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HB 1075

Higher Education - Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program - Eligible Institutions

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Smith

HB 1075 expands Maryland's graduate and professional scholarship program to include additional eligible institutions, passing unanimously and requiring appropriations adjustment.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 673
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Bill Summary · HB 1075

Legislative bill overview

HB 1075 expands the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program by adding new eligible institutions beyond those previously covered. The bill passed third reading unanimously (131-0) on March 18, 2026, indicating broad legislative support. The measure went through appropriations review, suggesting it has fiscal implications for state education funding.

Why is this important

This expansion directly affects graduate and professional students' access to state scholarships, potentially increasing educational opportunity and affordability in Maryland's higher education system. The inclusion of additional institutions signals a policy decision about which schools deserve state investment and which student populations the state prioritizes supporting.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The appropriations review indicates this program expansion requires additional state funding; lawmakers must weigh this against other budget priorities
  • Institutional equity: Questions about which institutions were added and why, and whether the expansion adequately addresses geographic or programmatic gaps across the state
  • Eligibility criteria: Unclear what "eligible institutions" means and whether private institutions, for-profit schools, or out-of-state universities are now included, affecting program scope and cost

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

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