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HB 976

Primary and Secondary Education - Funding Accuracy and Full-Time Equivalent Enrollment Count - Alterations and Report (Education Funding Accuracy Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Anderson and 29 co-sponsors

HB 976 tightens Maryland's school enrollment counting to ensure accurate state funding distribution through improved FTE reporting and verification audits.

Reassigned to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 976

Legislative bill overview

HB 976 establishes requirements for more accurate counting and reporting of full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment in Maryland's primary and secondary schools, which directly affects state education funding allocations. The bill mandates alterations to how schools calculate and report enrollment figures, with provisions for regular auditing and accuracy verification to ensure funding is distributed based on precise student counts.

Why is this important

Education funding in Maryland is largely formula-driven based on enrollment numbers, meaning inaccurate counts directly result in schools receiving more or less state money than warranted. Discrepancies between actual and reported enrollment can distort resource allocation across districts, potentially disadvantaging some communities while over-funding others, making this a consequential accountability measure for taxpayers and students alike.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Schools may face significant administrative costs and staffing requirements to implement new counting methodologies and reporting systems, potentially diverting resources from classrooms
  • Retroactive liability: Unclear whether the bill includes provisions addressing past funding discrepancies or only applies prospectively, which could create disputes over historical overpayments
  • Definition disputes: The specific methodology for calculating FTE enrollment (part-time vs. full-time thresholds, special education weighting, virtual students) may be contentious, as different approaches benefit different districts

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

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