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HB 941

University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Land-Grant Institution - Funding (Land-Grant Equity and Accountability Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 25 co-sponsors

Maryland bill dedicates equitable state funding to University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a historically underfunded land-grant institution, to address systemic disparities in higher education resources.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 941

Legislative bill overview

HB 941 establishes the "Land-Grant Equity and Accountability Act," which aims to provide dedicated funding and resources to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to fulfill its land-grant institution mission. The bill addresses historical funding disparities between UMES and other Maryland land-grant institutions by mandating equitable appropriations and accountability measures.

Why is this important

UMES, a historically Black university and land-grant institution, has historically received significantly less funding than peer land-grant universities despite serving similar public missions. This bill directly affects educational access and quality for thousands of students, particularly students of color in rural and underserved Maryland communities, while also influencing the state's agricultural research and extension programs.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Requires new appropriations during tight fiscal periods, forcing legislators to identify funding sources or potentially reduce allocations elsewhere
  • Definition of "equity": Debate over what constitutes fair funding levels—whether matching peer institutions, adjusting for student population differences, or other metrics
  • Implementation timeline: Unclear whether funding increases are phased gradually or required immediately, affecting budget planning across state agencies
  • Accountability mechanisms: Questions about what specific performance metrics UMES must meet to justify enhanced funding and whether those standards are realistic given historical underfunding

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

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