUSE BILL 923
BELIEF OR PRACTICE AFFECTS THE STUDENT’S ABILITY TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION 1
AS SCHEDULED OR MEET ANY OTHER ACADEMIC R EQUIREMENT ; AND 2
(3) INCLUDE A GRIEVANCE P ROCEDURE TO REPORT 3
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH T HE POLICY. 4
(C) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, 5
EACH PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION IS REQUIRED TO P ROVIDE A 6
SPACE ON CAMPUS TO A CCOMMODATE FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS P RACTICES. 7
(2) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF 8
MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS. 9
(D) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATIO N SHALL POST 10
PROMINENTLY ON ITS W EBSITE A COPY OF THE POLICY ADOPTED UNDER THIS 11
SECTION. 12
18–303. 13
(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 14
P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 15
(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 16
eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 17
work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 18
institution; 19
(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 20
State; 21
(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 22
(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 23
(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of 24
higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 25
(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 26
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 27
Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 28
(1) Have [attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its 29
equivalent at the end of the first semester of the senior year in high school and have] 30
completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation of the recipient’s high 31
school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 32 HOUSE BILL 923 5
(2) [Begin college within 1 year 6 YEARS of completing high school or, 1
failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 2
(3) Be under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first award; 3
(4) Have successfully completed a college preparatory program in high 4
school; 5
(5)] Enroll in college as a full–time student; 6
[(6)] (3) (5) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family 7
income below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 8
[(7)] (4) (6) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 9
(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 10
successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 11
and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 12
(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 13
eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 14
(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 145 per module on the 15
diploma by examination; 16
(ii) [Begins college within 1 year 6 YEARS of achieving the score 17
described under item (i) of this paragraph or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory 18
to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 19
(iii) Is under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first 20
award; 21
(iv)] Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 22
[(v)] (III) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual 23
family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 24
(d) (1) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 25
Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies 26
with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 27
an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 28
(2) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student who 29
prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the Commission 30
shall use the annual family income determination used when the student prequalified. 31 6 HOUSE BILL 923
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 1
grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 2
financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 3
Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 4
in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 5
(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 6
(ii) [Refrain from substance abuse; 7
(iii)] Provide information required by the Commission or the State 8
Board of Education; 9
[(iv)] (III) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education 10
during the student’s senior year of high school; 11
[(v)] (IV) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 12
student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 13
[(vi)] (V) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 14
Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 15
school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 16
[(vii)] (VI) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 17
on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 18
[(viii)] (VII) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, 19
the Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 20
(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 21
Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 22
the student: 23
(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 24
subsection; and 25
(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 26
2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 27
of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 28
A. Direct certification; or 29
B. Income information provided by the family of the student 30
to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 31 HOUSE BILL 923 7
18–303.1. 1
(c) The Program shall provide guidance and services to students who qualify for 2
a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with § 18–303(e) of this subtitle AND STUDENTS 3
WHO QUALIFY TO RECEI VE FREE OR REDUCED–PRICE LUNCH UNDER THE NATIONAL 4
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM to assist the students in successfully: 5
(1) Completing a college preparatory curriculum; 6
(2) Graduating from high school; 7
(3) Matriculating at an institution of higher education as defined in § 8
18–303 of this subtitle; and 9
(4) Making timely progress to complete a degree program. 10
(d) (1) The Department shall: 11
(i) Publicize the Program through community outreach and 12
marketing materials; 13
(ii) Award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer the 14
Program; 15
(iii) Solicit applications from nonprofit organizations to administer 16
the Program in local school systems; and 17
(iv) Give priority to applications: 18
1. From Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and 19
2. That include business and institution of higher education 20
partners. 21
(2) The Program may continue to provide services to students [when]: 22
(I) WHEN they attend an institution of higher education; OR 23
(II) WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM FOR AT LEAST 24
1 FULL YEAR AND RELOCA TE TO ANOTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE THAT DOES NOT 25
PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. 26
18–303.3. 27
8 HOUSE BILL 923
(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 1
institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 2
may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer, 3
a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section. 4
(b) An institution may verify: 5
(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 6
(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 7
Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 8
(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 9
(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 10
(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 11
subtitle in the prior award year; and 12
(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 13
year. 14
(c) An institution shall: 15
(1) Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under 16
the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 17
(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal [V1 18
standard] STANDARDS FOR verification and in accordance with the income eligibility 19
criteria established by the Office; 20
(3) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of 21
applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the 22
student’s last award; and 23
(4) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 24
adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 25
section have been made properly. 26
(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 27
an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 28
described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 29
(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 30
may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 31
applicant uses the award. 32
HOUSE BILL 923 9
18–3601. 1
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 2
(b) “Annual adjusted gross income” means the total of the combined adjusted 3
gross income of the applicant and the applicant’s parents, or the applicant and the 4
applicant’s spouse if the applicant is married, as reported on the most recent federal or 5
State income tax return. 6
(C) “AWARD” MEANS A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FROM THE MARYLAND 7
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP . 8
[(c)] (D) “Community college” includes Baltimore City Community College. 9
[(d)] (E) “Local promise scholarship” means a community college scholarship 10
program in effect on July 1, 2018, that provides a scholarship to any high school senior who 11
is eligible for enrollment at the community college. 12
[(e)] (F) (1) “Tuition” means the basic instructional charge for courses offered 13
at a community college. 14
(2) “Tuition” includes any fees for: 15
(i) Registration; 16
(ii) Application; 17
(iii) Administration; 18
(iv) Laboratory work; and 19
(v) Other mandatory fees. 20
(3) “Tuition” does not include: 21
(i) Costs associated with the parts of a registered apprenticeship 22
that take place at a location that is not a community college; or 23
(ii) Any fees for room and board that are related to an on–campus 24
residential facility for students. 25
18–3602. 26
(a) There is a program of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships in 27
the State that are awarded under this subtitle. 28
10 HOUSE BILL 923
(b) The purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students to 1
attend a community college in the State. 2
(c) The Office AND EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE shall publicize the availability 3
of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships. 4
(D) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL ALLOCATE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 5
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING T O EACH COMMUNITY COL LEGE IN THE 6
STATE BASED ON THE PR OPORTION OF FULL–TIME EQUIVALENT PELL–ELIGIBLE 7
STUDENTS AT EACH COM MUNITY COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN § 16–305(B)(7) OF THIS 8
ARTICLE, FOR EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE TO AWARD MARYLAND COMMUNITY 9
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS. 10
(2) IF A COMMUNITY COLLEG E DOES NOT AWARD ALL FUNDING 11
ALLOCATED TO THE COM MUNITY COLLEGE UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 12
SUBSECTION, THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E SHALL DISTRIBUTE T HE REMAINING 13
FUNDING TO OTHER COM MUNITY COLLEGES TO M AKE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 14
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS IN THE AWAR D YEAR. 15
18–3603. 16
(a) (1) (I) [A student must] SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PH (II) OF THIS 17
PARAGRAPH , A STUDENT MAY apply annually to [the Commission] A MARYLAND 18
COMMUNITY COLLEGE LO CATED IN THE COUNTY OR, IN THE CASE OF A REG IONAL 19
COMMUNITY COLLEGE , IN THE REGION WHERE THE APPLICANT LIVES to receive a 20
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award. 21
(II) IF THE COMMUNITY COLL EGE LOCATED IN THE C OUNTY OR 22
REGION WHERE THE APP LICANT LIVES DOES NO T OFFER THE DEGREE O R 23
CERTIFICATION PROGRA M IN WHICH THE APPLI CANT WANTS TO ENROLL , THE 24
STUDENT MAY APPLY TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E OUTSIDE THE COUNTY OR , IN 25
THE CASE OF A REGION AL COMMUNITY COLLEGE , OUTSIDE THE REGION W HERE THE 26
APPLICANT LIVES TO R ECEIVE A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE 27
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD . 28
(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE annually shall select eligible 29
applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each 30
selected applicant to be used for tuition at [a] THE community college [of the applicant’s 31
choice]. 32
(b) An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise 33
Scholarship AWARD if the applicant: 34
(1) Is eligible for in–State tuition; 35 HOUSE BILL 923 11
(2) Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an 1
associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a 2
high school or successfully completing a GED in the State: 3
(i) Except as provided in [items (ii) and (iii)] ITEM (II) of this item, 4
at the community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community 5
college, in the region, where the applicant lives; OR 6
(ii) [If the community college located in the county or region where 7
the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant 8
wants to enroll, then at any community college in the State that offers the program; or 9
(iii)] At a community college in the State that has an on–campus 10
residential facility for students; 11
(3) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, has earned a 12
cumulative grade point average of: 13
(i) For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent 14
at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or 15
(ii) While enrolled at a community college in the State, at least 2.5 16
on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; 17
(4) Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than: 18
(i) $100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent 19
household; or 20
(ii) $150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent 21
household; 22
(5) (i) Enrolls in: 23
1. At least [12] 6 credits per semester at the community 24
college; or 25
2. A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to 26
licensure or certification; or 27
(ii) Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and 28
(6) (i) Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid 29
(FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than 30
a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or 31 12 HOUSE BILL 923
(ii) Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition 1
under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student 2
financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify. 3
(c) (1) An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships 4
that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to 5
receive an award under this subtitle. 6
(2) An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s 7
degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle. 8
(3) An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before 9
the date of application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established 10
in subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award. 11
(d) On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA 12
or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid. 13
18–3603.1. 14
(A) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL VERIFY THE ELIGI BILITY OF AN 15
APPLICANT FOR A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP 16
AWARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION . 17
(B) (1) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL: 18
(I) VERIFY THAT AN APPLICANT QUALIFI ES FOR A MARYLAND 19
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD UND ER THE 20
REQUIREMENTS OF § 18–3603 OF THIS SUBTITLE; 21
(II) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY USING 22
FEDERAL STANDARDS FO R VERIFICATION AND I N ACCORDANCE WITH IN COME 23
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE; 24
(III) MAINTAIN RECORDS USED BY THE COMMUNITY COL LEGE 25
TO DETERMINE THE ELI GIBILITY OF APPLICAN TS FOR NOT LESS THAN A PERIOD OF 26
5 YEARS AFTER THE END DATE OF THE AWARD YE AR ASSOCIATED WITH T HE 27
STUDENT’S LAST AWARD; AND 28
(IV) PROVIDE THE COMMISSION WITH AN AU DIT, IN 29
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE S ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION, TO SHOW THAT AWARDS 30
VERIFIED AND ADMINIS TERED UNDER THIS SEC TION HAVE BEEN MADE PROPERLY. 31
HOUSE BILL 923 13
(2) A VERIFICATION OBTAINE D BY AN APPLICANT UN DER 1
PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE USED AT ANOTHE R COMMUNITY 2
COLLEGE. 3
(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 4
COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(1)(IV) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 5
EVERY 3 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MET THE E LIGIBILITY REQUIREME NTS 6
FOR AN AWARD . 7
(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THA T A COMMUNITY COLLEGE 8
MADE AN INCORRECT AW ARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT, THE COMMUNITY 9
COLLEGE SHALL REMIT TO THE COMMISSION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD 10
MADE IN ERROR . 11
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED 12
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGR APH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 13
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 14
(III) THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY NOT REQUIRE A ST UDENT 15
TO REPAY THE COMMUNI TY COLLEGE FOR AN IN CORRECT AWARD MADE F ROM THE 16
MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP. 17
18–3604. 18
(a) Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award 19
shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less. 20
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or 21
federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be 22
credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided 23
under this subtitle. 24
(2) (i) 1. Initial SCHOLARSHIP awards shall be provided to 25
recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need. 26
2. Priority for SCHOLARSHIP awards in subsequent years 27
shall be given to [prior]: 28
A. PRIOR year recipients who remain eligible for the 29
program; 30
B. ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN AT 31
LEAST 12 CREDITS PER SEMESTER , OR ENROLLED IN A SEQ UENCE OF CREDIT OR 32
NONCREDIT COURSES TH AT LEAD TO LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION ; AND 33
14 HOUSE BILL 923
C. IF ANY FUNDS REMAIN T O BE ALLOCATED , STUDENTS 1
ENROLLED IN AT LEAST 6 CREDITS PER SEMESTER . 2
3. Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b) of this subtitle, an eligible 3
recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient 4
funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year. 5
(ii) Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this 6
subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list. 7
(3) If a recipient is eligible for a local promise scholarship, an award 8
provided under this subtitle shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the award of 9
the local promise scholarship. 10
(c) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may 11
hold the award until the earlier of: 12
(i) 3 years after first enrolling as a candidate for a vocational 13
certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or 14
(ii) The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree. 15
(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE may extend the duration of an 16
award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the [Office] 17
COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent 18
the recipient from continuous enrollment. 19
(3) Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of 20
this subsection only if the recipient: 21
(i) Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition; 22
(ii) 1. Continues to enroll in and complete at least [12] 6 credits 23
per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or 24
certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE ; or 25
2. Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship 26
program. 27
(iii) Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 28
4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of 29
the award or, failing to do so, provides to the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory 30
evidence of extenuating circumstances; 31
(iv) Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a 32
certificate, or an associate’s degree; 33 HOUSE BILL 923 15
(v) Continues to meet the income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4) 1
of this subtitle; and 2
(vi) Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6) 3
of this subtitle. 4
Chapter 639 of the Acts of 2022 5
[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 6
Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 7
Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 8
2024.] 9
Chapter 640 of the Acts of 2022 10
[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 11
Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 12
Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 13
2024.] 14
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 15
as follows: 16
Article – Education 17
18–303. 18
(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 19
P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 20
(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 21
eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 22
work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 23
institution; 24
(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 25
State; 26
(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 27
(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 28
(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of 29
higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 30
16 HOUSE BILL 923
(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 1
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 2
Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 3
(1) Have completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation 4
of the recipient’s high school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of 5
extenuating circumstances; 6
(2) Enroll in college as a full–time student; 7
(3) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family income 8
below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 9
(4) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 10
(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 11
successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 12
and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 13
(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 14
eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 15
(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 per module on the 16
diploma by examination; 17
(ii) Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 18
(iii) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual family 19
income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 20
(d) (1) ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1 EACH YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHALL 21
ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME USED T O DETERMINE A STUDEN T’S 22
ELIGIBILITY FOR A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AND AN EDUCATIONAL 23
ASSISTANCE GRANT. 24
(2) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 25
Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of higher education [that complies 26
with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle] may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 27
an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 28
[(2)] (3) (I) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student 29
who prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the 30
[Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION shall use the annual family income 31
determination used when the student prequalified. 32
HOUSE BILL 923 17
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE A LIST OF ALL STUDENTS 1
WHO HAVE PREQUALIFIE D FOR THE AWARD UNDE R SUBSECTION (E)(1) OR (2) OF 2
THIS SECTION TO EACH INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION. 3
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 4
grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 5
financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 6
Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 7
in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 8
(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 9
(ii) Provide information required by the Commission or the State 10
Board of Education; 11
(iii) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education during 12
the student’s senior year of high school; 13
(iv) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 14
student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 15
(v) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 16
Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 17
school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 18
(vi) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 19
4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 20
(vii) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, the 21
Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 22
(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 23
Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 24
the student: 25
(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 26
subsection; and 27
(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 28
2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 29
of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 30
A. Direct certification; or 31
18 HOUSE BILL 923
B. Income information provided by the family of the student 1
to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 2
18–303.3. 3
(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 4
institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 5
[may] SHALL verify the eligibility of [an] EACH applicant FOR THE GUARANTEED 6
ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed 7
Access Grant in accordance with this section. 8
[(b) An institution may verify: 9
(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 10
(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 11
Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 12
(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 13
(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 14
(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 15
subtitle in the prior award year; and 16
(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 17
year.] 18
[(c)] (B) An institution shall: 19
(1) Verify [that an] WHETHER EACH applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed 20
Access Grant under ALL OF the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 21
[(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal 22
standards for verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established 23
by the Office;] 24
(2) CALCULATE AND OFFER T HE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 25
AWARD TO THE APPLICA NT UPON THE APPLICAN T’S AWARD LETTER FOR 26
ADMISSION; 27
(3) SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1 EACH YEAR FOR 28
THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR, INFORMATION ON THE S TUDENTS TO WHOM THE 29
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION OFFERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 30
AWARD; 31 HOUSE BILL 923 19
[(3)] (4) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the 1
eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated 2
with the student’s last award; [and] 3
[(4)] (5) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 4
adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 5
section have been made properly; AND 6
(6) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 7
USING FEDERAL STANDA RDS FOR VERIFICATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THE 8
INCOME ELIGIBILITY C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE. 9
(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 10
COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 11
EVERY 4 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MEET THE ELIGIBILITY 12
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD. 13
(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THAT AN I NSTITUTION OF 14
HIGHER EDUCATION MAD E AN INCORRECT AWARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STU DENT, THE 15
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION SHALL RE MIT TO THE COMMISSION THE 16
TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD MADE IN ERROR . 17
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUN TS RECEIVED 18
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 19
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 20
(III) THE INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION MAY N OT 21
REQUIRE A STUDENT TO REPAY THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR AN INCOR RECT 22
AWARD MADE FROM THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT. 23
(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 24
an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 25
described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 26
(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 27
may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 28
applicant uses the award. 29
18–303.4. 30
(A) (1) BEGINNING WHEN FINANC IAL AID INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE 31
EACH YEAR, BUT NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE OFFICE SHALL 32
COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS FOR THE ENTIRE STATE THAT RANK APPLI CANTS FOR 33
THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD BY FINANC IAL NEED. 34 20 HOUSE BILL 923
(2) REGULARLY, THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION 1
OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 2
ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 3
(B) (1) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE LISTS 4
PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, 5
AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TO 6
DETERMINE THE APPLIC ANTS WHO SHALL BE OF FERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 7
GRANT AWARD BY THE IN STITUTION AND THE AM OUNT OF THE AWARD . 8
(2) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FI NANCIAL AID AWARD 9
NOTIFICATION TO AN A PPLICANT TO OFFER TH E APPLICANT A GUARANTEED 10
ACCESS GRANT AWARD . 11
(C) AN APPLICANT MAY ACCE PT THE OFFER OF A GUARANTEED ACCESS 12
GRANT AWARD FROM AN I NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 13
(D) (1) EACH SEMESTER , EACH INSTITUTION SHALL SUBMIT TO THE 14
OFFICE A LIST OF THE STUDENTS WHO WERE AW ARDED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 15
GRANT FOR THE SEMESTE R AND THE AMOUNTS AW ARDED. 16
(2) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 17
GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARDS ON THE L IST SUBMITTED I N ACCORDANCE 18
WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 19
(E) (1) (I) THE OFFICE SHALL COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS OF 20
STUDENTS WHO PREVIOU SLY RECEIVED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD 21
AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A RENEWAL AWARD . 22
(II) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION OF 23
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 24
ACCORDANCE WITH SUBP ARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 25
(2) (I) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE 26
LISTS PROVIDED BY TH E OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 27
SUBSECTION, AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS 28
SUBTITLE, TO DETERMINE THE STU DENTS WHO SHALL BE O FFERED A GUARANTEED 29
ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARD B Y THE INSTITUTION . 30
(II) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FINANCIAL A ID AWARD 31
NOTIFICATION TO A ST UDENT TO OFFER THE S TUDENT A GUARANTEED ACCESS 32
GRANT RENEWAL AWARD . 33
HOUSE BILL 923 21
(3) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 1
GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARDS MADE IN ACCORDANCE W ITH 2
PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 3
(F) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT RE GULATIONS TO IMPLEME NT THIS 4
SECTION. 5
18–304. 6
(a) In this section, “academic year” means: 7
(1) The fall, spring, and summer semesters; and 8
(2) Any semester shorter in length than the term of a regular semester. 9
(b) (1) [Except as provided in § 18–307 of this subtitle, the Office] AN 10
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION THAT COMPLIES WITH § 18–303.3 OF THIS 11
SUBTITLE shall determine the amount of each [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 12
Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award based on the financial need of the applicant. 13
(2) In determining the amount of financial need, the [Office] INSTITUTION 14
OF HIGHER EDUCATION shall consider regional cost–of–living differences. 15
(3) In determining the percent of financial need used to calculate an award 16
for a community college student receiving a [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 17
Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award, the [Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R 18
EDUCATION shall use [the following percentages: 19
(i) For fiscal year 2007, not less than 55%; and 20
(ii) For fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter,] not less than 21
60%. 22
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a 23
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be awarded in $100 24
increments. 25
(2) (i) The amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a 26
student in the student’s first 2 academic years of enrollment may not be less than $400 or 27
more than $3,000. 28
(ii) Beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each 29
academic year thereafter: 30
22 HOUSE BILL 923
1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 1
the prior academic year, the amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student 2
may not be less than $400 or more than $3,000; or 3
2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 4
than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to the amount 5
the student would have otherwise received multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits 6
successfully completed divided by 30. 7
(3) (i) All applicants who fulfill the requirements established in § 8
18–303(a) and (b) of this subtitle shall receive a Guaranteed Access Grant. 9
(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the 10
amount of a Guaranteed Access Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic 11
years of enrollment shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as 12
determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION , not to exceed the 13
equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public 14
institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the 15
University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, 16
with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate. 17
(iii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, 18
beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter: 19
1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 20
the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s 21
financial need as determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION , not 22
to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 23
4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, 24
other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and Unive rsity of Maryland, 25
Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full –time resident 26
undergraduate; or 27
2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 28
than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent 29
multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30. 30
(iv) If a recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant becomes ineligible 31
because of a change in family income, the recipient shall remain eligible for the full award 32
for the full award term applicable to the recipient under this subtitle if the recipient 33
remains eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant. 34
(D) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L INCLUDE IN AN 35
AWARD LETTER THE FINANCIAL AID AW ARD NOTIFICATION TO A STUDENT THE 36
AVAILABILITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD ADMINISTERED BY THE 37
OFFICE, INCLUDING: 38 HOUSE BILL 923 23
(1) A DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICE AND THE EDUCATIONAL 1
ASSISTANCE AWARD; 2
(2) INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD 3
TIMELINES; AND 4
(3) A POINT OF CONTACT AT THE OFFICE FOR STUDENTS . 5
[(d)] (E) Beginning in fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the 6
Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $112,000,000 7
for Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards made under this subtitle. 8
18–307. 9
(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) (C) of this section, the Office shall 10
compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants by financial need FOR 11
THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD. 12
(2) AFTER AWARDS FROM INS TITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION 13
HAVE BEEN MADE AND A CCEPTED FOR THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT, THE THE 14
OFFICE SHALL AWARD EL IGIBLE STUDENTS THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 15
AWARD BASED ON FINANC IAL NEED FROM ANY RE MAINING FUNDING FOR THE 16
DELEGATE HOWARD P. RAWLINGS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS. 17
(b) All funds for annual initial grants FOR THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 18
AWARD shall be awarded from the statewide list on the basis of greatest financial need. 19
(c) [(1) On or before April 15 each year, the Office shall send a notification to 20
each individual who applied for a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence 21
Award indicating: 22
(i) Whether or not the student is a recipient of an award; and 23
(ii) If applicable, the amount awarded to the student. 24
(2) On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and 25
each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Delegate Howard P. 26
Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards are awarded. 27
(d)] (1) (i) If State funds are available for this purpose, institutions of 28
higher education in the State may provide Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 29
Excellence Awards to students who otherwise meet the requirements for receiving a 30
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award but who apply after the 31
March 1 deadline or have other extenuating circumstances. 32 24 HOUSE BILL 923
(ii) Each year the Commission shall transfer at least $2 million of 1
the funds available under § 18–107(b) of this title for the purposes of this subsection. 2
(2) The Commission shall: 3
(i) Establish guidelines for the awarding of Delegate Howard P. 4
Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards by the institutions of higher education to the 5
students; 6
(ii) Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this 7
subsection. 8
(3) (i) The Commission shall allocate available funds to institutions of 9
higher education based on the proportion of State residents enrolled at each institution who 10
receive federal Pell Grants. 11
(ii) An institution of higher education that receives funds under this 12
paragraph shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition 13
of the funds. 14
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 15
Assembly that,: 16
(1) beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include funding for 17
financial aid offices at public institutions of higher education to implement Section 2 of this 18
Act; and 19
(2) the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall work with the 20
Segmental Advisory Council and the Financial Assistance Advisory Council to establish 21
regulations to implement Section 2 of this Act, including award deadlines and procedures 22
for renewal awards. 23
SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall take 24
effect July 1, 2025. 25
SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section 26
4 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2023. 27