Maryland 2025 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB276 Compare Versions

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33 EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTING LA W.
44 [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.
85 *sb0276*
96
107 SENATE BILL 276
118 F5, P1 5lr0624
12- CF HB 600
9+ CF 5lr2404
1310 By: Senators Simonaire, Salling, Jennings, Gallion, Mautz, and Bailey
1411 Introduced and read first time: January 10, 2025
1512 Assigned to: Education, Energy, and the Environment
16-Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17-Senate action: Adopted
18-Read second time: February 16, 2025
1913
20-CHAPTER ______
14+A BILL ENTITLED
2115
2216 AN ACT concerning 1
2317
2418 Educational Equality for Service Members Act 2
2519
2620 FOR the purpose of establishing rules of interpretation related to the uniformed services; 3
2721 altering the rule of interpretation for “veteran”; altering the application of certain 4
2822 provisions of law governing education to apply to all uniformed services, rather than 5
2923 only the armed forces; and generally relating to veterans and uniformed services. 6
3024
3125 BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 7
3226 Article – Education 8
3327 Section 1–101(a), 4–122.1(a)(1), and 7–101(c)(1)(i) 9
3428 Annotated Code of Maryland 10
3529 (2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 11
3630
3731 BY adding to 12
3832 Article – Education 13
3933 Section 1–101(a–1), (a–2), (b–1), (k–1), (n), and (o) 14
4034 Annotated Code of Maryland 15
4135 (2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 16
4236
4337 BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 17
4438 Article – Education 18
4539 Section 4–122.1(a)(9)(vi), 4–128, 6–101.1, 7–101(b)(2)(i) and (c)(1)(iv)6. and (4), 19
4640 7–115(a), 7–115.1, 7–129(a), (b), and (d)(1), 13–516(b–1), 15–106.4(a) and (b), 20
4741 15–124(a), 16–109, 18–205, 18–405(d)(3), 18–406(g), 18–501(b)(2)(iii), 21
48- 18–501(b)(2)(iii); 18–601(c)(1) and (d)(2), 18–604(a), (c), and (d), and 22 2 SENATE BILL 276
42+ 18–601(c)(1) and (d)(2), 18–604(a), (c), and (d), 18–708(l)(7), 18–1910(c)(2), 22
43+ 18–3005(1)(iv), and 21–309(a)(5)(ii)1. 23
44+ Annotated Code of Maryland 24
45+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 25
46+
47+BY adding to 26
48+ Article – General Provisions 27 2 SENATE BILL 276
4949
5050
51- 18–604(a), (c), and (d) to be under the amended subtitle “Subtitle 6. 1
52- Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their 2
53- Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees”; 18–708(l)(7), 3
54- 18–1910(c)(2), 18–3005(1)(iv), and 21–309(a)(5)(ii)1. 4
55- Annotated Code of Maryland 5
56- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 6
51+Section 1–101.1, 1–101.2, 1–103.1, 1–114.1, 1–114.2, and 1–116 1
52+ Annotated Code of Maryland 2
53+ (2019 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 3
5754
58-BY adding to 7
59- Article – General Provisions 8
60-Section 1–101.1, 1–101.2, 1–103.1, 1–114.1, 1–114.2, and 1–116 9
61- Annotated Code of Maryland 10
62- (2019 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 11
55+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 4
56+ Article – General Provisions 5
57+Section 1–117 6
58+ Annotated Code of Maryland 7
59+ (2019 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 8
6360
64-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 12
65- Article – General Provisions 13
66-Section 1117 14
67- Annotated Code of Maryland 15
68- (2019 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 16
61+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 9
62+ Article – State Government 10
63+Section 9901 11
64+ Annotated Code of Maryland 12
65+ (2021 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 13
6966
70-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 17
71- Article – State Government 18
72-Section 9–901 19
73- Annotated Code of Maryland 20
74- (2021 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 21
67+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 14
68+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 15
7569
76- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 22
77-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 23
70+Article – Education 16
7871
79-Article – Education 24
72+1–101. 17
8073
81-1–101. 25
74+ (a) In this article, unless the context requires otherwise, the following words have 18
75+the meanings indicated. 19
8276
83- (a) In this article, unless the context requires otherwise, the following words have 26
84-the meanings indicated. 27
77+ (A–1) “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 20
78+GOVERNMEN T ARTICLE. 21
8579
86- (A–1) “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 28
87-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 29
80+ (A–2) “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF 22
81+THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 23
8882
89- (A2) “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF 30
90-THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 31
83+ (B1) “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 24
84+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 25
9185
92- (B–1) “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 32
93-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 33
86+ (K–1) “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 26
87+STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 27
9488
95- (K–1) “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 34
96-STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 35 SENATE BILL 276 3
89+ (N) “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 28
90+STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 29
91+
92+ (O) “VETERAN” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 30
93+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 31
94+
95+4–122.1. 32
96+ SENATE BILL 276 3
97+
98+
99+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 1
100+
101+ (9) “Serious family hardship” means: 2
102+
103+ (vi) Assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to active 3
104+[military] UNIFORMED SERVICES duty. 4
105+
106+4–128. 5
107+
108+ A county board of education is subject to the requirements relating to employees who 6
109+return from [military services] SERVICE IN THE UNIFO RMED SERVICES in § 1–203 of the 7
110+Local Government Article. 8
111+
112+6–101.1. 9
113+
114+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 10
115+
116+ (2) (i) [“Military] “ELIGIBLE spouse” means the spouse of [a] AN 11
117+ACTIVE service member or ELIGIBLE veteran. 12
118+
119+ (ii) [“Military] “ELIGIBLE spouse” includes a surviving spouse of: 13
120+
121+ 1. [A] AN ELIGIBLE veteran; or 14
122+
123+ 2. [A] AN ACTIVE service member who died within 1 year 15
124+before the date on which the application for an educator certificate is submitted. 16
125+
126+ [(3) “Service member” means an individual who is an active duty member 17
127+of: 18
128+
129+ (i) The armed forces of the United States; 19
130+
131+ (ii) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or 20
132+
133+ (iii) The National Guard of any state. 21
134+
135+ (4) (i) “Veteran” means a former service member who was discharged 22
136+from active duty under circumstances other than dishonorable within 1 year before the date 23
137+on which the application for an educator certificate is submitted. 24
138+
139+ (ii) “Veteran” does not include an individual who has completed 25
140+active duty and has been discharged for more than 1 year before the application for an 26
141+educator certificate is submitted.] 27
142+ 4 SENATE BILL 276
143+
144+
145+ (3) (I) “ELIGIBLE VETERAN ” MEANS A VETERAN WHO WAS 1
146+DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY WIT HIN 1 YEAR BEFORE THE DATE ON WHICH THE 2
147+APPLICATION FOR AN E DUCATOR CERTIFICATE IS SUBMITTED. 3
148+
149+ (II) “ELIGIBLE VETERAN ” DOES NOT INCLUDE A V ETERAN WHO 4
150+HAS BEEN DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR BEFORE THE 5
151+APPLICATION FOR AN E DUCATOR CERTIFICATE IS SUBMITTED. 6
152+
153+ (b) The State Superintendent shall expedite educator certification for [a] AN 7
154+ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse. 8
155+
156+ (c) To qualify for expedited educator certification under this section, [a] AN 9
157+ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse shall: 10
158+
159+ (1) Submit an application for educator certification; 11
160+
161+ (2) Hold a valid educator license or certificate in good standing issued in 12
162+another state; 13
163+
164+ (3) Meet the applicable qualifications for certification in COMAR 14
165+13A.12.01.04 and .05; and 15
166+
167+ (4) Pay the applicable certification fee. 16
168+
169+ (d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Superintendent, 17
170+at the request of a local school system, may issue a temporary educator certificate to [a] AN 18
171+ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse who holds a 19
172+valid educator certificate or license in good standing issued in another state but who does 20
173+not meet the qualifications for educator certification in this State. 21
174+
175+ (2) A temporary educator certificate issued under this subsection 22
176+authorizes the ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse, 23
177+for a limited period of time, as determined by the State Superintendent, to be employed as 24
178+an educator in the State while the ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or 25
179+[military] ELIGIBLE spouse completes additional requirements for certification in this 26
180+State. 27
181+
182+ (e) The Department shall publish prominently on its website the process for 28
183+obtaining expedited educator certification under this section. 29
184+
185+ (f) The State Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section. 30
186+
187+7–101. 31
188+
189+ (b) (2) (i) [Upon] ON request and in accordance with a county board’s 32
190+policies concerning residency, a county superintendent: 33 SENATE BILL 276 5
97191
98192
99193
100- (N) “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 1
101-STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 2
194+ 1. May allow a child to attend school in the county even if the 1
195+child is not domiciled in that county with the child’s parent or guardian; and 2
102196
103- (O) “VETERAN” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 3
104-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 4
197+ 2. Shall allow a dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE service 3
198+member who is relocating to the State on [military] OFFICIAL orders to enroll in school in 4
199+the county in accordance with § 7–115.1 of this subtitle. 5
105200
106-4–122.1. 5
201+ (c) (1) (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings 6
202+indicated. 7
107203
108- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 6
204+ (iv) “Serious family hardship” means: 8
109205
110- (9) “Serious family hardship” means: 7
206+ 6. Assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to 9
207+active [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES duty. 10
111208
112- (vi) Assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to active 8
113-[military] UNIFORMED SERVICES duty. 9
209+ (4) The affidavit shall be in the following form: 11
114210
115-4–128. 10
211+ (i) I, the undersigned, am over eighteen (18) years of age and 12
212+competent to testify to the facts and matters set forth herein. 13
116213
117- A county board of education is subject to the requirements relating to employees who 11
118-return from [military services] SERVICE IN THE UNIFO RMED SERVICES in § 1–203 of the 12
119-Local Government Article. 13
214+ (ii) ____________________ (name of child), whose date of birth is 14
215+_____________, is living with me because of the following serious family hardship: (check 15
216+each that is applicable) 16
120217
121-6–101.1. 14
218+ _____ death of father/mother/legal guardian 17
219+ _____ serious illness of father/mother/legal guardian 18
220+ _____ drug addiction of father/mother/legal guardian 19
221+ _____ incarceration of father/mother/legal guardian 20
222+ _____ abandonment by father/mother/legal guardian 21
223+ _____ assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to active [military] 22
224+UNIFORMED SERVICES duty 23
122225
123- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 15
226+ (iii) The name and last known address of the child’s parent(s) or legal 24
227+guardian is: 25
228+___________________________________________________________________________________ 26
124229
125- (2) (i) [“Military] “ELIGIBLE spouse” means the spouse of [a] AN 16
126-ACTIVE service member or ELIGIBLE veteran. 17
230+___________________________________________________________________________________ 27
127231
128- (ii) [“Military] “ELIGIBLE spouse” includes a surviving spouse of: 18
232+___________________________________________________________________________________ 28
129233
130- 1. [A] AN ELIGIBLE veteran; or 19
234+ (iv) My kinship relation to the child is ___________________________ 29
131235
132- 2. [A] AN ACTIVE service member who died within 1 year 20
133-before the date on which the application for an educator certificate LICENSE is submitted. 21
236+ (v) My address is: 30
237+___________________________________________________________________________________ 31
134238
135- [(3) “Service member” means an individual who is an active duty member 22
136-of: 23
137-
138- (i) The armed forces of the United States; 24
139-
140- (ii) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or 25
141-
142- (iii) The National Guard of any state. 26
143- 4 SENATE BILL 276
144-
145-
146- (4) (i) “Veteran” means a former service member who was discharged 1
147-from active duty under circumstances other than dishonorable within 1 year before the date 2
148-on which the application for an educator certificate is submitted. 3
149-
150- (ii) “Veteran” does not include an individual who has completed 4
151-active duty and has been discharged for more than 1 year before the application for an 5
152-educator certificate is submitted.] 6
153-
154- (3) (I) “ELIGIBLE VETERAN ” MEANS A VETERAN WHO WAS 7
155-DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY WIT HIN 1 YEAR BEFORE THE DATE ON WHICH THE 8
156-APPLICATION FOR AN E DUCATOR CERTIFICATE LICENSE IS SUBMITTED. 9
157-
158- (II) “ELIGIBLE VETERAN ” DOES NOT INCLUDE A VETERAN WH O 10
159-HAS BEEN DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR BEFORE THE 11
160-APPLICATION FOR AN E DUCATOR CERTIFICATE LICENSE IS SUBMITTED. 12
161-
162- (b) The State Superintendent shall expedite educator certification LICENSURE 13
163-for [a] AN ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse. 14
164-
165- (c) To qualify for expedited educator certification LICENSURE under this section, 15
166-[a] AN ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse shall: 16
167-
168- (1) Submit an application for educator certification LICENSURE; 17
169-
170- (2) Hold a valid educator license or certificate in good standing issued in 18
171-another state; 19
172-
173- (3) Meet the applicable qualifications for certification LICENSURE in 20
174-COMAR 13A.12.01.04 and .05; and 21
175-
176- (4) Pay the applicable certification LICENSURE fee. 22
177-
178- (d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Superintendent, 23
179-at the request of a local school system, may issue a temporary educator certificate LICENSE 24
180-to [a] AN ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse who 25
181-holds a valid educator certificate or license in good standing issued in another state but 26
182-who does not meet the qualifications for educator certification LICENSURE in this State. 27
183-
184- (2) A temporary educator certificate LICENSE issued under this subsection 28
185-authorizes the ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or [military] ELIGIBLE spouse, 29
186-for a limited period of time, as determined by the State Superintendent, to be employed as 30
187-an educator in the State while the ACTIVE service member, ELIGIBLE veteran, or 31
188-[military] ELIGIBLE spouse completes additional requirements for certification 32
189-LICENSURE in this State. 33
190- SENATE BILL 276 5
191-
192-
193- (e) The Department shall publish prominently on its website the process for 1
194-obtaining expedited educator certification LICENSURE under this section. 2
195-
196- (f) The State Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section. 3
197-
198-7–101. 4
199-
200- (b) (2) (i) [Upon] ON request and in accordance with a county board’s 5
201-policies concerning residency, a county superintendent: 6
202-
203- 1. May allow a child to attend school in the county even if the 7
204-child is not domiciled in that county with the child’s parent or guardian; and 8
205-
206- 2. Shall allow a dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE service 9
207-member who is relocating to the State on [military] OFFICIAL orders to enroll in school in 10
208-the county in accordance with § 7–115.1 of this subtitle. 11
209-
210- (c) (1) (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings 12
211-indicated. 13
212-
213- (iv) “Serious family hardship” means: 14
214-
215- 6. Assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to 15
216-active [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES duty. 16
217-
218- (4) The affidavit shall be in the following form: 17
219-
220- (i) I, the undersigned, am over eighteen (18) years of age and 18
221-competent to testify to the facts and matters set forth herein. 19
222-
223- (ii) ____________________ (name of child), whose date of birth is 20
224-_____________, is living with me because of the following serious family hardship: (check 21
225-each that is applicable) 22
226-
227- _____ death of father/mother/legal guardian 23
228- _____ serious illness of father/mother/legal guardian 24
229- _____ drug addiction of father/mother/legal guardian 25
230- _____ incarceration of father/mother/legal guardian 26
231- _____ abandonment by father/mother/legal guardian 27
232- _____ assignment of a parent or legal guardian of a child to active [military] 28
233-UNIFORMED SERVICES duty 29
234-
235- (iii) The name and last known address of the child’s parent(s) or legal 30
236-guardian is: 31
237-___________________________________________________________________________________ 32
238- 6 SENATE BILL 276
239+ Street Apt. No. 32 6 SENATE BILL 276
239240
240241
241242 ___________________________________________________________________________________ 1
242243
243-___________________________________________________________________________________ 2
244+ City State Zip Code 2
244245
245- (iv) My kinship relation to the child is ___________________________ 3
246+ (vi) I assumed informal kinship care of this child for 24 hours a day 3
247+and 7 days a week on __________________(day/month/year). 4
246248
247- (v) My address is: 4
248-___________________________________________________________________________________ 5
249-
250- Street Apt. No. 6
249+ (vii) The name and address of the last school that the child attended 5
250+is: 6
251251 ___________________________________________________________________________________ 7
252252
253- City State Zip Code 8
253+___________________________________________________________________________________ 8
254254
255- (vi) I assumed informal kinship care of this child for 24 hours a day 9
256-and 7 days a week on __________________(day/month/year). 10
255+ (viii) The county superintendent may verify the facts contained in the 9
256+foregoing affidavit and conduct an audit on a case–by–case basis after the child has been 10
257+enrolled in the county public school system. If the county superintendent discovers fraud 11
258+or misrepresentation, the child shall be removed from the public school or county public 12
259+school system roll. 13
257260
258- (vii) The name and address of the last school that the child attended 11
259-is: 12
260-___________________________________________________________________________________ 13
261+ (ix) I solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury that the contents 14
262+of the foregoing are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. 15
261263
262-___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
264+___________________________________ 16
265+Signature of affiant 17
263266
264- (viii) The county superintendent may verify the facts contained in the 15
265-foregoing affidavit and conduct an audit on a case–by–case basis after the child has been 16
266-enrolled in the county public school system. If the county superintendent discovers fraud 17
267-or misrepresentation, the child shall be removed from the public school or county public 18
268-school system roll. 19
267+___________________________________ 18
268+(Day/month/year) 19
269269
270- (ix) I solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury that the contents 20
271-of the foregoing are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. 21
270+ (x) Any person who willfully makes a material misrepresentation in 20
271+this affidavit shall be subject to a penalty payable to the county for three times the pro rata 21
272+share of tuition for the time the child fraudulently attends a public school in the county. 22
272273
273-___________________________________ 22
274-Signature of affiant 23
274+7–115. 23
275275
276-___________________________________ 24
277-(Day/month/year) 25
276+ (a) To facilitate the transfer of school–aged student dependents of [military 24
277+personnel] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS to and from the public schools of this State, the 25
278+State Board shall pursue reciprocity agreements with other states regarding the terms of 26
279+those student transfers. 27
278280
279- (x) Any person who willfully makes a material misrepresentation in 26
280-this affidavit shall be subject to a penalty payable to the county for three times the pro rata 27
281-share of tuition for the time the child fraudulently attends a public school in the county. 28
281+7–115.1. 28
282282
283-7–115. 29
283+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 29
284284
285- (a) To facilitate the transfer of school–aged student dependents of [military 30
286-personnel] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE RS to and from the public schools of this State, the 31 SENATE BILL 276 7
285+ (2) “Dependent child” means an individual of school age who is a natural 30
286+child, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a financially dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE 31
287+service member. 32
288+ SENATE BILL 276 7
287289
288290
289-State Board shall pursue reciprocity agreements with other states regarding the terms of 1
290-those student transfers. 2
291+ (3) “Enrollment” includes course registration and charter school lotteries. 1
291292
292-7–115.1. 3
293+ [(4) (i) “Service member” means an active duty member of the United 2
294+States armed forces. 3
293295
294- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 4
296+ (ii) “Service member” includes a member of the National Guard on 4
297+active duty orders.] 5
295298
296- (2) “Dependent child” means an individual of school age who is a natural 5
297-child, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a financially dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE 6
298-service member. 7
299+ (b) A county superintendent shall allow a dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE 6
300+service member who is relocating to the State on [military] OFFICIAL orders and is not 7
301+domiciled in that county during the enrollment period to apply for enrollment in a public 8
302+school in the county, in the same manner and at the same time as individuals domiciled in 9
303+the county. 10
299304
300- (3) “Enrollment” includes course registration and charter school lotteries. 8
305+ (c) (1) Within 10 days of the published arrival date on the ACTIVE service 11
306+member’s [military] OFFICIAL orders, the ACTIVE service member shall provide the school 12
307+with: 13
301308
302- [(4) (i) “Service member” means an active duty member of the United 9
303-States armed forces. 10
309+ (i) Satisfactory evidence of the dependent child’s status as a 14
310+dependent child of the ACTIVE service member; 15
304311
305- (ii) “Service member” includes a member of the National Guard on 11
306-active duty orders.] 12
312+ (ii) A copy of the ACTIVE service member’s [military] OFFICIAL 16
313+orders to relocate; and 17
307314
308- (b) A county superintendent shall allow a dependent child of [a] AN ACTIVE 13
309-service member who is relocating to the State on [military] OFFICIAL orders and is not 14
310-domiciled in that county during the enrollment period to apply for enrollment in a public 15
311-school in the county, in the same manner and at the same time as individuals domiciled in 16
312-the county. 17
315+ (iii) Proof of residence in the county. 18
313316
314- (c) (1) Within 10 days of the published arrival date on the ACTIVE service 18
315-member’s [military] OFFICIAL orders, the ACTIVE service member shall provide the school 19
316-with: 20
317+ (2) The ACTIVE service member may use the address of any of the following 19
318+as proof of residence: 20
317319
318- (i) Satisfactory evidence of the dependent child’s status as a 21
319-dependent child of the ACTIVE service member; 22
320+ (i) A temporary on–base lodging facility; 21
320321
321- (ii) A copy of the ACTIVE service member’s [military] OFFICIAL 23
322-orders to relocate; and 24
322+ (ii) A purchased or leased home or apartment; or 22
323323
324- (iii) Proof of residence in the county. 25
324+ (iii) Any federal government housing unit or off–base military 23
325+housing unit. 24
325326
326- (2) The ACTIVE service member may use the address of any of the following 26
327-as proof of residence: 27
327+7–129. 25
328328
329- (i) A temporary on–base lodging facility; 28
329+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 26
330330
331- (ii) A purchased or leased home or apartment; or 29
331+ (2) “Military–connected student” means a student who is a dependent of: 27
332332
333- (iii) Any federal government housing unit or off–base military 30
334-housing unit. 31 8 SENATE BILL 276
333+ (i) [A current] AN ACTIVE DUTY UNIFOR MED SERVICES member 28
334+[of: 29
335+ 8 SENATE BILL 276
336+
337+
338+ 1. The United States military serving in the Army, Navy, Air 1
339+Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on active duty; 2
340+
341+ 2. The Maryland National Guard or the National Guard of 3
342+any other state; or 4
343+
344+ 3. A reserve force of the United States military]; 5
345+
346+ (II) A MEMBER OF A RESERVE COMPONENT ; or 6
347+
348+ [(ii)] (III) A member [of a military or reserve force] described in item 7
349+(i) OR (II) of this paragraph who was killed in the line of duty. 8
350+
351+ (3) “Program” means the Purple Star Schools Program. 9
352+
353+ (b) (1) There is a Purple Star Schools Program. 10
354+
355+ (2) The purpose of the Program is to recognize public schools that provide 11
356+strong services and support for military–connected students and their families when, as a 12
357+result of [military service] OFFICIAL ORDERS , a military–connected student transfers 13
358+schools. 14
359+
360+ (d) At a minimum, the Department’s criteria for a Purple Star School shall 15
361+require a public school to: 16
362+
363+ (1) Designate a staff member as a [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES 17
364+liaison, whose duties shall include: 18
365+
366+ (i) Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled 19
367+or soon to be enrolled at the school; 20
368+
369+ (ii) Serving as the point of contact between the school and newly 21
370+enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students and their families; 22
371+
372+ (iii) Determining appropriate school services available to newly 23
373+enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students; 24
374+
375+ (iv) Assisting in coordinating school programs for newly enrolled or 25
376+soon to be enrolled military–connected students; and 26
377+
378+ (v) Generally aiding with a military–connected student’s transition 27
379+to a new school; 28
380+
381+13–516. 29
382+ SENATE BILL 276 9
383+
384+
385+ (b–1) (1) [In this subsection, “service member” means an individual who is an 1
386+active duty member of: 2
387+
388+ (i) The armed forces of the United States; 3
389+
390+ (ii) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or 4
391+
392+ (iii) The National Guard of any state. 5
393+
394+ (2) (i)] In calculating an individual’s years of experience in an 6
395+occupation or profession, the EMS Board shall give credit to the individual for all relevant 7
396+experience as [a] AN ACTIVE service member. 8
397+
398+ [(ii)] (2) The EMS Board shall credit any training and education 9
399+provided by the [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES and completed by [a] AN ACTIVE 10
400+service member toward any training or education requirements for licensure or certification 11
401+if the training or education is determined by the EMS Board to be: 12
402+
403+ [1.] (I) Substantially equivalent to the training or 13
404+education required by the EMS Board; and 14
405+
406+ [2.] (II) Not otherwise contrary to any other licensing 15
407+requirement. 16
408+
409+15–106.4. 17
410+
411+ (a) This section applies to the following individuals: 18
412+
413+ (1) [An active duty member of the United States armed forces] AN ACTIVE 19
414+SERVICE MEMBER ; 20
415+
416+ (2) The spouse of [an active duty member of the United States armed 21
417+forces] AN ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ; 22
418+
419+ (3) A financially dependent child of [an active duty member of the United 23
420+States armed forces] AN ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ; 24
421+
422+ (4) [An honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces] A 25
423+VETERAN; or 26
424+
425+ (5) A member of the National Guard as defined in § 13–405(a)(3) of the 27
426+Public Safety Article. 28
427+
428+ (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual described in 29
429+subsection (a) of this section who attends a public institution of higher education in the 30 10 SENATE BILL 276
430+
431+
432+State is exempt from paying nonresident tuition at a public institution of higher education 1
433+in this State if: 2
434+
435+ (1) The active [duty] SERVICE member [described in subsection (a) of this 3
436+section]: 4
437+
438+ (i) Is stationed in this State; 5
439+
440+ (ii) Resides in this State; or 6
441+
442+ (iii) Is domiciled in this State; 7
443+
444+ (2) The spouse or financially dependent child [described in subsection (a) 8
445+of this section] OF AN ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER presents documentation that, during 9
446+the time period in which the active [duty] SERVICE member met the requirements of 10
447+paragraph (1) of this subsection, the individual: 11
448+
449+ (i) Enrolled as an entering student in a public institution of higher 12
450+education in the State; or 13
451+
452+ (ii) Was accepted to attend a public institution of higher education 14
453+in the State; 15
454+
455+ (3) The [honorably discharged] veteran [described in subsection (a) of this 16
456+section] presents documentation that the individual: 17
457+
458+ (i) Was honorably discharged from the [United States armed forces] 18
459+UNIFORMED SERVICES ; and 19
460+
461+ (ii) 1. Resides in this State; or 20
462+
463+ 2. Is domiciled in this State; or 21
464+
465+ (4) The National Guard member described in subsection (a) of this section 22
466+is a member of the Maryland National Guard and joined or subsequently serves in the 23
467+Maryland National Guard to: 24
468+
469+ (i) Provide a Critical Military Occupational Skill; or 25
470+
471+ (ii) Be a member of the Air Force Critical Specialty Code as 26
472+determined by the National Guard. 27
473+
474+15–124. 28
475+
476+ (a) In this section, “eligible service member” means: 29
477+ SENATE BILL 276 11
478+
479+
480+ (1) [A currently serving member of any branch of the armed forces of the 1
481+United States, including the National Guard and the military reserves] AN ACTIVE 2
482+SERVICE MEMBER ; and 3
483+
484+ (2) A veteran [of any branch of the armed forces of the United States, 4
485+including the National Guard and the military reserves, who has received an honorable 5
486+discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service]. 6
487+
488+16–109. 7
489+
490+ Each community college shall: 8
491+
492+ (1) Ensure all student advisors are trained on the unique needs and 9
493+resources available for students who are veterans; 10
494+
495+ (2) Employ at least one employee who, as a component of the employee’s 11
496+job duties and responsibilities, provides comprehensive and intensive enrollment and 12
497+advising services to current and prospective students who are veterans; and 13
498+
499+ (3) Establish a veterans resource center on campus to: 14
500+
501+ (i) Provide access to federal and State veterans resources; 15
502+
503+ (ii) Serve as a quiet place for veterans to study; 16
504+
505+ (iii) Enable veterans to connect to other veterans, helping them 17
506+renew the bonds of [military] service; and 18
507+
508+ (iv) Be the central hub for all activities on campus related to 19
509+veterans. 20
510+
511+18–205. 21
512+
513+ Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Office shall grant 22
514+a deferment from the service obligation component of student financial assistance awarded 23
515+under this title to: 24
516+
517+ (1) An [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who has been assigned 25
518+[military] duty outside of the State; or 26
519+
520+ (2) The spouse of an [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who has been 27
521+assigned [military] duty outside of the State. 28
522+
523+18–405. 29
524+ 12 SENATE BILL 276
525+
526+
527+ (d) Each Senator may award not more than 10% of the funds available under this 1
528+subtitle to applicants planning to attend accredited undergraduate, graduate, or 2
529+professional institutions outside the State, provided the applicant: 3
530+
531+ (3) Is an [individual who is on active duty with the United States military] 4
532+ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who is domiciled in this State. 5
533+
534+18–406. 6
535+
536+ (g) A recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is an [individual who is on active 7
537+duty with the United States military] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER and otherwise meets the 8
538+conditions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be domiciled in this State rather than 9
539+eligible for in–State tuition under this article. 10
540+
541+18–501. 11
542+
543+ (b) A scholarship awarded under this subtitle may be used at: 12
544+
545+ (2) An accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional institution 13
546+outside the State, if the applicant: 14
547+
548+ (iii) Is an [individual who is on active duty with the United States 15
549+military] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who is domiciled in this State; and 16
550+
551+18–601. 17
552+
553+ (c) (1) The program for [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES and public safety 18
554+personnel and their eligible dependents is the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial 19
555+Scholarship Program. 20
556+
557+ (d) (2) To apply for a scholarship under this section, the following persons are 21
558+required to be a resident of Maryland at the time of application or at the time of the 22
559+disabling or fatal event: 23
560+
561+ (i) A son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or the surviving spouse 24
562+of a member of the [armed forces] UNIFORMED SERVICES who: 25
563+
564+ 1. Died as a result of [military] service after December 7, 26
565+1941; 27
566+
567+ 2. Suffered a service connected 100% permanent disability 28
568+after December 7, 1941; or 29
569+
570+ 3. Was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action, 30
571+if that occurred on or after January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict, and if the 31
572+child was born prior to or while the parent was a prisoner of war or missing in action; 32 SENATE BILL 276 13
335573
336574
337575
338-7–129. 1
576+ (ii) A prisoner of war or missing in action, if that occurred on or after 1
577+January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict and was a resident of this State at the 2
578+time the person was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; 3
339579
340- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 2
580+ (iii) A veteran[, as defined under § 9–901 of the State Government 4
581+Article,] who: 5
341582
342- (2) “Military–connected student” means a student who is a dependent of: 3
583+ 1. Suffers a service connected disability of 25% or greater; 6
584+and 7
343585
344- (i) [A current] AN ACTIVE DUTY UNIFOR MED SERVICES member 4
345-[of: 5
586+ 2. Has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans’ 8
587+educational benefits; 9
346588
347- 1. The United States military serving in the Army, Navy, Air 6
348-Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on active duty; 7
589+ (iv) A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of or the surviving 10
590+spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; 11
349591
350- 2. The Maryland National Guard or the National Guard of 8
351-any other state; or 9
592+ (v) A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a school employee 12
593+who, as a result of an act of violence: 13
352594
353- 3. A reserve force of the United States military]; 10
595+ 1. Died in the line of duty; or 14
354596
355- (II) A MEMBER OF A RESERVE COMPONENT ; or 11
597+ 2. Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the 15
598+school employee 100% disabled; or 16
356599
357- [(ii)] (III) A member [of a military or reserve force] described in item 12
358-(i) OR (II) of this paragraph who was killed in the line of duty. 13
600+ (vi) The surviving spouse of a school employee who, as a result of an 17
601+act of violence: 18
359602
360- (3) “Program” means the Purple Star Schools Program. 14
603+ 1. Died in the line of duty; or 19
361604
362- (b) (1) There is a Purple Star Schools Program. 15
605+ 2. Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the 20
606+school employee 100% disabled. 21
363607
364- (2) The purpose of the Program is to recognize public schools that provide 16
365-strong services and support for military–connected students and their families when, as a 17
366-result of [military service] OFFICIAL ORDERS , a military–connected student transfers 18
367-schools. 19
608+18–604. 22
368609
369- (d) At a minimum, the Department’s criteria for a Purple Star School shall 20
370-require a public school to: 21
610+ (a) For purposes of this section, an individual served in the Afghanistan or Iraq 23
611+conflict if the individual was [a] AN ACTIVE SERVICE member [of the uniformed services 24
612+of the United States] who served in: 25
371613
372- (1) Designate a staff member as a [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES 22
373-liaison, whose duties shall include: 23
614+ (1) Afghanistan or contiguous air space, as defined in federal regulations, 26
615+on or after October 24, 2001; or 27
374616
375- (i) Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled 24
376-or soon to be enrolled at the school; 25
617+ (2) Iraq or contiguous waters or air space, as defined in federal regulations, 28
618+on or after March 19, 2003. 29
377619
378- (ii) Serving as the point of contact between the school and newly 26
379-enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students and their families; 27
380-
381- (iii) Determining appropriate school services available to newly 28
382-enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students; 29 SENATE BILL 276 9
620+ (c) An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this section if 30
621+the individual: 31 14 SENATE BILL 276
383622
384623
385624
386- (iv) Assisting in coordinating school programs for newly enrolled or 1
387-soon to be enrolled military–connected students; and 2
625+ (1) Is a resident of Maryland; 1
388626
389- (v) Generally aiding with a military–connected student’s transition 3
390-to a new school; 4
627+ (2) (i) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in the regular 2
628+undergraduate program at an eligible institution; or 3
391629
392-13–516. 5
630+ (ii) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal 4
631+certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an 5
632+accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution; and 6
393633
394- (b–1) (1) [In this subsection, “service member” means an individual who is an 6
395-active duty member of: 7
634+ (3) (i) 1. Is a veteran[, as defined under § 9–901 of the State 7
635+Government Article,] who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; 8
396636
397- (i) The armed forces of the United States; 8
637+ 2. Is an active [duty member of the armed forces] SERVICE 9
638+MEMBER who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or 10
398639
399- (ii) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or 9
640+ 3. Is a member of a reserve component [of the armed forces 11
641+of the United States or the Maryland National Guard] who was activated as a result of the 12
642+Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in subsection (a) of this section; or 13
400643
401- (iii) The National Guard of any state. 10
644+ (ii) Is a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or spouse of: 14
402645
403- (2) (i)] In calculating an individual’s years of experience in an 11
404-occupation or profession, the EMS Board shall give credit to the individual for all relevant 12
405-experience as [a] AN ACTIVE service member. 13
646+ 1. A veteran or AN active [duty] SERVICE member [of the 15
647+armed forces] who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or 16
406648
407- [(ii)] (2) The EMS Board shall credit any training and education 14
408-provided by the [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES and completed by [a] AN ACTIVE 15
409-service member toward any training or education requirements for licensure or certification 16
410-if the training or education is determined by the EMS Board to be: 17
649+ 2. A member of the reserve [or Maryland National Guard] 17
650+COMPONENT who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in 18
651+subsection (a) of this section. 19
411652
412- [1.] (I) Substantially equivalent to the training or 18
413-education required by the EMS Board; and 19
653+ (d) A scholarship awarded under this section may supplement, but is not 20
654+contingent on, any federal education benefits for which a recipient qualifies as a result of 21
655+an individual’s [military] service or status as a dependent of [a] AN ACTIVE SERVICE 22
656+member [of the armed forces] or of a veteran [of the armed forces]. 23
414657
415- [2.] (II) Not otherwise contrary to any other licensing 20
416-requirement. 21
658+18–708. 24
417659
418-15–106.4. 22
660+ (l) (7) The Office shall grant a deferment from the service obligation required 25
661+under this section to: 26
419662
420- (a) This section applies to the following individuals: 23
663+ (i) An [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who has been 27
664+assigned [military] duty outside the State; or 28
421665
422- (1) [An active duty member of the United States armed forces] AN ACTIVE 24
423-SERVICE MEMBER ; 25
666+ (ii) The spouse of an [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who 29
667+has been assigned [military] duty outside the State. 30
424668
425- (2) The spouse of [an active duty member of the United States armed 26
426-forces] AN ACTIVE SERVICE ME MBER; 27
427-
428- (3) A financially dependent child of [an active duty member of the United 28
429-States armed forces] AN ACTIVE SERVICE ME MBER; 29
430- 10 SENATE BILL 276
431-
432-
433- (4) [An honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces] A 1
434-VETERAN; or 2
435-
436- (5) A member of the National Guard as defined in § 13–405(a)(3) of the 3
437-Public Safety Article. 4
438-
439- (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual described in 5
440-subsection (a) of this section who attends a public institution of higher education in the 6
441-State is exempt from paying nonresident tuition at a public institution of higher education 7
442-in this State if: 8
443-
444- (1) The active [duty] SERVICE member [described in subsection (a) of this 9
445-section]: 10
446-
447- (i) Is stationed in this State; 11
448-
449- (ii) Resides in this State; or 12
450-
451- (iii) Is domiciled in this State; 13
452-
453- (2) The spouse or financially dependent child [described in subsection (a) 14
454-of this section] OF AN ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER presents documentation that, during 15
455-the time period in which the active [duty] SERVICE member met the requirements of 16
456-paragraph (1) of this subsection, the individual: 17
457-
458- (i) Enrolled as an entering student in a public institution of higher 18
459-education in the State; or 19
460-
461- (ii) Was accepted to attend a public institution of higher education 20
462-in the State; 21
463-
464- (3) The [honorably discharged] veteran [described in subsection (a) of this 22
465-section] presents documentation that the individual: 23
466-
467- (i) Was honorably discharged from the [United States armed forces] 24
468-UNIFORMED SERVICES ; and 25
469-
470- (ii) 1. Resides in this State; or 26
471-
472- 2. Is domiciled in this State; or 27
473-
474- (4) The National Guard member described in subsection (a) of this section 28
475-is a member of the Maryland National Guard and joined or subsequently serves in the 29
476-Maryland National Guard to: 30
477-
478- (i) Provide a Critical Military Occupational Skill; or 31 SENATE BILL 276 11
669+18–1910. 31 SENATE BILL 276 15
479670
480671
481672
482- (ii) Be a member of the Air Force Cri tical Specialty Code as 1
483-determined by the National Guard. 2
673+ (c) (2) The time that a qualified beneficiary spends in active duty as a member 1
674+of the [United States armed forces] UNIFORMED SERVICES shall be added to the time 2
675+period allowed to exercise the benefits under a prepaid contract before a termination under 3
676+paragraph (1) of this subsection. 4
484677
485-15124. 3
678+183005. 5
486679
487- (a) In this section, “eligible service member” means: 4
680+ To qualify for participation in the Program, an individual shall: 6
488681
489- (1) [A currently serving member of any branch of the armed forces of the 5
490-United States, including the National Guard and the military reserves] AN ACTIVE 6
491-SERVICE MEMBER ; and 7
682+ (1) (iv) 1. Have been honorably discharged from the [United States 7
683+armed forces, the National Guard,] UNIFORMED SERVICES or a reserve component [of the 8
684+United States armed forces] within 18 months of the date of application; 9
492685
493- (2) A veteran [of any branch of the armed forces of the United States, 8
494-including the National Guard and the military reserves, who has received an honorable 9
495-discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service]. 10
686+ 2. Be a resident of Maryland; and 10
496687
497-16–109. 11
688+ 3. Have graduated from a public or private nonprofit 11
689+institution of higher education; 12
498690
499- Each community college shall: 12
691+21–309. 13
500692
501- (1) Ensure all student advisors are trained on the unique needs and 13
502-resources available for students who are veterans; 14
693+ (a) (5) (ii) “Qualified employee with a disability” includes: 14
503694
504- (2) Employ at least one employee who, as a component of the employee’s 15
505-job duties and responsibilities, provides comprehensive and intensive enrollment and 16
506-advising services to current and prospective students who are veterans; and 17
695+ 1. An individual who has been determined by the Maryland 15
696+Department of Labor, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as 16
697+having been discharged or released from active duty in the [armed forces of the United 17
698+States] UNIFORMED SER VICES for a service–connected disability; and 18
507699
508- (3) Establish a veterans resource center on campus to: 18
700+Article – General Provisions 19
509701
510- (i) Provide access to federal and State veterans resources; 19
702+1–101.1. 20
511703
512- (ii) Serve as a quiet place for veterans to study; 20
704+ “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 21
705+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 22
513706
514- (iii) Enable veterans to connect to other veterans, helping them 21
515-renew the bonds of [military] service; and 22
707+1–101.2. 23
516708
517- (iv) Be the central hub for all activities on campus related to 23
518-veterans. 24
709+ “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 24
710+STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 25
519711
520-18205. 25
712+1103.1. 26
521713
522- Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Office shall grant 26
523-a deferment from the service obligation component of student financial assistance awarded 27
524-under this title to: 28
525- 12 SENATE BILL 276
714+ “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 27
715+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 28
716+ 16 SENATE BILL 276
526717
527718
528- (1) An [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER who has been assigned 1
529-[military] duty outside of the State; or 2
719+1–114.1. 1
530720
531- (2) The spouse of an [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who has been 3
532-assigned [military] duty outside of the State. 4
721+ “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 2
722+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 3
533723
534-18405. 5
724+1114.2. 4
535725
536- (d) Each Senator may award not more than 10% of the funds available under this 6
537-subtitle to applicants planning to attend accredited undergraduate, graduate, or 7
538-professional institutions outside the State, provided the applicant: 8
726+ “SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 5
727+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 6
539728
540- (3) Is an [individual who is on active duty with the United States military] 9
541-ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who is domiciled in this State. 10
729+1–116. 7
542730
543-18–406. 11
731+ “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 8
732+GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 9
544733
545- (g) A recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is an [individual who is on active 12
546-duty with the United States military] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R and otherwise meets the 13
547-conditions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be domiciled in this State rather than 14
548-eligible for in–State tuition under this article. 15
734+1–117. 10
549735
550-18–501. 16
736+ With respect to any State program of benefits, rights, or privileges applicable to a 11
737+veteran under this Code, “veteran” includes[, if the individual is eligible under 38 U.S.C. § 12
738+101, a member of the commissioned corps of: 13
551739
552- (b) A scholarship awarded under this subtitle may be used at: 17
740+ (1) the Public Health Service; or 14
553741
554- (2) An accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional institution 18
555-outside the State, if the applicant: 19
742+ (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its 15
743+predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey] AN INDIVIDUAL WHO ME ETS THE 16
744+DEFINITION OF “VETERAN” UNDER § 9–901 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 17
556745
557- (iii) Is an [individual who is on active duty with the United States 20
558-military] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who is domiciled in this State; and 21
746+Article – State Government 18
559747
560- Subtitle 6. Scholarships for [Military] UNIFORMED SERVICES and Public Safety 22
561-Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees. 23
748+9–901. 19
562749
563-18–601. 24
750+ (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 20
564751
565- (c) (1) The program for [military] UNIFORMED SERVICES and public safety 25
566-personnel and their eligible dependents is the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial 26
567-Scholarship Program. 27
752+ (B) “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 21
568753
569- (d) (2) To apply for a scholarship under this section, the following persons are 28
570-required to be a resident of Maryland at the time of application or at the time of the 29
571-disabling or fatal event: 30
572- SENATE BILL 276 13
754+ (C) “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS: 22
573755
756+ (1) AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBE R OF THE UNIFORMED S ERVICES; OR 23
574757
575- (i) A son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or the surviving spouse 1
576-of a member of the [armed forces] UNIFORMED SERVICES who: 2
758+ (2) SERVING IN A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE UNI FORMED 24
759+SERVICES ON ACTIVE D UTY ORDERS. 25
577760
578- 1. Died as a result of [military] service after December 7, 3
579-1941; 4
761+ [(b)] (D) “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 10 U.S.C. § 101. 26
580762
581- 2. Suffered a service connected 100% permanent disability 5
582-after December 7, 1941; or 6
583-
584- 3. Was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action, 7
585-if that occurred on or after January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict, and if the 8
586-child was born prior to or while the parent was a prisoner of war or missing in action; 9
587-
588- (ii) A prisoner of war or missing in action, if that occurred on or after 10
589-January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict and was a resident of this State at the 11
590-time the person was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; 12
591-
592- (iii) A veteran[, as defined under § 9–901 of the State Government 13
593-Article,] who: 14
594-
595- 1. Suffers a service connected disability of 25% or greater; 15
596-and 16
597-
598- 2. Has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans’ 17
599-educational benefits; 18
600-
601- (iv) A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of or the surviving 19
602-spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; 20
603-
604- (v) A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a school employee 21
605-who, as a result of an act of violence: 22
606-
607- 1. Died in the line of duty; or 23
608-
609- 2. Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the 24
610-school employee 100% disabled; or 25
611-
612- (vi) The surviving spouse of a school employee who, as a result of an 26
613-act of violence: 27
614-
615- 1. Died in the line of duty; or 28
616-
617- 2. Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the 29
618-school employee 100% disabled. 30
619-
620-18–604. 31
621- 14 SENATE BILL 276
622-
623-
624- (a) For purposes of this section, an individual served in the Afghanistan or Iraq 1
625-conflict if the individual was [a] AN ACTIVE SERVICE member [of the uniformed services 2
626-of the United States] who served in: 3
627-
628- (1) Afghanistan or contiguous air space, as defined in federal regulations, 4
629-on or after October 24, 2001; or 5
630-
631- (2) Iraq or contiguous waters or air space, as defined in federal regulations, 6
632-on or after March 19, 2003. 7
633-
634- (c) An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this section if 8
635-the individual: 9
636-
637- (1) Is a resident of Maryland; 10
638-
639- (2) (i) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in the regular 11
640-undergraduate program at an eligible institution; or 12
641-
642- (ii) Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal 13
643-certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an 14
644-accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution; and 15
645-
646- (3) (i) 1. Is a veteran[, as defined under § 9–901 of the State 16
647-Government Article,] who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; 17
648-
649- 2. Is an active [duty member of the armed forces] SERVICE 18
650-MEMBER who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or 19
651-
652- 3. Is a member of a reserve component [of the armed forces 20
653-of the United States or the Maryland National Guard] who was activated as a result of the 21
654-Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in subsection (a) of this section; or 22
655-
656- (ii) Is a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or spouse of: 23
657-
658- 1. A veteran or AN active [duty] SERVICE member [of the 24
659-armed forces] who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or 25
660-
661- 2. A member of the reserve [or Maryland National Guard] 26
662-COMPONENT who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in 27
663-subsection (a) of this section. 28
664-
665- (d) A scholarship awarded under this section may supplement, but is not 29
666-contingent on, any federal education benefits for which a recipient qualifies as a result of 30
667-an individual’s [military] service or status as a dependent of [a] AN ACTIVE SERVICE 31
668-member [of the armed forces] or of a veteran [of the armed forces]. 32
669- SENATE BILL 276 15
670-
671-
672-18–708. 1
673-
674- (l) (7) The Office shall grant a deferment from the service obligation required 2
675-under this section to: 3
676-
677- (i) An [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who has been 4
678-assigned [military] duty outside the State; or 5
679-
680- (ii) The spouse of an [individual] ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBE R who 6
681-has been assigned [military] duty outside the State. 7
682-
683-18–1910. 8
684-
685- (c) (2) The time that a qualified beneficiary spends in active duty as a member 9
686-of the [United States armed forces] UNIFORMED SERVICES shall be added to the time 10
687-period allowed to exercise the benefits under a prepaid contract before a termination under 11
688-paragraph (1) of this subsection. 12
689-
690-18–3005. 13
691-
692- To qualify for participation in the Program, an individual shall: 14
693-
694- (1) (iv) 1. Have been honorably discharged from the [United States 15
695-armed forces, the National Guard,] UNIFORMED SERVICES or a reserve component [of the 16
696-United States armed forces] within 18 months of the date of application; 17
697-
698- 2. Be a resident of Maryland; and 18
699-
700- 3. Have graduated from a public or private nonprofit 19
701-institution of higher education; 20
702-
703-21–309. 21
704-
705- (a) (5) (ii) “Qualified employee with a disability” includes: 22
706-
707- 1. An individual who has been determined by the Maryland 23
708-Department of Labor, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as 24
709-having been discharged or released from active duty in the [armed forces of the United 25
710-States] UNIFORMED SERVICES for a service–connected disability; and 26
711-
712-Article – General Provisions 27
713-
714-1–101.1. 28
715-
716- “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 29
717-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 30 16 SENATE BILL 276
763+ (E) “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Veterans Trust. 27 SENATE BILL 276 17
718764
719765
720766
721-1–101.2. 1
767+ [(c)] (F) “Department” means the Department of Veterans and Military 1
768+Families. 2
722769
723- “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE 2
724-STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 3
770+ (G) “MILITARY FAMILY ” INCLUDES T HE SPOUSE AND DEPEND ENT 3
771+CHILDREN OF A SERVIC E MEMBER OR VETERAN RELATED BY BLOOD , MARRIAGE, OR 4
772+ADOPTION. 5
725773
726-1–103.1. 4
774+ (H) “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 6
727775
728- “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 5
729-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 6
776+ [(d)] (I) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families. 7
730777
731-1–114.1. 7
778+ (J) “SERVICE MEMBER ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS A MEMBER OF: 8
732779
733- “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 8
734-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 9
780+ (1) THE UNIFORMED SERVIC ES; OR 9
735781
736-1–114.2. 10
782+ (2) A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE UNIFORMED SER VICES. 10
737783
738- “SERVICE MEMBER ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 11
739-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 12
784+ [(e)] (K) “Trust” means the Maryland Veterans Trust. 11
740785
741-1–116. 13
786+ (L) “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 12
742787
743- “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 14
744-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 15
788+ [(f)] (M) Except as otherwise provided [in this subtitle], “veteran” [means an 13
789+individual who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than 14
790+for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable] HAS 15
791+THE MEANING STATED I N 38 U.S.C. § 101. 16
745792
746-1–117. 16
747-
748- (A) “VETERAN” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–901 OF THE STATE 17
749-GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 18
750-
751- (B) With respect to any State program of benefits, rights, or privileges applicable 19
752-to a veteran under this Code, “veteran” includes[, if the individual is eligible under 38 20
753-U.S.C. § 101, a member of the commissioned corps of: 21
754-
755- (1) the Public Health Service; or 22
756-
757- (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its 23
758-predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey] AN INDIVIDUAL WHO ME ETS THE 24
759-DEFINITION OF “VETERAN” UNDER § 9–901 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 25
760-
761-Article – State Government 26
762-
763-9–901. 27
764- SENATE BILL 276 17
765-
766-
767- (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 1
768-
769- (B) “ACTIVE DUTY” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 2
770-
771- (C) “ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBER ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS: 3
772-
773- (1) AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMB ER OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES; OR 4
774-
775- (2) SERVING IN A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE UNI FORMED 5
776-SERVICES ON ACTIVE D UTY ORDERS. 6
777-
778- [(b)] (D) “ARMED FORCES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 10 U.S.C. § 101. 7
779-
780- (E) “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Veterans Trust. 8
781-
782- [(c)] (F) “Department” means the Department of Veterans and Military 9
783-Families. 10
784-
785- (G) “MILITARY FAMILY ” INCLUDES THE SPOUSE AND DEPENDENT 11
786-CHILDREN OF A SERVIC E MEMBER OR VETERAN RELATED BY BLOOD , MARRIAGE, OR 12
787-ADOPTION. 13
788-
789- (H) “RESERVE COMPONENT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 14
790-
791- [(d)] (I) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families. 15
792-
793- (J) “SERVICE MEMBER ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS A MEMBER OF : 16
794-
795- (1) THE UNIFORMED SERVIC ES; OR 17
796-
797- (2) A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES . 18
798-
799- [(e)] (K) “Trust” means the Maryland Veterans Trust. 19
800-
801- (L) “UNIFORMED SERVICES ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN 37 U.S.C. § 101. 20
802-
803- [(f)] (M) Except as otherwise provided [in this subtitle], “veteran” [means an 21
804-individual who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than 22
805-for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable] HAS 23
806-THE MEANING STATED I N 38 U.S.C. § 101. 24
807-
808- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effe ct July 25
809-1, 2025. 26
810-
793+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 17
794+1, 2025. 18