Each public institution of higher education shall accept for admission any graduate of an approved public high school: Who is certified by his high school principal, based on standards of the State Board of Education, as qualified to pursue a course of study at the institution; or Who meets the admission standards of the institution. Each public institution of higher education may accept, for special admission any student who has: Completed the seventh grade; and A scholastic aptitude test combined score of 1,200 or an equivalent score on a nationally accepted college entrance examination. This subsection does not affect the State or local share of aid provided pursuant to § 5–202 of this article to the secondary school in which the student is enrolled.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “CCR standard” has the meaning stated in § 7–205.1(a) of this article. “High school” means a public school in the State that offers a program of instruction for at least grades 11 and 12, including a virtual school established under Title 7, Subtitle 14 of this article. Beginning in the 2028–2029 academic year, there is a direct admission program at participating public senior higher education institutions for eligible high school students who meet the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding entered into under subsection (c) of this section. The Commission, the Department, the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland shall: Establish eligibility requirements for the direct admission program, which shall include, at minimum, completion of the CCR standard and a minimum high school grade point average; and Enter into a memorandum of understanding that specifies the eligibility requirements for the direct admission program. A high school student is eligible for direct admission to a participating public senior higher education institution under this section if the student: Has completed or is expected to complete all of the prerequisite courses that are required by the institution to which the student applies by the student’s anticipated matriculation date; Meets the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding; Applies for admission to an institution: By the required application deadline established by the institution; and During grade 12 of high school; Meets the other course requirements established by the institution, if any; and Meets the additional criteria established by the institution, if any. A public senior higher education institution may choose to participate in the direct admission program under this section. If a public senior higher education institution chooses to participate in the direct admission program, the participating institution shall: Agree to use the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding; Determine any additional courses or criteria needed for a student to qualify for direct admission to the institution, if any; and Report the additional requirements under item 2 of this item to the Commission each year; Waive the application fee for students who apply for direct admission to the institution; and Offer conditional direct admission to each high school student who meets the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding. A participating institution may: Verify any information required by the institution and provided by a high school student indicating eligibility for direct admission under this section; and Revoke a student’s offer of direct admission at the institution if the student: Is not awarded a high school diploma before the student’s anticipated matriculation date; Does not meet the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding; Engages in academic misconduct; or After the student’s application is submitted, experiences significantly declining grades that, under the institution’s standard application process, would justify the institution revoking an offer for admission. The Department and the Commission jointly shall establish a process for notifying the Commission of each high school student in the State who has met the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding each school year. The Commission shall establish a process to offer conditional direct admission from each participating institution to each eligible high school student. The provisions in this section do not guarantee a high school student eligible for direct admission placement in any specific program offered by the participating institution or to any specific college, school, or functional equivalent within the participating institution to which the student applies.

Each public institution of higher education may honor credit cards as payment for: Tuition and fees; Room and board; and Any goods or services purchased from other auxiliary enterprises. The governing boards of the institutions shall determine which credit cards are acceptable for this purpose. However, a public institution may not accept a credit card from any credit card company which charges that institution a vendor discount, service charge or similar fee in excess of 2.5 percent.

Each public institution of higher education that provides access to its campus or its student information directory to any person or group which makes students aware of occupational or educational options shall provide access on the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of this State and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military.

It is the public policy of the State that endowment funds of public institutions of higher education and gifts, donations, bequests, private endowments, and private grants received by public institutions of higher education or their governing boards, including any income therefrom: Shall be used in accordance with the wishes of the donors; and May not be used as a substitute for State General Fund appropriations. The public institutions of higher education are encouraged to promote private fundraising by strengthening institutional development activities and by maintaining relationships with affiliated foundations. Affiliated foundations that are independently established for this purpose shall operate subject to policies adopted by the governing boards and be approved for form and legal sufficiency by the Attorney General. The presidents of the University System of Maryland constituent institutions may establish campus–based foundations. Each foundation need not be approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland but shall operate subject to policies adopted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland in consultation with the presidents of the University System of Maryland constituent institutions. An affiliated foundation established and operated under this subsection may not be considered an agency or instrumentality of the State or a unit of the Executive Branch for any purpose. A financial obligation or liability of an affiliated foundation established and operated under this subsection may not be considered a debt or an obligation of the State or the University System of Maryland. Sections 5–501 through 5–504 of the General Provisions Article do not bar an official or employee of a public institution of higher education from becoming a director, official, or employee of an independent foundation organized to foster fundraising and provide related services for the benefit of the institution. No funds shall be accepted from an affiliated foundation by a public institution of postsecondary education unless the fiscal affairs of the affiliated foundation are audited annually by an independent certified public accountant.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing boards of the public institutions of higher education may transfer any personnel position from one program to any other program under such governing board’s jurisdiction without the approval of any other officer, board, department, or agency of the State, provided that the total number of positions for all of the programs under the governing board’s jurisdiction does not exceed the total number of authorized positions for all the programs under the board’s jurisdiction as provided in the annual budget bill or its supporting documents.

Each governing board shall develop a policy for the waiver of tuition, and may develop a policy for the waiver of room and board, for faculty and employees of public institutions of higher education and their children who attend public institutions of higher education in the State.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Foster care recipient” means an individual who: Was placed in an out–of–home placement by the Department of Human Services; and Resided in an out–of–home placement on the individual’s 18th birthday or at the time the individual graduated from high school or successfully completed a GED; or Resided in an out–of–home placement on or after the individual’s 8th birthday for at least 1 year and was placed into guardianship, adopted, or reunited with at least one of the individual’s parents. “Foster care recipient” includes a younger sibling of an individual described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph if the younger sibling is concurrently placed into guardianship or adopted out of an out–of–home placement by the same guardianship or adoptive family. “Homeless youth” means a child or youth who: Has had a consistent presence in the State for at least 1 year before enrollment in a public institution of higher education that is documented by school, employment, or other records; and Has been verified as a homeless child or youth, as defined by the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act, at any time during the 24 months immediately preceding the student’s enrollment in a public institution of higher education or while the student is enrolled in a public institution of higher education by: The Director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit entity that receives public or private funding to provide services to persons experiencing homelessness; A local educational agency liaison for children and youth experiencing homelessness designated in accordance with the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act; A school counselor; A school social worker; The Director or a designee of a federal or State outreach and student services program designed to identify and provide services to economically disadvantaged individuals; The Director or a designee of a federal or State program for providing early awareness and readiness for undergraduate programs; or The Director or a designee of the Director of a financial aid department at the public institution of higher education in which the youth is enrolled or seeks to enroll. “Out–of–home placement” has the meaning stated in § 5–501 of the Family Law Article. “Tuition” means the charges imposed by a public institution of higher education for enrollment at the institution. “Tuition” includes charges for registration and all fees required as a condition of enrollment in credit–bearing and noncredit courses offered during the fall, winter, spring, or summer term. “Vocational certificate” means a certificate or license awarded by a public institution of higher education on completion of a course of study that prepares an individual to work in a career field by taking credit–bearing courses or noncredit courses. A foster care recipient or homeless youth is exempt from paying any tuition at a public institution of higher education, regardless of that foster care recipient’s or homeless youth’s receipt of any scholarship or grant if: The foster care recipient or homeless youth is enrolled at the institution on or before the date that the foster care recipient or homeless youth reaches the age of 25 years; The foster care recipient or homeless youth is enrolled as a candidate for a vocational certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree; and The foster care recipient or homeless youth has filed for federal and State financial aid. If a foster care recipient or homeless youth receives a scholarship or grant for postsecondary study and is enrolled before the recipient’s 25th birthday as a candidate for a vocational certificate, an associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree at a public institution of higher education, the scholarship or grant may not be applied to the tuition for the foster care recipient or homeless youth. A foster care recipient or homeless youth who is exempt from tuition under this section continues to be exempt until the earlier of: 10 years after first enrolling as a candidate for an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree at a public institution of higher education in the State; or The date that the foster care recipient or homeless youth is awarded a bachelor’s degree. If a public institution of higher education provides on–campus housing, a foster care recipient or homeless youth who is exempt from tuition under this section shall receive priority consideration for on–campus housing at the institution at which the student is enrolled. If a public institution of higher education determines that a student is a homeless youth, on request of the student, a public institution of higher education shall notify any public institution of higher education in which the student subsequently enrolls of the student’s designation as a homeless youth. If a public institution of higher education receives notice of a student’s designation as a homeless youth under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the public institution of higher education shall designate the student as a homeless youth. Each public institution of higher education shall: Designate a homeless and foster student liaison within its financial aid office or another appropriate office within the institution; Ensure that the homeless and foster student liaison has expertise in the financial aid eligibility of homeless and foster students; and Include as part of the homeless and foster student liaison’s duties providing assistance to homeless and foster students in applying for federal and State financial aid or other assistance for which they may be eligible; Inform current and prospective students about the homeless and foster student liaison and the services the liaison provides; and Make the application for the tuition exemption established under this section available to prospective and current students; and Notify students of the availability of the application. Each public institution of higher education shall establish a process for a foster care recipient or homeless youth to appeal a denial of a tuition exemption application. The appeal process shall include: Written notification to the foster care recipient or homeless youth of the right to appeal; A timely opportunity for the foster care recipient or homeless youth to be heard; and A written decision indicating the outcome of the appeal and the reason for the outcome within 30 days of submission of the appeal. On or before June 1 of each year, each public institution of higher education in the State shall report to the Commission on the aggregate and disaggregate number of foster care recipients and homeless youth, including data disaggregated by age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, who: Received a tuition exemption under this section during the prior academic year; Applied for but did not receive a tuition exemption under this section during the prior academic year and the reason for the denial; Previously received a tuition exemption under this section at any point during their enrollment at the institution but did not receive the tuition exemption during the prior academic year and the reason for not continuing to receive the exemption; Earned a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, or a vocational certificate from the institution during the prior academic year; and Filed an appeal in accordance with subsection (e) of this section, including the outcome of each appeal and the reason for each appeal denial. On or before June 1 each year, each public institution of higher education shall submit to the Commission a brief description of any forms used in conjunction with the tuition exemption established under this section.

In this section, “residency requirement” means the requirement of a public senior higher education institution for a student to have resided in the State for 1 year to be considered a resident and receive in–State tuition status. For tuition purposes, a public senior higher education institution shall waive the in–State residency requirement for a public school teacher employed by a county board if: The course or program is required by the State or the county board to maintain the teacher’s present position with the county board; or The course or program maintains or improves skills required by the county board in the teacher’s current position; The teacher resides in this State and is employed as a full–time public school teacher; and The teacher has been employed as a public school teacher in the State for less than a year. A public school teacher is responsible for the difference between in–State and out–of–state tuition if: The teacher resigns or is terminated from employment with the county board; and The teacher remains enrolled in the course or program at an institution of higher education during the teacher’s first year as a Maryland resident.

In this section, “National Guard student” means a student who is enrolled in a public institution of higher education and is a member of the United States National Guard. A public institution of higher education shall allow a National Guard student to withdraw from courses the National Guard student is currently enrolled in without negative consequences to the National Guard student’s academic standing if the National Guard student’s unit is activated and deployed. A public institution of higher education shall try to assist the National Guard student in completing the course requirements by either: Giving the National Guard student a grade of incomplete and working with the National Guard student and the student’s instructor on a program of independent study; or Transferring the National Guard student to an on–line course of instruction offered at an institution such as: The University of Maryland University College’s Distance Education Courses; or The Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus.

This section applies to the following individuals: An active service member; The spouse of an active service member; A financially dependent child of an active service member; An honorably discharged veteran; or A member of the National Guard as defined in § 13–405(a)(3) of the Public Safety Article. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual described in subsection (a) of this section who attends a public institution of higher education in the State is exempt from paying nonresident tuition at a public institution of higher education in this State if: The active service member: Is stationed in this State; Resides in this State; or Is domiciled in this State; The spouse or financially dependent child of an active service member presents documentation that, during the time period in which the active service member met the requirements of item (1) of this subsection, the individual: Enrolled as an entering student in a public institution of higher education in the State; or Was accepted to attend a public institution of higher education in the State; The honorably discharged veteran presents documentation that the individual: Was honorably discharged from the uniformed services; and Resides in this State; or Is domiciled in this State; or The National Guard member is a member of the Maryland National Guard and joined or subsequently serves in the Maryland National Guard to: Provide a Critical Military Occupational Skill; or Be a member of the Air Force Critical Specialty Code as determined by the National Guard. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a spouse or financially dependent child of an active duty member who is exempt from paying nonresident tuition under subsection (b) of this section shall continue to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition: If the spouse or financially dependent child: Enrolls as an entering student in a public institution of higher education in the State; Remains continuously enrolled at the public institution of higher education; and Remains domiciled in the State during enrollment; and Regardless of whether the active duty member still meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1) of this section. Each public institution of higher education shall comply with federal law relating to nonresident tuition for veterans and veterans’ dependents. The Commission shall adopt regulations in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article to implement the provisions of this section.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Academic year” means the period commencing with the fall semester and continuing through the immediately following summer session at a public senior higher education institution. “Governing board” means: The Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland; and The Board of Regents of Morgan State University. “Public senior higher education institution” has the meaning stated in § 10–101(m)(1) and (2) of this article. “Tuition” means the charges approved by the governing board of a public senior higher education institution that are required of all undergraduate resident students by the institution as a condition of enrollment regardless of the student’s degree program, field of study, or selected courses. “Tuition” does not include: Fees that are required of all undergraduate resident students by the institution as a condition of enrollment regardless of the student’s degree program, field of study, or selected courses; Fees dedicated to support auxiliary enterprises and other self–funded activities of a public senior higher education institution; or A fee required only for enrollment in a specific degree program, field of study, or course when that fee is not required of undergraduate resident students at the public senior higher education institution for enrollment in other degree programs, fields of study, or courses. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the academic years beginning in the fall of 2006 and 2007 only, a governing board may not approve, and a public senior higher education institution may not impose, an increase in the tuition charged for an academic year to a resident undergraduate student at the institution over the amount charged for tuition at the institution in the preceding academic year.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Fund” means the Higher Education Investment Fund. “Public senior higher education institution” has the meaning stated in § 10–101(m) of this article. “Trust Account” means the Tuition Stabilization Trust Account. “Tuition” means the charges and fees approved by the governing board of a public senior higher education institution which are required of all undergraduate resident students by the institution as a condition of enrollment regardless of the student’s degree program, field of study, or selected courses. There is a Higher Education Investment Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to: Invest in public higher education and workforce development; and Keep tuition affordable for Maryland students and families. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The Treasurer shall hold the Fund and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The proceeds of the Fund shall be invested and reinvested. Any investment earnings shall be paid into the Fund. The Fund consists of: Money appropriated in the State budget for the Fund; and Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The Commission shall administer the Fund. Money in the Fund may be expended only: To supplement General Fund appropriations to research institutes of the University System of Maryland and public senior higher education institutions; For capital projects for research institutes of the University System of Maryland and public senior higher education institutions; For workforce development initiatives administered by the Commission; and For initiatives to address higher education needs related to the United States Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure process. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with an appropriation approved by the General Assembly in the annual State budget. Within the Fund there is a Tuition Stabilization Trust Account. The Trust Account is established to retain revenues for stabilizing tuition costs for resident undergraduate students. In years of increasing corporate tax revenues that are allocated to the Fund under § 2–613.1 of the Tax – General Article, funds shall be deposited into the Trust Account. Funds in the Trust Account shall be used only to stabilize tuition at public senior higher education institutions. It is the goal of the State that any increase in resident undergraduate tuition and academic fees at public senior higher education institutions in any given year should be limited to a percent not to exceed the increase in the 3–year rolling average of the State’s median family income. The Trust Account consists of: Money appropriated in the State budget for the Trust Account; and Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Trust Account. A balance of between 1% and 5% of resident undergraduate tuition revenues received by public senior higher education institutions in the prior fiscal year should be maintained in the Trust Account. Money in the Trust Account may be expended only to supplement General Fund appropriations to public senior higher education institutions for the purpose of stabilizing tuition costs of resident undergraduate students.

In this section, “State or local public safety employee” has the meaning stated in § 18–601(a)(5) of this article. A son or a daughter of a State or local public safety employee who is eligible for a scholarship in accordance with § 18–601(d)(3)(iii) of this article is exempt from paying the nonresident tuition rate at a public institution of higher education. The governing board of each public institution of higher education, in consultation with the Commission, shall adopt appropriate policies to implement the provisions of this section.

In this section, “individual”: Includes an undocumented immigrant individual; and Does not include a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15). Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual shall be exempt from paying the out–of–state tuition rate at a public institution of higher education in the State, and shall be eligible for the tuition rates described under subsections (c) and (d) of this section, if the individual: Attended a public or nonpublic secondary school in the State; Graduated from a public or nonpublic secondary school in the State or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in the State; Registers as an entering student in a public institution of higher education in the State not later than 6 years after graduating from a public or nonpublic secondary school in the State or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in the State; Provides to the public institution of higher education documentation that the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return annually for the 2–year period before the academic year in which the tuition rate exemption would apply; In the case of an individual who is not a permanent resident, provides to the public institution of higher education an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident within 30 days after the individual becomes eligible to do so; and In the case of an individual who is required to register with the Selective Service System, provides to the public institution of higher education documentation that the individual has complied with the registration requirement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article and subject to subsection (i) of this section, an individual shall be eligible to pay a rate that is equivalent to the resident tuition rate at a public senior higher education institution, if the individual meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual shall be eligible to pay a rate that is equivalent to the in–county tuition rate at a community college in the State if the individual: Meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section; and Attends a community college supported by the county in which: An address in the county is used on the Maryland income tax return of the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian of the calendar year prior to the academic year in which the rate would apply; The secondary school from which the individual graduated is located; or In the case of an individual who received the equivalent of a high school diploma in the State, the secondary school most recently attended by the individual is located. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual shall retain the individual’s tuition status at a public institution of higher education in the State if the individual: Meets the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection; and On or after June 15, 2012, was exempt from paying the out–of–state or out–of–county tuition rate at a public institution of higher education. To retain tuition status under this subsection, an individual shall use an address in the State on the Maryland income tax return of the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian annually until the individual is awarded a degree from the public institution of higher education. Information collected under this section as part of a student’s registration shall remain confidential. A public institution of higher education that admits an individual who qualifies for the tuition rate under this section shall: Keep a record of the number of individuals who pay the tuition rate in accordance with the requirements under subsections (c) and (d) of this section; and Report the information required in item (i) of this paragraph to the Commission each year. The Commission shall submit to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, an annual report consisting of a compilation of the reports submitted to the Commission under paragraph (1) of this subsection. The governing board of each public institution of higher education shall adopt appropriate policies to implement the provisions of this section. The students that are receiving the tuition rate described in subsection (c) of this section may not be counted as in–State students for the purposes of determining the number of Maryland undergraduate students enrolled at a public senior higher education institution.

In this section, “residency requirement” means the requirement of a public senior higher education institution for a student to have resided in the State for 12 consecutive months to be considered a resident and receive in–State tuition status. For in–State tuition purposes, a public senior higher education institution shall waive the in–State residency requirement for an individual who has completed: All service hours for an AmeriCorps Program in the State; or A service program under the Maryland Corps Program under Title 21, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. A student is responsible for the difference between in–State and out–of–state tuition if the student does not retain residence in the State for the remainder of the school year for which in–State tuition was received.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Deaf or hard of hearing child” means a minor who has hearing loss as determined through a universal newborn hearing screening under § 19–308.5 of the Health – General Article or a similar screening. “Language or communication mode” means the method that a parent or legal guardian chooses to communicate with their deaf or hard of hearing child, including: American Sign Language, as defined in § 7–702 of the Human Services Article; Cued speech, which is a system of handshapes and positions that, when combined with the mouth movements of speech, visually represent the phonemes of spoken language; and Listening and spoken language, in which infants and young children with hearing loss are taught to listen and talk with support from hearing technology, such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants. “Tuition” means the charges imposed by a public institution of higher education for enrollment in a course that teaches a language or communication mode at the institution, including charges for registration and all fees for enrolling in the course. A parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child: May take one course that teaches a language or communication mode at an institution of higher education; and Is exempt from paying tuition at a public institution of higher education for the course.

In this section, “returned Peace Corps volunteer” means a person who has been certified by the Director of the Peace Corps as having served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps volunteer. A returned Peace Corps volunteer who attends a public institution of higher education in the State is exempt from paying nonresident tuition at a public institution of higher education in the State if the returned Peace Corps volunteer is domiciled in the State. A student who attends a community college in the State and pays tuition as provided in subsection (b) of this section shall be included as an in–State resident for computation of State aid to community colleges in accordance with §§ 16–305 and 16–512 of this article. The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

In this section, “State or local public safety employee” has the meaning stated in § 18–601 of this article. Notwithstanding the state or county in which the spouse or the child resides, a spouse or a financially dependent child of a State or local public safety employee who dies as a result of or in the course of performance of duties is exempt from paying out–of–state or out–of–county tuition at a public institution of higher education in the State. The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

Public senior higher educational institutions and their governing boards are encouraged to promote the economic development of the State and to increase the financial resources of the institutions through arrangements with the private sector, including collaborative research and development, commercial application of institution–owned intellectual property, and the provisions of technical assistance.

In this section, “employee leave time” means the following types of leave: Holiday leave; Annual leave; Personal leave; Sick leave; and Administrative and other related leave. As provided in this section, each public institution of higher education is authorized to establish employee leave time for its skilled employees, professional employees, and employees in a status that is equivalent to skilled employees or professional employees in the State Personnel Management System, described in Title 6 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article. The number of days established by a public institution of higher education as employee leave time shall total at least the number of days provided to employees in the State Personnel Management System under Title 9, Subtitles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

This section applies only to a public institution of higher education that owns, manages, or maintains a steam system or an electric system for the purpose of providing services exclusively for the benefit of the institution. A person that enters into an agreement or lease with a public institution of higher education to facilitate or undertake the financing, whole or partial ownership, operation, generation, construction, distribution, or maintenance of an on–site steam or electric generation, production, or distribution system for the institution may not be considered a public service company, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article, subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission as a result of the financing, leasing, ownership, operation, control, management, construction, distribution, or maintenance of the steam or electric system.

A public institution of higher education may not print or have printed an employee’s or a student’s Social Security number on any type of identification card.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Credit card” means a card or device issued under an agreement by which the credit card issuer gives to a cardholder residing in the State the privilege of obtaining credit from the credit card issuer or another person in connection with the purchase or lease of goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household use. “Credit card issuer” means a financial institution, a lender other than a financial institution, or a merchant that receives applications and issues credit cards to individuals. “Credit card marketing activity” means any activity of an agent or employee of a credit card issuer that is designed to encourage students at an institution of higher education in the State to apply for a credit card. “Credit card marketing activity” includes the act of placing a display or poster together with credit card applications on a campus of an institution of higher education in the State, whether or not an employee or agent of the credit card issuer attends the display. “Merchandising” means the offering of free merchandise or incentives to students as a part of credit card marketing activities. “Student” means an individual enrolled for at least one credit hour at an institution of higher education. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an institution of higher education shall develop policies regarding credit card marketing activities and merchandising conducted on a campus of an institution of higher education by a credit card issuer. The requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection do not apply to credit card marketing activities or merchandising conducted by credit card issuers: In newspapers, magazines, or other similar publications; or Within the physical location of a financial services business located on the campus of an institution of higher education if conducted as a part of the regular course of business. The policies developed under subsection (b) of this section shall include: A requirement that credit card issuers conducting credit card marketing activities inform students about good credit management practices through a program developed in conjunction with the institution of higher education; A requirement that the institution of higher education’s credit card marketing and merchandising policy be available to all students on request; and Consideration of the following issues: Registration of credit card issuers conducting credit card marketing activities; Limits on the times and locations of credit card marketing activities; and A prohibition on merchandising unless the student is provided credit card debt education literature, including brochures of written information or links to electronic information.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Bookstore” means any entity that offers books or other course materials for sale and is licensed by the Comptroller under Title 11, Subtitle 7 of the Tax – General Article. “Bookstore” includes campus bookstores and online vendors. “Bundle” means one or more college textbooks or other supplemental materials that are packaged together to be sold as course materials for one price. “Bundle” does not include single, custom, or integrated textbooks. “Campus bookstore” means a bookstore under the jurisdiction of an institution of higher education. “Custom textbook” means a college textbook that is compiled by a publisher at the direction of a faculty member or other person or adopting entity in charge of selecting course materials at an institution of higher education. “Custom textbook” includes original instructor material, previously copyrighted material, or copyrighted third–party material. “Custom textbook” does not include purely aesthetic changes to a college textbook when compared with a prior edition of a college textbook such as commemorative editions. “Integrated textbook” means a college textbook that is combined with: Materials developed by a third party and that, by third–party contractual agreement, may not be offered by publishers separately from the college textbook with which the materials are combined; or Other materials that are so interrelated with the content of the college textbook that the separation of the college textbook from the other materials would render the college textbook unusable for its intended purpose. “ISBN” means the unique International Standard Book Number assigned to college course material that is used by publishers to identify each textbook edition and other course material, including bundles. “Price” means the price at which the publisher would make the college textbook or supplemental material available to a bookstore and, if available, the price at which the publisher would make the college textbook or supplemental material available to the public. “Substantial content” means a part of a college textbook, such as new chapters, new material covering additional eras of time, new themes, or new subject matter. “Supplemental material” means educational material developed to accompany a college textbook that is not being used as a component of an integrated textbook. “Supplemental material” includes printed materials and electronic materials such as computer disks and Web access codes. “Textbook” includes custom textbooks to the maximum extent practicable. This section does not apply to the overseas programs of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Each public institution of higher education in the State shall develop and implement: An informational campaign to assist faculty and make them aware of textbook–related issues, including: The price of college textbooks and of supplemental material; The existence of variances in price of bundled and unbundled course materials; Substantial content revisions made between the current edition of a college textbook or supplemental material and the previous edition of the college textbook or supplemental material as reported to the institution under subsection (e) of this section; Which textbooks are integrated textbooks and are therefore not subject to subsection (f)(3) of this section, as reported by the publisher under subsection (e) of this section; and The fiscal impact to students of the high cost of college textbooks; A procedure by which bookstores and students are made aware of the information required to be disclosed under subsection (g) of this section; and A best–practices process for faculty in selecting college textbooks and supplemental material that: Ensures early adoption of college textbooks and supplemental material; Encourages the maximum usage of used college textbooks and of previous editions of college textbooks, when possible; For undergraduate college textbooks, ensures that the majority of the assigned material will be used in the course unless it would be in the student’s financial interest to purchase separate materials; and Ensures that faculty are aware of various outlets for the supply of college textbooks and supplemental material. Each public institution of higher education shall develop a process by which faculty members acknowledge the information under paragraph (2) of this subsection. Before selecting a college textbook or supplemental material and before transmitting the selection to a campus bookstore, providing the selection to any other bookstore, or posting the selection on the website of the public institution of higher education, a faculty member shall acknowledge: If selecting a different college textbook from a different publisher, the cost of the new selection versus the cost of the previous selection; or If selecting a current edition of a college textbook: The differences in substantial content between the current edition of the textbook and the previous edition of the textbook as reported by the publisher under subsection (e) of this section; That the use of the current edition is appropriate due to a material change in substantial content between the current edition and the previous edition; The difference in price between the current edition of the textbook and the previous edition of the textbook; and That the previous edition of the textbook may be available to students at a lower price via the used book market; That an integrated textbook is not subject to subsection (f)(3) of this section; and That supplemental material included in a bundle is intended for use in the course. A publisher that sells college textbooks or supplemental material and provides information regarding a college textbook or supplemental material to a faculty member, other adopting entity in charge of selecting course materials, or the administration of an institution of higher education shall disclose with this information, in writing, by paper or electronic means: The price of the college textbook or supplemental material; The title, author, publisher, edition, current and three previous copyright dates, publication date when available, and ISBN of the college textbook and supplemental material, both as bundled and unbundled items; Substantial content revisions made between the current edition of the college textbook or supplemental material and the previous edition of the college textbook or supplemental material; Other available formats for the college textbook or supplemental material such as paperback or unbound; and A list of textbooks that are classified as integrated textbooks. Each institution of higher education in the State shall develop a process by which faculty members acknowledge having been informed of the disclosures required under paragraph (1) of this subsection and the impact that the high cost of college textbooks and supplemental material has on students. Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, a publisher and a campus bookstore shall provide and sell college textbooks and supplemental material in the same manner as selected and ordered by faculty members. If a college textbook or supplemental material is unavailable as ordered, the publisher and the campus bookstore shall work with the faculty member to find alternatives. A publisher collaborating with a campus bookstore and a faculty member under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall provide price information for alternative college textbooks and supplemental material. A publisher that sells a college textbook and any supplemental material accompanying the college textbook in a bundle shall also make available the college textbook and the supplemental material as separate and unbundled items, each separately priced. With the permission of a faculty member, a campus bookstore may sell college textbooks and supplemental material in a different manner than as selected and ordered by the faculty member for the purpose of providing used college textbooks, prior editions, or other lower–cost options to students. Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, on the request of a bookstore, an institution of higher education shall provide the information listed under paragraph (3) of this subsection to a bookstore by the earlier of: Within 1 week of a faculty member’s selection of a college textbook or supplemental material and transmission to a campus bookstore; or When the selection by a faculty member of a college textbook or supplemental material is finalized. A bookstore that obtains information under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph may not make the information available to students or members of the public until the information is made available to the bookstore in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. An institution of higher education shall make the information listed under paragraph (3) of this subsection available to bookstores, students, and the rest of the public by posting the information on its website by the earlier of: Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, 3 weeks following the selection by a faculty member of a college textbook or supplemental material; or When the selection by a faculty member of a college textbook or supplemental material is finalized. In addition to the information posted under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, an institution shall post on its website: Whether supplemental material is required or only suggested by faculty; and Whether a previous edition of an assigned college textbook will suffice. The information made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall include the: Title; Author; Publisher; Edition; Copyright date and publication date, when available; ISBN; and Anticipated enrollment for the course. An institution of higher education shall inform a bookstore, students, or members of the public who access the website of the institution under paragraph (2) of this subsection if the selection of the particular college textbook, supplemental material, or bundle has not been finalized by the faculty member. In addition to the disclosure made under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, an institution, campus bookstore, or other bookstore that offers a college textbook or supplemental material for sale prior to the selection being finalized shall provide: A caveat regarding the potential consequences of purchasing the particular college textbook, supplemental material, or bundle prior to the selection being finalized; and The return policy of the campus bookstore or other bookstore, as appropriate. Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, upon request to an institution, an extension of time may be granted to a faculty member from the requirement to post the selection of a college textbook or supplemental material prior to the selection being finalized. The extension granted under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be approved by the faculty Department Chair and the Dean or Division Head of the institution. The extension shall include a written statement of explanation for the extension. An institution shall post the written statement on its website instead of the selection, as appropriate. A public institution of higher education may not encourage or promote the creation or sale of college textbooks that consist of purely aesthetic changes to a prior edition of a college textbook such as a commemorative edition. This section may not be construed to supersede the institutional autonomy or academic freedom of faculty members involved in the selection of college textbooks and supplemental material.

The Commission, in consultation with the public institutions of higher education in the State, shall develop and adopt guidelines on awarding academic credit for a student’s military training, coursework, and education. In accordance with the guidelines developed by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section, the governing body of each public institution of higher education in the State shall develop and implement policies governing the awarding of academic credit for a student’s military training, coursework, and education.

In this section, “degree plan” means a statement of the course of study requirements that an undergraduate student enrolled in a public higher education institution must complete to graduate from the institution. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each undergraduate student enrolled in a public senior higher education institution shall file a degree plan with the institution as soon as practicable but not later than by the completion of 45 credit hours of course work. Each undergraduate student who transfers to a public senior higher education institution with at least 45 credit hours of course work shall file a degree plan with the institution during the student’s first semester at the institution. Each degree–seeking undergraduate student enrolled at a community college shall file a degree plan with the institution on entering the institution. A degree plan filed under this section shall: Be developed in consultation with: An academic advisor in the student’s degree program; or If an academic advisor is not available in the student’s degree program, any academic advisor at the institution; and Follow a pathway to a degree as required under § 15–115 of this subtitle.

Each public institution of higher education in the State shall: Develop a pathway system whereby public institutions of higher education establish graduation progress benchmarks for each academic major and for the general education program for students who have not declared a major; Require the pathway for each first–time degree–seeking student to include credit–bearing mathematics and English courses in the first 24 credit hours of courses; and Require the pathway for each degree–seeking student enrolled in a developmental course in mathematics, reading, or English to include the credit–bearing course in mathematics, reading, or English concurrent with or in the semester immediately following completion of the developmental course. The benchmarks established in subsection (a)(1) of this section shall specify the credit and course criteria that indicate satisfactory progress toward a degree. Academic units shall establish schedules for regular periodic reviews of student progress. Students who are in danger of falling behind the program benchmarks shall be required to consult with an academic advisor before registration.

Each public senior higher education institution shall dedicate a portion of institutional financial aid to provide financial assistance to resident undergraduate students that transfer with an associate’s degree from a community college in the State.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the standard number of credits required for a baccalaureate degree from a public senior higher education institution is 120 credit hours. The standard number of credits required under paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if: The degree program is defined as a 5–year baccalaureate program; Professional accreditation requires a higher number of credit hours or requires course work that cannot be completed in 120 credits; or Certification requirements result in a need for credit hours in excess of 120. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, beginning with fall 2015, the standard number of credits required for an associate’s degree from a public community college is 60 credit hours. The standard number of credits required under paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if: The degree program is defined as more than a 2–year associate’s degree; Professional accreditation requires a higher number of credit hours or requires course work that cannot be completed in 60 credits; or Certification requirements result in a need for credit hours in excess of 60. A public community college shall consider a course or program for English as a second language or English language learner as eligible for either world language or humanities credit, or both, toward a student’s associate’s degree if the course is not classified by the public community college as a remedial course. The governing board of a public institution of higher education, in consultation with the Commission, may approve additional exceptions to the credit hour requirements under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Debt” means any money, obligation, claim, or sum due or owed by a student to an institution of higher education. “Debt” includes: Credit extended by or on behalf of the institution that a student is obligated to repay; and A nonfederal loan or debt agreement that is issued expressly for postsecondary education expenses and that is guaranteed by: An institution of higher education; or A private educational lender that is affiliated with an institution of higher education. “Debt” does not include the fee, if any, charged to a student for the actual costs of providing a transcript. “Student” includes current students and former students of an institution of higher education. An institution of higher education may not: Refuse to provide a transcript to a student because the student owes a debt; Condition the issuance of a transcript on the payment of a debt; Charge a higher fee for obtaining a transcript because a student owes a debt; Provide less favorable treatment of a transcript request because a student owes a debt; or Use transcript issuance as a tool for debt collection.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “School–sponsored media” means any material that is: Prepared, written, published, or broadcast by a student journalist at a public institution of higher education; Distributed or generally made available to members of the student body; and Prepared under the direction of a student media advisor. “School–sponsored media” does not include material that is intended for distribution or transmission solely in the classroom in which the material is produced. “Student journalist” means a student at a public institution of higher education who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school–sponsored media. “Student media advisor” means an individual employed, appointed, or designated by a public institution of higher education to supervise or provide instruction relating to school–sponsored media. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a student journalist may exercise freedom of speech and freedom of the press in school–sponsored media. Paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to be limited by the fact that the school–sponsored media is: Supported financially by the public institution of higher education or by use of facilities owned by the institution; or Produced in conjunction with a class in which the student journalist is enrolled. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a student journalist is responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of school–sponsored media. Paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to prevent a student media advisor from teaching professional standards of English and journalism to student journalists. This section may not be construed to authorize or protect content of school–sponsored media by a student journalist that: Is libelous or slanderous; Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy; Violates federal or State law; or Incites students to create a clear and present danger of the commission of an unlawful act, the violation of policies of the public institution of higher education, or the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the institution. A student media advisor may not use the advisor’s position to influence a student journalist to promote an official position of a public institution of higher education. A student journalist may not be disciplined for acting in accordance with subsection (b) or (c) of this section. A student media advisor may not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against for: Acting to protect a student journalist engaged in conduct under subsection (b) or (c) of this section; or Refusing to infringe on conduct that is protected by subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or Article 40 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights. Each public institution of higher education shall adopt a written policy concerning the provisions of this section. The policy adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection: Shall include reasonable provisions for the time, place, and manner of expression by a student journalist in school–sponsored media; and Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, may include limitations on language that has the intent to harass, threaten, or intimidate an individual.

A public institution of higher education shall allow an individual with an unpaid balance of $250 or less on a student account to register for courses at the institution if the individual settles the balance on the student account by the end of the late registration period for the next semester. A public institution of higher education shall allow an individual with an unpaid balance of more than $250 on a student account to register for courses at the institution if the individual enters into an installment payment plan before the end of the late registration period for the current semester. The installment payment plan under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall require the individual to make payments to settle the unpaid balance on the student account by the agreed on date.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Cost of attendance” has the meaning stated in 20 U.S.C.A. § 1087ll. “Expected family contribution” means the amount determined in accordance with 20 U.S.C.A. § 1087nn. “Financial need” means cost of attendance minus expected family contribution. “Gift aid” means all financial aid that is not a loan or work–study program, including grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and third–party payments. “Institutional gift aid” means gift aid that is funded by a public senior higher education institution. “Private scholarships” means scholarships awarded by companies, private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and service groups. “Private scholarships” does not include awards funded by a private organization that: Is affiliated with a higher education institution; and Requests the higher education institution’s assistance in selecting recipients. A public senior higher education institution may reduce institutional gift aid offers as a result of private scholarship awards only under the circumstances described in subsections (c) through (e) of this section. If a student’s total gift aid from all sources exceeds the student’s financial need, a public senior higher education institution may reduce the student’s institutional gift aid until the student’s total gift aid no longer exceeds the student’s financial need. In addition to the reduction authorized in subsection (c) of this section, a public senior higher education institution may further reduce a student’s institutional gift aid if the institution receives approval from the organization that awarded the private scholarship funds that triggered the reduction authorized in subsection (c) of this section. A public senior higher education institution may reduce a student athlete’s institutional gift aid in order to comply with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s individual or team financial aid restrictions.

This section applies only to an institution of higher education that awards a degree that an individual may use to meet the educational requirements for licensure under the Health Occupations Article as a physician, advanced practice nurse, dentist, physician assistant, or podiatrist. An institution of higher education subject to this section shall offer instruction in substance use disorders, effective treatment for substance use disorders, and pain management.

Beginning with the 2018–2019 academic year and annually thereafter, each public institution of higher education shall complete at least one active shooter drill.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible service member” means: An active service member; and A veteran who has received an other than dishonorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of service. “Eligible spouse” means the spouse of an eligible service member. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a public institution of higher education shall grant priority registration for courses to an eligible service member or eligible spouse. The priority registration requirement under subsection (b) of this section: Applies only within 15 years after the eligible service member who would receive or whose eligible spouse would receive priority registration was last on active duty; and Does not apply after an eligible service member’s or eligible spouse’s fourth academic year. Each public institution of higher education shall adopt policies necessary to implement this section.

An institution of higher education may not refer to a noncredit or credit course as an apprenticeship or apprenticeship training course unless the course is part of a registered apprenticeship training program that has been approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council of the Maryland Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor.

This section applies if, after empirical review, the State Board determines that the college and career readiness assessment required under § 7–205.1 of this article aligns with global standards. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each community college and other open–enrollment public institution of higher education shall accept for enrollment in credit–bearing courses any individual who has achieved college and career readiness according to the standard adopted by the State Board under § 7–205.1 of this article.

In this section, “dually enrolled student” means a student who is dually enrolled in: A secondary school in the State; and An institution of higher education in the State. “Dually enrolled student” includes a student enrolled in a credit or noncredit certificate or license program, course, or sequence of courses that leads to certification or licensure at an institution of higher education in the State. A public institution of higher education may not charge tuition to a dually enrolled student. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, for each dually enrolled student who is enrolled in a public school in the county, the county board shall pay 75% of the cost of tuition for a public institution of higher education in the State. If there is an agreement before July 1, 2020, between a public school and a public institution of higher education in which the public institution of higher education charges less than 75% of the cost of tuition to a dually enrolled student, the county board shall pay the cost of tuition under the existing agreement. Every 2 years, a public school and a public institution of higher education may evaluate and modify an agreement made under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

Subject to subsection (d) of this section, for fiscal year 2023, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a general fund appropriation of at least: $16,790,700 for Bowie State University; $9,000,000 for Coppin State University; $24,003,200 for Morgan State University; and $9,693,600 for University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2031, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a general fund appropriation to the historically black colleges and universities as calculated under paragraph (2) of this subsection. The funds provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be allocated to each institution in an amount that is the greater of: $9,000,000; or The product of: The percentage share of students enrolled during the immediately preceding academic year at each institution compared to the total number of students enrolled at all of the historically black colleges and universities; and $57,700,000. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, for fiscal year 2032, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a general fund appropriation equal to the difference of: $577,000,000; minus The sum of the total funds allocated for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2031 under this section. The funds provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be allocated to each historically black college and university in an amount that is equal to the product of: The percentage share of students enrolled during the immediately preceding academic year at each institution compared to the total number of students enrolled at all of the historically black colleges and universities; and The amount of general funds determined for fiscal year 2032 under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. At the end of each fiscal year, any unused funds provided under this section shall be distributed to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Reserve Fund established under § 15–127 of this subtitle. Funds provided under this section: Shall be supplemental to, and may not supplant, funds appropriated to public institutions of higher education in the State budget; May be used for the following purposes, as determined by the university receiving the funds: Scholarships and financial aid support services; Faculty recruitment and development; Expanding and improving existing academic programs, including online programs; Development and implementation of new academic programs, including online programs; Academic support; and Marketing; and May not be included in the calculations of State funding under §§ 16–305, 16–512, and 17–104 of this article. If the special account in the Cigarette Restitution Fund established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article has a balance, the Governor shall use the balance to supplant the General Fund appropriation to the historically black colleges and universities required under this section. On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2023 and going through 2033, each historically black college or university shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on: The uses of the funds in accordance with subsection (c)(2) of this section; and Any new academic program developed with respect to: Development costs; Startup costs; and Ongoing costs to maintain the program.

In this section, “Fund” means the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Reserve Fund. There is a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Reserve Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to provide reserve funding for Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore that is used for purposes consistent with the uses specified under § 15–128 of this title. The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall administer the Fund. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of: The remainder of any funds unused at the end of a fiscal year that is distributed to the Fund under § 15–128 of this title; Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; Interest earnings; and Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The Fund may be used only for the uses specified under § 15–128 of this title. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. Money expended from the Fund for the uses specified under § 15–128 of this title is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the uses specified under § 15–128 of this title or any other funds appropriated to public institutions of higher education in the State budget.

In this section, “athletic program” means any intercollegiate athletic program at a public institution of higher education in the State. The General Assembly finds and declares that: Meeting the educational needs of student athletes should be the priority for intercollegiate athletic programs in the State; and Providing adequate health and safety protections for student athletes can help prevent serious injury and death. An athletic program shall adopt and implement: Guidelines to prevent, assess, and treat serious sports–related conditions, including: Brain injury; Heat illness; and Rhabdomyolysis; Exercise and supervision guidelines for any student athlete who participates in an athletic program and is identified with potential life–threatening health conditions, including: Sickle cell trait; and Asthma; and Return–to–play protocols for athletes who experience injury or illness during practice or play. On or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the University System of Maryland Intercollegiate Athletics Workgroup shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on student athletes in the University System of Maryland, including any student athlete policy changes at each institution related to the health and safety of student athletes. On or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, Morgan State University and St. Mary’s College of Maryland shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on student athletes at each institution, including any student athlete policy changes at each institution related to the health and safety of student athletes.

In this section, “athletic program” means any intercollegiate athletic program at a public institution of higher education in the State. The Commission, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, shall develop guidelines for public institutions of higher education to train coaches to recognize indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress in students, including: Depression; Trauma; Violence; Youth suicide; and Substance abuse. A public institution of higher education that offers an athletic program shall provide training in accordance with the guidelines developed under subsection (b) of this section to each coach participating in the athletic program.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Public institution of higher education” means: The constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland; and Morgan State University. “Student athlete” means a college student who participates in an intercollegiate athletic program at a public institution of higher education. “Student athlete” does not include a student who participates solely in intramural or club athletics. A public institution of higher education may not: Uphold any rule, requirement, standard, or other limitation that prevents a student athlete from earning compensation from the use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness; or Reduce, rescind, or otherwise affect a student athlete’s scholarship because the student athlete earns compensation from the use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness. An athletic association, a conference, or any other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association, may not prevent a student athlete from earning compensation as a result of the use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness. An athletic association, a conference, or any other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association, may not prevent a public institution of higher education from participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the compensation of a student athlete for the use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness. A public institution of higher education, an athletic association, a conference, or any other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics may not: Provide a prospective student athlete with compensation in relation to the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness; or Prevent a student athlete from obtaining representation in relation to contracts or legal matters. An athletic program contract of a public institution of higher education may not prevent a student athlete from using the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness for a commercial purpose when the student athlete is not engaged in official team activities. An athletic program contract may prohibit a student athlete from engaging in in–person advertising for a third–party sponsor during official and mandatory team activities without prior approval from the institution’s athletic department. A student athlete may not enter into a contract providing compensation to the student athlete for use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness if a provision of the contract is in conflict with a provision of the student athlete’s athletic program contract. A student athlete who enters into a contract providing compensation to the student athlete for use of the student athlete’s name, image, or likeness shall disclose the contract to an official of the public institution of higher education, designated by the public institution of higher education. Nothing in this section may be construed to grant a student athlete a right to make commercial use of names, trademarks, logos, or other intellectual property owned or controlled by a public institution of higher education.

If an institution of higher education provides an identification card to students, the institution: Shall provide the telephone number for Maryland’s Helpline, or an on–campus crisis center that operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, on the card or on a sticker affixed to the card; and May also provide the telephone numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or any on–campus crisis center on the card or on a sticker affixed to the card.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Collaborative” means the Legal Education Success Collaborative. “Maryland HBCU” means the following historically black colleges and universities: Bowie State University; Coppin State University; Morgan State University; and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “Scholars program” means: The University of Baltimore School of Law and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Student Pipeline Cooperative scholars; and The University of Maryland School of Law Diversity and Inclusion scholars. “UB Law and HBCU Cooperative” means the University of Baltimore School of Law and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Student Pipeline Cooperative. There is a Legal Education Success Collaborative between the University of Baltimore School of Law, the University of Maryland School of Law, and the Maryland historically black colleges and universities. The purpose of the Collaborative is to increase diversity in the legal field through: Financial support, academic success, professional development, and mentoring opportunities for students participating in the scholars program; The UB Law and HBCU Cooperative that prepares Maryland HBCU students for law school and provides academic support and assistance to students in law school and throughout their legal careers; and The University of Maryland School of Law Diversity and Inclusion scholars program. The UB Law and HBCU Cooperative shall be developed and administered by the University of Baltimore School of Law. The University of Maryland School of Law Diversity and Inclusion scholars program shall be developed and administered by the University of Maryland School of Law. For fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter: The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $125,000 to each scholars program at the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Maryland School of Law; and The University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Maryland School of Law each shall provide funding for the scholars program to match the amount provided under item (1) of this subsection, up to $125,000. The money appropriated under subsection (e) of this section is supplemental to and may not supplant funding that would otherwise be appropriated for the scholars program, Maryland HBCUs, the University of Baltimore, or the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus.

In this section, “prior learning examination” includes Advanced Placement Program examinations, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program examinations, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma Program examinations, and College–Level Examination Program examinations. On or before October 1, 2022, each public institution of higher education shall develop and implement policies and procedures for awarding academic credit for prior learning examinations. The policies and procedures required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall: Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, accept for awarding academic credit: A minimum score of 3 on Advanced Placement examinations; and A minimum score of 50 on College–Level Examination Program examinations; Determine the minimum required score for awarding academic credit on the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma Program examination and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program examination that is comparable to the minimum scores under item (i) of this paragraph; Indicate the manner in which academic credit for prior learning examinations will be awarded for general education requirements, major requirements, and elective requirements; and Include procedures related to the transfer of academic credits awarded from prior learning examinations to another public institution of higher education. Policies and procedures required under this subsection may require a higher score on a prior learning examination than listed in paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection if the chief academic officer of the public institution of higher education provides evidence to the Commission that the higher score is necessary for a student to be successful in a particular course. Each public institution of higher education shall: Publicly post the policies and procedures required in subsection (b) of this section on the public institution of higher education’s website under the “Admissions” category; and Submit the policy and procedures to the Commission. The Commission shall post each public institution of higher education’s policies and procedures on the Commission’s website. On or before December 31 each year, each public institution of higher education shall report to the Commission and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the following metrics related to the immediately preceding academic year: The total number of students awarded academic credit for prior learning examinations; The total number of academic credits awarded to students for prior learning examinations; The number of academic credits awarded to matriculating students for prior learning examinations and, of those credits: The number of credits applied toward major requirements; and The number of credits applied toward elective requirements; and Any other information the Commission or the General Assembly requests. The Commission shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

In this section, “student athlete” means a student enrolled at a public institution of higher education who participates in an intercollegiate athletic program at the institution. The governing body of a public institution of higher education shall allow a student athlete to modify the athletic or team uniform of the student athlete in a manner that makes the student athlete’s attire more modest to conform to: The requirements or preferences of the student athlete’s religion or culture; or The student athlete’s own preferences for modesty. A student athlete may not be required to receive approval from a coach, an administrator, or the governing body of the public institution of higher education before making the uniform modification. A modification to an athletic or team uniform may include the wearing of: A head covering worn for religious reasons, including a Muslim hijab, Jewish kippah, or Sikh dastar; An undershirt; or Leggings. A modification to an athletic or team uniform may not: Interfere with the movement of the student athlete; or Pose a safety hazard to the student athlete, other student athletes, or others. A student athlete may modify the uniform headgear if the modified headgear: Is black, white, the predominant color of the uniform, or the same color as that worn by all players on the team; Does not cover any part of the face, unless required for the safety of the wearer; Is not dangerous to the student athlete, other student athletes, or others; Does not have opening or closing elements around the face or neck; and Does not have parts protruding from its surface. A student athlete is responsible for all costs associated with the modification of the student athlete’s athletic or team uniform under this section. This subsection may not be construed to prohibit a public institution of higher education from providing the uniform modification to the student.

In this section, “public senior higher education institution” means: The constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland; Morgan State University; and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “Public senior higher education institution” does not include: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies; or The University of Maryland Global Campus. Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, on or before August 1, 2024, each public senior higher education institution, in consultation with students, shall develop and implement a reproductive health services plan to provide at the public senior higher education institution or to refer students to a comprehensive range of reproductive health services. In lieu of developing and implementing a plan under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the University of Baltimore shall provide students with access to over–the–counter contraception through on–campus retail establishments or vending machines. The plan required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: The provision of or referral to off–campus services for obtaining: All methods of federal Food and Drug Administration–approved contraception, including prescription emergency contraception; Prevention and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV prevention; and Abortion care services; 24–hour access to over–the–counter contraception through the student health center, retail establishments on campus, or vending machines; The availability of evidence–based reproductive health education services provided by the student health center, peer educators, or other health education programs; and Development of a referral network of off–campus reproductive health services providers, including pharmacies, located within a reasonable proximity to the campus. A public senior higher education institution shall update the reproductive health services plan developed under this subsection each year. The Maryland Department of Health, on request, shall provide assistance to a public senior higher education institution in developing a reproductive health services plan under this section.

Each public institution of higher education shall adopt a written policy that provides reasonable academic accommodations for students to practice sincerely held faith–based or religious beliefs. The policy shall: Provide an accommodation for a student, including excused absences, for a student to: Observe faith–based or religious holidays; or Participate in organized religious activities; Provide that a student be allowed reasonable alternative accommodations for missing an examination or other academic requirements due to an excused absence under item (1) of this subsection if the student’s sincerely held faith–based or religious belief or practice affects the student’s ability to take an examination as scheduled or meet any other academic requirement; and Include a grievance procedure to report noncompliance with the policy. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each public institution of higher education is required to provide a space on campus to accommodate faith–based or religious practices. This subsection does not apply to the University of Maryland Global Campus. Each public institution of higher education shall post prominently on its website a copy of the policy adopted under this section.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community of interest” means a community in the State identified by a public senior higher education institution that has individuals from historically underrepresented groups, demographics, or geographic areas that the institution has determined are underrepresented in the enrollment of the institution or other institutions of higher education in the State. “Targeted recruitment and outreach efforts” means efforts specifically identified by a public senior higher education institution and a community of interest to increase applications of students from the identified community of interest. “Targeted recruitment and outreach efforts” includes: Establishing partnerships with community–based organizations, local school systems, or specific high schools and the public senior higher education institution; Attending college fairs; Holding specific recruitment events in the community of interest; Establishing a student ambassador program; Holding college access workshops in the community of interest, with a focus on the admissions application process at the public senior higher education institution; and Providing dedicated support services and staff for the community of interest during the application process. This section does not apply to University of Maryland Global Campus. Each public senior higher education institution shall adopt and annually update a written policy that identifies communities of interest in the State and the institution’s targeted recruitment and outreach efforts for the community of interest with the goal of meeting the principle of public higher education stated in § 10–202(7) of this article. Each public senior higher education institution shall complete the targeted recruitment and outreach efforts identified in paragraph (1) of this subsection each year. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before August 1, 2024, and each August 1 thereafter, each public senior higher education institution shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House on: The communities of interest identified by the institution; The targeted recruitment and outreach efforts completed in the previous school year in each identified community of interest; The targeted recruitment and outreach efforts planned for the next school year in each identified community of interest; and Application and admission data for individuals in each identified community of interest. The report submitted by an institution on or before August 1, 2024, is not required to include the information required in paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection.

In this section, “extenuating circumstances” includes: Illness; Injury; Hospitalization; and Mental health and wellness. Each public institution of higher education shall adopt a policy that authorizes a student to withdraw for extenuating circumstances. The policy under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include a provision to refund a student for tuition and fees paid by the student for the semester in which the student withdraws if the extenuating circumstances inhibit the student’s ability to acquire an education at the public institution of higher education, as defined in policy.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Pregnant and parenting student” means a student enrolled at a public senior higher education institution or a community college who: Is pregnant; Exercises care, custody, or control over a child of any age; or Shares parental responsibilities with someone in the same household or a different household. “Public senior higher education institution” means: The constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland; Morgan State University; and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “Public senior higher education institution” does not include: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies; The University of Maryland Global Campus; or The University of Baltimore. The General Assembly finds that all students at an institution of higher education in the State, regardless of their gender, shall enjoy freedom from discrimination of any kind, including pregnancy discrimination as described in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Each public senior higher education institution and community college shall adopt a plan regarding pregnant and parenting students that is consistent with Title IX of the federal Higher Education Act. The plan required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: Referral to on–campus or off–campus services to assist regarding the availability of or eligibility for government assistance programs, including: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children; The Child Care Scholarship Program; The Maryland Medical Assistance Program; The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program; and Any other programs, scholarships, or subsidies for pregnant and parenting students; The provision of information about or referrals to resources regarding adoption services; The availability of institutional accommodations for pregnant and parenting students; and A referral network of on–campus and off–campus health care service providers. On or before October 1, 2026, each public senior higher education institution and community college shall post the plan adopted under subsection (c) of this section on the institution’s website.