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SB 511

Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan Requirements (Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shaneka Henson

Maryland public universities must create support plans addressing childcare, housing, and finances for pregnant and parenting students to improve educational completion rates.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 335
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Bill Summary · SB 511

Legislative bill overview

SB 511 requires Maryland's public senior higher education institutions to develop and implement comprehensive support plans for pregnant and parenting students. These plans must address childcare, housing, food security, healthcare, financial aid, and academic accommodations to help these students succeed in their education.

Why is this important

Pregnant and parenting students face significant barriers to degree completion, including financial strain, childcare responsibilities, and lack of institutional support. By mandating formal support plans, this legislation aims to improve retention rates and educational outcomes for a vulnerable student population while reducing inequality in higher education access.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Public universities must allocate resources to develop childcare services, emergency housing, and specialized advising without explicit new state funding guarantees
  • Compliance flexibility: The bill requires "plans" but may lack enforcement mechanisms to ensure institutions actually implement substantive services versus creating paperwork compliance
  • Student privacy concerns: Collecting and tracking pregnancy/parenting status could create privacy issues or unintended discrimination during admissions or academic planning processes

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

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