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Bill

SB 101

Higher Education - Loan Repayment and Scholarships for Correctional Officers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dalya Attar and 4 co-sponsors

Maryland bill establishes loan repayment and scholarship programs for correctional officers to improve recruitment and retention in state prisons.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 679
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Bill Summary · SB 101

Legislative bill overview

SB 101 establishes a loan repayment assistance program and scholarship opportunities for correctional officers in Maryland. The bill aims to recruit and retain qualified individuals in correctional facilities by offering financial incentives to offset educational debt and support ongoing professional development.

Why is this important

Correctional facilities nationwide face chronic staffing shortages and high turnover rates, which compromise facility safety and operational effectiveness. By making correctional work financially more attractive through education benefits, Maryland could reduce recruitment costs, improve officer retention, and potentially enhance working conditions and training quality in its prison system.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear—specifically how much the program will cost and whether funding comes from new appropriations or reallocation from existing budgets
  • Program eligibility and fairness: Questions about whether benefits should apply equally to all correctional officers (new vs. current, part-time vs. full-time) and whether similar programs exist for other essential state workers (teachers, social workers, etc.)
  • Effectiveness and accountability: Limited evidence exists on whether loan repayment programs significantly improve retention in correctional work, and the bill may lack provisions for measuring success or accountability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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