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Chapter 164
(House Bill 1426)
AN ACT concerning
Education – Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – Alterations
FOR the purpose of authorizing the State Department of Education to award funding for a
new Judy Center or Family Support Center for planning and development under a
certain circumstance; altering the date by which the Accountability and
Implementation Board has to conduct and submit a certain independent evaluation;
requiring the State Board of Education, rather than the Accountability and
Implementation Board, to approve certain specifications for teachers and
administrators relating to time spent in the classroom and time spent on other
teacher activities; requiring a nonclassroom teacher who pursues National Board
Certification to receive certain funding from the State under certain circumstances;
altering certain requirements and funding timelines for the Prekindergarten
Expansion Grant Program; altering requirements for the Prekindergarten
Expansion Grant Program; requiring each local department of social services or local
health department to provide each local school system with certain information;
authorizing the State Board of Education and the Accountability and
Implementation Board to establish certain limits on courses taken by certain dually
enrolled students at certain institutions of higher education; altering the
requirements for, and expanding the purpose of, the Nancy Grasmick Public School
Professional Award to include early childhood educators; renaming the Nancy
Grasmick Public School Professional Award to be the Nancy Grasmick School
Professional Award; altering the date by which the Career and Technical Education
Committee shall establish certain goals; altering the date by which the CTE
Committee must report on the progress on obtaining a certain goal; repealing a
periodic report on the Geographic Cost of Education Index that was rendered
obsolete by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future; extending the fiscal year for which
per pupil funding increases may be limited under a certain circumstance; altering
the date by which administration of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment must
be completed and results made available for a certain school year only; and generally
relating to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Education
Section 4–122(a)(1), 4–122.1(a)(1), 5–230(a)(1), (6) through (10), and (12), (b), and (d),
5–410(a) and (b), and 7–101.2(a)(1), (6), and (7) and (b)(1) and (2) 6–1002(a),
and 7–101.2(b)(1) 8–313(a)(1), 8–3A–09(a)(1), 8–710(a)(1), and 16–305(b)(1)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Education Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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Section 4–122(a)(6) and (b)(2), 4–122.1(a)(5) and (c)(2), 5–103, 5–218(c)(1), 5–230(c),
5–410(c) and (d)(1), 5–230(c), 6–1002(h), 6–1003(a) and (b)(2), 6–1004(b)(4),
(c)(4), and (d)(5), 6–1006(b)(3) and (c)(3), 6–1012, 7–101.2(c) and (d),
7–101.2(c)(1), 7–1A–02, 7–205.1(g)(1) and (4), 7–1703(d)(1), 8–309(a)(2),
8–313(a)(5), 8–3A–09(a)(4), 8–507(b)(3), 8–709, 8–710(a)(4), 9.5–1002,
11–105(j)(6), 15–101(b), 16–305(b)(2), 18–1501, 18–1502, 18–1503, and
21–204
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Education
Section 7–205.1(g)(4)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Tax – Property
Section 7–512(c), 9–205(i)(1), 9–239(b), and 9–302(i)(2) and (3)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
BY repealing
Chapter 2 of the Acts of the General Assembly of the 2007 Special Session
Section 13
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Chapter 36 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2021
Section 16(d) through (f)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Education
4–122.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(6) “Local current expense per student” means all expenditures made by a
county from county appropriations, except State, federal, and other aid, for public
elementary and secondary education in the prior fiscal year, divided by the full–time
equivalent enrollment, as defined in [§ 5–202(a)] § 5–201 of this article.
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(b) (2) The service providing local education agency shall include a child
enrolled as the result of an out–of–county living arrangement in their full–time equivalent
enrollment as provided by [§ 5–202(a)(6)] § 5–201 of this article.
4–122.1.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(5) “Local current expense per student” means all expenditures made by a
county from county appropriations, except State, federal, and other aid, for public
elementary and secondary education in the prior fiscal year, divided by the full–time
equivalent enrollment, as defined in [§ 5–202(a)] § 5–201 of this article.
(c) (2) The receiving agency shall include a child enrolled as the result of an
informal kinship care relationship in its full–time equivalent enrollment as provided by [§
5–202(a)] § 5–201 of this article.
5–103.
(a) The amount requested in the annual budget of each county board for current
expenses for the next school year and that is to be raised by revenue from local sources may
not be less than the minimum amount required to be levied under [§ 5–202(d)(1)(i)] §
5–235(A) of this title.
(b) The county commissioners or county council may provide funds that are more
than the amount required by [§ 5–202(d)(1)(i)] § 5–235(A) of this title to support improved
and additional programs.
(c) If a county council or board of county commissioners does not approve the
amount requested in the budget that is more than the amount required by [§ 5–202(d)(1)(i)]
§ 5–235(A) of this title:
(1) The county council or board of county commissioners:
(i) May not reduce the amount requested in the budget that is
dedicated to satisfying a final court judgment; and
(ii) Shall indicate in writing, within 15 days after the adoption of the
budget, which major categories of the annual budget have been reduced and the reason for
the reduction; and
(2) The county board shall submit to the county governing body, within 30
days after the adoption of the budget, a report indicating how the alterations to the budget
will be implemented, accompanied by reasonable supporting detail and analysis.
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(c) (1) In this subsection, “full–time equivalent enrollment” has the meaning
stated in [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this subtitle.
5–230.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(6) “Full day” means a period of time during the day that:
(i) Meets the needs of families; and
(ii) Is not less than 7 hours or more than 12 hours per day.
(7) “Judy Center” means a site where comprehensive early childhood
education services are provided to young children and their families for the purpose of
promoting school readiness through collaboration with participating agencies and
programs.
(8) “Judy Center Grant” means a grant that is distributed under subsection
(d) of this section.
(9) “Local management board” means a local management board as defined
under § 8–101(l) of the Human Services Article.
(10) “Participating agencies and programs” includes:
(i) Public prekindergarten and kindergarten programs;
(ii) Head Start programs;
(iii) Family literacy programs and services;
(iv) Local infants and toddlers programs;
(v) Child care centers and family child care homes;
(vi) Family support centers;
(vii) Healthy family sites;
(viii) Parent involvement programs;
(ix) Early childhood programs affiliated with institutions of higher
education; and
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(x) Other home visiting, community health, family support services,
and child care resource and referral agencies.
(12) “Program” means the Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Education
Enhancement Program established under this section.
(b) (1) There is a Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Education Enhancement
Program in the Department.
(2) The purpose of the Program is to promote school readiness through the
development and expansion of collaborative approaches to the delivery of high quality,
comprehensive, full–day early childhood education programs and family support services.
(c) (1) The Program shall be funded as provided in the State budget.
(2) Funds that are allocated to the Program in the State budget may be
used:
(i) To cover the costs incurred by the Department in implementing
and administering the Program;
(ii) For Judy Center Grants[, as]:
1. AS provided under subsection (d) of this section; AND
2. IF THE DEPARTMENT AWARDS MUL TIYEAR FUNDING
UNDER SUBSECTION (H) OF THIS SECTION, FOR PLANNING AND DEV ELOPMENT OF A
JUDY CENTER IN THE FIRST Y EAR OF MULTIYEAR FUN DING;
(iii) For Preschool Services Grants, as provided under subsection (e)
of this section;
(iv) For Early Childhood Education Enhancement Grants, as
provided under subsection (f) of this section; and
(v) To fund the statewide implementation of the Department’s Early
Childhood Assessment System, as provided under subsection (g) of this section.
(3) (i) For each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, the State shall
provide funding for 9 additional Judy Centers per year.
(ii) For each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the State shall
provide funding for 18 additional Judy Centers per year.
(iii) The Governor shall appropriate, in each of fiscal years 2021
through 2030, $330,000 for each additional Judy Center required under this paragraph. Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(iv) The State shall prioritize increasing the number of Judy Centers
in communities with Title I schools.
(d) The Department may distribute a Judy Center Grant to a county board if the
county board submits an application to the Department that includes:
(1) A memorandum of understanding between the coun ty board, the
participating agencies and programs, and, in the discretion of the county board, the local
management board that includes:
(i) The terms of the collaboration to be undertaken by the county
board, the participating agencies and programs, and, if applicable, the local management
board, including the roles and responsibilities of each of these entities; and
(ii) A plan for establishing ongoing communication between private
service providers and public school early education programs; and
(2) Documentation that shows that:
(i) The Department’s Early Childhood Assessment System will be
implemented at the Center;
(ii) All participating agencies and programs that provide early
childhood education services through the Center have voluntarily obtained accreditation
or, by the date of the Grant application, have voluntarily initiated and are actively pursuing
the process of obtaining accreditation; and
(iii) The Center will provide comprehensive, full–day early childhood
education services and family support services.
5–410.
(a) In addition to its own assessments and tracking of progress, required under §
5–406 of this subtitle, the Board shall contract with a public or private entity to conduct an
independent evaluation of the State’s progress in implementing the Blueprint for
Maryland’s Future and achieving the expected outcomes during the implementation period.
(b) The independent evaluation shall include an assessment of:
(1) The use of additional funding to meet the goals of the Blueprint for
Maryland’s Future;
(2) Progress toward the goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and
whether the goals have been achieved; and
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(3) Any recommendations to alter the goals or strategies employed to reach
the goals, including new uses for existing funds or additional funding.
(c) (1) An entity with which the Board contracts for an independent evaluation
shall report its results to the Board on or before:
(i) [October 1, 2024] DECEMBER 1, 2026; and
(ii) October 1, 2030.
(2) The Board shall contract for each independent evaluation as soon as
practicable.
(d) (1) (i) On or before [December 1, 2024] JANUARY 15, 2027, the Board
shall, using the first independent evaluation and its own judgment, report to the Governor
and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly
on whether the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is being implemented as intended and
achieving the expected outcomes.
(ii) The Board’s report shall include an assessment of the State’s
progress towards:
1. Increasing the number of teachers achieving National
Board Certification;
2. Providing full–day prekindergarten programs for 3– and
4–year–olds in accordance with Title 7, Subtitle 1A of this article;
3. Improving behavioral health services in accordance with §
7–447 of this article; and
4. Ensuring that students enrolled in public schools meet
college and career standards in accordance with § 7–205.1 of this article.
(iii) The Board’s report shall include any legislative or structural
corrections necessary to fully implement the Blueprint.
6–1002.
(a) (1) On or before July 1, 2024, each county board shall implement a career
ladder that meets the requirements of this subtitle.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the requirements of this
subtitle shall become effective in a county on the date the county board adopts a career
ladder under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
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(h) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, teachers at each level or tier
of the career ladder shall teach in the classroom for a minimum percentage of their total
working time, as specified in this subtitle.
(2) The percentages referenced in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall
become effective in phases over an 8–year period beginning July 1, 2025, as specified by a
county board on approval of the [Accountability and Implementation Board] STATE
BOARD.
(3) The following teachers shall be given priority for working time outside
the classroom as the percentages referenced in paragraph (1) of this subsection are phased
in:
(i) Newly licensed teachers, particularly new teachers in
low–performing schools or schools that have a high concentration of students living in
poverty; and
(ii) Teachers in schools that:
1. Are low–performing;
2. Have a high concentration of students living in poverty; or
3. Have large achievement gaps between subpopulations of
students.
6–1003.
(a) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3) of this
subtitle, as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a teacher on level one, two, or
three of the career ladder shall:
(1) Teach in the classroom on average 60% of the teacher’s working time;
and
(2) Spend the remaining time on other teacher activities, including:
(i) Improving instruction;
(ii) Identifying, working with, and tutoring students who need
additional help;
(iii) Working with the most challenging students;
(iv) Working with students living in concentrated poverty; and
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(v) Leading or participating in professional learning.
(b) (2) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle, as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , an assistant principal
shall:
(i) Participate in classroom activity involving direct interactions
with students for at least 20% of their working hours; and
(ii) Spend a portion of the remaining time on other teacher related
activities, including:
1. Setting priorities for the subject level departments or
grade levels of the school; and
2. Fulfilling specialized roles, such as head of professional
development.
6–1004.
(b) (4) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a lead teacher shall:
(i) Teach in the classroom on average 50% of the teacher’s working
time; and
(ii) Spend the remaining time on other teacher activities, including:
1. Mentoring newer and struggling teachers and teachers
who are pursuing NBC; and
2. Leading workshops and demonstrations at the school
level.
(c) (4) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a distinguished teacher
shall:
(i) Teach in the classroom on average 40% of the teacher’s working
time; and
(ii) Spend the remaining time on other teacher activities, including:
1. Mentoring lead teachers; and
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2. Leading workshops and demonstrations at the school and
district level.
(d) (5) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a professor distinguished
teacher shall teach in a classroom on average 20% of the teacher’s working time.
6–1006.
(b) (3) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a licensed principal is
encouraged to teach in the classroom for at least 10% of the principal’s working hours.
(c) (3) Beginning with teachers listed under [§ 6–1002(f)(3)] § 6–1002(H)(3)
of this subtitle as specified by the [State Board] COUNTY BOARD , a distinguished principal
is encouraged to teach in a classroom for at least 10% of the principal’s working hours.
6–1012.
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “NONCLASSROOM TEACHER ” MEANS A POSITION IN A
SCHOOL FOR WHICH , IF THE INDIVIDUAL EA RNS NBC, THE INDIVIDUAL IS EL IGIBLE
TO JOIN THE CAREER LADD ER, INCLUDING:
(1) ADMINISTRATORS ;
(2) ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS ;
(3) INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIAL ISTS; AND
(4) PRINCIPALS.
[(a)] (B) (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, each
teacher OR NONCLASSROOM TEAC HER who pursues NBC shall receive from the State an
amount equal to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards fees associated
with the initial completion and renewal of NBC.
(2) Each teacher AND NONCLASSROOM TEA CHER may only receive
payment under this subsection for one retake of each assessment on the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards.
[(b)] (C) Each county shall pay to the State one–third of the cost for each teacher
OR NONCLASSROOM TEAC HER who receives funds under subsection [(a)] (B) of this
section to pursue NBC.
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[(c)] (D) (1) A teacher OR A NONCLASSROOM TE ACHER who does not
complete all the requirements for assessment by the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards shall reimburse the State the full amount of the funds received under
subsection [(a)] (B) of this section.
(2) The State shall reimburse the county the amount received under
subsection [(b)] (C) of this section on receipt of the reimbursement from a teacher OR
NONCLASSROOM TEACHER under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection do not apply to a
teacher OR NONCLASSROOM TEAC HER who completes all the requirements for
assessment by the National Board [of] FOR Professional Teaching Standards but does not
obtain NBC.
7–101.2.
(b) (1) There is a grant program known as the Prekindergarten Expansion
Grant Program in the State.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, before approving
qualified providers for prekindergarten services to receive a grant under this section, a
qualified provider shall certify to the Department that for each classroom funded under this
section the provider will:
(i) Maintain a student–to–classroom personnel ratio of no more than
10 to 1 with a maximum of 20 children per classroom;
(ii) Provide in each classroom at least one teacher [certified in early
childhood education by the State] and at least one teacher’s aide who [has at least a high
school degree] MEET THE HIGH ST AFF QUALIFICATIONS O F § 7–1A–04(A)(1)(I) OF THIS
TITLE;
(iii) Operate an educational program for:
1. 5 days per week;
2. 180 days per year, in accordance with the public school
calendar established by the local school board; and
3. A. For half–day programs, at least 2.5 hours per day;
or
B. For full–day programs, at least 6.5 hours per day; and
(iv) To receive a grant under this section, meet the requirements of §
7–1A–04 of this title. Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(2) Before approving qualified providers who are Montessori schools or
Montessori programs for prekindergarten services to receive a grant under this section, a
qualified provider shall certify to the Department that for each classroom funded under this
section the provider will:
(i) Meet the requirements under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection;
(ii) Maintain a student–to–classroom personnel ratio of no more than
10 to 1, with a maximum of 20 students per classroom if all of the students are under the
age of 5 years;
(iii) Maintain a student–to–classroom personnel ratio of no more than
14 to 1, with a maximum of 28 students per classroom if some of the students are at least 5
years old; and
(iv) Require a classroom teacher to:
1. Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field; and
2. Hold a Montessori credential issued by:
A. The Association Montessori Internationale;
B. The American Montessori Society; or
C. A program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation
Council for Teacher Education.
(d) (1) (i) Beginning in fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year [2025] 2029,
the Governor shall annually appropriate to the Fund an amount that is at least equal to the
total amount of all funds received by the Program in the prior fiscal year.
(ii) Beginning in fiscal year [2026] 2030, the funds appropriated to
the Fund shall be consolidated into the publicly funded full–day prekindergarten program
established in Subtitle 1A of this title.
(2) The Governor may provide funds to the Department to administer the
Program.
7–101.2.
(a) (1) In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(6) “Program” means the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant Program.
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(7) “Qualified provider” means:
(i) If partnering with a county board under a memorandum of
understanding, a State accredited or nationally accredited child care program or a
nonpublic school approved by the Department to provide prekindergarten services; and
(ii) A county board.
(b) (1) There is a grant program known as the Prekindergarten Expansion
Grant Program in the State.
(2) The purpose of the Program is to broaden the availability of
high–quality prekindergarten and school readiness services throughout the State for
children and their families in coordination with the expansion of publicly funded full–day
prekindergarten under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future established under Subtitle 1A
of this title.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, before approving
qualified providers for prekindergarten services to receive a grant under this section, a
qualified provider shall certify to the Department that for each classroom funded under
this section the provider will:
(i) Maintain a student–to–classroom personnel ratio of no more
than 10 to 1 with a maximum of 20 children per classroom;
(ii) Provide in each classroom at least one teacher certified in early
childhood education by the State OR ONE TEACHER WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE WHO
PLANS TO PURSUE A STATE CERTIFICATION F OR TEACHING IN EARLY CHILDH OOD
EDUCATION and at least one teacher’s aide who has at least a high school degree;
(iii) Operate an educational program for:
1. 5 days per week;
2. 180 days per year, in accordance with the public school
calendar established by the local school board; and
3. A. For half–day programs, at least 2.5 hours per day;
or
B. For full–day programs, at least 6.5 hours per day; and
(iv) To receive a grant under this section, meet the requirements of §
7–1A–04 of this title.
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(a) (1) A local department of social services or a local health department shall
provide a parent or guardian with oral and written notice that their child may be eligible
for publicly funded prekindergarten programs if the parent or guardian:
(i) Applied for economic services with the local department of social
services or the local health department; and
(ii) Has a child who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the
next academic year.
(2) The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall
include:
(i) Contact information for the enrollment office of the local school
system and the Division of Early Childhood Development in the Department; and
(ii) Information on the existence of the child care scholarship for
before and after full–day prekindergarten programming and the possibility of eligibility for
State aid.
(3) On or before December 1 of each year, each local department of social
services and each local health department shall report to the General Assembly, in
accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the number of parents who
were given a notification and subsequently enrolled their child in a publicly funded
prekindergarten program.
(B) EACH LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OR A LOCAL HEALTH
DEPARTMENT SHALL PRO VIDE TO EACH LOCAL S CHOOL SYSTEM THE NAM E AND
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EACH PARENT OR G UARDIAN PROVIDED NOT ICE
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION.
[(b)] (C) The requirements set forth in § 7–101(b) of this title regarding the
domicile of a child and the residency of the child’s parent or guardian shall apply to
prekindergarten programs established by county boards as required by this subtitle.
7–205.1.
(g) (1) [Beginning] SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION ,
BEGINNING in the 2023–2024 school year, each county board shall provide all students
who meet the CCR standard required under subsection (c) of this section with access to the
following post college and career readiness (post–CCR) pathways, at no cost to the student
or the student’s parents, including the cost of any fees:
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(i) A competitive entry college preparatory program, chosen by the
county board, consisting of:
1. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program;
2. The Cambridge AICE Diploma Program; or
3. A comparable program consisting of Advanced Placement
courses specified by the College Board;
(ii) A program that allows a student, through an early college
program or dual enrollment at a student’s high school and an institution of higher
education to earn:
1. An associate degree; or
2. At least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree; and
(iii) A robust set of career and technology education programs that
are recommended by the CTE Skills Standards Advisory Committee and approved by the
CTE Committee and that allow students to complete:
1. A credit or noncredit certificate or license program, course,
or sequence of courses, including a program, course, or courses taken through dual
enrollment under § 15–127 of this article, at a secondary or postsecondary institution,
through an Advanced Placement course at a secondary institution, or through an
apprenticeship sponsor that leads to an industry recognized occupational–credential or
postsecondary certificate;
2. A registered apprenticeship program approved by the
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department
of Labor; or
3. A youth apprenticeship program, under Title 18, Subtitle
18 of this article.
(4) THE TO PHASE IN EXPANSION OF DUAL ENROLLMENT T O
MAXIMIZE THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO CAN EARN THE MAXIMUM NUM BER OF
DUAL ENROLLMENT CRED ITS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHASED INCREASES IN SCHOOL
FUNDING, FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025 THROUGH 2027, THE STATE BOARD AND THE
ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION BOARD, IN CONSULTATION WITH EACH
LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM , MAY LIMIT THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF COURSES THAT A
STUDENT DUALLY ENROL LED AT THE STUDENT ’S PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL AND AT AN
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDU CATION MAY ENROLL IN DURING THE SCHOOL YE AR AT
THE INSTITUTION OF H IGHER EDUCATION AS P ART OF THE POST –CCR PATHWAY IN Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION A ND § 15–127 OF THIS
ARTICLE.
[(4)] (5) (i) The State Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this
subsection.
(ii) The regulations shall include standards that:
1. Guarantee, to the extent practicable, statewide uniformity
in the quality of the post–CCR pathways;
2. Meet the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection;
and
3. Require high school graduation credit to be awarded for
any programs administered in accordance with this subsection.
7–1703.
(d) (1) To qualify for a grant awarded in accordance with this subtitle, a
grantee shall provide the services listed in subsection (c) of this section in a county in which
at least 50% of public school students as a percentage of full–time equivalent students as
defined in [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this article qualify for a free lunch under the National
School Lunch Program.
8–309.
(a) (2) Each county governing body shall include a child sent to the Maryland
School for the Blind under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the full–time equivalent
enrollment used for calculating the required local funds appropriated under [§ 5–202(d)] §
5–235 of this article.
8–313.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(5) “Target per pupil foundation amount” means the figure calculated for
each fiscal year by the Department in accordance with [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this article.
8–3A–09.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(4) “Target per pupil foundation amount” means the figure calculated for
each fiscal year by the Department in accordance with [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this article. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 164
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8–507.
(b) A county board shall reimburse the Department of Juvenile Services or the
Department of Human Services the amount of the basic cost calculated under subsection
(a) of this section for each child who was domiciled in the county prior to the placement if:
(3) The child was included in the full–time equivalent enrollment of the
county as calculated under [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this article.
8–709.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Cost per pupil” means the amount of money spent by a county board
for the operating expenses of public education in the county from county and State sources
divided by the full–time equivalent enrollment of the county as defined in [§ 5–202(a)] §
5–201 of this article.
(3) “State sources” means funds provided to a county board in accordance
with [§§ 5–202, 5–207, 5–208, 5–209, and 5–210] §§ 5–213, 5–214, 5–216, 5–218, 5–222,
5–224, AND 5–225 of this article.
(b) Students participating in a program shall be included in the enrollment of the
county in which the student is domiciled for the purposes of calculating State aid under [§§
5–202, 5–207, 5–208, 5–209, and 5–210] §§ 5–213, 5–214, 5–216, 5–218, 5–222, 5–224,
AND 5–225 of this article.
(c) (1) To support the cost of instructional programming for a program, each
county board shall pay to the Department an amount equal to 85% of the cost per pupil for
each student who participates in a program but is domiciled in the county.
(2) Each county governing body shall include a student participating in a
program in the full–time equivalent enrollment used for calculating the required local
funds appropriated under [§ 5–202(d)] § 5–235 of this article.
(d) The Department shall disburse the funds received in accordance with this
section to the program.
8–710.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(4) “Per pupil foundation amount” means the figure calculated for each
fiscal year by the Department in accordance with [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of this article.
Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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9.5–1002.
(a) A family support center shall be known as a “Patty Center”.
(b) A family support center shall provide parents and their children with a
hospitable and constructive environment and services that:
(1) Improve parenting skills;
(2) Develop the family as a functioning unit; and
(3) Promote the growth and development of their children.
(c) (1) (i) For fiscal year 2021, the State shall provide funding for six
additional centers.
(ii) For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2029, the State shall
provide funding for three additional centers per fiscal year.
(2) The Governor shall appropriate in each of fiscal years 2021 through
2030 $330,000 for each additional center required under this subsection.
(d) The Department shall select the location for the centers funded under
subsection (c) of this section.
(E) (1) A FAMILY SUPPORT CENTE R MAY RECEIVE MULTIY EAR FUNDING.
(2) IF A FAMILY SUPPORT C ENTER RECEIVES MULTI YEAR FUNDING ,
FUNDING MAY B E USED FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN T HE FIRST YEAR OF
FUNDING FOR THE FAMI LY SUPPORT CENTER .
11–105.
(j) (6) The amount of the grant shall be a percentage of total design and
construction costs, including site acquisition and development costs, as follows:
(i) For a regional community college established under § 16–202 of
this article, 75 percent; or
(ii) For a public junior or community college that is not a regional
community college, the greater of:
1. A percentage equal to that percentage of the foundation
program that the State pays to the petitioning jurisdiction under [§ 5–202(b)] § 5–213 of
this article up to a maximum of 70 percent; or
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 164
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2. 50 percent.
15–101.
(b) (1) Each public institution of higher education may accept, for special
admission any student who has:
(i) Completed the seventh grade; and
(ii) A scholastic aptitude test combined score of 1,200 or an
equivalent score on a nationally accepted college entrance examination.
(2) This subsection does not affect the State or local share of aid provided
[pursuant to § 5–202] UNDER TITLE 5, SUBTITLE 2 of this article to the secondary school
in which the student is enrolled.
16–305.
(b) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Assessed valuation of real property” means assessed valuation of real
property as determined for purposes of the State aid calculated under [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of
this article.
18–1501.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(B) “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCA TOR” MEANS AN EMPLOYEE AT AN ELIGIBLE
PREKINDERGARTEN PROV IDER AS DEFINED UNDE R § 7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE
WHO:
(1) IS A TEACHER HOLDING , AT A MINIMUM:
(I) STATE CERTIFICATION FOR TEACHING IN EARL Y
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ; OR
(II) A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ANY FIEL D AND WHO IS
PURSUING RESIDENCY T HROUGH THE MARYLAND APPROVED ALTERNATIVE
PREPARATION PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDES EARLY CHILDHOOD COURSEWORK ,
CLINICAL PRACTICE , AND EVIDENCE OF PEDAGOGICAL CONTE NT KNOWLEDGE ; OR
(2) IS A TEACHING ASSISTA NT HOLDING, AT A MINIMUM:
(I) A CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE ; OR Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(II) AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE.
[(b)] (C) (1) “Eligible field of employment” means, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N
PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION , employment in the State by an organization,
institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under §
501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) “Eligible field of employment” includes employment by the State or any
local government in the State, but does not include being employed as a judicial clerk in
any court.
(3) “ELIGIBLE FIELD OF EMP LOYMENT” MEANS, FOR AN EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR , EMPLOYMENT AT AN ELI GIBLE PREKINDER GARTEN
PROVIDER, AS DEFINED IN § 7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE , THAT RECEIVES FUNDIN G
UNDER § 7–101.2 OF THIS ARTICLE.
[(c)] (D) “Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate
study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:
(1) A college or university, government, or commercial source; or
(2) An organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is
exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
[(d)] (E) (1) “Mental health professional” means an individual who provides
mental health services in public schools and is employed by:
(i) A county school system; or
(ii) A local health department to provide school health services
through an agreement with a county board.
(2) “Mental health professional” includes a school psychologist, resource
psychologist, psychologist coordinator, social worker, social worker supervisor, school
counselor, or mental health coordinator.
[(e)] (F) “Program” means the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment
Program.
18–1502.
(a) There is a program of loan assistance repayment known as the Janet L.
Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program in the State.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 164
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(b) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall assist in the repayment of
the amount of any higher education loan owed by an individual who:
(1) (i) Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from:
1. A college or university in the State of Maryland;
2. A school of law; or
3. For a mental health professional, any accredited college or
university; or
(ii) Receives a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) from the
Department after completing an alternative teaching preparation program approved by the
State Superintendent;
(2) Obtains eligible employment;
(3) Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income
levels established by the Office, including any additional sources of income; and
(4) Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.
(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist
in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by [a]:
(1) [Public] A PUBLIC school teacher in the State who:
(i) Has taught in Maryland for at least 2 years:
1. In science, technology, engineering, fine arts, or math
subjects;
2. In a school in which at least the following percentages of
the students are enrolled in the free and reduced price lunch program in the State:
A. 75% through June 30, 2025; and
B. 55% beginning July 1, 2025; or
3. In a school that:
A. Had Title I status during the 2018–2019 school year;
B. Lost Title I status after the 2018–2019 school year; and
Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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C. Participates in the United States Department of
Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision; and
(ii) Has received a performance evaluation rating for the most recent
year available in the county in which the teacher taught; [or]
(2) [Mental] A MENTAL health professional who has provided mental
health services in a public school for at least 2 years as an employee of:
(i) A county school system; or
(ii) A local health department through an agreement with a county
board; OR
(3) AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR W HO IS EMPLOYED FOR A T
LEAST 2 YEARS BY AN ELIGIBLE PREKINDERGARTEN PROV IDER, AS DEFINED IN §
7–1A–01 OF THIS ARTICLE , THAT RECEIVES FUNDIN G UNDER § 7–101.2 OF THIS
ARTICLE.
(d) (1) A grant awarded under subsection (c) of this section shall be known as
the Nancy Grasmick [Public] School Professional Award.
(2) A recipient of a Nancy Grasmick [Public] School Professional Award
shall be known as a Nancy Grasmick [Public] School Professional Scholar.
(e) An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall
demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational
expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.
(f) Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in §
18–1501(c)(2) of this subtitle shall require the approval of the Office.
(g) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist
in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a licensed clinical
alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapy counselor, or a
licensed clinical professional counselor whose practice is located in a high–need geographic
area of the State as determined by the Maryland Department of Health.
18–1503.
(a) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt regulations to
establish:
(1) The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman
Loan Assistance Repayment Program; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 164
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(2) The maximum total income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman Loan
Assistance Repayment Program, including any additional sources of income;
(3) That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an
individual who:
(i) Graduated from an institution of higher education in the last 3
years;
(ii) Is a resident of the State;
(iii) Is employed on a full–time basis; and
(iv) 1. Provides, as the principal part of the individual’s
employment, legal services to low–income residents in the State who cannot afford legal
services, nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of
this title, or other services in an eligible field of employment in which there is a shortage of
qualified practitioners to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State; or
2. For teacher [and], mental health professional, AND
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC ATOR applicants only, qualifies for a Nancy Grasmick [Public]
School Professional Award;
(4) A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office of
Student Financial Assistance in repaying the loan of an eligible individual, based on the
individual’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;
(5) A procedure and schedule for the monthly or annual payment of the
amount of loan assistance provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance to the
eligible individual, as appropriate to assist an eligible individual in meeting loan
forgiveness program requirements;
(6) A requirement that an eligible individual apply to federal loan
forgiveness programs for which the individual may qualify;
(7) A requirement that an eligible individual notify the Office of Student
Financial Assistance if the individual receives other loan repayment assistance; and
(8) An annual review of the eligibility of each individual participating in
the Program.
(b) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt any other regulations
necessary to implement this subtitle.
21–204. Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(a) (1) On or before [December 1, 2022] JUNE 1, 2024, the CTE Committee
shall establish, for each school year between the 2023–2024 school year and the 2030–2031
school year, inclusive, statewide goals that reach 45% by the 2030–2031 school year, for the
percentage of high school students who, prior to graduation, complete the high school level
of a registered apprenticeship or an ANOTHER industry–recognized occupational
credential.
(2) To the extent practicable, the CTE Committee shall ensure that the
largest number of students achieve the requirement of this subsection by completing a high
school level of a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce
Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department of Labor.
(b) On or before December 1 each year, beginning in [2022] 2024, the CTE
Committee shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State
Government Article, the General Assembly, and the Accountability and Implementation
Board on the progress, by high school, toward attaining the goals established by the CTE
Committee in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
Article – Tax – Property
7–512.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the assessment of any
property exempted under this section shall be included in the assessable base of Cecil
County for the purpose of computing any State aid to education under [§ 5–202] § 5–201
of the Education Article or other payments of State aid to the county that by law are based
on the assessment of property.
9–205.
(i) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to the extent
that a county grants a tax credit under this section for manufacturing personal property
described in § 7–225 of this article, the personal property may not be treated as taxable
personal property for the purpose of computing any payments of State aid to education
under [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of the Education Article or other payments of State aid to counties
or municipal corporations that by law are based on the assessment of property.
9–239.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, to the extent that a county
grants a personal property tax credit for the machinery and equipment of a new electricity
generation facility or the machinery and equipment of an existing electricity generation
facility, the machinery and equipment may not be treated as taxable personal property for
the purpose of computing any payments of State aid to education under [§ 5–202] § 5–201 WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 164
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of the Education Article or other payments of State aid to counties or municipal
corporations that by law are based on the assessment of property.
9–302.
(i) (2) To the extent that a tax credit or exemption is granted under this
subsection for machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, assembling, processing,
or refining products for sale, the property may not be treated as taxable personal property
for the purpose of computing any payments of State aid to education under [§ 5–202] §
5–201 of the Education Article or other payments of State aid to counties or municipal
corporations that by law are based on the assessment of property.
(3) To the extent that a tax credit or exemption is granted under this
subsection for machinery and equipment that is used in the generation of electricity for a
facility that started generating electricity prior to June 1, 2000, the property may not be
treated as taxable personal property for the purpose of computing any payments of State
aid to education under [§ 5–202] § 5–201 of the Education Article or other payments of
State aid to counties or municipal corporations that by law are based on the assessment of
property.
Chapter 2 of the Acts of the 2007 Special Session
[SECTION 13. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
(a) The Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI) Adjustment established in §
5–202(f) of the Education Article shall be updated every 3 years beginning September 2009
using the most current data available and the same methodology set forth in the report
entitled “Adjusting for Geographic Differences in the Cost of Education Provision in
Maryland (December 31, 2003).”
(b) The State Department of Education shall:
(1) submit the proposed updated GCEI Adjustment to the Governor and
General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1246 of the State Government Article, by
September 1 of the year in which it is updated; and
(2) recommend legislation in the first legislative session following
submission of the updated GCEI Adjustment that codifies the adjustment and requires that
the GCEI adjustment be used to adjust State aid in the fiscal year that begins on July 1 of
that year.]
Chapter 36 of the Acts of 2021
SECTION 16. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
Ch. 164 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(d) In the independent evaluation and report to be submitted to the Governor and
the General Assembly on or before [December 1, 2024] JANUARY 15, 2027, as required
under § 5–410(d)(1) of the Education Article as enacted by this Act, the Accountability and
Implementation Board shall report whether the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is being
implemented as intended and is achieving expected outcomes.
(e) (1) If the Accountability and Implementation Board does not report that
the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is being implemented as intended and is achieving
expected outcomes in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, then:
(i) notwithstanding any other provision of law, per pupil increases
in major education aid required under this Act for fiscal year [2026] 2028 and each year
thereafter shall be limited to the rate of inflation as defined in § 5–201(h) of the Education
Article as enacted by this Act;
(ii) notwithstanding any other provision of law, any additional
funding increases required under this Act shall be limited to the rate of inflation as defined
in § 5–201(h) of the Education Article as enacted by this Act; and
(iii) subject to subsection (f) of this section and notwithstanding any
other provision of law, local school systems are not required to meet the additional
requirements of this Act that begin in fiscal year [2026] 2028 and each fiscal year
thereafter.
(2) If the Accountability and Implementation Board reports that the
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is not being implemented as intended and is not achieving
expected outcomes, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the General Assembly
shall take immediate action to adjust the formula and policies under this Act to achieve the
goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in order to fulfill the General Assembly’s
commitment to provide the resources, supports, and funding to fully implement the
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
(f) A local school system shall continue to fund the requirements of this Act in
effect prior to fiscal year [2026] 2028.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect June
1, 2024., notwithstanding the provisions of § 7–210(a)(2) of the Education Article, for the
2024–2025 school year only, administration of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment to
all kindergartners may be completed after October 10 and the results may be made
available more than 45 days after the administration has been completed.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect June
1, 2024.
Approved by the Governor, April 25, 2024.