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HB 19

Higher Education - Maryland Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Toles

Maryland establishes a public service loan forgiveness program to reduce educational debt for state workers in qualifying sectors, addressing workforce shortages and student debt burdens.

First Reading Appropriations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 19

Legislative bill overview

HB 19 establishes a Maryland Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program designed to incentivize public service employment by providing loan forgiveness benefits to state residents who work in qualifying public service sectors. The bill creates a framework for eligible borrowers to have educational debt reduced or eliminated after meeting specified service requirements and employment criteria.

Why is this important

Student loan debt significantly impacts workforce participation and career choices, particularly in lower-wage public service fields like education, healthcare, and government work. By reducing financial barriers to public service careers, this program aims to address workforce shortages in critical sectors while improving financial stability for participating workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and sustainability: The state budget implications are unclear—program costs could be substantial depending on participation rates, eligibility scope, and forgiveness amounts, raising questions about funding mechanisms and long-term affordability
  • Eligibility and fairness concerns: Defining which public service positions qualify may create disputes; workers in excluded sectors could argue inequitable treatment, and questions arise about retroactive coverage versus prospective benefits only
  • Program design specifics: The bill lacks details on forgiveness percentages, loan types covered (federal vs. private), service duration requirements, and whether benefits apply to existing debt or new borrowing, creating implementation uncertainty

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

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