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MD HB818
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Elizabeth Embry
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AI Summary
- Maryland public institutions of higher education would be required to provide free room and board, books, course materials, supplies, and equipment to foster care recipients and homeless youth who qualify for the existing tuition exemption and enroll as students
- "Room and board" covers on-campus housing and food charges, or 100% of the institution's estimated cost for off-campus housing and food, but excludes transportation and other personal living costs
- Scholarships or grants received by eligible students may not be applied to tuition but may be applied to cover room and board or required books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
- Eligibility requires enrollment before age 25 as a candidate for a vocational certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree, with benefits lasting up to 10 years after first enrollment or until a bachelor's degree is awarded
- Effective July 1, 2026, with institutions required to report annually by June 1 to the Commission on the number of students receiving the tuition exemption and accompanying benefits, disaggregated by demographics
Legislative Description
Higher Education - Foster Care Recipients and Homeless Youth - Tuition Exemption and Associated Benefits
Equipment
Last Action
Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.
2/20/2026
Committee Referrals
Appropriations2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available