MD
Maryland Senate Bill SB691

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB691 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 224
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 224
5-(Senate Bill 691)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *sb0691*
89
9-Higher Education – Firefighters and EMS Recruitment and Retention –
10-Scholarship and Loan Repayment Assistance Charles W. Riley Firefighter and
11-Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship – Alterations
10+SENATE BILL 691
11+F2, E4 4lr2031
12+ CF HB 899
13+By: Senator Augustine
14+Introduced and read first time: January 29, 2024
15+Assigned to: Education, Energy, and the Environment
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+Senate action: Adopted
18+Read second time: March 2, 2024
1219
13-FOR the purpose of altering the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue
14-Squad Member Scholarship to make the scholarship applicable to all courses at
15-institutions of higher education in the State; altering the maximum award amount
16-available, when a scholarship should be credited, and to whom initial awards should
17-be provided under the scholarship; establishing the Maryland Loan Repayment
18-Assistance Program for Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Providers;
19-providing for the administration of the loan repayment program; requiring the
20-Department of Budget and Management to evaluate the feasibility of providing
21-firefighters with certain health care and child care benefits; and generally relating
22-to the recruitment and retention of firefighters and emergency medical services
23-providers Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member
24-Scholarship.
20+CHAPTER ______
2521
26-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
27- Article – Education
28-Section 18–603.1
29- Annotated Code of Maryland
30- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
3123
32-BY adding to
33- Article – Education
34-Section 18–4001 through 18–4004 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 40.
35-Maryland Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Firefighters and
36-Emergency Medical Services Providers”
37- Annotated Code of Maryland
38- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
24+Higher Education – Firefighters and EMS Recruitment and Retention – 2
25+Scholarship and Loan Repayment Assistance Charles W. Riley Firefighter and 3
26+Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship – Alterations 4
3927
40-Preamble
28+FOR the purpose of altering the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue 5
29+Squad Member Scholarship to make the scholarship applicable to all courses at 6
30+institutions of higher education in the State; altering the maximum award amount 7
31+available, when a scholarship should be credited, and to whom initial awards should 8
32+be provided under the scholarship; establishing the Maryland Loan Repayment 9
33+Assistance Program for Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Providers; 10
34+providing for the administration of the loan repayment program; requiring the 11
35+Department of Budget and Management to evaluate the feasibility of providing 12
36+firefighters with certain health care and child care benefits; and generally relating 13
37+to the recruitment and retention of firefighters and emergency medical services 14
38+providers Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member 15
39+Scholarship. 16
4140
42- WHEREAS, The lives and property of Maryland residents and businesses are all
43-protected by and benefit greatly from strong and efficient fire, rescue, and emergency
44-medical services response systems, coordinated at the county and community level across
45-Maryland; and
41+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 17
42+ Article – Education 18
43+Section 18–603.1 19
44+ Annotated Code of Maryland 20
45+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 21
4646
47- WHEREAS, The social and demographic makeup of communities has largely shifted,
48-presenting both career and volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services great
49-difficulty in recruiting and retaining individuals for service; and Ch. 224 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
47+BY adding to 22
48+ Article – Education 23 2 SENATE BILL 691
5049
51-– 2 –
5250
53- WHEREAS, Appropriate educational attainment in the fire and emergency medical
54-service in either a career or volunteer capacity is important but also creates a meaningful
55-barrier to new entrants into any fire fighting or emergency medical service capacity; and
51+Section 18–4001 through 18–4004 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 40. 1
52+Maryland Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Firefighters and 2
53+Emergency Medical Services Providers” 3
54+ Annotated Code of Maryland 4
55+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 5
5656
57- WHEREAS, A stark shortage of available recruits and on–duty firefighters and
58-emergency medical services personnel has caused fire companies to call on volunteers who
59-are well into their 60s and 70s for primary response to fire and emergency medical calls;
60-and
57+Preamble 6
6158
62- WHEREAS, Volunteer fire companies remain deeply embedded in many
63-communities, serving as the primary fire fighting and emergency medical response across
64-large parts of the State; and
59+ WHEREAS, The lives and property of Maryland residents and businesses are all 7
60+protected by and benefit greatly from strong and efficient fire, rescue, and emergency 8
61+medical services response systems, coordinated at the county and community level across 9
62+Maryland; and 10
6563
66- WHEREAS, Relatively metropolitan parts of the State rely on coordinated services
67-from both career and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to
68-provide needed service coverage, but face strains in finding adequate participation at both
69-levels; and
64+ WHEREAS, The social and demographic makeup of communities has largely shifted, 11
65+presenting both career and volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services great 12
66+difficulty in recruiting and retaining individuals for service; and 13
7067
71- WHEREAS, Maryland and its local governments currently offer a variety of support
72-incentives, staff benefits, and other compensation targeted to career and volunteer fire
73-company members and those working in emergency medical services; and
68+ WHEREAS, Appropriate educational attainment in the fire and emergency medical 14
69+service in either a career or volunteer capacity is important but also creates a meaningful 15
70+barrier to new entrants into any fire fighting or emergency medical service capacity; and 16
7471
75- WHEREAS, The recruitment and retention of both career and volunteer firefighters
76-and emergency medical services personnel pose an urgent and high priority concern for
77-Marylanders’ safety and security in the short term and long term; and
72+ WHEREAS, A stark shortage of available recruits and on–duty firefighters and 17
73+emergency medical services personnel has caused fire companies to call on volunteers who 18
74+are well into their 60s and 70s for primary response to fire and emergency medical calls; 19
75+and 20
7876
79- WHEREAS, the Maryland General Assembly, through Chapter 655 of the Acts of the
80-General Assembly of 2023, created the Commission to Advance and Strengthen Fire
81-Fighting and Emergency Medical Services Within Maryland to develop a set of
82-recommendations to strengthen the State’s fire fighting and emergency medical services;
83-now, therefore,
77+ WHEREAS, Volunteer fire companies remain deeply embedded in man y 21
78+communities, serving as the primary fire fighting and emergency medical response across 22
79+large parts of the State; and 23
8480
85- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
86-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
81+ WHEREAS, Relatively metropolitan parts of the State rely on coordinated services 24
82+from both career and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to 25
83+provide needed service coverage, but face strains in finding adequate participation at both 26
84+levels; and 27
8785
88-Article – Education
86+ WHEREAS, Maryland and its local governments currently offer a variety of support 28
87+incentives, staff benefits, and other compensation targeted to career and volunteer fire 29
88+company members and those working in emergency medical services; and 30
8989
90-18–603.1.
90+ WHEREAS, The recruitment and retention of both career and volunteer firefighters 31
91+and emergency medical services personnel pose an urgent and high priority concern for 32
92+Marylanders’ safety and security in the short term and long term; and 33
9193
92- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
94+ WHEREAS, the Maryland General Assembly, through Chapter 655 of the Acts of the 34
95+General Assembly of 2023, created the Commission to Advance and Strengthen Fire 35
96+Fighting and Emergency Medical Services Within Maryland to develop a set of 36 SENATE BILL 691 3
9397
94- (2) “Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of
95-higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.
96- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 224
9798
98-– 3 –
99- (3) “Fund” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and
100-Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Fund.
99+recommendations to strengthen the State’s fire fighting and emergency medical services; 1
100+now, therefore, 2
101101
102- (4) “Scholarship” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance
103-and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship.
102+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 3
103+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 4
104104
105- (b) There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad
106-Member Scholarship.
105+Article – Education 5
107106
108- (c) An individual may apply to the Office for the scholarship if the individual:
107+18–603.1. 6
109108
110- (1) Is a resident of Maryland;
109+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 7
111110
112- (2) [(i)] Is accepted for admission or enrolled in [the regular
113-undergraduate program] A COURSE OFFERED at an eligible institution[; or
111+ (2) “Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of 8
112+higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission. 9
114113
115- (ii) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal
116-certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an
117-accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution]; and
114+ (3) “Fund” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and 10
115+Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Fund. 11
118116
119- (3) Is actively engaged as a career or volunteer firefighter or ambulance or
120-rescue squad member in an organized fire department or ambulance or rescue squad in the
121-State.
117+ (4) “Scholarship” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance 12
118+and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship. 13
122119
123- (d) (1) A scholarship awarded under this section:
120+ (b) There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad 14
121+Member Scholarship. 15
124122
125- [(1)] (I) May be used for the tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible
126-institution; and
123+ (c) An individual may apply to the Office for the scholarship if the individual: 16
127124
128- [(2)] (II) May be up to:
125+ (1) Is a resident of Maryland; 17
129126
130- 1. 100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees
131-of a resident STUDENT AT A 2–YEAR PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION
132-ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE 16 OF THIS ARTICLE WITH THE HIGHEST ANNUAL
133-EXPENSES FOR A FULL –TIME RESIDENT STUDEN T; OR
127+ (2) [(i)] Is accepted for admission or enrolled in [the regular 18
128+undergraduate program] A COURSE OFFERED at an eligible institution[; or 19
134129
135- 2. 50% OF THE EQUIVALENT AN NUAL TUITION AND
136-MANDATORY FEES OF A RESIDENT undergraduate student at the 4–year public
137-institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the
138-University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus,
139-with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate [for courses
140-credited toward a degree in fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire
141-service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire
142-service technology or fire service management].
143- Ch. 224 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
130+ (ii) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal 20
131+certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an 21
132+accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution]; and 22
144133
145-– 4 –
146- (2) ANY STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, OTHER THAN A STUDENT LOAN,
147-AWARDED TO A SCHOLAR SHIP RECIPIENT SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE R ECIPIENT’S
148-TUITION BEFORE THE C ALCULATION OF ANY AW ARD AMOUNT PROVIDED THROUGH
149-THE SCHOLARSHIP .
134+ (3) Is actively engaged as a career or volunteer firefighter or ambulance or 23
135+rescue squad member in an organized fire department or ambulance or rescue squad in the 24
136+State. 25
150137
151- (3) INITIAL AWARDS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO SCHOLARSHIP
152-RECIPIENTS ON A FIRS T–COME, FIRST–SERVED BASIS.
138+ (d) (1) A scholarship awarded under this section: 26
153139
154- (e) A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 on
155-a 4.0 scale.
140+ [(1)] (I) May be used for the tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible 27
141+institution; and 28
156142
157- (f) Each recipient of a scholarship under this section may hold the award for 5
158-years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study.
143+ [(2)] (II) May be up to: 29
144+ 4 SENATE BILL 691
159145
160- (g) A Senator or Delegate may authorize the Office to award all or a portion of the
161-funds authorized under Subtitles 4 and 5 of this title to eligible recipients of scholarships
162-awarded under this section.
163146
164- (h) (1) Funds for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue
165-Squad Member Scholarship shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission
166-by the Governor.
147+ 1. 100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees 1
148+of a resident STUDENT AT A 2–YEAR PUBLIC INSTITUT ION OF HIGHER EDUCAT ION 2
149+ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE 16 OF THIS ARTICLE WITH THE HIGHEST ANNUAL 3
150+EXPENSES FOR A FULL –TIME RESIDENT STUDEN T; OR 4
167151
168- (2) There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue
169-Squad Member Scholarship Fund in the Commission.
152+ 2. 50% OF THE EQUIVALENT ANN UAL TUITION AND 5
153+MANDATORY FEES OF A RESIDENT undergraduate student at the 4–year public 6
154+institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the 7
155+University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, 8
156+with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate [for courses 9
157+credited toward a degree in fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire 10
158+service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire 11
159+service technology or fire service management]. 12
170160
171- (3) The Commission shall administer the Fund.
161+ (2) ANY STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, OTHER THAN A STUDENT LOAN, 13
162+AWARDED TO A SCHOLAR SHIP RECIPIENT SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE R ECIPIENT’S 14
163+TUITION BEFORE THE C ALCULATION OF ANY AW ARD AMOUNT PROVIDED THRO UGH 15
164+THE SCHOLARSHIP . 16
172165
173- (4) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of
174-the State Finance and Procurement Article.
166+ (3) INITIAL AWARDS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO SCHOL ARSHIP 17
167+RECIPIENTS ON A FIRS T–COME, FIRST–SERVED BASIS. 18
175168
176- (5) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the
177-Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
169+ (e) A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 on 19
170+a 4.0 scale. 20
178171
179- (6) The Commission:
172+ (f) Each recipient of a scholarship under this section may hold the award for 5 21
173+years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study. 22
180174
181- (i) May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for
182-the Fund;
175+ (g) A Senator or Delegate may authorize the Office to award all or a portion of the 23
176+funds authorized under Subtitles 4 and 5 of this title to eligible recipients of scholarships 24
177+awarded under this section. 25
183178
184- (ii) Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from
185-the Fund; and
179+ (h) (1) Funds for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue 26
180+Squad Member Scholarship shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission 27
181+by the Governor. 28
186182
187- (iii) Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with
188-the State Treasurer.
189- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 224
183+ (2) There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue 29
184+Squad Member Scholarship Fund in the Commission. 30
190185
191-– 5 –
192- (7) (i) At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an
193-annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and
194-expenditures to and from the Fund.
186+ (3) The Commission shall administer the Fund. 31
195187
196- (ii) The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General
197-Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.
188+ (4) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of 32
189+the State Finance and Procurement Article. 33
198190
199- (i) A recipient of a scholarship shall work for at least 1 year as a volunteer or
200-career firefighter or ambulance or rescue squad member in an organized fire department
201-or ambulance or rescue squad in the State after completion of [an eligible program in]
202-STUDY AT an eligible institution.
191+ (5) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the 34
192+Comptroller shall account for the Fund. 35 SENATE BILL 691 5
203193
204- (j) A scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under
205-this section if the recipient does not perform the service obligation required under
206-subsection (i) of this section.
207194
208-SUBTITLE 40. MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
209-FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS.
210195
211-18–4001.
196+ (6) The Commission: 1
212197
213- (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
214-INDICATED.
198+ (i) May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for 2
199+the Fund; 3
215200
216- (B) “FIRE, RESCUE, OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ENTITY ” HAS THE
217-MEANING STATED IN § 7–101 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE.
201+ (ii) Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from 4
202+the Fund; and 5
218203
219- (C) “HIGHER EDUCATION LOAN ” MEANS A LOAN THAT IS OBTAINED FOR
220-TUITION FOR UNDERGRA DUATE OR GRADUATE ST UDY.
204+ (iii) Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with 6
205+the State Treasurer. 7
221206
222- (D) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE
223-PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS.
207+ (7) (i) At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an 8
208+annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and 9
209+expenditures to and from the Fund. 10
224210
225- (E) “PUBLIC RESCUE PERS ONNEL MEMBER ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS
226-EMPLOYED BY OR A VOL UNTARY MEMBER OF A F IRE, RESCUE, OR EMERGENCY
227-MEDICAL SERVICES ENT ITY.
211+ (ii) The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General 11
212+Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 12
228213
229-18–4002.
214+ (i) A recipient of a scholarship shall work for at least 1 year as a volunteer or 13
215+career firefighter or ambulance or rescue squad member in an organized fire department 14
216+or ambulance or rescue squad in the State after completion of [an eligible program in] 15
217+STUDY AT an eligible institution. 16
230218
231- (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
232-FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS.
219+ (j) A scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under 17
220+this section if the recipient does not perform the service obligation required under 18
221+subsection (i) of this section. 19
233222
234- (B) THE OFFICE SHALL DISTRIBU TE FUNDS FROM THE PROGRAM TO ASSIST
235-IN THE REPAYMENT OF A HIGHER EDUCATION L OAN OWED BY A PUBLIC RESCUE
236-PERSONNEL MEMBER WHO : Ch. 224 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
223+SUBTITLE 40. MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR 20
224+FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS. 21
237225
238-– 6 –
226+18–4001. 22
239227
240- (1) RECEIVES A GRADUATE , PROFESSIONAL , OR UNDERGRADUATE
241-DEGREE FROM A PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE;
228+ (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 23
229+INDICATED. 24
242230
243- (2) WORKS FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR AS A VOLUNTEER OR CAREER
244-FIREFIGHTER OR AMBUL ANCE OR RESCUE SQUAD MEMBER FOR A FIRE , RESCUE, OR
245-EMERGENCY MEDICAL SE RVICES ENTITY IN THE STATE; AND
231+ (B) “FIRE, RESCUE, OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ENTITY ” HAS THE 25
232+MEANING STATED IN § 7–101 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE. 26
246233
247- (3) SATISFIES ANY OTHER C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE.
234+ (C) “HIGHER EDUCATION LOAN ” MEANS A LOAN THAT IS OBTAINED FOR 27
235+TUITION FOR UNDERGRA DUATE OR GRADUATE ST UDY. 28
248236
249-18–4003.
237+ (D) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE 29
238+PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS. 30
239+ 6 SENATE BILL 691
250240
251- (A) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT RE GULATIONS TO CARRY O UT THIS
252-SUBTITLE.
253241
254- (B) THE REGULATIONS SHALL INCLUDE:
242+ (E) “PUBLIC RESCUE PERSONN EL MEMBER” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 1
243+EMPLOYED BY OR A VOL UNTARY MEMBER OF A F IRE, RESCUE, OR EMERGENCY 2
244+MEDICAL SERVICES ENT ITY. 3
255245
256- (1) A LIMIT ON THE TOTAL A MOUNT OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY
257-THE OFFICE IN REPAYING TH E LOAN OF AN ELIGIBL E INDIVIDUAL, BASED ON THE
258-INDIVIDUAL’S TOTAL INCOME AND O UTSTANDING HIGHER ED UCATION LOAN
259-BALANCE; AND
246+18–4002. 4
260247
261- (2) THE PROVISION OF ASSI STANCE ON A FIRST –COME,
262-FIRST–SERVED BASIS FOR ALL ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS .
248+ (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR 5
249+FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS. 6
263250
264-18–4004.
251+ (B) THE OFFICE SHALL DISTRIBU TE FUNDS FROM THE PROGRAM TO ASSIST 7
252+IN THE REPAYMENT OF A HIGHER EDUCATION L OAN OWED BY A PUBLIC RESCUE 8
253+PERSONNEL MEMBER WHO : 9
265254
266- SUBJECT TO § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE OFFICE
267-SHALL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1 EACH YEAR
268-ON THE IMPLEMENTATIO N OF THE PROGRAM.
255+ (1) RECEIVES A GRADUATE , PROFESSIONAL , OR UNDERGRADUATE 10
256+DEGREE FROM A PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSIT Y IN THE STATE; 11
269257
270- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
258+ (2) WORKS FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR AS A VOLUNTEER OR CAREER 12
259+FIREFIGHTER OR AMBUL ANCE OR RESCUE SQUAD MEMBER FOR A FIRE , RESCUE, OR 13
260+EMERGENCY MEDICAL SE RVICES ENTITY IN TH E STATE; AND 14
271261
272- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
262+ (3) SATISFIES ANY OTHER C RITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE. 15
273263
274- (2) “Fire or rescue entity” means:
264+18–4003. 16
275265
276- (i) a governmental subdivision, by its appropriate designated
277-authority;
266+ (A) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT RE GULATIONS TO CARRY O UT THIS 17
267+SUBTITLE. 18
278268
279- (ii) a board or fire commission of a fire department or governmental
280-subdivision;
269+ (B) THE REGULATIONS SHALL INCLUDE: 19
281270
282- (iii) a fire department; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 224
271+ (1) A LIMIT ON THE TOTAL A MOUNT OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY 20
272+THE OFFICE IN REPAYING TH E LOAN OF AN ELIGIBL E INDIVIDUAL, BASED ON THE 21
273+INDIVIDUAL’S TOTAL INCOME AND O UTSTANDING HIGHER ED UCATION LOAN 22
274+BALANCE; AND 23
283275
284-– 7 –
276+ (2) THE PROVISION OF ASSI STANCE ON A FIRST –COME, 24
277+FIRST–SERVED BASIS FOR ALL ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS . 25
285278
286- (iv) a fire company; or
279+18–4004. 26
287280
288- (v) a rescue squad.
281+ SUBJECT TO § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE OFFICE 27
282+SHALL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1 EACH YEAR 28
283+ON THE IMPLEMENTATIO N OF THE PROGRAM. 29
289284
290- (3) “Program” means the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare
291-Benefits Program established under Title 2, Subtitle 5 of the State Personnel and Pensions
292-Article.
285+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 30
286+ SENATE BILL 691 7
293287
294- (b) The Department of Budget and Management shall evaluate the feasibility of
295-including firefighters in the Program who:
296288
297- (1) are employed by or are voluntary members of a fire or rescue entity;
298-and
289+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 1
299290
300- (2) do not receive comparable health care benefits to those offered by the
301-Program from their relationship to a fire or rescue entity.
291+ (2) “Fire or rescue entity” means: 2
302292
303- (c) The Department’s evaluation shall consider:
293+ (i) a governmental subdivision, by its appropriate designated 3
294+authority; 4
304295
305- (1) the possibility of allowing firefighters to fully pay for coverage through
306-the Program;
296+ (ii) a board or fire commission of a fire department or governmental 5
297+subdivision; 6
307298
308- (2) any increased costs associated with effectively and efficiently
309-incorporating firefighters into the Program, including any costs related to additional
310-management, administration, oversight, and information–sharing burdens on the
311-Program; and
299+ (iii) a fire department; 7
312300
313- (3) the effect incorporating firefighters into the Program would have in
314-attracting individuals to become firefighters working or volunteering for a fire or rescue
315-entity.
301+ (iv) a fire company; or 8
316302
317- (d) On or before December 31, 2024, the Department shall report the results of its
318-evaluation to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government
319-Article, the General Assembly.
303+ (v) a rescue squad. 9
320304
321- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
305+ (3) “Program” means the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare 10
306+Benefits Program established under Title 2, Subtitle 5 of the State Personnel and Pensions 11
307+Article. 12
322308
323- (a) In this section, “fire or rescue entity” means:
309+ (b) The Department of Budget and Management shall evaluate the feasibility of 13
310+including firefighters in the Program who: 14
324311
325- (1) a governmental subdivision, by its appropriate designated authority;
312+ (1) are employed by or are voluntary members of a fire or rescue entity; 15
313+and 16
326314
327- (2) a board or fire commission of a fire department or governmental
328-subdivision;
315+ (2) do not receive comparable health care benefits to those offered by the 17
316+Program from their relationship to a fire or rescue entity. 18
329317
330- (3) a fire department; Ch. 224 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
318+ (c) The Department’s evaluation shall consider: 19
331319
332-– 8 –
320+ (1) the possibility of allowing firefighters to fully pay for coverage through 20
321+the Program; 21
333322
334- (4) a fire company; or
323+ (2) any increased costs associated with effectively and efficiently 22
324+incorporating firefighters into the Program, including any costs related to additional 23
325+management, administration, oversight, and information–sharing burdens on the 24
326+Program; and 25
335327
336- (5) a rescue squad.
328+ (3) the effect incorporating firefighters into the Program would have in 26
329+attracting individuals to become firefighters working or volunteering for a fire or rescue 27
330+entity. 28
337331
338- (b) (1) The Department of Budget and Management shall evaluate the
339-feasibility of a program designed to efficiently and effectively provide child care for
340-firefighters who are employed by or are voluntary members of a fire or rescue entity.
332+ (d) On or before December 31, 2024, the Department shall report the results of its 29
333+evaluation to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 30
334+Article, the General Assembly. 31
335+ 8 SENATE BILL 691
341336
342- (2) The Department’s evaluation shall include possible mechanisms to
343-fund the program through funding provided by both the State and the county in which the
344-fire or rescue entity is located.
345337
346- (c) The Department’s evaluation shall include considerations of:
338+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 1
347339
348- (1) the cost of providing child care through the program, including
349-administrative and other indirect costs; and
340+ (a) In this section, “fire or rescue entity” means: 2
350341
351- (2) the effect incorporating firefighters into the program would have in
352-attracting individuals to become firefighters working or volunteering for a fire or rescue
353-entity.
342+ (1) a governmental subdivision, by its appropriate designated authority; 3
354343
355- (d) On or before December 31, 2024, the Department shall report the results of its
356-evaluation to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government
357-Article, the General Assembly.
344+ (2) a board or fire commission of a fire department or governmental 4
345+subdivision; 5
358346
359- SECTION 4. 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
360-July 1, 2024. Sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 1 year and,
361-at the end of June 30, 2025, Sections 2 and 3 of this Act, with no further action required by
362-the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.
347+ (3) a fire department; 6
363348
364-Approved by the Governor, April 25, 2024.
349+ (4) a fire company; or 7
350+
351+ (5) a rescue squad. 8
352+
353+ (b) (1) The Department of Budget and Management shall evaluate the 9
354+feasibility of a program designed to efficiently and effectively provide child care for 10
355+firefighters who are employed by or are voluntary members of a fire or rescue entity. 11
356+
357+ (2) The Department’s evaluation shall include possible mechanisms to 12
358+fund the program through funding provided by both the State and the county in which the 13
359+fire or rescue entity is located. 14
360+
361+ (c) The Department’s evaluation shall include considerations of: 15
362+
363+ (1) the cost of providing child care through the program, including 16
364+administrative and other indirect costs; and 17
365+
366+ (2) the effect incorporating firefighters into the program would have in 18
367+attracting individuals to become firefighters working or volunteering for a fire or rescue 19
368+entity. 20
369+
370+ (d) On or before December 31, 2024, the Department shall report the results of its 21
371+evaluation to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 22
372+Article, the General Assembly. 23
373+
374+ SECTION 4. 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 24
375+July 1, 2024. Sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall remain effective for a period of 1 year and, 25
376+at the end of June 30, 2025, Sections 2 and 3 of this Act, with no further action required by 26
377+the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 27
378+
379+
380+