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SB 864

Higher Education - Tuition Exemption for Foster Care Recipients - Eligibility

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alonzo Washington

Maryland bill expands tuition exemptions for foster care recipients in higher education, potentially increasing educational access for vulnerable youth while increasing state education costs.

Returned Passed
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Bill Summary · SB 864

Legislative bill overview

SB 864 expands tuition exemption eligibility for foster care recipients in Maryland's higher education system. The bill modifies existing provisions to broaden who qualifies for this financial assistance, removing or adjusting current restrictions on age, time in care, or other eligibility criteria that previously limited access to the exemption.

Why is this important

Foster youth face significant barriers to educational attainment and economic mobility, with lower college enrollment and completion rates than peers. Expanding tuition exemptions directly reduces financial obstacles for a vulnerable population while potentially increasing degree completion rates and long-term earning potential, benefiting both individuals and Maryland's workforce development.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanding eligibility increases state expenditure on higher education without clear indication of budget offsets or total cost estimates
  • Definition of eligibility: Broadening criteria could create administrative complexity in verifying foster care status and determining qualifying thresholds
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether expanded exemptions should apply to private institutions, community colleges only, or all public universities, and potential disparities in benefits across institution types

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

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