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SB 597

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Corderman and 1 co-sponsor

The bill adds Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine as an eligible institution for Maryland graduate scholarships.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 383
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Bill Summary · SB 597

SB 597 — Higher Education: Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program — Eligible Institutions (Chapter 383)

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 383). Effective date: July 1, 2025.
Companion: HB 704.

Purpose

SB 597 amends the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to expand the list of eligible institutions by adding the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. The change makes students attending that school eligible to receive program awards.

Key provisions

  • Amends Education Article §18‑2601 to include the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine among named eligible institutions for the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program.
  • Retains existing program rules:
    • Scholarships target full‑time and part‑time students in graduate/professional fields (medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, nursing, social work, veterinary medicine).
    • Recipients must be Maryland residents and demonstrate financial need under criteria set by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
    • Award size: $1,000 to $5,000 per school year.
    • Maximum duration: awards may not be received for more than eight semesters.
    • MHEC allocates program funds to institutions based on the proportion of State residents enrolled in eligible programs; institutions distribute awards to students and must submit annual audits of fund use.
    • Program funding is provided in the annual State budget; MHEC adopts implementation regulations and guidelines.

Who is affected

  • Newly eligible: Maryland residents enrolled at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine who meet the program’s financial‑need criteria.
  • Existing eligible institutions and their students: because allocation is proportional to enrollment, adding an eligible institution without additional appropriations could reduce each current institution’s share of the existing pool of program funds.

Fiscal impact / implementation

  • The fiscal note states the bill itself does not require additional State spending; MHEC can make administrative changes with existing resources.
  • The fiscal 2026 budget (as passed) included $1.2 million for the program. In fiscal 2024 the program awarded $336,000 to 289 recipients.
  • Because MHEC allocates funds proportionally to resident enrollment at eligible institutions, including Meritus without additional funding is likely to dilute funding available to currently eligible institutions and students.
  • No local government or small‑business fiscal effect identified.

Timeline / procedure

  • Enacted as Chapter 383 and approved by Governor May 6, 2025.
  • Effective July 1, 2025.
  • MHEC is responsible for updating allocations, applicant guidance, and administrative processes to incorporate the newly eligible institution.

Summary prepared from statutory text and the Department of Legislative Services fiscal note for SB 597 (2025).

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

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