Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB923 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
2	1
3		-	– 1 –
4		-	Chapter 634
5		-	(House Bill 923)
6	2
7		-	AN ACT concerning
	3	+	EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
	4	+	[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
	5	+	Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
	6	+	Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
	7	+	amendment.
	8	+	Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
	9	+	hb0923
8	10
9		-	Higher Education – Appointment of Secretary and Student
10		-	Financial Assistance – Alterations Accommodations at Public Institutions for
11		-	Religious Beliefs
	11	+	HOUSE BILL 923
	12	+	F2 (3lr0732)
	13	+	ENROLLED BILL
	14	+	— Appropriations/Education, Energy, and the Environment —
	15	+	Introduced by Delegates B. Barnes, Solomon, and Smith
12	16
13		-	FOR the purpose of providing that the Secretary of Higher Education is appointed by, and
14		-	serves at the pleasure of, the Governor; requiring each institution of higher
15		-	education to adopt a certain written policy regarding the provision of reasonable
16		-	academic accommodations for students to practice sincerely held faith–based or
17		-	religious beliefs; altering eligibility criteria for, and the process for awards from, the
18		-	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards; altering
19		-	eligibility criteria for services provided to students through the Next Generation
20		-	Scholars of Maryland Program; altering the administration of the Maryland
21		-	Community College Promise Scholarship to require community colleges to award
22		-	scholarships from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship in place of
23		-	the Office of Student Financial assistance within the Maryland Higher Education
24		-	Commission; repealing certain provisions of law related to the intent of the General
25		-	Assembly for the Commission to be reorganized to establish the Office of Student
26		-	Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in a certain fiscal year; and
27		-	generally relating to the appointment of the Secretary of Higher Education and,
28		-	student financial assistance programs in the State, and accommodations at public
29		-	institutions for religious beliefs.
	17	+	Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
30	18
31		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
32		-	Article – Education
33		-	Section 11–104(a) and (b), 18–303, 18–303.1(c) and (d), 18–303.3, 18–304, 18–307,
34		-	18–3601, 18–3602, 18–3603, and 18–3604
35		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
36		-	(2022 Replacement Volume)
	19	+	_______________________________________________
	20	+	Proofreader.
	21	+	_______________________________________________
	22	+	Proofreader.
37	23
38		-	BY adding to
39		-	Article – Education
40		-	Section 18–303.4 and 15–136, 18–303.4, and 18–3603.1
41		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
42		-	(2022 Replacement Volume)
	24	+	Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
43	25
44		-	BY repealing
45		-	Chapter 639 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022
46		-	Section 3
	26	+	_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
47	27
48		-	~~BY repealing~~
49		-	~~Chapter 640 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	28	+	______________________________________________
	29	+	Speaker.
50	30
51		-	– 2 –
52		-	Section 3
	31	+	CHAPTER ______
53	32
54		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
55		-	Article – Education
56		-	Section 18–303 and 18–303.3
57		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
58		-	(2022 Replacement Volume)
59		-	(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act)
	33	+	AN ACT concerning 1
60	34
61		-	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
62		-	That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
	35	+	Higher Education – Appointment of Secretary and Student 2
	36	+	Financial Assistance – Alterations Accommodations at Public Institutions for 3
	37	+	Religious Beliefs 4
63	38
64		-	Article – Education
	39	+	FOR the purpose of providing that the Secretary of Higher Education is appointed by, and 5
	40	+	serves at the pleasure of, the Governor; requiring each institution of higher 6
	41	+	education to adopt a certain written policy regarding the provision of reasonable 7
	42	+	academic accommodations for students to practice sincerely held faith–based or 8
	43	+	religious beliefs; altering eligibility criteria for, and the process for awards from, the 9
	44	+	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards; altering 10
	45	+	eligibility criteria for services provided to students through the Next Generation 11
	46	+	Scholars of Maryland Program; altering the administration of the Maryland 12
	47	+	Community College Promise Scholarship to require community colleges to award 13
	48	+	scholarships from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship in place of 14
	49	+	the Office of Student Financial assistance within the Maryland Higher Education 15 2 HOUSE BILL 923
65	50
66		-	11–104.
67	51
68		-	(a) [(1) In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the] THE Governor
69		-	shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Secretary of Higher Education.
	52	+	Commission; repealing certain provisions of law related to the intent of the General 1
	53	+	Assembly for the Commission to be reorganized to establish the Office of Student 2
	54	+	Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in a certain fiscal year; and 3
	55	+	generally relating to the appointment of the Secretary of Higher Education and, 4
	56	+	student financial assistance programs in the State, and accommodations at public 5
	57	+	institutions for religious beliefs. 6
70	58
71		-	[(2) (i) The Commission shall submit to the Governor the names of 3
72		-	nominees for the position of Secretary from which the Go vernor shall make the
73		-	appointment.
	59	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 7
	60	+	Article – Education 8
	61	+	Section 11–104(a) and (b), 18–303, 18–303.1(c) and (d), 18–303.3, 18–304, 18–307, 9
	62	+	18–3601, 18–3602, 18–3603, and 18–3604 10
	63	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 11
	64	+	(2022 Replacement Volume) 12
74	65
75		-	(ii) The Governor may reject the list and request the Commission to
76		-	submit the names of additional nominees.]
	66	+	BY adding to 13
	67	+	Article – Education 14
	68	+	Section 18–303.4 and 15–136, 18–303.4, and 18–3603.1 15
	69	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 16
	70	+	(2022 Replacement Volume) 17
77	71
78		-	(b) (1) The Secretary shall:
	72	+	BY repealing 18
	73	+	Chapter 639 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 19
	74	+	Section 3 20
79	75
80		-	(i) Select, organize, and direct the staff of the Commission;
	76	+	BY repealing 21
	77	+	Chapter 640 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 22
	78	+	Section 3 23
81	79
82		-	(ii) Perform the duties the Commission assigns;
	80	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 24
	81	+	Article – Education 25
	82	+	Section 18–303 and 18–303.3 26
	83	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 27
	84	+	(2022 Replacement Volume) 28
	85	+	(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act) 29
83	86
84		-	~~(iii) See that~~ the ~~policies and decisions~~ of ~~the Commission are carried~~
85		-	~~out;~~
	87	+	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 30
	88	+	That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 31
86	89
87		-	~~(iv) Serve at the pleasure of the [Commission] GOVERNOR; and~~
	90	+	Article – Education 32
88	91
89		-	~~(v) Be a member of the Governor’s Executive Council~~.
	92	+	11–104. 33
90	93
91		-	(2) (i) After consideration of the recommendations of the Commission,
92		-	the Governor shall include in the annual budget request the salary for the Secretary.
	94	+	(a) [(1) In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the] THE Governor 34
	95	+	shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Secretary of Higher Education. 35
	96	+	HOUSE BILL 923 3
93	97
94		-	(ii) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State
95		-	budget.
96	98
97		-	15–136. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	99	+	[(2) (i) The Commission shall submit to the Governor the names of 3 1
	100	+	nominees for the position of Secretary from which the Governor shall make the 2
	101	+	appointment. 3
98	102
99		-	– 3 –
	103	+	(ii) The Governor may reject the list and request the Commission to 4
	104	+	submit the names of additional nominees.] 5
100	105
101		-	(A) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION SHALL AD OPT A
102		-	WRITTEN POLICY THAT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATI ONS FOR
103		-	STUDENTS TO PRACTICE SINCERELY HELD FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS B ELIEFS.
	106	+	(b) (1) The Secretary shall: 6
104	107
105		-	(B) THE ~~POLICY SHALL :~~
	108	+	(i) Select, organize, and direct the staff of the Commission; 7
106	109
107		-	(1) PROVIDE AN ACCOMMODAT ION FOR A STUDENT , INCLUDING
108		-	EXCUSED ABSENCES , FOR A STUDENT TO :
	110	+	(ii) Perform the duties the Commission assigns; 8
109	111
110		-	(I) OBSERVE FAITH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS H OLIDAYS; OR
	112	+	(iii) See that the policies and decisions of the Commission are carried 9
	113	+	out; 10
111	114
112		-	(II) ~~PARTICIPATE IN ORGANI ZED RELIGIOUS ACTIVI TIES~~;
	115	+	(iv) Serve at the pleasure of the [Commission] GOVERNOR; and 11
113	116
114		-	(2) PROVIDE THAT A STUDEN T BE ALLOWED REASONA BLE
115		-	ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMOD ATIONS FOR MISSING A N EXAMINA TION OR OTHER
116		-	ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT S DUE TO AN EXCUSED ABSENCE UNDER ITEM (1) OF THIS
117		-	SUBSECTION IF THE ST UDENT’S SINCERELY HELD FAI TH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS
118		-	BELIEF OR PRACTICE A FFECTS THE STUDENT ’S ABILITY TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION
119		-	AS SCHEDULED OR MEET ANY OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT ; AND
	117	+	(v) Be a member of the Governor’s Executive Council. 12
120	118
121		-	(3) ~~INCLUDE A GRIEVANCE P~~ ~~ROCEDURE TO REPORT~~
122		-	~~NONCOMPLIANCE WITH T HE POLICY~~.
	119	+	(2) (i) After consideration of the recommendations of the Commission, 13
	120	+	the Governor shall include in the annual budget request the salary for the Secretary. 14
123	121
124		-	(C) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION ,
125		-	EACH PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION IS REQUIRED TO P ROVIDE A
126		-	SPACE ON CAMPUS TO ACCOMMODATE FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS P RACTICES.
	122	+	(ii) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State 15
	123	+	budget. 16
127	124
128		-	(2) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF
129		-	MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS.
	125	+	15–136. 17
130	126
131		-	(D) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON SHALL ~~POST~~
132		-	~~PROMINENTLY ON ITS W EBSITE A COPY OF THE~~ POLICY ~~ADOPTED UNDE R THIS~~
133		-	~~SECTION~~.
	127	+	(A) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON SHALL ADOPT A 18
	128	+	WRITTEN POLICY THAT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATI ONS FOR 19
	129	+	STUDENTS TO PRACTICE SINCERELY HELD FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS B ELIEFS. 20
134	130
135		-	~~18–303.~~
	131	+	(B) THE POLICY SHALL : 21
136	132
137		-	(a) ~~Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of~~ a ~~Delegate Howard~~
138		-	~~P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall~~:
	133	+	(1) PROVIDE AN ACCOMMODATION FOR A STUDENT , INCLUDING 22
	134	+	EXCUSED ABSENCES , FOR A STUDENT TO : 23
139	135
140		-	(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an
141		-	eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course
142		-	work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible
143		-	institution; Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	136	+	(I) OBSERVE FAITH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS H OLIDAYS; OR 24
144	137
145		-	~~– 4 –~~
	138	+	(II) PARTICIPATE IN ORGANI ZED RELIGIOUS ACTIVI TIES; 25
146	139
147		-	(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this
148		-	State;
	140	+	(2) PROVIDE THAT A STUDEN T BE ALLOWED REASONA BLE 26
	141	+	ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMOD ATIONS FOR MISSING A N EXAMINATION OR OTH ER 27
	142	+	ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT S DUE TO AN EXCUSED ABSENCE UNDER ITEM (1) OF THIS 28
	143	+	SUBSECTION IF THE ST UDENT’S SINCERELY HELD FAI TH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS 29 4 HOUSE BILL 923
149	144
150		-	(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to:
151	145
152		-	(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or
	146	+	BELIEF OR PRACTICE AFFECTS THE STUDENT’S ABILITY TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION 1
	147	+	AS SCHEDULED OR MEET ANY OTHER ACADEMIC R EQUIREMENT ; AND 2
153	148
154		-	(ii) ~~For~~ a ~~Guaranteed Access Grant,~~ ~~the Office or an institution of~~
155		-	~~higher education that complies~~ with ~~§ 18–303~~.~~3 of this subtitle; and~~
	149	+	(3) INCLUDE A GRIEVANCE P ROCEDURE TO REPORT 3
	150	+	NONCOMPLIANCE WITH T HE POLICY. 4
156	151
157		-	(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award.
	152	+	(C) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, 5
	153	+	EACH PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION IS REQUIRED TO P ROVIDE A 6
	154	+	SPACE ON CAMPUS TO A CCOMMODATE FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS P RACTICES. 7
158	155
159		-	(b) ~~Except as provided in~~ subsection ~~(c)~~ of ~~this section, each recipient of a~~
160		-	~~Guaranteed Access Grant shall:~~
	156	+	(2) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF 8
	157	+	MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS. 9
161	158
162		-	(1) Have [attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its
163		-	equivalent at the end of the first semester of the senior year in high school and have]
164		-	completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation of the recipient’s high
165		-	school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;
	159	+	(D) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATIO N SHALL POST 10
	160	+	PROMINENTLY ON ITS W EBSITE A COPY OF THE POLICY ADOPTED UNDER THIS 11
	161	+	SECTION. 12
166	162
167		-	(2) [Begin college within 1 year 6 YEARS of completing high school or,
168		-	failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;
	163	+	18–303. 13
169	164
170		-	(3) Be under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first award;
	165	+	(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 14
	166	+	P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 15
171	167
172		-	(4) Have successfully completed a college preparatory program in high
173		-	school;
	168	+	(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 16
	169	+	eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 17
	170	+	work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 18
	171	+	institution; 19
174	172
175		-	(5)] Enroll in college as a full–time student;
	173	+	(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 20
	174	+	State; 21
176	175
177		-	[(6)] (3) (5) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family
178		-	income below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and
	176	+	(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 22
179	177
180		-	~~[(7)]~~ (4) ~~(6) Satisfy any additional criteria~~ the ~~Commission may establish.~~
	178	+	(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 23
181	179
182		-	(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has
183		-	successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor
184		-	and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
	180	+	(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of 24
	181	+	higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 25
185	182
186		-	(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is
187		-	eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual:
	183	+	(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 26
188	184
189		-	(i) ~~Has scored~~ a ~~passing score of at least 165 145 per module on the~~
190		-	~~diploma by examination;~~ ~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634~~
	185	+	(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 27
	186	+	Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 28
191	187
192		-	– 5 –
	188	+	(1) Have [attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its 29
	189	+	equivalent at the end of the first semester of the senior year in high school and have] 30
	190	+	completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation of the recipient’s high 31
	191	+	school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 32 HOUSE BILL 923 5
193	192
194		-	(ii) [Begins college within 1 year 6 YEARS of achieving the score
195		-	described under item (i) of this paragraph or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory
196		-	to the Office of extenuating circumstances;
197	193
198		-	(iii) Is under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first
199		-	award;
200	194
201		-	(iv)] Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and
	195	+	(2) [Begin college within 1 year 6 YEARS of completing high school or, 1
	196	+	failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 2
202	197
203		-	[(v)] (III) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual
204		-	family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission.
	198	+	(3) Be under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first award; 3
205	199
206		-	(d) (1) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a
207		-	Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies
208		-	with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle may not consider an amount received by the applicant as
209		-	an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code.
	200	+	(4) Have successfully completed a college preparatory program in high 4
	201	+	school; 5
210	202
211		-	(2) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student who
212		-	prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the Commission
213		-	shall use the annual family income determination used when the student prequalified.
	203	+	(5)] Enroll in college as a full–time student; 6
214	204
215		-	(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in
216		-	grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of
217		-	financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access
218		-	Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing
219		-	in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to:
	205	+	[(6)] (3) (5) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family 7
	206	+	income below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 8
220	207
221		-	(i) Satisfy ~~the attendance policy of~~ the ~~applicable school;~~
	208	+	[(7)] (4) (6) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 9
222	209
223		-	(ii) [Refrain from substance abuse;
	210	+	(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 10
	211	+	successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 11
	212	+	and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 12
224	213
225		-	(~~iii~~)~~] Provide information required by the Commission or the State~~
226		-	~~Board of Education;~~
	214	+	(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 13
	215	+	eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 14
227	216
228		-	~~[(iv)]~~ (~~III~~) ~~Apply for admission to an institution~~ of ~~higher education~~
229		-	~~during the student’s senior year of high school~~;
	217	+	(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 145 per module on the 15
	218	+	diploma by examination; 16
230	219
231		-	[(v)] (IV) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal
232		-	student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education;
	220	+	(ii) [Begins college within 1 year 6 YEARS of achieving the score 17
	221	+	described under item (i) of this paragraph or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory 18
	222	+	to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 19
233	223
234		-	[(vi)] (V) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland
235		-	Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high
236		-	school and matriculates at an institution of higher education;
237		-	Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	224	+	(iii) Is under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first 20
	225	+	award; 21
238	226
239		-	– 6 –
240		-	[(vii)] (VI) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5
241		-	on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and
	227	+	(iv)] Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 22
242	228
243		-	[(~~viii~~)] (~~VII~~) ~~Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office~~,
244		-	the Commission~~, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education~~.
	229	+	[(v)] (III) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual 23
	230	+	family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 24
245	231
246		-	(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed
247		-	Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if
248		-	the student:
	232	+	(d) (1) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 25
	233	+	Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies 26
	234	+	with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 27
	235	+	an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 28
249	236
250		-	(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this
251		-	subsection; and
	237	+	(2) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student who 29
	238	+	prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the Commission 30
	239	+	shall use the annual family income determination used when the student prequalified. 31 6 HOUSE BILL 923
252	240
253		-	(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or
254	241
255		-	2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department
256		-	of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by:
257	242
258		-	A. Direct certification; or
	243	+	(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 1
	244	+	grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 2
	245	+	financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 3
	246	+	Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 4
	247	+	in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 5
259	248
260		-	B. Income information provided by the family of the student
261		-	to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department.
	249	+	(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 6
262	250
263		-	~~18–303.1.~~
	251	+	(ii) [Refrain from substance abuse; 7
264	252
265		-	(c) The Program shall provide guidance and services to students who qualify for
266		-	a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with § 18–303(e) of this subtitle AND STUDENTS
267		-	WHO QUALIFY TO RECEI VE FREE OR REDUCED–PRICE LUNCH UNDER THE NATIONAL
268		-	SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM to assist the students in successfully:
	253	+	(iii)] Provide information required by the Commission or the State 8
	254	+	Board of Education; 9
269	255
270		-	(1) Completing a college preparatory curriculum;
	256	+	[(iv)] (III) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education 10
	257	+	during the student’s senior year of high school; 11
271	258
272		-	(2) Graduating from high school;
	259	+	[(v)] (IV) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 12
	260	+	student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 13
273	261
274		-	(3) Matriculating at an institution of higher education as defined in §
275		-	18–303 of this subtitle; and
	262	+	[(vi)] (V) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 14
	263	+	Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 15
	264	+	school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 16
276	265
277		-	(4) Making timely progress to complete a degree program.
	266	+	[(vii)] (VI) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 17
	267	+	on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 18
278	268
279		-	(d) (1) The Department shall:
	269	+	[(viii)] (VII) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, 19
	270	+	the Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 20
280	271
281		-	(i) Publicize the Program through community outreach and
282		-	marketing materials;
	272	+	(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 21
	273	+	Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 22
	274	+	the student: 23
283	275
284		-	(ii) ~~Award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer~~ the
285		-	~~Program~~; ~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634~~
	276	+	(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 24
	277	+	subsection; and 25
286	278
287		-	~~– 7 –~~
	279	+	(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 26
288	280
289		-	~~(iii) Solicit applications from nonprofit organizations to administer~~
290		-	~~the Program in local school systems;~~ and
	281	+	2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 27
	282	+	of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 28
291	283
292		-	~~(iv) Give priority to applications:~~
	284	+	A. Direct certification; or 29
293	285
294		-	1. From Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and
	286	+	B. Income information provided by the family of the student 30
	287	+	to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 31 HOUSE BILL 923 7
295	288
296		-	2. That include business and institution of higher education
297		-	partners.
298	289
299		-	(2) The Program may continue to provide services to students [when]:
300	290
301		-	~~(I) WHEN they attend an institution of higher education; OR~~
	291	+	18–303.1. 1
302	292
303		-	(II) WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM FOR AT LEAST
304		-	1 FULL YEAR AND RELOCA TE TO ANOTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE THAT DOES NOT
305		-	PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM.
	293	+	(c) The Program shall provide guidance and services to students who qualify for 2
	294	+	a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with § 18–303(e) of this subtitle AND STUDENTS 3
	295	+	WHO QUALIFY TO RECEI VE FREE OR REDUCED–PRICE LUNCH UNDER THE NATIONAL 4
	296	+	SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM to assist the students in successfully: 5
306	297
307		-	~~18–303.3.~~
	298	+	(1) Completing a college preparatory curriculum; 6
308	299
309		-	(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit
310		-	institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article,
311		-	may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer,
312		-	a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section.
	300	+	(2) Graduating from high school; 7
313	301
314		-	(b) An institution may verify:
	302	+	(3) Matriculating at an institution of higher education as defined in § 8
	303	+	18–303 of this subtitle; and 9
315	304
316		-	(1) ~~The eligibility of an applicant who:~~
	305	+	(4) Making timely progress to complete a degree program. 10
317	306
318		-	(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed
319		-	Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and
	307	+	(d) (1) The Department shall: 11
320	308
321		-	(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or
	309	+	(i) Publicize the Program through community outreach and 12
	310	+	marketing materials; 13
322	311
323		-	(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who:
	312	+	(ii) Award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer the 14
	313	+	Program; 15
324	314
325		-	(i) ~~Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this~~
326		-	~~subtitle~~ in ~~the prior award year~~; and
	315	+	(iii) Solicit applications from nonprofit organizations to administer 16
	316	+	the Program in local school systems; and 17
327	317
328		-	(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award
329		-	year.
	318	+	(iv) Give priority to applications: 18
330	319
331		-	(c) An institution shall:
332		-	Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	320	+	1. From Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and 19
333	321
334		-	– 8 –
335		-	(1) Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under
336		-	the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle;
	322	+	2. That include business and institution of higher education 20
	323	+	partners. 21
337	324
338		-	(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal [V1
339		-	standard] STANDARDS FOR verification and in accordance with the income eligibility
340		-	criteria established by the Office;
	325	+	(2) The Program may continue to provide services to students [when]: 22
341	326
342		-	(3) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of
343		-	applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the
344		-	student’s last award; and
	327	+	(I) WHEN they attend an institution of higher education; OR 23
345	328
346		-	(4) ~~Provide~~ the ~~Commission with an audit,~~ ~~in accordance with rules~~
347		-	~~adopted by~~ the ~~Commission, to show~~ that ~~awards verified and administered under this~~
348		-	~~section have been made properly~~.
	329	+	(II) WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM FOR AT LEAST 24
	330	+	1 FULL YEAR AND RELOCA TE TO ANOTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE THAT DOES NOT 25
	331	+	PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. 26
349	332
350		-	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by
351		-	an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution
352		-	described under § 18–305 of this subtitle.
	333	+	18–303.3. 27
	334	+	8 HOUSE BILL 923
353	335
354		-	(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant
355		-	may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the
356		-	applicant uses the award.
357	336
358		-	18–3601.
	337	+	(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 1
	338	+	institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 2
	339	+	may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer, 3
	340	+	a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section. 4
359	341
360		-	(a) ~~In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.~~
	342	+	(b) An institution may verify: 5
361	343
362		-	(b) “Annual adjusted gross income” means the total of the combined adjusted
363		-	gross income of the applicant and the applicant’s parents, or the applicant and the
364		-	applicant’s spouse if the applicant is married, as reported on the most recent federal or
365		-	State income tax return.
	344	+	(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 6
366	345
367		-	(C) ~~“AWARD” MEANS~~ A ~~SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FROM THE MARYLAND~~
368		-	~~COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP .~~
	346	+	(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 7
	347	+	Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 8
369	348
370		-	~~[(c)]~~ (D) ~~“Community college”~~ ~~includes Baltimore City Community College.~~
	349	+	(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 9
371	350
372		-	[(d)] (E) “Local promise scholarship” means a community college scholarship
373		-	program in effect on July 1, 2018, that provides a scholarship to any high school senior who
374		-	is eligible for enrollment at the community college.
	351	+	(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 10
375	352
376		-	~~[(e)]~~ (F) ~~(1) “Tuition” means the basic instructional charge for courses offered~~
377		-	~~at a community college.~~
	353	+	(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 11
	354	+	subtitle in the prior award year; and 12
378	355
379		-	(2) “Tuition” includes any fees for: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	356	+	(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 13
	357	+	year. 14
380	358
381		-	~~– 9 –~~
	359	+	(c) An institution shall: 15
382	360
383		-	(i) Registration;
	361	+	(1) Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under 16
	362	+	the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 17
384	363
385		-	(ii) Application;
	364	+	(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal [V1 18
	365	+	standard] STANDARDS FOR verification and in accordance with the income eligibility 19
	366	+	criteria established by the Office; 20
386	367
387		-	(iii) Administration;
	368	+	(3) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of 21
	369	+	applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the 22
	370	+	student’s last award; and 23
388	371
389		-	(iv) Laboratory work; and
	372	+	(4) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 24
	373	+	adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 25
	374	+	section have been made properly. 26
390	375
391		-	(v) Other mandatory fees.
	376	+	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 27
	377	+	an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 28
	378	+	described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 29
392	379
393		-	(3) “Tuition” does not include:
	380	+	(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 30
	381	+	may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 31
	382	+	applicant uses the award. 32
	383	+	HOUSE BILL 923 9
394	384
395		-	(i) Costs associated with the parts of a registered apprenticeship
396		-	that take place at a location that is not a community college; or
397	385
398		-	(ii) Any fees for room and board that are related to an on–campus
399		-	residential facility for students.
	386	+	18–3601. 1
400	387
401		-	~~18–3602~~.
	388	+	(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 2
402	389
403		-	(a) There is a program of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships in
404		-	the State that are awarded under this subtitle.
	390	+	(b) “Annual adjusted gross income” means the total of the combined adjusted 3
	391	+	gross income of the applicant and the applicant’s parents, or the applicant and the 4
	392	+	applicant’s spouse if the applicant is married, as reported on the most recent federal or 5
	393	+	State income tax return. 6
405	394
406		-	(b) The ~~purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students to~~
407		-	~~attend a~~ community college ~~in the State~~.
	395	+	(C) “AWARD” MEANS A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FROM THE MARYLAND 7
	396	+	COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP . 8
408	397
409		-	(c) The Office AND EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE shall publicize the availability
410		-	of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships.
	398	+	[(c)] (D) “Community college” includes Baltimore City Community College. 9
411	399
412		-	(D) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL ALLOCATE MARYLAND COMMUNITY
413		-	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING T O EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THE
414		-	STATE BASED ON THE PR OPORTION OF FULL–TIME EQUIVALENT PELL–ELIGIBLE
415		-	STUDENTS AT EACH COM MUNITY COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN § 16–305(B)(7) OF THIS
416		-	ARTICLE, FOR EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE TO AWARD MARYLAND COMMUNITY
417		-	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS.
	400	+	[(d)] (E) “Local promise scholarship” means a community college scholarship 10
	401	+	program in effect on July 1, 2018, that provides a scholarship to any high school senior who 11
	402	+	is eligible for enrollment at the community college. 12
418	403
419		-	(2) IF A COMMUNITY COLLEG E DOES NOT AWARD ALL FUNDING
420		-	ALLOCATED TO THE COM MUNITY COLLEGE UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
421		-	SUBSECTION, THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E SHALL DISTRIBUTE T HE REMAINING
422		-	FUNDING TO OTHER COM MUNITY COLLEGES TO M AKE MARYLAND COMMUNITY
423		-	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS IN THE AWAR D YEAR.
	404	+	[(e)] (F) (1) “Tuition” means the basic instructional charge for courses offered 13
	405	+	at a community college. 14
424	406
425		-	18–3603.
426		-	Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	407	+	(2) “Tuition” includes any fees for: 15
427	408
428		-	– 10 –
429		-	(a) (1) (I) [A student must] SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PH (II) OF THIS
430		-	PARAGRAPH , A STUDENT MAY apply annually to [the Commission] A MARYLAND
431		-	COMMUNITY COLLEGE LO CATED IN THE COUNTY OR, IN THE CASE OF A REG IONAL
432		-	COMMUNITY COLLEGE , IN THE REGION WHERE THE APPLICANT LIVES to receive a
433		-	Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award.
	409	+	(i) Registration; 16
434	410
435		-	(II) IF THE COMMUNITY COLL EGE LOCATED IN THE C OUNTY OR
436		-	REGION WHERE THE APP LICANT LIVES DOES NO T OFFER THE DEGREE O R
437		-	CERTIFICATION PROGRA M IN WHICH THE APPLI CANT WANTS TO ENROLL , THE
438		-	STUDENT MAY APPLY TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E OUTSIDE THE COUNTY OR, IN
439		-	THE CASE OF A REGIONAL C OMMUNITY COLLEGE , OUTSIDE THE REGION W HERE THE
440		-	APPLICANT LIVES TO R ECEIVE A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE
441		-	SCHOLARSHIP AWARD .
	411	+	(ii) Application; 17
442	412
443		-	(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE annually shall select eligible
444		-	applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each
445		-	selected applicant to be used for tuition at [a] THE community college [of the applicant’s
446		-	choice].
	413	+	(iii) Administration; 18
447	414
448		-	(b) An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise
449		-	Scholarship AWARD if the applicant:
	415	+	(iv) Laboratory work; and 19
450	416
451		-	(1) ~~Is eligible for in–State tuition;~~
	417	+	(v) Other mandatory fees. 20
452	418
453		-	(2) Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an
454		-	associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a
455		-	high school or successfully completing a GED in the State:
	419	+	(3) “Tuition” does not include: 21
456	420
457		-	(i) Except as provided in [items (ii) and (iii)] ITEM (II) of this item,
458		-	at the community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community
459		-	college, in the region, where the applicant lives; OR
	421	+	(i) Costs associated with the parts of a registered apprenticeship 22
	422	+	that take place at a location that is not a community college; or 23
460	423
461		-	(ii) [If the community college located in the county or region where
462		-	the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant
463		-	wants to enroll, then at any community college in the State that offers the program; or
	424	+	(ii) Any fees for room and board that are related to an on–campus 24
	425	+	residential facility for students. 25
464	426
465		-	(iii)] At a community college in the State that has an on–campus
466		-	residential facility for students;
	427	+	18–3602. 26
467	428
468		-	(3) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, has earned a
469		-	cumulative grade point average of:
	429	+	(a) There is a program of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships in 27
	430	+	the State that are awarded under this subtitle. 28
	431	+	10 HOUSE BILL 923
470	432
471		-	(i) For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent
472		-	at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
473	433
474		-	– 11 –
	434	+	(b) The purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students to 1
	435	+	attend a community college in the State. 2
475	436
476		-	(ii) ~~While enrolled at a~~ community ~~college in~~ the ~~State, at least 2.5~~
477		-	~~on a~~ 4~~.0 scale or its equivalent;~~
	437	+	(c) The Office AND EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE shall publicize the availability 3
	438	+	of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships. 4
478	439
479		-	(4) Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than:
	440	+	(D) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL ALLOCATE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 5
	441	+	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING T O EACH COMMUNITY COL LEGE IN THE 6
	442	+	STATE BASED ON THE PR OPORTION OF FULL–TIME EQUIVALENT PELL–ELIGIBLE 7
	443	+	STUDENTS AT EACH COM MUNITY COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN § 16–305(B)(7) OF THIS 8
	444	+	ARTICLE, FOR EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE TO AWARD MARYLAND COMMUNITY 9
	445	+	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS. 10
480	446
481		-	(i) $100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent
482		-	household; or
	447	+	(2) IF A COMMUNITY COLLEG E DOES NOT AWARD ALL FUNDING 11
	448	+	ALLOCATED TO THE COM MUNITY COLLEGE UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 12
	449	+	SUBSECTION, THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E SHALL DISTRIBUTE T HE REMAINING 13
	450	+	FUNDING TO OTHER COM MUNITY COLLEGES TO M AKE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 14
	451	+	COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS IN THE AWAR D YEAR. 15
483	452
484		-	(ii) $150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent
485		-	household;
	453	+	18–3603. 16
486	454
487		-	(5) (i) Enrolls in:
	455	+	(a) (1) (I) [A student must] SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PH (II) OF THIS 17
	456	+	PARAGRAPH , A STUDENT MAY apply annually to [the Commission] A MARYLAND 18
	457	+	COMMUNITY COLLEGE LO CATED IN THE COUNTY OR, IN THE CASE OF A REG IONAL 19
	458	+	COMMUNITY COLLEGE , IN THE REGION WHERE THE APPLICANT LIVES to receive a 20
	459	+	Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award. 21
488	460
489		-	1. At least [12] 6 credits per semester at the community
490		-	college; or
	461	+	(II) IF THE COMMUNITY COLL EGE LOCATED IN THE C OUNTY OR 22
	462	+	REGION WHERE THE APP LICANT LIVES DOES NO T OFFER THE DEGREE O R 23
	463	+	CERTIFICATION PROGRA M IN WHICH THE APPLI CANT WANTS TO ENROLL , THE 24
	464	+	STUDENT MAY APPLY TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E OUTSIDE THE COUNTY OR , IN 25
	465	+	THE CASE OF A REGION AL COMMUNITY COLLEGE , OUTSIDE THE REGION W HERE THE 26
	466	+	APPLICANT LIVES TO R ECEIVE A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE 27
	467	+	SCHOLARSHIP AWARD . 28
491	468
492		-	2. A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to
493		-	licensure or certification; or
	469	+	(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE annually shall select eligible 29
	470	+	applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each 30
	471	+	selected applicant to be used for tuition at [a] THE community college [of the applicant’s 31
	472	+	choice]. 32
494	473
495		-	(ii) Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and
	474	+	(b) An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise 33
	475	+	Scholarship AWARD if the applicant: 34
496	476
497		-	(6) (i) Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
498		-	(FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than
499		-	a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or
	477	+	(1) Is eligible for in–State tuition; 35 HOUSE BILL 923 11
500	478
501		-	(ii) Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition
502		-	under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student
503		-	financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify.
504	479
505		-	(c) (1) An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships
506		-	that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to
507		-	receive an award under this subtitle.
508	480
509		-	(2) An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s
510		-	degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle.
	481	+	(2) Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an 1
	482	+	associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a 2
	483	+	high school or successfully completing a GED in the State: 3
511	484
512		-	(3) ~~An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before~~
513		-	the ~~date~~ of ~~application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established~~
514		-	in ~~subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award.~~
	485	+	(i) Except as provided in [items (ii) and (iii)] ITEM (II) of this item, 4
	486	+	at the community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community 5
	487	+	college, in the region, where the applicant lives; OR 6
515	488
516		-	(d) On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA
517		-	or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid.
	489	+	(ii) [If the community college located in the county or region where 7
	490	+	the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant 8
	491	+	wants to enroll, then at any community college in the State that offers the program; or 9
518	492
519		-	18–~~3603.1.~~
520		-	~~Ch.~~ ~~634~~ ~~2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	493	+	(iii)] At a community college in the State that has an on–campus 10
	494	+	residential facility for students; 11
521	495
522		-	– 12 –
523		-	(A) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL VERIFY THE ELIGI BILITY OF AN
524		-	APPLICANT FOR A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP
525		-	AWARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION .
	496	+	(3) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, has earned a 12
	497	+	cumulative grade point average of: 13
526	498
527		-	(B) (1) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL:
	499	+	(i) For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent 14
	500	+	at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or 15
528	501
529		-	(I) VERIFY THAT AN APPLIC ANT QUALIFIES FOR A MARYLAND
530		-	COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD UND ER THE
531		-	REQUIREMENTS OF § 18–3603 OF THIS SUBTITLE;
	502	+	(ii) While enrolled at a community college in the State, at least 2.5 16
	503	+	on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; 17
532	504
533		-	(II) EVALUATE THE APPLICANT’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY USING
534		-	FEDERAL STANDARDS FO R VERIFICATION AND I N ACCORDANCE WITH IN COME
535		-	ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE;
	505	+	(4) Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than: 18
536	506
537		-	(III) MAINTAIN RECORDS USED BY THE COMMUNITY COL LEGE
538		-	TO DETERMINE THE ELI GIBILITY OF APPLICAN TS FOR NOT LESS THAN A PERIOD OF
539		-	5 YEARS AFTER THE END DATE OF THE AWARD YE AR ASSOCIATED WITH T HE
540		-	STUDENT’S LAST AWARD; AND
	507	+	(i) $100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent 19
	508	+	household; or 20
541	509
542		-	(IV) PROVIDE THE COMMISSION WITH AN AU DIT, IN
543		-	ACCORDANCE WITH RULE S ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION, TO SHOW THAT AWARDS
544		-	VERIFIED AND ADMINIS TERED UNDER THIS SECTI ON HAVE BEEN MADE PR OPERLY.
	510	+	(ii) $150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent 21
	511	+	household; 22
545	512
546		-	(2) A VERIFICATION OBTAINE D BY AN APPLICANT UN DER
547		-	PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE USED AT ANOTHE R COMMUNITY
548		-	COLLEGE.
	513	+	(5) (i) Enrolls in: 23
549	514
550		-	(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE
551		-	COMMISSION UNDER SUBSECTION (B)(1)(IV) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE
552		-	EVERY 3 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MET THE E LIGIBILITY REQUIREME NTS
553		-	FOR AN AWARD .
	515	+	1. At least [12] 6 credits per semester at the community 24
	516	+	college; or 25
554	517
555		-	(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THA T A COMMUNITY COLLEG E
556		-	MADE AN INCORRECT AW ARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT, THE COMMUNITY
557		-	COLLEGE SHALL REMIT TO THE COMMISSION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD
558		-	MADE IN ERROR .
	518	+	2. A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to 26
	519	+	licensure or certification; or 27
559	520
560		-	(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED
561		-	UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT
562		-	FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE.
563		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	521	+	(ii) Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and 28
564	522
565		-	– 13 –
566		-	(III) THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY NOT REQUIRE A ST UDENT
567		-	TO REPAY THE COMMUNI TY COLLEGE FOR AN IN CORRECT AWARD MADE F ROM THE
568		-	MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP .
	523	+	(6) (i) Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid 29
	524	+	(FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than 30
	525	+	a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or 31 12 HOUSE BILL 923
569	526
570		-	18–3604.
571	527
572		-	(a) Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award
573		-	shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less.
574	528
575		-	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or
576		-	federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be
577		-	credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided
578		-	under this subtitle.
	529	+	(ii) Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition 1
	530	+	under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student 2
	531	+	financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify. 3
579	532
580		-	(2) (i) 1. Initial SCHOLARSHIP awards shall be provided to
581		-	recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need.
	533	+	(c) (1) An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships 4
	534	+	that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to 5
	535	+	receive an award under this subtitle. 6
582	536
583		-	2~~. Priority for SCHOLARSHIP awards in subsequent years~~
584		-	~~shall be given~~ to ~~[prior]:~~
	537	+	(2) An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s 7
	538	+	degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle. 8
585	539
586		-	A. PRIOR year recipients who remain eligible for the
587		-	program;
	540	+	(3) An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before 9
	541	+	the date of application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established 10
	542	+	in subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award. 11
588	543
589		-	B. ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN AT
590		-	LEAST 12 CREDITS PER SEMESTER , OR ENROLLED IN A SEQUENCE OF CREDIT O R
591		-	NONCREDIT COURSES TH AT LEAD TO LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION ; AND
	544	+	(d) On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA 12
	545	+	or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid. 13
592	546
593		-	C. IF ANY FUNDS REMAIN T O BE ALLOCATED , STUDENTS
594		-	ENROLLED IN AT LEAST 6 CREDITS PER SEMESTER .
	547	+	18–3603.1. 14
595	548
596		-	~~3. Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b)~~ of ~~this subtitle,~~ an ~~eligible~~
597		-	~~recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient~~
598		-	~~funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year~~.
	549	+	(A) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL VERIFY THE ELIGI BILITY OF AN 15
	550	+	APPLICANT FOR A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP 16
	551	+	AWARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION . 17
599	552
600		-	(ii) Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this
601		-	subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list.
	553	+	(B) (1) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL: 18
602	554
603		-	(3) ~~If a recipient is eligible~~ for a ~~local promise scholarship, an award~~
604		-	~~provided under this subtitle shall be credited to~~ the ~~recipient’s tuition before the award of~~
605		-	~~the local promise scholarship.~~
	555	+	(I) VERIFY THAT AN APPLICANT QUALIFI ES FOR A MARYLAND 19
	556	+	COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD UND ER THE 20
	557	+	REQUIREMENTS OF § 18–3603 OF THIS SUBTITLE; 21
606	558
607		-	(c) ~~(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may~~
608		-	~~hold the award until the earlier of:~~
609		-	~~Ch.~~ ~~634~~ ~~2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	559	+	(II) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY USING 22
	560	+	FEDERAL STANDARDS FO R VERIFICATION AND I N ACCORDANCE WITH IN COME 23
	561	+	ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE; 24
610	562
611		-	– 14 –
612		-	(i) 3 years after first enrolling as a candidate for a vocational
613		-	certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or
	563	+	(III) MAINTAIN RECORDS USED BY THE COMMUNITY COL LEGE 25
	564	+	TO DETERMINE THE ELI GIBILITY OF APPLICAN TS FOR NOT LESS THAN A PERIOD OF 26
	565	+	5 YEARS AFTER THE END DATE OF THE AWARD YE AR ASSOCIATED WITH T HE 27
	566	+	STUDENT’S LAST AWARD; AND 28
614	567
615		-	(ii) The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree.
	568	+	(IV) PROVIDE THE COMMISSION WITH AN AU DIT, IN 29
	569	+	ACCORDANCE WITH RULE S ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION, TO SHOW THAT AWARDS 30
	570	+	VERIFIED AND ADMINIS TERED UNDER THIS SEC TION HAVE BEEN MADE PROPERLY. 31
	571	+	HOUSE BILL 923 13
616	572
617		-	(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE may extend the duration of an
618		-	award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the [Office]
619		-	COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent
620		-	the recipient from continuous enrollment.
621	573
622		-	(3) Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of
623		-	this subsection only if the recipient:
	574	+	(2) A VERIFICATION OBTAINE D BY AN APPLICANT UN DER 1
	575	+	PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE USED AT ANOTHE R COMMUNITY 2
	576	+	COLLEGE. 3
624	577
625		-	(i) Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition;
	578	+	(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 4
	579	+	COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(1)(IV) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 5
	580	+	EVERY 3 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MET THE E LIGIBILITY REQUIREME NTS 6
	581	+	FOR AN AWARD . 7
626	582
627		-	(ii) 1. Continues to enroll in and complete at least [12] 6 credits
628		-	per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or
629		-	certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLE GE; or
	583	+	(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THA T A COMMUNITY COLLEGE 8
	584	+	MADE AN INCORRECT AW ARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT, THE COMMUNITY 9
	585	+	COLLEGE SHALL REMIT TO THE COMMISSION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD 10
	586	+	MADE IN ERROR . 11
630	587
631		-	2. Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship
632		-	program.
	588	+	(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED 12
	589	+	UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGR APH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 13
	590	+	FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 14
633	591
634		-	(iii) Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a
635		-	4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of
636		-	the award or, failing to do so, provides to the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory
637		-	evidence of extenuating circumstances;
	592	+	(III) THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY NOT REQUIRE A ST UDENT 15
	593	+	TO REPAY THE COMMUNI TY COLLEGE FOR AN IN CORRECT AWARD MADE F ROM THE 16
	594	+	MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP. 17
638	595
639		-	(iv) Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a
640		-	certificate, or an associate’s degree;
	596	+	18–3604. 18
641	597
642		-	(v) ~~Continues to meet~~ the ~~income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4)~~
643		-	~~of this subtitle;~~ ~~and~~
	598	+	(a) Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award 19
	599	+	shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less. 20
644	600
645		-	(vi) Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6)
646		-	of this subtitle.
	601	+	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or 21
	602	+	federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be 22
	603	+	credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided 23
	604	+	under this subtitle. 24
647	605
648		-	Chapter 639 of the Acts of 2022
	606	+	(2) (i) 1. Initial SCHOLARSHIP awards shall be provided to 25
	607	+	recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need. 26
649	608
650		-	[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General
651		-	Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the
652		-	Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year
653		-	2024.]
	609	+	2. Priority for SCHOLARSHIP awards in subsequent years 27
	610	+	shall be given to [prior]: 28
654	611
655		-	~~Chapter 640 of~~ the ~~Acts of 2022~~
656		-	~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634~~
	612	+	A. PRIOR year recipients who remain eligible for the 29
	613	+	program; 30
657	614
658		-	– 15 –
659		-	[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General
660		-	Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the
661		-	Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year
662		-	2024.]
	615	+	B. ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN AT 31
	616	+	LEAST 12 CREDITS PER SEMESTER , OR ENROLLED IN A SEQ UENCE OF CREDIT OR 32
	617	+	NONCREDIT COURSES TH AT LEAD TO LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION ; AND 33
	618	+	14 HOUSE BILL 923
663	619
664		-	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read
665		-	as follows:
666	620
667		-	Article – Education
	621	+	C. IF ANY FUNDS REMAIN T O BE ALLOCATED , STUDENTS 1
	622	+	ENROLLED IN AT LEAST 6 CREDITS PER SEMESTER . 2
668	623
669		-	18–303.
	624	+	3. Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b) of this subtitle, an eligible 3
	625	+	recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient 4
	626	+	funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year. 5
670	627
671		-	(a) ~~Subject to subsection (e) of~~ this ~~section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard~~
672		-	P. ~~Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall:~~
	628	+	(ii) Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this 6
	629	+	subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list. 7
673	630
674		-	(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an
675		-	eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course
676		-	work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible
677		-	institution;
	631	+	(3) If a recipient is eligible for a local promise scholarship, an award 8
	632	+	provided under this subtitle shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the award of 9
	633	+	the local promise scholarship. 10
678	634
679		-	(2) ~~Except as provided in § 18–303.2~~ of this ~~subtitle~~, ~~be a resident of this~~
680		-	~~State;~~
	635	+	(c) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may 11
	636	+	hold the award until the earlier of: 12
681	637
682		-	(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to:
	638	+	(i) 3 years after first enrolling as a candidate for a vocational 13
	639	+	certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or 14
683	640
684		-	(i) ~~For~~ an ~~Educational Assistance Grant,~~ ~~the Office; or~~
	641	+	(ii) The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree. 15
685	642
686		-	(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of
687		-	higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and
	643	+	(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE may extend the duration of an 16
	644	+	award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the [Office] 17
	645	+	COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent 18
	646	+	the recipient from continuous enrollment. 19
688	647
689		-	(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award.
	648	+	(3) Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of 20
	649	+	this subsection only if the recipient: 21
690	650
691		-	(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a
692		-	Guaranteed Access Grant shall:
	651	+	(i) Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition; 22
693	652
694		-	(1) ~~Have completed high school or, failing~~ to ~~do so,~~ ~~on the recommendation~~
695		-	of ~~the recipient’s high school principal,~~ ~~provide evidence satisfactory~~ to ~~the Office of~~
696		-	~~extenuating circumstances~~;
	653	+	(ii) 1. Continues to enroll in and complete at least [12] 6 credits 23
	654	+	per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or 24
	655	+	certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE ; or 25
697	656
698		-	(2) Enroll in college as a full–time student;
	657	+	2. Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship 26
	658	+	program. 27
699	659
700		-	(3) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family income
701		-	below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and
	660	+	(iii) Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 28
	661	+	4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of 29
	662	+	the award or, failing to do so, provides to the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory 30
	663	+	evidence of extenuating circumstances; 31
702	664
703		-	(4) ~~Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish.~~
704		-	~~Ch. 634~~ ~~2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	665	+	(iv) Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a 32
	666	+	certificate, or an associate’s degree; 33 HOUSE BILL 923 15
705	667
706		-	– 16 –
707		-	(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has
708		-	successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor
709		-	and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
710	668
711		-	(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is
712		-	eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual:
713	669
714		-	(i) ~~Has scored a passing score of at least 165 per module on~~ the
715		-	~~diploma by examination~~;
	670	+	(v) Continues to meet the income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4) 1
	671	+	of this subtitle; and 2
716	672
717		-	(ii) Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and
	673	+	(vi) Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6) 3
	674	+	of this subtitle. 4
718	675
719		-	(iii) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual family
720		-	income below a poverty index determined by the Commission.
	676	+	Chapter 639 of the Acts of 2022 5
721	677
722		-	~~(d) (1) ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1 EACH YEAR,~~ THE ~~COMMISSION SHALL~~
723		-	ESTABLISH THE ~~ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME USED T O DETERMINE A STUDEN T’S~~
724		-	~~ELIGIBILITY FOR~~ A ~~GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AND AN EDUCATIONAL~~
725		-	~~ASSISTANCE GRANT.~~
	678	+	[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 6
	679	+	Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 7
	680	+	Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 8
	681	+	2024.] 9
726	682
727		-	(2) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a
728		-	Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of higher education [that complies
729		-	with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle] may not consider an amount received by the applicant as
730		-	an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code.
	683	+	Chapter 640 of the Acts of 2022 10
731	684
732		-	[~~(2)] (~~3~~) (I) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student~~
733		-	~~who prequalified for~~ the ~~award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section,~~ the
734		-	~~[Commission] INSTITUTION~~ OF ~~HIGHE R EDUCATION shall use the annual family income~~
735		-	~~determination used when the student prequalified.~~
	685	+	[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 11
	686	+	Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 12
	687	+	Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 13
	688	+	2024.] 14
736	689
737		-	(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE A LIST OF ALL STUDENTS
738		-	WHO HAVE PREQUALIFIE D FOR THE AWARD UNDE R SUBSECTION (E)(1) OR (2) OF
739		-	THIS SECTION TO EACH INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION.
	690	+	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 15
	691	+	as follows: 16
740	692
741		-	(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in
742		-	grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of
743		-	financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access
744		-	Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing
745		-	in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to:
	693	+	Article – Education 17
746	694
747		-	~~(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school;~~
	695	+	18–303. 18
748	696
749		-	(ii) Provide information required by the Commission or the State
750		-	Board of Education;
751		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	697	+	(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 19
	698	+	P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 20
752	699
753		-	– 17 –
754		-	(iii) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education during
755		-	the student’s senior year of high school;
	700	+	(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 21
	701	+	eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 22
	702	+	work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 23
	703	+	institution; 24
756	704
757		-	(iv) ~~Complete and file on~~ a ~~timely basis applications for federal~~
758		-	~~student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education~~;
	705	+	(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 25
	706	+	State; 26
759	707
760		-	(v) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland
761		-	Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high
762		-	school and matriculates at an institution of higher education;
	708	+	(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 27
763	709
764		-	(vi) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a
765		-	4.0 scale or its equivalent; and
	710	+	(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 28
766	711
767		-	(vii) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, the
768		-	Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education.
	712	+	(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of 29
	713	+	higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 30
	714	+	16 HOUSE BILL 923
769	715
770		-	(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed
771		-	Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if
772		-	the student:
773	716
774		-	(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this
775		-	subsection; and
	717	+	(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 1
776	718
777		-	(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or
	719	+	(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 2
	720	+	Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 3
778	721
779		-	2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department
780		-	of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by:
	722	+	(1) Have completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation 4
	723	+	of the recipient’s high school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of 5
	724	+	extenuating circumstances; 6
781	725
782		-	A~~. Direct certification~~; or
	726	+	(2) Enroll in college as a full–time student; 7
783	727
784		-	B. Income ~~information provided by the family of the student~~
785		-	~~to the local school system on an alternative form developed~~ by the ~~Department.~~
	728	+	(3) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family income 8
	729	+	below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 9
786	730
787		-	~~18–303.3~~.
	731	+	(4) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 10
788	732
789		-	(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit
790		-	institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article,
791		-	[may] SHALL verify the eligibility of [an] EACH applicant FOR THE GUARANTEED
792		-	ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed
793		-	Access Grant in accordance with this section.
	733	+	(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 11
	734	+	successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 12
	735	+	and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 13
794	736
795		-	[(b) An institution may verify:
	737	+	(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 14
	738	+	eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 15
796	739
797		-	(1) The ~~eligibility of an applicant who:~~
798		-	~~Ch.~~ ~~634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	740	+	(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 per module on the 16
	741	+	diploma by examination; 17
799	742
800		-	– 18 –
801		-	(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed
802		-	Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and
	743	+	(ii) Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 18
803	744
804		-	(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or
	745	+	(iii) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual family 19
	746	+	income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 20
805	747
806		-	(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who:
	748	+	(d) (1) ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1 EACH YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHALL 21
	749	+	ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME USED T O DETERMINE A STUDEN T’S 22
	750	+	ELIGIBILITY FOR A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AND AN EDUCATIONAL 23
	751	+	ASSISTANCE GRANT. 24
807	752
808		-	(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this
809		-	subtitle in the prior award year; and
	753	+	(2) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 25
	754	+	Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of higher education [that complies 26
	755	+	with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle] may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 27
	756	+	an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 28
810	757
811		-	(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award
812		-	year.]
	758	+	[(2)] (3) (I) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student 29
	759	+	who prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the 30
	760	+	[Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION shall use the annual family income 31
	761	+	determination used when the student prequalified. 32
	762	+	HOUSE BILL 923 17
813	763
814		-	[(c)] (B) An institution shall:
815	764
816		-	(1) Verify [that an] WHETHER EACH applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed
817		-	Access Grant under ALL OF the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle;
	765	+	(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE A LIST OF ALL STUDENTS 1
	766	+	WHO HAVE PREQUALIFIE D FOR THE AWARD UNDE R SUBSECTION (E)(1) OR (2) OF 2
	767	+	THIS SECTION TO EACH INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION. 3
818	768
819		-	[(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal
820		-	standards for verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established
821		-	by the Office;]
	769	+	(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 4
	770	+	grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 5
	771	+	financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 6
	772	+	Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 7
	773	+	in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 8
822	774
823		-	(2) CALCULATE AND OFFER T HE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT
824		-	AWARD TO THE APPLICA NT UPON THE APPLICAN T’S AWARD LETTER FOR
825		-	ADMISSION;
	775	+	(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 9
826	776
827		-	(3) SUBMIT TO TH E OFFICE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1 EACH YEAR FOR
828		-	THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR, INFORMATION ON THE S TUDENTS TO WHOM THE
829		-	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION OFFERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT
830		-	AWARD;
	777	+	(ii) Provide information required by the Commission or the State 10
	778	+	Board of Education; 11
831	779
832		-	[(3)] (4) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the
833		-	eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated
834		-	with the student’s last award; [and]
	780	+	(iii) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education during 12
	781	+	the student’s senior year of high school; 13
835	782
836		-	[(4)] (5) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules
837		-	adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this
838		-	section have been made properly; AND
	783	+	(iv) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 14
	784	+	student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 15
839	785
840		-	(6) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
841		-	USING FEDERAL STANDA RDS FOR VERIFICATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THE
842		-	INCOME ELIGIBILITY C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE.
843		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	786	+	(v) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 16
	787	+	Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 17
	788	+	school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 18
844	789
845		-	– 19 –
846		-	(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE
847		-	COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE
848		-	EVERY 4 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MEET THE ELIGIBILITY
849		-	REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD.
	790	+	(vi) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 19
	791	+	4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 20
850	792
851		-	(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THAT AN INSTITUTION OF
852		-	HIGHER EDUCATION MAD E AN INCORRECT AWARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STU DENT, THE
853		-	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION SHALL RE MIT TO THE COMMISSION THE
854		-	TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD MADE IN ERROR .
	793	+	(vii) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, the 21
	794	+	Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 22
855	795
856		-	(II) ~~THE COMMISSION~~ SHALL ~~PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED~~
857		-	~~UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I)~~ OF ~~THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT~~
858		-	~~FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE.~~
	796	+	(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 23
	797	+	Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 24
	798	+	the student: 25
859	799
860		-	(III) THE INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION MAY N OT
861		-	REQUIRE A STUDENT TO REPAY THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR AN INCOR RECT
862		-	AWARD MADE FROM THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT.
	800	+	(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 26
	801	+	subsection; and 27
863	802
864		-	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by
865		-	an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution
866		-	described under § 18–305 of this subtitle.
	803	+	(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 28
867	804
868		-	(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant
869		-	may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the
870		-	applicant uses the award.
	805	+	2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 29
	806	+	of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 30
871	807
872		-	18–303.4.
	808	+	A. Direct certification; or 31
	809	+	18 HOUSE BILL 923
873	810
874		-	(A) (1) BEGINNING WHEN FINANC IAL AID INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
875		-	EACH YEAR, BUT NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE OFFICE SHALL
876		-	COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS FOR THE ENTIRE STATE THAT RANK APPLI CANTS FOR
877		-	THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD BY FINANC IAL NEED.
878	811
879		-	(2) REGULARLY, THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION
880		-	OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN
881		-	ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
	812	+	B. Income information provided by the family of the student 1
	813	+	to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 2
882	814
883		-	(B) (1) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE LISTS
884		-	PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION,
885		-	AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TO
886		-	DETERMINE THE APPLIC ANTS WHO SHALL BE OF FERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS
887		-	GRANT AWARD BY THE IN STITUTION AND THE AM OUNT OF THE AWARD .
888		-	Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	815	+	18–303.3. 3
889	816
890		-	– 20 –
891		-	(2) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FINAN CIAL AID AWARD
892		-	NOTIFICATION TO AN A PPLICANT TO OFFER TH E APPLICANT A GUARANTEED
893		-	ACCESS GRANT AWARD .
	817	+	(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 4
	818	+	institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 5
	819	+	[may] SHALL verify the eligibility of [an] EACH applicant FOR THE GUARANTEED 6
	820	+	ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed 7
	821	+	Access Grant in accordance with this section. 8
894	822
895		-	(C) AN APPLICANT MAY ACCE PT THE OFFER OF A GUARANTEED ACCESS
896		-	GRANT AWARD FROM AN I NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
	823	+	[(b) An institution may verify: 9
897	824
898		-	(D) (1) EACH SEMESTER , EACH INSTITUT ION SHALL SUBMIT TO THE
899		-	OFFICE A LIST OF THE STUDENTS WHO WERE AW ARDED A GUARANTEED ACCESS
900		-	GRANT FOR THE SEMESTE R AND THE AMOUNTS AW ARDED.
	825	+	(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 10
901	826
902		-	(2) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE
903		-	GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARDS ON THE L IST SUBMITTED IN A CCORDANCE
904		-	WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
	827	+	(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 11
	828	+	Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 12
905	829
906		-	(E) (1) (I) THE OFFICE SHALL COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS OF
907		-	STUDENTS WHO PREVIOU SLY RECEIVED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD
908		-	AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A RENEWAL AWARD .
	830	+	(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 13
909	831
910		-	(II) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION OF
911		-	HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN
912		-	ACCORDANCE WITH SUBP ARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH .
	832	+	(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 14
913	833
914		-	(2) (I) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE
915		-	LISTS PROVIDED BY TH E OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
916		-	SUBSECTION, AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS
917		-	SUBTITLE, TO DETERMINE THE STU DENTS WHO SHALL BE O FFERED A GUARANTEED
918		-	ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARD B Y THE INSTITUTION .
	834	+	(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 15
	835	+	subtitle in the prior award year; and 16
919	836
920		-	(II) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FINANCIAL A ID AWARD
921		-	NOTIFICATION TO A STUDE NT TO OFFER THE STUD ENT A GUARANTEED ACCESS
922		-	GRANT RENEWAL AWARD .
	837	+	(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 17
	838	+	year.] 18
923	839
924		-	(3) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE
925		-	GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARDS MADE IN ACCORDANCE W ITH
926		-	PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
	840	+	[(c)] (B) An institution shall: 19
927	841
928		-	(F) ~~THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT REGUL ATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS~~
929		-	~~SECTION.~~
	842	+	(1) Verify [that an] WHETHER EACH applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed 20
	843	+	Access Grant under ALL OF the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 21
930	844
931		-	18–304.
	845	+	[(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal 22
	846	+	standards for verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established 23
	847	+	by the Office;] 24
932	848
933		-	(a) In this section, “academic year” means:
934		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	849	+	(2) CALCULATE AND OFFER T HE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 25
	850	+	AWARD TO THE APPLICA NT UPON THE APPLICAN T’S AWARD LETTER FOR 26
	851	+	ADMISSION; 27
935	852
936		-	– 21 –
937		-	(1) The fall, spring, and summer semesters; and
	853	+	(3) SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1 EACH YEAR FOR 28
	854	+	THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR, INFORMATION ON THE S TUDENTS TO WHOM THE 29
	855	+	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION OFFERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 30
	856	+	AWARD; 31 HOUSE BILL 923 19
938	857
939		-	(2) Any semester shorter in length than the term of a regular semester.
940	858
941		-	(b) (1) [Except as provided in § 18–307 of this subtitle, the Office] AN
942		-	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION THAT COMPLIES WITH § 18–303.3 OF THIS
943		-	SUBTITLE shall determine the amount of each [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational
944		-	Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award based on the financial need of the applicant.
945	859
946		-	(2) In determining the amount of financial need, the [Office] INSTITUTION
947		-	OF HIGHER EDUCATION shall consider regional cost–of–living differences.
	860	+	[(3)] (4) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the 1
	861	+	eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated 2
	862	+	with the student’s last award; [and] 3
948	863
949		-	(3) In determining the percent of financial need used to calculate an award
950		-	for a community college student receiving a [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational
951		-	Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award, the [Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R
952		-	EDUCATION shall use [the following percentages:
	864	+	[(4)] (5) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 4
	865	+	adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 5
	866	+	section have been made properly; AND 6
953	867
954		-	(i) For fiscal year 2007, not less than 55%; and
	868	+	(6) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 7
	869	+	USING FEDERAL STANDA RDS FOR VERIFICATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THE 8
	870	+	INCOME ELIGIBILITY C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE. 9
955	871
956		-	(ii) For fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter,] not less than
957		-	60%.
	872	+	(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 10
	873	+	COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 11
	874	+	EVERY 4 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MEET THE ELIGIBILITY 12
	875	+	REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD. 13
958	876
959		-	(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a
960		-	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be awarded in $100
961		-	increments.
	877	+	(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THAT AN I NSTITUTION OF 14
	878	+	HIGHER EDUCATION MAD E AN INCORRECT AWARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STU DENT, THE 15
	879	+	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION SHALL RE MIT TO THE COMMISSION THE 16
	880	+	TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD MADE IN ERROR . 17
962	881
963		-	(~~2) (i~~) The ~~amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a~~
964		-	~~student in~~ the student~~’s first 2 academic years of enrollment may not be less than $400 or~~
965		-	~~more than $3,000~~.
	882	+	(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUN TS RECEIVED 18
	883	+	UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 19
	884	+	FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 20
966	885
967		-	(ii) Beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each
968		-	academic year thereafter:
	886	+	(III) THE INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION MAY N OT 21
	887	+	REQUIRE A STUDENT TO REPAY THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR AN INCOR RECT 22
	888	+	AWARD MADE FROM THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT. 23
969	889
970		-	1~~. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in~~
971		-	~~the prior academic year,~~ ~~the amount~~ of ~~an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student~~
972		-	~~may not be less than $400~~ ~~or more than $3,000; or~~
	890	+	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 24
	891	+	an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 25
	892	+	described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 26
973	893
974		-	2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less
975		-	than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to the amount
976		-	the student would have otherwise received multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits
977		-	successfully completed divided by 30.
	894	+	(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 27
	895	+	may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 28
	896	+	applicant uses the award. 29
978	897
979		-	(3) (i) All applicants who fulfill the requirements established in §
980		-	18–303(a) and (b) of this subtitle shall receive a Guaranteed Access Grant.
981		-	Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	898	+	18–303.4. 30
982	899
983		-	– 22 –
984		-	(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the
985		-	amount of a Guaranteed Access Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic
986		-	years of enrollment shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as
987		-	determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION , not to exceed the
988		-	equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public
989		-	institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the
990		-	University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus,
991		-	with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.
	900	+	(A) (1) BEGINNING WHEN FINANC IAL AID INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE 31
	901	+	EACH YEAR, BUT NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE OFFICE SHALL 32
	902	+	COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS FOR THE ENTIRE STATE THAT RANK APPLI CANTS FOR 33
	903	+	THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD BY FINANC IAL NEED. 34 20 HOUSE BILL 923
992	904
993		-	(iii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph,
994		-	beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter:
995	905
996		-	1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in
997		-	the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s
998		-	financial need as determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION , not
999		-	to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the
1000		-	4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland,
1001		-	other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland,
1002		-	Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full –time resident
1003		-	undergraduate; or
1004	906
1005		-	2~~. If~~ the ~~student successfully completed at least 24 but less~~
1006		-	~~than 30 credits~~ in the ~~prior academic year,~~ the ~~award amount shall be equal to 100 percent~~
1007		-	~~multiplied by the ratio~~ of ~~the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30~~.
	907	+	(2) REGULARLY, THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION 1
	908	+	OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 2
	909	+	ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 3
1008	910
1009		-	(iv) If a recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant becomes ineligible
1010		-	because of a change in family income, the recipient shall remain eligible for the full award
1011		-	for the full award term applicable to the recipient under this subtitle if the recipient
1012		-	remains eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant.
	911	+	(B) (1) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE LISTS 4
	912	+	PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, 5
	913	+	AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TO 6
	914	+	DETERMINE THE APPLIC ANTS WHO SHALL BE OF FERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 7
	915	+	GRANT AWARD BY THE IN STITUTION AND THE AM OUNT OF THE AWARD . 8
1013	916
1014		-	(D) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L INCLUDE IN AN
1015		-	AWARD LETTER THE FINANCIAL AID AW ARD NOTIFICATION TO A STUDENT THE
1016		-	AVAILABILITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD ADMINISTERED BY THE
1017		-	OFFICE, INCLUDING:
	917	+	(2) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FI NANCIAL AID AWARD 9
	918	+	NOTIFICATION TO AN A PPLICANT TO OFFER TH E APPLICANT A GUARANTEED 10
	919	+	ACCESS GRANT AWARD . 11
1018	920
1019		-	(1) A ~~DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICE AND THE EDUCATIONAL~~
1020		-	~~ASSISTANCE~~ AWARD;
	921	+	(C) AN APPLICANT MAY ACCE PT THE OFFER OF A GUARANTEED ACCESS 12
	922	+	GRANT AWARD FROM AN I NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 13
1021	923
1022		-	(2) INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD
1023		-	TIMELINES; AND
	924	+	(D) (1) EACH SEMESTER , EACH INSTITUTION SHALL SUBMIT TO THE 14
	925	+	OFFICE A LIST OF THE STUDENTS WHO WERE AW ARDED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 15
	926	+	GRANT FOR THE SEMESTE R AND THE AMOUNTS AW ARDED. 16
1024	927
1025		-	(3) A POINT OF CONTACT AT THE OFFICE FOR STUDENTS .
1026		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 634
	928	+	(2) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 17
	929	+	GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARDS ON THE L IST SUBMITTED I N ACCORDANCE 18
	930	+	WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 19
1027	931
1028		-	– 23 –
1029		-	[(d)] (E) Beginning in fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
1030		-	Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $112,000,000
1031		-	for Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards made under this subtitle.
	932	+	(E) (1) (I) THE OFFICE SHALL COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS OF 20
	933	+	STUDENTS WHO PREVIOU SLY RECEIVED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD 21
	934	+	AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A RENEWAL AWARD . 22
1032	935
1033		-	18–307.
	936	+	(II) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION OF 23
	937	+	HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 24
	938	+	ACCORDANCE WITH SUBP ARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 25
1034	939
1035		-	(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) (C) of this section, the Office shall
1036		-	compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants by financial need FOR
1037		-	THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD.
	940	+	(2) (I) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE 26
	941	+	LISTS PROVIDED BY TH E OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 27
	942	+	SUBSECTION, AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS 28
	943	+	SUBTITLE, TO DETERMINE THE STU DENTS WHO SHALL BE O FFERED A GUARANTEED 29
	944	+	ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARD B Y THE INSTITUTION . 30
1038	945
1039		-	(2) AFTER AWARDS FROM INS TITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
1040		-	HAVE BEEN MADE AND A CCEPTED FOR THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT, THE THE
1041		-	OFFICE SHALL AWARD EL IGIBLE STUDENTS THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
1042		-	AWARD BASED ON FINANC IAL NEED FROM ANY RE MAINING FUNDING FOR THE
1043		-	DELEGATE HOWARD P. RAWLINGS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS.
	946	+	(II) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FINANCIAL A ID AWARD 31
	947	+	NOTIFICATION TO A ST UDENT TO OFFER THE S TUDENT A GUARANTEED ACCESS 32
	948	+	GRANT RENEWAL AWARD . 33
	949	+	HOUSE BILL 923 21
1044	950
1045		-	(b) All funds for annual initial grants FOR THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
1046		-	AWARD shall be awarded from the statewide list on the basis of greatest financial need.
1047	951
1048		-	(c) ~~[(1) On or before April 15 each year,~~ the Office shall ~~send a notification to~~
1049		-	~~each individual who applied for a Delegate Howard P.~~ ~~Rawlings Educational Excellence~~
1050		-	~~Award indicating:~~
	952	+	(3) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 1
	953	+	GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARDS MADE IN ACCORDANCE W ITH 2
	954	+	PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 3
1051	955
1052		-	(i) Whether or not the student is a recipient of an award; and
	956	+	(F) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT RE GULATIONS TO IMPLEME NT THIS 4
	957	+	SECTION. 5
1053	958
1054		-	~~(ii) If applicable, the amount awarded to the student~~.
	959	+	18–304. 6
1055	960
1056		-	(2) On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and
1057		-	each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Delegate Howard P.
1058		-	Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards are awarded.
	961	+	(a) In this section, “academic year” means: 7
1059	962
1060		-	(d)] (1) (i) If State funds are available for this purpose, institutions of
1061		-	higher education in the State may provide Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational
1062		-	Excellence Awards to students who otherwise meet the requirements for receiving a
1063		-	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award but who apply after the
1064		-	March 1 deadline or have other extenuating circumstances.
	963	+	(1) The fall, spring, and summer semesters; and 8
1065	964
1066		-	(ii) Each year the Commission shall transfer at least $2 million of
1067		-	the funds available under § 18–107(b) of this title for the purposes of this subsection.
	965	+	(2) Any semester shorter in length than the term of a regular semester. 9
1068	966
1069		-	(2) The Commission shall:
	967	+	(b) (1) [Except as provided in § 18–307 of this subtitle, the Office] AN 10
	968	+	INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION THAT COMPLIES WITH § 18–303.3 OF THIS 11
	969	+	SUBTITLE shall determine the amount of each [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 12
	970	+	Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award based on the financial need of the applicant. 13
1070	971
1071		-	(i) Establish guidelines for the awarding of Delegate Howard P.
1072		-	Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards by the institutions of higher education to the
1073		-	students; Ch. 634 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	972	+	(2) In determining the amount of financial need, the [Office] INSTITUTION 14
	973	+	OF HIGHER EDUCATION shall consider regional cost–of–living differences. 15
1074	974
1075		-	– 24 –
	975	+	(3) In determining the percent of financial need used to calculate an award 16
	976	+	for a community college student receiving a [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 17
	977	+	Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award, the [Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R 18
	978	+	EDUCATION shall use [the following percentages: 19
1076	979
1077		-	(ii) Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this
1078		-	subsection.
	980	+	(i) For fiscal year 2007, not less than 55%; and 20
1079	981
1080		-	(3) (i) The Commission shall allocate available funds to institutions of
1081		-	higher education based on the proportion of State residents enrolled at each institution who
1082		-	receive federal Pell Grants.
	982	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter,] not less than 21
	983	+	60%. 22
1083	984
1084		-	(ii) ~~An institution~~ of ~~higher education that receives funds under~~ this
1085		-	~~paragraph shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition~~
1086		-	~~of the funds~~.
	985	+	(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a 23
	986	+	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be awarded in $100 24
	987	+	increments. 25
1087	988
1088		-	SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General
1089		-	Assembly that,:
	989	+	(2) (i) The amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a 26
	990	+	student in the student’s first 2 academic years of enrollment may not be less than $400 or 27
	991	+	more than $3,000. 28
1090	992
1091		-	(1) beginning in ~~fiscal~~ year ~~2026, the Governor shall include funding~~ for
1092		-	~~financial aid offices at public institutions of higher education to implement Section 2 of this~~
1093		-	~~Act; and~~
	993	+	(ii) Beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each 29
	994	+	academic year thereafter: 30
	995	+	22 HOUSE BILL 923
1094	996
1095		-	(2) the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall work with the
1096		-	Segmental Advisory Council and the Financial Assistance Advisory Council to establish
1097		-	regulations to implement Section 2 of this Act, including award deadlines and procedures
1098		-	for renewal awards.
1099	997
1100		-	SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall take
1101		-	effect July 1, 2025.
	998	+	1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 1
	999	+	the prior academic year, the amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student 2
	1000	+	may not be less than $400 or more than $3,000; or 3
1102	1001
1103		-	SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section
1104		-	4 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
	1002	+	2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 4
	1003	+	than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to the amount 5
	1004	+	the student would have otherwise received multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits 6
	1005	+	successfully completed divided by 30. 7
1105	1006
1106		-	Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2023.
	1007	+	(3) (i) All applicants who fulfill the requirements established in § 8
	1008	+	18–303(a) and (b) of this subtitle shall receive a Guaranteed Access Grant. 9
	1009	+
	1010	+	(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the 10
	1011	+	amount of a Guaranteed Access Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic 11
	1012	+	years of enrollment shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as 12
	1013	+	determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION , not to exceed the 13
	1014	+	equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public 14
	1015	+	institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the 15
	1016	+	University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, 16
	1017	+	with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate. 17
	1018	+
	1019	+	(iii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, 18
	1020	+	beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter: 19
	1021	+
	1022	+	1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 20
	1023	+	the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s 21
	1024	+	financial need as determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HI GHER EDUCATION , not 22
	1025	+	to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 23
	1026	+	4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, 24
	1027	+	other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and Unive rsity of Maryland, 25
	1028	+	Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full –time resident 26
	1029	+	undergraduate; or 27
	1030	+
	1031	+	2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 28
	1032	+	than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent 29
	1033	+	multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30. 30
	1034	+
	1035	+	(iv) If a recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant becomes ineligible 31
	1036	+	because of a change in family income, the recipient shall remain eligible for the full award 32
	1037	+	for the full award term applicable to the recipient under this subtitle if the recipient 33
	1038	+	remains eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant. 34
	1039	+
	1040	+	(D) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L INCLUDE IN AN 35
	1041	+	AWARD LETTER THE FINANCIAL AID AW ARD NOTIFICATION TO A STUDENT THE 36
	1042	+	AVAILABILITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD ADMINISTERED BY THE 37
	1043	+	OFFICE, INCLUDING: 38 HOUSE BILL 923 23
	1044	+
	1045	+
	1046	+
	1047	+	(1) A DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICE AND THE EDUCATIONAL 1
	1048	+	ASSISTANCE AWARD; 2
	1049	+
	1050	+	(2) INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD 3
	1051	+	TIMELINES; AND 4
	1052	+
	1053	+	(3) A POINT OF CONTACT AT THE OFFICE FOR STUDENTS . 5
	1054	+
	1055	+	[(d)] (E) Beginning in fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the 6
	1056	+	Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $112,000,000 7
	1057	+	for Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards made under this subtitle. 8
	1058	+
	1059	+	18–307. 9
	1060	+
	1061	+	(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) (C) of this section, the Office shall 10
	1062	+	compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants by financial need FOR 11
	1063	+	THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD. 12
	1064	+
	1065	+	(2) AFTER AWARDS FROM INS TITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION 13
	1066	+	HAVE BEEN MADE AND A CCEPTED FOR THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT, THE THE 14
	1067	+	OFFICE SHALL AWARD EL IGIBLE STUDENTS THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 15
	1068	+	AWARD BASED ON FINANC IAL NEED FROM ANY RE MAINING FUNDING FOR THE 16
	1069	+	DELEGATE HOWARD P. RAWLINGS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS. 17
	1070	+
	1071	+	(b) All funds for annual initial grants FOR THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 18
	1072	+	AWARD shall be awarded from the statewide list on the basis of greatest financial need. 19
	1073	+
	1074	+	(c) [(1) On or before April 15 each year, the Office shall send a notification to 20
	1075	+	each individual who applied for a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence 21
	1076	+	Award indicating: 22
	1077	+
	1078	+	(i) Whether or not the student is a recipient of an award; and 23
	1079	+
	1080	+	(ii) If applicable, the amount awarded to the student. 24
	1081	+
	1082	+	(2) On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and 25
	1083	+	each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Delegate Howard P. 26
	1084	+	Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards are awarded. 27
	1085	+
	1086	+	(d)] (1) (i) If State funds are available for this purpose, institutions of 28
	1087	+	higher education in the State may provide Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 29
	1088	+	Excellence Awards to students who otherwise meet the requirements for receiving a 30
	1089	+	Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award but who apply after the 31
	1090	+	March 1 deadline or have other extenuating circumstances. 32 24 HOUSE BILL 923
	1091	+
	1092	+
	1093	+
	1094	+	(ii) Each year the Commission shall transfer at least $2 million of 1
	1095	+	the funds available under § 18–107(b) of this title for the purposes of this subsection. 2
	1096	+
	1097	+	(2) The Commission shall: 3
	1098	+
	1099	+	(i) Establish guidelines for the awarding of Delegate Howard P. 4
	1100	+	Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards by the institutions of higher education to the 5
	1101	+	students; 6
	1102	+
	1103	+	(ii) Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this 7
	1104	+	subsection. 8
	1105	+
	1106	+	(3) (i) The Commission shall allocate available funds to institutions of 9
	1107	+	higher education based on the proportion of State residents enrolled at each institution who 10
	1108	+	receive federal Pell Grants. 11
	1109	+
	1110	+	(ii) An institution of higher education that receives funds under this 12
	1111	+	paragraph shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition 13
	1112	+	of the funds. 14
	1113	+
	1114	+	SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 15
	1115	+	Assembly that,: 16
	1116	+
	1117	+	(1) beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include funding for 17
	1118	+	financial aid offices at public institutions of higher education to implement Section 2 of this 18
	1119	+	Act; and 19
	1120	+
	1121	+	(2) the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall work with the 20
	1122	+	Segmental Advisory Council and the Financial Assistance Advisory Council to establish 21
	1123	+	regulations to implement Section 2 of this Act, including award deadlines and procedures 22
	1124	+	for renewal awards. 23
	1125	+
	1126	+	SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall take 24
	1127	+	effect July 1, 2025. 25
	1128	+
	1129	+	SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section 26
	1130	+	4 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2023. 27
	1131	+
	1132	+
	1133	+