MD SB755

Students in informal kinship care relationships must be considered independent by the Maryland Higher Education Commission for state student financial aid purposes, meaning their caregiver's income would not be counted in eligibility determinations.

To qualify for a Guaranteed Access Grant under this provision, students must participate in an informal kinship care relationship licensed by the Department of Human Services and provide an affidavit submitted to the county board verifying the relationship.

The bill amends Education Article sections 18-303 and 18-303.1(c) of the Annotated Code of Maryland to add this new category of independent students.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.