MD HB1544

Establishes the Maryland Justice Corps Program within the University System of Maryland, jointly administered by the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law, with applications accepted beginning July 1, 2027

Creates an alternative pathway to law licensure for graduates of the two participating law schools who have not taken the Maryland Bar Examination and commit to a 3-year term with an approved supervising organization

Provides participants an annual salary of $75,000, a $15,000 housing stipend, and up to $30,000 per year toward law school student loan debt, with costs split 50/50 between the State and the supervising organization

Prioritizes placement with supervising organizations that work in underserved areas of Maryland or specialize in underserved legal areas

Takes effect October 1, 2026