MD HB562

County governing bodies must increase their annual school operating budget appropriations by an inflation adjustment, calculated as the lesser of the state/local government price deflator, the Washington Metro Area Consumer Price Index, or 5%

The minimum local appropriation equals the prior year's per-pupil funding multiplied by current enrollment, now increased by the inflation adjustment

If both inflation indices show no increase for the second prior fiscal year, the inflation adjustment defaults to 0%

Amends Section 5-235(a) of the Maryland Education Article to add the inflation adjustment requirement to existing maintenance of effort calculations

Takes effect July 1, 2026