MD SB628

Postsecondary institutions must submit annual reports on institutional debt (tuition, room and board, fees owed by students) to the Maryland Higher Education Commission by October 1 each year, starting in 2027

Reports must include debt data disaggregated by demographics (race, ethnicity, age, gender, residency status, enrollment status), collection activities, administrative holds preventing course enrollment or degree conferral, and accounts sent to third-party collectors or litigation

The Commission must submit a summary report to the General Assembly by December 1 each year

Institutions that fail to submit reports or knowingly include inaccurate information face civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, with 20 days to request a hearing and 30 days to correct deficiencies after receiving notice

The bill takes effect July 1, 2026