MD HB531

State Department of Education must study existing STEM and robotics extracurricular programs in Maryland high schools, examining administration requirements, participation requirements, funding sources, and barriers to establishing new programs

Department must recommend on the feasibility of adopting uniform statewide standards for STEM/robotics programs, establishing competitive programs in every public school, and creating competitive robotics as a varsity sport in high schools

Report with findings and recommendations due to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027

Act takes effect July 1, 2026 (originally proposed a Task Force structure, but amendments shifted responsibility directly to the Department of Education)