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HB 3

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Dependents of State or Local Public Safety Employees (Maryland Fallen Heroes Tuition Benefits Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barry Beauchamp and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland bill exempts dependents of deceased or permanently disabled public safety workers from out-of-state tuition at state universities, reducing education costs for these families.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 798
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Bill Summary · HB 3

Legislative bill overview

HB 3 would exempt dependents of deceased or permanently disabled Maryland state and local public safety employees from paying out-of-state tuition rates at Maryland public higher education institutions. The bill creates a tuition benefit for families of police officers, firefighters, and similar public safety workers who died or became permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Why is this important

Public safety workers face occupational hazards that can result in death or permanent disability, leaving families with significant financial burdens. This bill addresses that hardship by reducing college costs for their dependents, potentially making higher education more accessible to these families. The policy recognizes the sacrifice these workers make and provides tangible support to their families during vulnerable times.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill could reduce tuition revenue for public universities and may require state appropriations to offset lost institutional revenue, raising questions about funding mechanisms
  • Scope definition: Determining which employees qualify as "public safety" (does it include corrections officers, emergency dispatchers, animal control?) could create disputes about fairness and consistency
  • Precedent concerns: Creating tuition exemptions for one occupational group may prompt similar requests from families of other state/local employees or individuals in high-risk professions, potentially expanding costs significantly

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

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