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SB 960

Maryland Public Charter School Program - School Facilities - Funding

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Rosapepe

SB 960 restructures Maryland's charter school facility funding system to provide capital support for building and maintaining charter school properties.

Motion Special Order until 4/9 (Senator Rosapepe) Adopted
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Bill Summary · SB 960

Legislative bill overview

SB 960 modifies Maryland's public charter school funding mechanism, specifically addressing how charter schools obtain and finance their facilities. The bill restructures the financial support available to charter schools for capital projects and facility-related expenses, moving through the budget process with amendments in spring 2026.

Why is this important

Charter schools serve a significant portion of Maryland's student population but have historically faced barriers in securing adequate facilities funding compared to traditional public schools. This bill directly affects whether charter schools can access competitive facilities funding, which impacts their ability to open new schools, expand capacity, and maintain quality learning environments across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Whether the new funding mechanism adequately addresses the historical disadvantage charter schools face in accessing capital compared to district schools, or whether it favors one sector over another
  • Cost and scope: The fiscal impact on the state budget and whether sufficient funding is allocated to meaningfully support charter school facility needs without straining other educational priorities
  • Implementation complexity: Whether the amended provisions create clear, workable mechanisms for charter schools to access funds, or introduce bureaucratic obstacles that defeat the bill's purpose

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

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