Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB433

Introduced
1/19/24  

Caption

State Department of Education - Soccer Opportunities Program - Establishment

Impact

This legislation will impact state laws by creating a formal structure for the Soccer Opportunities Program. It mandates the development of this program under the supervision of the State Superintendent. To ensure sustainability, the bill requires an annual appropriation of at least $80,000 for the program, thus committing state resources to support its objectives. Grant applications for funding must demonstrate matching funds and specify how they align with the program's goals, promoting collaboration between different governmental and private entities.

Summary

Senate Bill 433 establishes the Soccer Opportunities Program within the State Department of Education, aimed at increasing participation among minority students in soccer. The program is designed to enhance accessibility to the sport at the community level, particularly targeting areas with education agencies serving a significant population of minority students. Through this initiative, the bill proposes to facilitate funding to nonprofit organizations that focus on providing soccer programs for youths under the age of 18, thereby expanding involvement in this sport and fostering inclusivity.

Contention

While the bill suggests a positive step towards increasing minority representation in sports, notable points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the efficacy of such programs. Critics might question whether enough resources are directed toward properly implementing and managing the program, along with ensuring that the targeted communities genuinely benefit. Additionally, there may be discussions about the balance between state-funded sports initiatives and other pressing educational or community needs that require financial support.

Companion Bills

MD HB450

Crossfiled State Department of Education - Soccer Opportunities Program - Establishment

Previously Filed As

MD HB1275

State Department of Education – Youth Sports Enhancement Grant Program – Establishment

MD SB848

Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program - Establishment

MD HB737

Alternative Education Options - Right to Learn and Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today Programs (Right to Learn Act of 2023)

MD SB479

Department of Small, Minority, and Women Business Enterprises - Establishment and Duties

MD HB826

Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program – Establishment

MD SB172

Employment for Minors - Opportunities for Work (Job Opportunities for High School Students Act)

MD HB930

Environment – Office of Recycling – Mattress Stewardship Program – Establishment

MD SB882

Education - English Learners and Dual Language Immersion Programs - Funding and Establishment (Multilingualism Is an Asset Act)

MD HB961

State Department of Education - School Psychologist Recruitment Program

MD SB4

Higher Education - The Senator Delores G. Kelley Scholarship Program - Establishment

Similar Bills

KS SB544

Establishing a Kansas education opportunity scholarship program to replace the Kansas ethnic minority scholarship program.

CA AB1492

Department of Housing and Community Development: high-opportunity areas and sensitive communities.

CA AB1445

Designated qualified opportunity zones: sale or lease of property.

TX SB895

Relating to state interventions and sanctions against public school campuses with unacceptable performance and the establishment of the Texas Opportunity School District.

TX HB1536

Relating to state interventions and sanctions against public school campuses with unacceptable performance and the establishment of the Texas Opportunity School District.

CA SB1435

Opportunity zone funds: reporting.

WV HB209

Establishing alternative educational opportunities for elective course credit

WV SB2009

Establishing alternative educational opportunities for elective course credit