MD SB529

Establishes the Southern Maryland Early College Teacher Pathway Program to create a structured, credit-bearing pathway for high school students to begin preparation for careers in primary and secondary education, with a focus on historically underrepresented and rural students.

Requires the University System of Maryland to develop the program and teacher preparation pathway in consultation with the State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, bridging high schools, community colleges, and USM regional higher education centers in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties.

Creates a Program Workgroup — including representatives from the Governor's office, General Assembly, State Superintendent, USM Chancellor, presidents of UMD College Park, Towson University, and the College of Southern Maryland, and local county superintendents — to design the program and report findings to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2029.

Requires the Governor to include $250,000 in the annual budget bill for each of fiscal years 2028 and 2029 to support program development.

Classifies participating students as dually enrolled, exempting them from paying any tuition, mandatory fees, or other costs related to program enrollment; the Act takes effect July 1, 2026.