EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDE D TO EXISTING LAW .
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
*sb0662*
SENATE BILL 662
F2 3lr2916
CF HB 923
By: Chair, Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
Introduced and read first time: February 6, 2023
Assigned to: Education, Energy, and the Environment
Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
Senate action: Adopted
Read second time: March 21, 2023
CHAPTER ______
AN ACT concerning 1
Higher Education – Appointment of Secretary and Student 2
Financial Assistance – Alterations Accommodations at Public Institutions for 3
Religious Beliefs 4
FOR the purpose of providing that the Secretary of Higher Education is appointed by, and 5
serves at the pleasure of, the Governor; requiring each institution of higher 6
education to adopt a certain written policy regarding the provision of reasonable 7
academic accommodations for students to practice sincerely held faith–based or 8
religious beliefs; altering eligibility criteria for, and the process for awards from, the 9
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards; altering 10
eligibility criteria for services provided to students through the Next Generation 11
Scholars of Maryland Program; altering the administration of the Maryland 12
Community College Promise Scholarship to require community colleges to award 13
scholarships from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship in place of 14
the Office of Student Financial Assistance within the Maryland Higher Education 15
Commission; repealing certain provisions of law related to the intent of the General 16
Assembly for the Commission to be reorganized to establish the Office of Student 17
Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in a certain fiscal year; and 18
generally relating to the appointment of the Secretary of Higher Education and, 19
student financial assistance programs in the State, and accommodations at public 20
institutions for religious beliefs. 21
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 22
Article – Education 23 2 SENATE BILL 662
Section 11–104(a) and (b), 18–303, 18–303.1(c) and (d), 18–303.3, 18–304, 18–307, 1
18–3601, 18–3602, 18–3603, and 18–3604 2
Annotated Code of Maryland 3
(2022 Replacement Volume) 4
BY adding to 5
Article – Education 6
Section 15–136, 18–303.4, and 18–3603.1 7
Annotated Code of Maryland 8
(2022 Replacement Volume) 9
BY repealing 10
Chapter 639 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 11
Section 3 12
BY repealing 13
Chapter 640 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2022 14
Section 3 15
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 16
Article – Education 17
Section 18–303 and 18–303.3 18
Annotated Code of Maryland 19
(2022 Replacement Volume) 20
(As enacted by Section 1 of this Act) 21
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND , 22
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 23
Article – Education 24
11–104. 25
(a) [(1) In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the] THE Governor 26
shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Secretary of Higher Education. 27
[(2) (i) The Commission shall submit to the Governor the names of 3 28
nominees for the position of Secretary from which the Governor shall make the 29
appointment. 30
(ii) The Governor may reject the list and request the Commission to 31
submit the names of additional nominees.] 32
(b) (1) The Secretary shall: 33
(i) Select, organize, and direct the staff of the Commission; 34
SENATE BILL 662 3
(ii) Perform the duties the Commission assigns; 1
(iii) See that the policies and decisions of the Commission are carried 2
out; 3
(iv) Serve at the pleasure of the [Commission] GOVERNOR; and 4
(v) Be a member of the Governor’s Executive Council. 5
(2) (i) After consideration of the recommendations of the Commission, 6
the Governor shall include in the annual budget request the salary for the Secretary. 7
(ii) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State 8
budget. 9
15–136. 10
(A) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON SHALL ADOPT A 11
WRITTEN POLICY THAT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATI ONS FOR 12
STUDENTS TO PRACTICE SINCERELY HELD FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS B ELIEFS. 13
(B) THE POLICY SHALL : 14
(1) PROVIDE AN ACCOMMODAT ION FOR A STUDENT , INCLUDING 15
EXCUSED ABSENCES , FOR A STUDENT TO : 16
(I) OBSERVE FAITH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS H OLIDAYS; OR 17
(II) PARTICIPATE IN ORGANI ZED RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES ; 18
(2) PROVIDE THAT A STUDEN T BE ALLOWED REASONA BLE 19
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMOD ATIONS FOR MISSING A N EXAMINATION OR OTH ER 20
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT S DUE TO AN EXCUSED ABSENCE UNDER ITEM (1) OF THIS 21
SUBSECTION IF THE ST UDENT’S SINCERELY HELD FAI TH–BASED OR RELIGIOUS 22
BELIEF OR PRACTICE A FFECTS THE STUDENT ’S ABILITY TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION 23
AS SCHEDULED OR MEET ANY OTHER ACADEMIC R EQUIREMENT ; AND 24
(3) INCLUDE A GRIEVANCE P ROCEDURE TO REPORT 25
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH T HE POLICY. 26
(C) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 27
EACH PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION IS REQUIRED TO P ROVIDE A 28
SPACE ON CAMPUS TO A CCOMMODATE FAITH –BASED OR RELIGIOUS P RACTICES. 29
4 SENATE BILL 662
(2) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF 1
MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS. 2
(D) EACH PUBLIC INSTITUTI ON OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON SHALL POST 3
PROMINENTLY ON ITS W EBSITE A COPY OF THE POLICY ADOPTED UNDER THIS 4
SECTION. 5
18–303. 6
(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 7
P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 8
(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 9
eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 10
work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 11
institution; 12
(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 13
State; 14
(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 15
(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 16
(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of 17
higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 18
(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 19
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 20
Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 21
(1) Have [attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its 22
equivalent at the end of the first semester of the senior year in high school and have] 23
completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation of the recipient’s high 24
school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 25
(2) [Begin college within 1 year 6 YEARS of completing high school or, 26
failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 27
(3) Be under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first award; 28
(4) Have successfully completed a college preparatory program in high 29
school; 30
(5)] Enroll in college as a full–time student; 31 SENATE BILL 662 5
[(6)] (3) (5) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family 1
income below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 2
[(7)] (4) (6) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 3
(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 4
successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 5
and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 6
(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 7
eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 8
(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 145 per module on the 9
diploma by examination; 10
(ii) [Begins college within 1 year 6 YEARS of achieving the score 11
described under item (i) of this paragraph or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory 12
to the Office of extenuating circumstances; 13
(iii) Is under the age of 22 26 years at the time of receiving the first 14
award; 15
(iv)] Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 16
[(v)] (III) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual 17
family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 18
(d) (1) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 19
Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies 20
with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 21
an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 22
(2) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student who 23
prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the Commission 24
shall use the annual family income determination used when the student prequalified. 25
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 26
grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 27
financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 28
Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 29
in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 30
(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 31
(ii) [Refrain from substance abuse; 32 6 SENATE BILL 662
(iii)] Provide information required by the Commission or the State 1
Board of Education; 2
[(iv)] (III) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education 3
during the student’s senior year of high school; 4
[(v)] (IV) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 5
student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 6
[(vi)] (V) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 7
Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 8
school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 9
[(vii)] (VI) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 10
on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 11
[(viii)] (VII) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, 12
the Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 13
(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 14
Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 15
the student: 16
(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 17
subsection; and 18
(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 19
2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 20
of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 21
A. Direct certification; or 22
B. Income information provided by the family of the student 23
to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 24
18–303.1. 25
(c) The Program shall provide guidance and services to students who qualify for 26
a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with § 18–303(e) of this subtitle AND STUDENTS 27
WHO QUALIF Y TO RECEIVE FREE OR REDUCED–PRICE LUNCH UNDER THE NATIONAL 28
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM to assist the students in successfully: 29
(1) Completing a college preparatory curriculum; 30
SENATE BILL 662 7
(2) Graduating from high school; 1
(3) Matriculating at an institution of higher education as defined in § 2
18–303 of this subtitle; and 3
(4) Making timely progress to complete a degree program. 4
(d) (1) The Department shall: 5
(i) Publicize the Program through community outreach and 6
marketing materials; 7
(ii) Award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer the 8
Program; 9
(iii) Solicit applications from nonprofit organizations to administer 10
the Program in local school systems; and 11
(iv) Give priority to applications: 12
1. From Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and 13
2. That include business and institution of higher education 14
partners. 15
(2) The Program may continue to provide services to students [when]: 16
(I) WHEN they attend an institution of higher education; OR 17
(II) WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM FOR AT LEAST 18
1 FULL YEAR AND RELOCA TE TO ANOTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE THAT DOES NOT 19
PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. 20
18–303.3. 21
(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 22
institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 23
may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer, 24
a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section. 25
(b) An institution may verify: 26
(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 27
(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 28
Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 29
8 SENATE BILL 662
(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 1
(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 2
(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 3
subtitle in the prior award year; and 4
(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 5
year. 6
(c) An institution shall: 7
(1) Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under 8
the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 9
(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal [V1 10
standard] STANDARDS FOR verification and in accordance with the income eligibility 11
criteria established by the Office; 12
(3) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of 13
applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the 14
student’s last award; and 15
(4) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 16
adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 17
section have been made properly. 18
(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 19
an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 20
described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 21
(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 22
may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 23
applicant uses the award. 24
18–3601. 25
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 26
(b) “Annual adjusted gross income” means the total of the combined adjusted 27
gross income of the applicant and the applicant’s parents, or the applicant and the 28
applicant’s spouse if the applicant is married, as reported on the most recent federal or 29
State income tax return. 30
(C) “AWARD” MEANS A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FROM THE MARYLAND 31
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP . 32
SENATE BILL 662 9
[(c)] (D) “Community college” includes Baltimore City Community College. 1
[(d)] (E) “Local promise scholarship” means a community college scholarship 2
program in effect on July 1, 2018, that provides a scholarship to any high school senior who 3
is eligible for enrollment at the community college. 4
[(e)] (F) (1) “Tuition” means the basic instructional charge for courses offered 5
at a community college. 6
(2) “Tuition” includes any fees for: 7
(i) Registration; 8
(ii) Application; 9
(iii) Administration; 10
(iv) Laboratory work; and 11
(v) Other mandatory fees. 12
(3) “Tuition” does not include: 13
(i) Costs associated with the parts of a registered apprenticeship 14
that take place at a location that is not a community college; or 15
(ii) Any fees for room and board that are related to an on–campus 16
residential facility for students. 17
18–3602. 18
(a) There is a program of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships in 19
the State that are awarded under this subtitle. 20
(b) The purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students to 21
attend a community college in the State. 22
(c) The Office AND EACH COMMUNITY C OLLEGE shall publicize the availability 23
of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships. 24
(D) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL ALLOCATE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 25
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING T O EACH COMMUNITY COL LEGE IN THE 26
STATE BASED ON THE PR OPORTION OF FULL–TIME EQUIVALENT PELL–ELIGIBLE 27
STUDENTS AT EACH COM MUNITY COLLEGE , AS DEFINED IN § 16–305(B)(7) OF THIS 28
ARTICLE, FOR EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO AWARD MARYLAND COMMUNITY 29
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS. 30 10 SENATE BILL 662
(2) IF A COMMUNITY COLLEG E DOES NOT AWARD ALL FUNDING 1
ALLOCATED TO THE COM MUNITY COLLEGE UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 2
SUBSECTION, THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E SHALL DISTRIBUTE THE REMAI NING 3
FUNDING TO OTHER COM MUNITY COLLEGES TO M AKE MARYLAND COMMUNITY 4
COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO STUDENTS IN THE AWAR D YEAR. 5
18–3603. 6
(a) (1) (I) [A student must] SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PH (II) OF THIS 7
PARAGRAPH , A STUDENT MA Y apply annually to [the Commission] A MARYLAND 8
COMMUNITY COLLEGE LO CATED IN THE COUNTY OR, IN THE CASE OF A REG IONAL 9
COMMUNITY COLLEGE , IN THE REGION WHERE THE APPLICANT LIVES to receive a 10
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award. 11
(II) IF THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E LOCATED IN THE COU NTY OR 12
REGION WHERE THE APP LICANT LIVES DOES NO T OFFER THE DEGREE O R 13
CERTIFICATION PROGRA M IN WHICH THE APPLI CANT WANTS TO ENROLL , THE 14
STUDENT MAY APPLY TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEG E OUTSIDE THE COUNTY OR, IN 15
THE CASE OF A REGIONAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OUTSIDE THE REGION W HERE THE 16
APPLICANT LIVES TO R ECEIVE A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE 17
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD . 18
(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE annually shall select eligible 19
applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each 20
selected applicant to be used for tuition at [a] THE community college [of the applicant’s 21
choice]. 22
(b) An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise 23
Scholarship AWARD if the applicant: 24
(1) Is eligible for in–State tuition; 25
(2) Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an 26
associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a 27
high school or successfully completing a GED in the State: 28
(i) Except as provided in [items (ii) and (iii)] ITEM (II) of this item, 29
at the community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community 30
college, in the region, where the applicant lives; OR 31
(ii) [If the community college located in the county or region where 32
the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant 33
wants to enroll, then at any community college in the State that offers the program; or 34
SENATE BILL 662 11
(iii)] At a community college in the State that has an on–campus 1
residential facility for students; 2
(3) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, has earned a 3
cumulative grade point average of: 4
(i) For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent 5
at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or 6
(ii) While enrolled at a community college in the State, at least 2.5 7
on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; 8
(4) Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than: 9
(i) $100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent 10
household; or 11
(ii) $150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent 12
household; 13
(5) (i) Enrolls in: 14
1. At least [12] 6 credits per semester at the community 15
college; or 16
2. A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to 17
licensure or certification; or 18
(ii) Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and 19
(6) (i) Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid 20
(FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than 21
a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or 22
(ii) Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition 23
under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student 24
financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify. 25
(c) (1) An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships 26
that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to 27
receive an award under this subtitle. 28
(2) An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s 29
degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle. 30
12 SENATE BILL 662
(3) An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before 1
the date of application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established 2
in subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award. 3
(d) On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA 4
or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid. 5
18–3603.1. 6
(A) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL VERIFY THE ELIGI BILITY OF AN 7
APPLICANT FOR A MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP 8
AWARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION. 9
(B) (1) A COMMUNITY COLLEGE SH ALL: 10
(I) VERIFY THAT AN APPLIC ANT QUALIFIES FOR A MARYLAND 11
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD UND ER THE 12
REQUIREMENTS OF § 18–3603 OF THIS SUBTITLE; 13
(II) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY USING 14
FEDERAL STANDARDS FO R VERIFICATION AND I N ACCORDANCE WITH IN COME 15
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE; 16
(III) MAINTAIN RECORDS USED BY THE COMMUNITY COL LEGE 17
TO DETERMINE THE ELI GIBILITY OF APPLICAN TS FOR NOT LESS THAN A PERIOD OF 18
5 YEARS AFTER THE END DATE OF THE AWARD YE AR ASSOCIATED WITH T HE 19
STUDENT’S LAST AWARD; AND 20
(IV) PROVIDE THE COMMISSION WITH AN AU DIT, IN 21
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE S ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION, TO SHOW THAT AWARDS 22
VERIFIED AND ADMINIS TERED UNDER THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN MA DE PROPERLY . 23
(2) A VERIFICATION OBTAINE D BY AN APPLICANT UN DER 24
PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE USED AT ANOTHE R COMMUNITY 25
COLLEGE. 26
(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 27
COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(1)(IV) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 28
EVERY 3 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MET THE E LIGIBILITY REQUIREME NTS 29
FOR AN AWARD . 30
(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THA T A COMMUNITY COLLEG E 31
MADE AN INCORRECT AW ARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT, THE COMMUNITY 32
COLLEGE SHALL REMIT T O THE COMMISSION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD 33
MADE IN ERROR . 34 SENATE BILL 662 13
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED 1
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 2
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 3
(III) THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY NOT REQUIRE A ST UDENT 4
TO REPAY THE COMMUNI TY COLLEGE FOR AN IN CORRECT AWARD MADE F ROM THE 5
MARYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP . 6
18–3604. 7
(a) Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award 8
shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less. 9
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or 10
federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be 11
credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided 12
under this subtitle. 13
(2) (i) 1. Initial SCHOLARSHIP awards shall be provided to 14
recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need. 15
2. Priority for SCHOLARSHIP awards in subsequent years 16
shall be given to [prior]: 17
A. PRIOR year recipients who remain eligible for the 18
program; 19
B. ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN AT 20
LEAST 12 CREDITS PER SEMESTER , OR ENROLLED IN A SEQ UENCE OF CREDIT OR 21
NONCREDIT COURSES TH AT LEAD TO LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION ; AND 22
C. IF ANY FUNDS REMAIN T O BE ALLOCATED , STUDENTS 23
ENROLLED IN AT LEAST 6 CREDITS PER SEMESTER . 24
3. Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b) of this subtitle, an eligible 25
recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient 26
funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year. 27
(ii) Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this 28
subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list. 29
(3) If a recipient is eligible for a local promise scholarship, an award 30
provided under this subtitle shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the award of 31
the local promise scholarship. 32
14 SENATE BILL 662
(c) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may 1
hold the award until the earlier of: 2
(i) 3 years after first enrolling as a candidate for a vocational 3
certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or 4
(ii) The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree. 5
(2) [The Office] A COMMUNITY COLLEGE may extend the duration of an 6
award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the [Office] 7
COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent 8
the recipient from continuous enrollment. 9
(3) Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of 10
this subsection only if the recipient: 11
(i) Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition; 12
(ii) 1. Continues to enroll in and complete at least [12] 6 credits 13
per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or 14
certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE ; or 15
2. Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship 16
program. 17
(iii) Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 18
4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of 19
the award or, failing to do so, provides to the [Office] COMMUNITY COLLEGE satisfactory 20
evidence of extenuating circumstances; 21
(iv) Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a 22
certificate, or an associate’s degree; 23
(v) Continues to meet the income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4) 24
of this subtitle; and 25
(vi) Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6) 26
of this subtitle. 27
Chapter 639 of the Acts of 2022 28
[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 29
Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 30
Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 31
2024.] 32
SENATE BILL 662 15
Chapter 640 of the Acts of 2022 1
[SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACT ED, That it is the intent of the General 2
Assembly that the Maryland Higher Education Commission be reorganized to establish the 3
Office of Student Financial Assistance as a separate independent agency in fiscal year 4
2024.] 5
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 6
as follows: 7
Article – Education 8
18–303. 9
(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard 10
P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall: 11
(1) Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an 12
eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course 13
work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible 14
institution; 15
(2) Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this 16
State; 17
(3) Demonstrate a definite financial need to: 18
(i) For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or 19
(ii) For a Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of 20
higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and 21
(4) Accept any other conditions attached to the award. 22
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a 23
Guaranteed Access Grant shall: 24
(1) Have completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation 25
of the recipient’s high school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of 26
extenuating circumstances; 27
(2) Enroll in college as a full–time student; 28
(3) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family income 29
below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and 30
(4) Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish. 31 16 SENATE BILL 662
(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has 1
successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor 2
and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 3
(2) An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is 4
eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual: 5
(i) Has scored a passing score of at least 165 per module on the 6
diploma by examination; 7
(ii) Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and 8
(iii) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual family 9
income below a poverty index determined by the Commission. 10
(d) (1) ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1 EACH YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHALL 11
ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME USED T O DETERMINE A STUDEN T’S 12
ELIGIBILITY FOR A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AND AN EDUCATIONAL 13
ASSISTANCE GRANT. 14
(2) To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a 15
Guaranteed Access Grant, [the Office or] an institution of higher education [that complies 16
with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle] may not consider an amount received by the applicant as 17
an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. 18
[(2)] (3) (I) When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student 19
who prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the 20
[Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION shall use the annual family income 21
determination used when the student prequalified. 22
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROV IDE A LIST OF ALL STUDENTS 23
WHO HAVE PREQUALIFIE D FOR THE AWARD UNDE R SUBSECTION (E)(1) OR (2) OF 24
THIS SECTION TO EACH INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION. 25
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in 26
grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of 27
financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access 28
Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing 29
in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to: 30
(i) Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school; 31
(ii) Provide information required by the Commission or the State 32
Board of Education; 33
SENATE BILL 662 17
(iii) Apply for admission to an institution of higher education during 1
the student’s senior year of high school; 2
(iv) Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal 3
student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education; 4
(v) Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland 5
Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high 6
school and matriculates at an institution of higher education; 7
(vi) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 8
4.0 scale or its equivalent; and 9
(vii) Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, the 10
Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education. 11
(2) A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed 12
Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if 13
the student: 14
(i) Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this 15
subsection; and 16
(ii) 1. Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or 17
2. Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department 18
of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by: 19
A. Direct certification; or 20
B. Income information provided by the family of the student 21
to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department. 22
18–303.3. 23
(a) A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit 24
institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, 25
[may] SHALL verify the eligibility of [an] EACH applicant FOR THE GUARANTEED 26
ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed 27
Access Grant in accordance with this section. 28
[(b) An institution may verify: 29
(1) The eligibility of an applicant who: 30
(i) Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed 31
Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and 32 18 SENATE BILL 662
(ii) Applies for admission to the institution; or 1
(2) The renewal eligibility of a student who: 2
(i) Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this 3
subtitle in the prior award year; and 4
(ii) Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award 5
year.] 6
[(c)] (B) An institution shall: 7
(1) Verify [that an] WHETHER EACH applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed 8
Access Grant under ALL OF the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle; 9
[(2) Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal 10
standards for verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established 11
by the Office;] 12
(2) CALCULATE AND OFFER T HE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 13
AWARD TO THE APPLICA NT UPON THE APPLICAN T’S AWARD LETTER FOR 14
ADMISSION; 15
(3) SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1 EACH YEAR FOR 16
THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR, INFORMATION ON THE S TUDENTS TO WHOM THE 17
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION OFFERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT 18
AWARD; 19
[(3)] (4) Maintain records used by the institution to determine the 20
eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated 21
with the student’s last award; [and] 22
[(4)] (5) Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules 23
adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this 24
section have been made properly; AND 25
(6) EVALUATE THE APPLICAN T’S INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 26
USING FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR VERIFICATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH T HE 27
INCOME ELIGIBILITY C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE. 28
(C) (1) THE OFFICE SHALL REVIEW T HE AUDIT PROVIDED TO THE 29
COMMISSION UNDER SUBS ECTION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION NOT LESS THAN ONCE 30
EVERY 4 YEARS TO VERIFY THAT RECIPIENTS MEET THE ELIGIBILITY 31
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD. 32 SENATE BILL 662 19
(2) (I) IF THE OFFICE DETERMINES THA T AN INSTITUTION OF 1
HIGHER EDUCATION MAD E AN INCORRECT AWARD TO AN INELIGIBLE STU DENT, THE 2
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION SHALL RE MIT TO THE COMMISSION THE 3
TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AWARD MADE IN ERROR . 4
(II) THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY ALL AMOUNTS RECEIVED 5
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO THE NEED–BASED STUDENT 6
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND UNDER § 18–107 OF THIS TITLE. 7
(III) THE INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION MAY NOT 8
REQUIRE A STUDENT TO REPAY THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR AN INCOR RECT 9
AWARD MADE FROM THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT. 10
(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by 11
an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution 12
described under § 18–305 of this subtitle. 13
(2) The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant 14
may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the 15
applicant uses the award. 16
18–303.4. 17
(A) (1) BEGINNING WHEN FINANC IAL AID INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE 18
EACH YEAR, BUT NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE OFFICE SHALL 19
COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS FOR THE ENTIRE STATE THAT RANK APPLI CANTS FOR 20
THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD BY FINANC IAL NEED. 21
(2) REGULARLY, THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION 22
OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 23
ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 24
(B) (1) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE LISTS 25
PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, 26
AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TO 27
DETERMINE THE APPLIC ANTS WHO SHALL BE OF FERED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 28
GRANT AWARD BY THE IN STITUTION AND THE AM OUNT OF THE AWARD . 29
(2) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FINANCIAL A ID AWARD 30
NOTIFICATION TO AN A PPLICANT TO OFFER TH E APPLICANT A GUARANTEED 31
ACCESS GRANT AWARD . 32
(C) AN APPLICANT MAY ACCE PT THE OFFER OF A GUARANTEED ACCESS 33
GRANT AWARD FROM AN I NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 34 20 SENATE BILL 662
(D) (1) EACH SEMESTER , EACH INSTITUTION SHA LL SUBMIT TO THE 1
OFFICE A LIST OF THE STUDENTS WHO WERE AW ARDED A GUARANTEED ACCESS 2
GRANT FOR THE SEMESTE R AND THE AMOUNTS AW ARDED. 3
(2) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 4
GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARDS ON THE L IST SUBMITTED IN ACC ORDANCE 5
WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 6
(E) (1) (I) THE OFFICE SHALL COMPILE AND CERTIFY LISTS OF 7
STUDENTS WHO PREVIOU SLY RECEIVED A GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT AWARD 8
AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A RENEWAL AWARD . 9
(II) THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO EACH INSTITUTION OF 10
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE THE LISTS COMPI LED AND CERTIFIED IN 11
ACCORDANCE WITH SUBP ARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 12
(2) (I) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L USE THE 13
LISTS PROVIDED BY TH E OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 14
SUBSECTION, AND THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER §§ 18–303 AND 18–304 OF THIS 15
SUBTITLE, TO DETERMINE THE STU DENTS WHO SHALL BE O FFERED A GUARANTEED 16
ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARD B Y THE INSTITUTION . 17
(II) THE INSTITUTION SHALL SEND THE FI NANCIAL AID AWARD 18
NOTIFICATION TO A ST UDENT TO OFFER THE S TUDENT A GUARANTEED ACCESS 19
GRANT RENEWAL AWARD . 20
(3) THE OFFICE SHALL REIMBURS E EACH INSTITUTION F OR THE 21
GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT RENEWAL AWARDS MADE IN ACCORDANCE W ITH 22
PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 23
(F) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT RE GULATIONS TO IMPLEME NT THIS 24
SECTION. 25
18–304. 26
(a) In this section, “academic year” means: 27
(1) The fall, spring, and summer semesters; and 28
(2) Any semester shorter in length than the term of a regular semester. 29
(b) (1) [Except as provided in § 18–307 of this subtitle, the Office] AN 30
INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION THAT COMPLIES WITH § 18–303.3 OF THIS 31 SENATE BILL 662 21
SUBTITLE shall determine the amount of each [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 1
Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award based on the financial need of the applicant. 2
(2) In determining the amount of financial need, the [Office] INSTITUTION 3
OF HIGHER EDUCATION shall consider regional cost–of–living differences. 4
(3) In determining the percent of financial need used to calculate an award 5
for a community college student receiving a [Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 6
Excellence] GUARANTEED ACCESS Award, the [Commission] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R 7
EDUCATION shall use [the following percentages: 8
(i) For fiscal year 2007, not less than 55%; and 9
(ii) For fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter,] not less than 10
60%. 11
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a 12
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be awarded in $100 13
increments. 14
(2) (i) The amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a 15
student in the student’s first 2 academic years of enrollment may not be less than $400 or 16
more than $3,000. 17
(ii) Beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each 18
academic year thereafter: 19
1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 20
the prior academic year, the amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student 21
may not be less than $400 or more than $3,000; or 22
2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 23
than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to the amount 24
the student would have otherwise received multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits 25
successfully completed divided by 30. 26
(3) (i) All applicants who fulfill the requirements established in § 27
18–303(a) and (b) of this subtitle shall receive a Guaranteed Access Grant. 28
(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the 29
amount of a Guaranteed Access Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic 30
years of enrollment shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as 31
determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION, not to exceed the 32
equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public 33
institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the 34 22 SENATE BILL 662
University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, 1
with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate. 2
(iii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, 3
beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter: 4
1. If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in 5
the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s 6
financial need as determined by the [Office] INSTITUTION OF HIGHE R EDUCATION , not 7
to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 8
4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, 9
other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, 10
Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full –time resident 11
undergraduate; or 12
2. If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less 13
than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent 14
multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30. 15
(iv) If a recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant becomes ineligible 16
because of a change in family income, the recipient shall remain eligible for the full award 17
for the full award term applicable to the recipient under this subtitle if the recipient 18
remains eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant. 19
(D) EACH INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION SHAL L INCLUDE IN AN 20
AWARD LETTER THE FINANCIAL AID AW ARD NOTIFICATION TO A STUDENT THE 21
AVAILABILITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD ADMINISTERED BY THE 22
OFFICE, INCLUDING: 23
(1) A DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICE AND THE EDUCATIONAL 24
ASSISTANCE AWARD; 25
(2) INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD 26
TIMELINES; AND 27
(3) A POINT OF CONTACT AT THE OFFICE FOR STUDENTS . 28
[(d)] (E) Beginning in fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the 29
Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $112,000,000 30
for Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards made under this subtitle. 31
18–307. 32
(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) (C) of this section, the Office shall 33
compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants by financial need FOR 34
THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD. 35 SENATE BILL 662 23
(2) AFTER AWARDS FROM INS TITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION 1
HAVE BEEN MADE AND A CCEPTED FOR THE GUARANTEED ACCESS GRANT, THE THE 2
OFFICE SHALL AWARD EL IGIBLE STUDENTS THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 3
AWARD BASED ON FINANC IAL NEED FROM ANY RE MAINING FUNDING FOR THE 4
DELEGATE HOWARD P. RAWLINGS EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS. 5
(b) All funds for annual initial grants FOR THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 6
AWARD shall be awarded from the statewide list on the basis of greatest financial need. 7
(c) [(1) On or before April 15 each year, the Office shall send a notification to 8
each individual who applied for a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence 9
Award indicating: 10
(i) Whether or not the student is a recipient of an award; and 11
(ii) If applicable, the amount awarded to the student. 12
(2) On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and 13
each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Delegate Howard P. 14
Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards are awarded. 15
(d)] (1) (i) If State funds are available for this purpose, institutions of 16
higher education in the State may provide Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational 17
Excellence Awards to students who otherwise meet the requirements for receiving a 18
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award but who apply after the 19
March 1 deadline or have other extenuating circumstances. 20
(ii) Each year the Commission shall transfer at least $2 million of 21
the funds available under § 18–107(b) of this title for the purposes of this subsection. 22
(2) The Commission shall: 23
(i) Establish guidelines for the awarding of Delegate Howard P. 24
Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards by the institutions of higher education to the 25
students; 26
(ii) Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this 27
subsection. 28
(3) (i) The Commission shall allocate available funds to institutions of 29
higher education based on the proportion of State residents enrolled at each institution who 30
receive federal Pell Grants. 31
24 SENATE BILL 662
(ii) An institution of higher education that receives funds under this 1
paragraph shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition 2
of the funds. 3
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the General 4
Assembly that,: 5
(1) beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include funding for 6
financial aid offices at public institutions of higher education to implement Section 2 of this 7
Act; and 8
(2) the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall work with the 9
Segmental Advisory Council and the Financial Assistance Advisory Council to establish 10
regulations to implement Section 2 of this Act, including award deadlines and procedures 11
for renewal awards. 12
SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall take 13
effect July 1, 2025. 14
SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section 15
4 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2023. 16
Approved:
________________________________________________________________________________
Governor.
________________________________________________________________________________
President of the Senate.
________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Delegates.