<section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-101" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Office” means the Office of Student Financial Assistance.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Higher Education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-102" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, the provisions of this subtitle apply to any scholarship, grant, loan, or other student financial assistance awarded by the Office.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-103" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in Subtitles 3, 4, 5, and 12 of this title, a scholarship, grant, loan, or other student financial assistance awarded by the Office may be used only at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in this State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-104" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This title does not affect the power of any institution over:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Its operation or curriculum;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Its standards of scholarship for admission or attendance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Examinations and grades;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Adoption and enforcement of rules and regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The disciplining of students.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The recipient of a scholarship may not be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Denied admission to any institution because of religion; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Required to take sectarian religious courses to qualify for a degree.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-105" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>If requested by the donor or sponsor, any public institution of higher education shall report the academic grades of the recipient of a scholarship to the donor or sponsor at the end of each semester.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-106" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>If, during an academic year, a student who is receiving any student financial assistance award withdraws from the institution at which the award is used or otherwise fails to remain eligible for the award, the institution shall make a pro rata refund to the Office or other donor on the same terms that it makes refunds to students.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any refund may be reawarded on an interim basis under this title until the end of the academic year. Any requirement of an examination is waived for the recipient of an interim award.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-107" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year, money for each student financial assistance program administered by the Office shall be included in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each year, the Governor shall include in the State budget at least 80 percent of the funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year for need–based programs as provided in §§ 18–301, 18–706(f), 18–1401, 18–1501, and 18–2601 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, money appropriated under this title that is not used by the end of the fiscal year shall be deposited in the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “Fund” means the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is a Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to allow money appropriated for student financial assistance programs that is not used in a fiscal year to be retained for need–based awards in future fiscal years.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Money distributed to the Fund under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund may be used only for making need–based financial assistance awards to students as provided in §§ 18–301, 18–601, 18–604, 18–706(f), 18–1401, 18–14A–01, 18–1501, 18–2507, and 18–2601 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Fund may not be used for administrative expenses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings on the funds in the account shall be paid into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-108" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>Any college student or other individual, who is under 18 years old and is eligible for or is receiving benefits from any State scholarship, loan, tuition grant, remission of fixed charges, fellowship, federal or State student loan program, or any other student financial assistance:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May execute notes, contracts, or agreements necessary to obtain these benefits in the same manner and with the same effect as though he were 18 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not assert the disability of infancy as a defense in any action brought against him with respect to these benefits.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-110" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Any student attending a public institution of higher education who is not a resident of this State and who is enrolled in an education course or program leading to an occupation as a licensed registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse shall pay only the tuition fees and other mandatory fees payable by a resident of this State if the student furnishes a promissory note to this State, with security satisfactory to the Commission, that, on completion of the education course or program, the student will work in this State for at least 4 years as a licensed registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in a hospital or related institution, as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Health may determine if there is a shortage of licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, if the Secretary determines that there is no shortage of licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, the nonresident student tuition reduction program established under this section may not be applied to any courses or programs required for that particular occupation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Paragraph (2) of this subsection applies only to students who enroll in a course of study leading to that occupation subsequent to the determination made under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Paragraph (2) of this subsection may not affect any student who is participating in the nonresident tuition reduction program prior to the determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-111" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>As a condition of receiving student financial assistance awarded by the Office, each recipient shall sign a statement pledging to remain drug free. The Commission shall determine the contents of the drug free statement.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-112" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, repayment obligations incurred by recipients of student financial assistance administered by the Office shall be calculated at an interest rate equal to and matching the interest rate established by the United States Department of Education for the Federal Stafford Loan on the first day of July of each year, with interest not accruing prior to notification to the Commission of a recipient’s graduation or termination from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recipient shall commence repayment obligations upon graduation or termination from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-113" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A student may receive one or more awards of student financial assistance administered by the Office if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Eligibility requirements are met for each type of student financial assistance received; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total of all student financial assistance received does not exceed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The student’s total cost of education as certified by the institution the student is attending; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A student who receives multiple awards of student financial assistance that have a service obligation requirement:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Must fulfill the terms of each service obligation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not fulfill the service obligations concurrently.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-114" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>The Commission and the Department shall work collaboratively to develop an application for use on digital devices that provides:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Information about State financial aid programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Calendar notifications for dates and deadlines associated with applying for financial aid; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other information the Commission and the Department determine to be necessary or helpful to parents and students regarding financial aid in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-115" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “education loan” means a direct loan administered by the U.S. Department of Education that is made to assist a student in obtaining a postsecondary education.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Education loan” does not include a Parent Plus loan or a private student loan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An institution of postsecondary education that receives education loan information from the U.S. Department of Education shall provide to each undergraduate student enrolled in the institution who applies for federal student aid in the applicable award year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The information reported on the student’s Student Aid Report issued by the U.S. Department of Education from the most recent award year, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total amount of outstanding loans; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The monthly payment amount for a 10–year period for every $1,000 owed by the borrower;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lifetime loan limit for undergraduate student borrowers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that the actual repayment amount is dependent on the following factors:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total amount a student borrows;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The interest rate at the time the funds are borrowed and the amount of interest that accrues over the course of the loan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The length of the repayment term of the loan; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The decisions a student makes relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Income–based repayment plans;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Deferments; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Loan forgiveness;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A link to the National Student Loan Data System for Students website and an income–driven repayment plan website; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The address of the financial aid office where the student may seek financial aid counseling.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An institution of postsecondary education shall provide the information required under subsection (b) of this section to students annually with the student’s financial aid award notice.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The information provided under this section may include the following statement:</text> <text>“The information provided by the institution of postsecondary education was obtained from your Student Aid Report issued by the U.S. Department of Education for the most recent award year. It is based on assumptions made by the U.S. Department of Education as reported in your Student Aid Report and is not meant as a guarantee or promise. This information does not include Parent Plus loans or private student loans.”</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If an institution of postsecondary education includes the statement under subsection (d) of this section with the information required under subsection (b) of this section, the institution of postsecondary education does not incur liability for any inaccurate representations made under this section if the representations were:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Made based on incorrect information provided by the U.S. Department of Education; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably relied on in good faith by the institution of postsecondary education.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-201" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <text>There is an Office of Student Financial Assistance within the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-202" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the Office is the Executive Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the general policies of the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the general supervision of the Secretary, the Executive Director exercises the powers and performs the duties under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-203" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office may employ the additional staff necessary to carry out its functions as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each employee of the Office is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In conducting their operations, the Commission and Office shall share resources and coordinate their activities in order to enhance the efficient utilization of resources in the performance of their functions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-204" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, the Office has the powers and duties set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Administer student financial assistance programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issue and disseminate public information about student financial assistance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Regulate the form and submission of applications for student financial assistance under this title; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Conduct conferences and interviews with applicants to evaluate their eligibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office may adopt any rule or regulation necessary to carry out its powers and duties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules and regulations adopted by the Office under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include provisions for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The performance of a service obligation for a program that as a condition of award requires a recipient of student financial assistance to perform a service obligation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The repayment of student financial assistance funds received should a recipient fail to perform a service obligation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Waiver and deferment of a service obligation or repayment in circumstances determined by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Office:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall administer any federal program of scholarships or grants to students or institutions except for the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship which shall be administered by the Maryland State Department of Education; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May do anything necessary to comply with any federal law relating to these scholarships or grants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Arrange for the competitive examination required of applicants for certain scholarships; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Send the results of the examination to the appropriate institutions and to the person who awards the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Analyze under uniform standards the financial need of each applicant for a scholarship for which financial need is a consideration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Send its analysis to the appropriate institution and the person who awards the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-205" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <text>Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Office shall grant a deferment from the service obligation component of student financial assistance awarded under this title to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An active service member who has been assigned duty outside of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The spouse of an active service member who has been assigned duty outside of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-206" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Office of Student Financial Assistance"> <text>For each award of a scholarship under this title, the Office shall inform the recipient of the scholarship of the availability of the income tax credit under § 10–740(c)(4) of the Tax – General Article for State employees. </text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-301" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program shall consist of the following types of awards:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Guaranteed Access Grants that are awarded to the neediest students to ensure that 100 percent of educational costs, as defined by regulations adopted by the Commission, are paid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Educational Assistance Grants that are awarded to low and moderate income students to assist in paying educational costs, as defined by regulations adopted by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-302" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall publicize the availability of Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-303" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (e) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate program at an eligible institution or be enrolled in a 2–year associate degree program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in § 18–303.2 of this subtitle, be a resident of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Demonstrate a definite financial need to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For an Educational Assistance Grant, the Office; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Accept any other conditions attached to the award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Have completed high school or, failing to do so, on the recommendation of the recipient’s high school principal, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Begin college within 6 years of completing high school or, failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be under the age of 26 years at the time of receiving the first award;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Enroll in college as a full–time student;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, have an annual family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who has successfully obtained a high school diploma by examination under § 11–808 of the Labor and Employment Article is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant if the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has scored a passing score of at least 145 per module on the diploma by examination;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Begins college within 6 years of achieving the score described under item (i) of this paragraph or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is under the age of 26 years at the time of receiving the first award;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Enrolls in college as a full–time student; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, has an annual family income below a poverty index determined by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>To determine the annual family income eligibility of an applicant for a Guaranteed Access Grant, the Office or an institution of higher education that complies with § 18–303.3 of this subtitle may not consider an amount received by the applicant as an earned income credit under § 32 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When awarding a Guaranteed Access Grant to a student who prequalified for the award under subsection (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the Commission shall use the annual family income determination used when the student prequalified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a student in grade 7 or grade 8 who applies and qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant on the basis of financial need as established by the Commission shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education by agreeing in writing, as a secondary and undergraduate student, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Satisfy the attendance policy of the applicable school;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide information required by the Commission or the State Board of Education;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Apply for admission to an institution of higher education during the student’s senior year of high school;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Complete and file on a timely basis applications for federal student aid for each year that the student plans to enroll in postsecondary education;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Participate in the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program established in § 18–303.1 of this subtitle until the student graduates from high school and matriculates at an institution of higher education;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Satisfy any other program requirements set by the Office, the Commission, the State Board of Education, or the State Department of Education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A student in grade 9 or grade 10 shall prequalify for a Guaranteed Access Grant to be used at the time of enrollment in an institution of higher education if the student:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Otherwise meets the conditions of paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Attends a school that participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision and the student is identified by:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Direct certification; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Income information provided by the family of the student to the local school system on an alternative form developed by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-303.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fund” means the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission, in collaboration with the Department, county boards of education, county superintendents, and institutions of higher education, shall administer the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall provide guidance and services to students who qualify for a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with § 18–303(e) of this subtitle and students who qualify to receive free or reduced–price lunch under the National School Lunch Program to assist the students in successfully:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Completing a college preparatory curriculum;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Graduating from high school;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Matriculating at an institution of higher education as defined in § 18–303 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Making timely progress to complete a degree program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In collaboration with the Department, publicize the Program through community outreach and marketing materials, including posting lists of the nonprofit organizations selected to provide services and the local school systems and cities in which the Program is located;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer the Program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Solicit applications from nonprofit organizations to administer the Program in local school systems; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Give priority to applications:</text> <level label="1"> <text>From Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That include business and institution of higher education partners.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall assist the Commission with the review of applications and the selection of nonprofit organizations to administer the Program in local school systems.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Program may continue to provide services to students:</text> <level label="i"> <text>When they attend an institution of higher education; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Who have participated in the Program for at least 1 full year and relocate to another county in the State that does not participate in the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In accordance with subsection (c) of this section, the services to be provided to students participating in the Program shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A high school graduation plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Summer work or internship opportunities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Financial aid literacy assistance, including informing students of available sources of financial aid and how to leverage federal, State, and institutional aid at specified institutions to make higher education affordable;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Career interest assessments;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Mentorship and one–on–one counseling;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Visits to college campuses and workplaces;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>An intensive summer bridge or matriculation assistance program for students entering an institution of higher education directly from high school; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>A plan to matriculate and graduate from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A nonprofit organization that receives a grant to provide the guidance and services required under subsection (e) of this section may utilize:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Postsecondary students receiving work–study assistance at Maryland institutions of higher education; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Secondary students in 11th and 12th grades who are successfully completing high school graduation requirements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall distribute grants to nonprofit organizations that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are selected in accordance with subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Will administer the Program in local school systems in which at least 50% of the students as a percentage of full–time equivalent students as defined in § 5–201 of this article are eligible to receive a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program in the 2015–2016 school year, as identified by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funds for the administration of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget for the Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Fund may be used only for administering the Program.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission may adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>On or before December 1, 2020, and each December 1 thereafter, the Commission and the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on the implementation of the Program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of students from each local school system who were prequalified for the Guaranteed Access Grant during each year of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The race, disability status, and English language learner status of each participating student who prequalified for the Guaranteed Access Grant each year of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The progress of each participating student through the Program, including high school graduation, institution of higher education matriculation and retention rates, and, if applicable, institution of higher education graduation rates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The potential for allocating additional funds for longitudinal data collection of the number of students matriculating to institutions of higher education each year, the number of students receiving retention services each year, and postsecondary outcomes for those two categories of students;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The amount and quality of services provided by nonprofit organizations to participating students, including the use of college work–study students and high school students as mentors and counselors;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The nonprofit organizations that received grants under the Program, including any other entities that provided services such as institutions of higher education, the business community, and local schools or local school systems;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The amount of financial aid, in addition to the Guaranteed Access Grant, that participating students received each year that the students were enrolled in an institution of higher education; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Findings and recommendations on the success of the Program and whether funding for the Program should be continued or expanded.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-303.2" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <text>Notwithstanding § 18–303(a)(2) of this subtitle, an individual is eligible for an award under this subtitle if the individual is eligible for in–State tuition under this article.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-303.3" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An institution may verify:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The eligibility of an applicant who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Applies for admission to the institution; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The renewal eligibility of a student who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle in the prior award year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An institution shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal standards for verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the student’s last award; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this section have been made properly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution described under § 18–305 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the applicant uses the award.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-303.4" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies beginning with the 2029–2030 financial aid award year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning when financial aid information is available each year, but not later than October 1 each year, the Office shall compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants for the Guaranteed Access Grant award by financial need.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regularly, the Office shall provide to each institution of higher education in the State the lists compiled and certified in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each institution of higher education shall use the lists provided by the Office in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, and the requirements under §§ 18–303 and 18–304 of this subtitle, to determine the applicants who shall be offered a Guaranteed Access Grant award by the institution and the amount of the award.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The institution shall send the financial aid award notification to an applicant to offer the applicant a Guaranteed Access Grant award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant may accept the offer of a Guaranteed Access Grant award from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Each semester, each institution of higher education shall submit to the Office a list of the students who were awarded a Guaranteed Access Grant for the semester and the amounts awarded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall reimburse each institution for the Guaranteed Access Grant awards on the list submitted in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Office shall compile and certify lists of students who previously received a Guaranteed Access Grant award and are eligible for a renewal award.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Office shall provide to each institution of higher education in the State the lists compiled and certified in accordance with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Each institution of higher education shall use the lists provided by the Office in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, and the requirements under §§ 18–303 and 18–304 of this subtitle, to determine the students who shall be offered a Guaranteed Access Grant renewal award by the institution.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The institution shall send the financial aid award notification to a student to offer the student a Guaranteed Access Grant renewal award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Office shall reimburse each institution of higher education for the Guaranteed Access Grant renewal awards made in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Office shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-304" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “academic year” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The fall, spring, and summer semesters; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any semester shorter in length than the term of a regular semester.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An institution of higher education shall determine the amount of each Guaranteed Access Award based on the financial need of the applicant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the amount of financial need, the institution of higher education shall consider regional cost–of–living differences.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In determining the percent of financial need used to calculate an award for a community college student receiving a Guaranteed Access Award, the institution of higher education shall use not less than 60%.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be awarded in $100 increments.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic years of enrollment may not be less than $400 or more than $3,000.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in the prior academic year, the amount of an Educational Assistance Grant made to a student may not be less than $400 or more than $3,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to the amount the student would have otherwise received multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>All applicants who fulfill the requirements established in § 18–303(a) and (b) of this subtitle shall receive a Guaranteed Access Grant.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the amount of a Guaranteed Access Grant made to a student in the student’s first 2 academic years of enrollment shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as determined by the institution of higher education, not to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, beginning in the third academic year of enrollment and for each academic year thereafter:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the student successfully completed at least 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent of the student’s financial need as determined by the institution of higher education, not to exceed the equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the student successfully completed at least 24 but less than 30 credits in the prior academic year, the award amount shall be equal to 100 percent multiplied by the ratio of the number of credits successfully completed divided by 30.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If a recipient of a Guaranteed Access Grant becomes ineligible because of a change in family income, the recipient shall remain eligible for the full award for the full award term applicable to the recipient under this subtitle if the recipient remains eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each institution of higher education shall include in the financial aid award notification to a student the availability of the Educational Assistance Award administered by the Office, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A description of the Office and the Educational Assistance Award;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information on Educational Assistance Award timelines; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A point of contact at the Office for students.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $112,000,000 for Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards made under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-305" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At a degree granting institution of higher education, an eligible institution with an associate degree program that provides transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program, or a hospital diploma school for training registered nurses if the curriculum is approved by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For educational expenses as defined by the Commission, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Tuition and fees; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Room and board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used at a school in another state if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>There is a reciprocal agreement as provided in § 18–308 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The school meets requirements of subsection (a)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used at a degree granting institution of higher education that is not in the State if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant is a deaf or hearing impaired student attending an institution of higher education that makes special provisions for deaf and hearing impaired students; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comparable special provisions are not available to the student at an institution of higher education in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Office may not award more than 10% of the funds available for each of the types of grants awarded under this subtitle for use by students attending schools in another state and the District of Columbia.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-306" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may hold the award for 4 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to be a resident of this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to be a full–time student at an eligible institution and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester, or its equivalent as determined by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the judgment of the institution, is making satisfactory progress toward a degree; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Maintains the standards of the institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in § 18–303(a)(1) of this subtitle may hold the award for 2 years if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may hold the award for a 5th year if the recipient continues to satisfy the requirements under subsection (a) of this section and:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is enrolled in an academic program that, as determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides evidence, satisfactory to the Office, of extenuating financial, academic, or other circumstances that prevent the recipient from completing the academic program in 4 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in § 18–303(a)(1) of this subtitle may hold the award for a 3rd year if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to satisfy the requirements under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides evidence, satisfactory to the Office, of extenuating financial, academic, or other circumstances that prevent the recipient from completing the academic program in 2 years.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-307" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Office shall compile and certify lists for the entire State that rank applicants by financial need for the Educational Assistance Award.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall award eligible students the Educational Assistance Award based on financial need from any remaining funding for the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All funds for annual initial grants for the Educational Assistance Award shall be awarded from the statewide list on the basis of greatest financial need.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If State funds are available for this purpose, institutions of higher education in the State may provide Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards to students who otherwise meet the requirements for receiving a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award but who apply after the March 1 deadline or have other extenuating circumstances.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each year the Commission shall transfer at least $2 million of the funds available under § 18–107(b) of this title for the purposes of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establish guidelines for the awarding of Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards by the institutions of higher education to the students; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall allocate available funds to institutions of higher education based on the proportion of State residents enrolled at each institution who receive federal Pell Grants.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An institution of higher education that receives funds under this paragraph shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition of the funds.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-308" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “school” means an institution that meets the requirements of § 18–305(a)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office may enter into reciprocal scholarship agreements with other states. However, the Office shall give priority to entering into reciprocal agreements with contiguous and nearby states.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If scholarships are awarded to students for use in schools in other states, the total value of all of these awards may not be more than 10 percent of the total funds budgeted for the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-309" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>For any fiscal year, if the funds appropriated for the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program are insufficient to satisfy fully all awards as calculated under § 18–304 of this subtitle, the amount paid to each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award shall be a percentage of that award, as determined in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission that establish a schedule of reductions for this purpose.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award grants calculated under § 18–304 of this subtitle that are not used by the recipients shall be retained by the Commission for use in the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program for the next fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All funds retained in the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used to award scholarships to students during subsequent fiscal years as provided by this title and may not be used for administrative expenses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-310" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Educational Excellence Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is an Educational Excellence Fund in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives to support an early intervention program to identify students eligible for the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Program and prepare them for college; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with the State Treasurer for use only in the early intervention program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly as provided under § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-401" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <text>There is a program of senatorial scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-402" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each applicant for a senatorial scholarship shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Take a competitive examination administered by the Office; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Be accepted for admission in the regular undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at an eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be enrolled in a 2–year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An applicant is exempt from the examination if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is attending an eligible institution and has completed at least 1 year in good academic standing at the institution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Graduated from high school at least 5 years before application for a senatorial scholarship;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is accepted for admission to a private career institution, if the institution’s curriculum is approved by the Commission, and the institution is accredited by a national accrediting association approved by the United States Department of Education; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Is planning to attend or is attending a Maryland community college.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An applicant is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection if the applicant is or was enrolled in a certificate or license program, course, or sequence of courses at a community college that leads to certification or licensure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be eligible for in–State tuition under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the time of the applicant’s initial application, be domiciled in the legislative district from which the applicant seeks an award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each applicant shall demonstrate to the Office a definite financial need, and each Senator shall consider the financial need of each applicant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each Senator is the final judge of the financial need of each applicant to whom the Senator awards a scholarship, and the Office may not negate the Senator’s judgment or impose requirements of time or procedure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each applicant shall accept any other conditions attached to the award.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-403" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <text>If a Senator serves from a legislative district composed of more than one county, the number of scholarship units shall be divided as equally as possible among qualified applicants from each county in the legislative district.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-404" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Until June 30, 2019, each Senator may award $34,500 of senatorial scholarships each year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2019, each Senator may award senatorial scholarships each fiscal year in an amount that may not exceed the total of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount authorized to be awarded the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of the increase over the previous year in the tuition and mandatory fees of an undergraduate program at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The annual allocation under subsection (a) of this section applies to initial–year awards. After 4 years of operation, the annual allocation to each Senator for initial–year and continuing awards may not exceed four times the amount of the Senator’s allocation under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a recipient moves to the legislative district of another Senator, the allocation to the recipient shall continue to be drawn on the account of the Senator who originally awarded the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A senatorial scholarship may be awarded in $100 increments.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An award for a single year may not be less than $400 or more than the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of an undergraduate program at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-405" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a senatorial scholarship may be used only at any community college or undergraduate, graduate, or professional school in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A senatorial scholarship may be used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the curriculum is approved by the Commission, at a degree granting institution of higher education, a hospital diploma school for training registered nurses, or to attend a private postsecondary proprietary institution that is accredited by a national accrediting association approved by the United States Department of Education as a full–time student; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For educational expenses as defined by the Office, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Tuition and mandatory fees; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Room and board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If on–campus housing is available, a senatorial scholarship may not be used to pay for off–campus housing.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each Senator may award not more than 10% of the funds available under this subtitle to applicants planning to attend accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional institutions outside the State, provided the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Will be studying in an academic area that is not offered in a program that is accredited by a national accrediting association approved by the United States Department of Education in any institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a hearing impaired person who will be studying at an institution outside the State that makes special provisions for hearing impaired students, and comparable special provisions are not available to the applicant at an institution in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is an active service member or the spouse of an active service member who is domiciled in this State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-406" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, each recipient of a senatorial scholarship may hold the scholarship for 4 undergraduate academic years, subject to § 18–406.1 of this subtitle, and 4 graduate academic years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a full–time student;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Continues to be a student at the institution and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses as an undergraduate or 9 semester hours of courses as a graduate student each semester leading to a degree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recipient of an undergraduate or graduate senatorial scholarship may hold the scholarship, appropriately prorated, for 8 academic years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a part–time student;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Continues to be a student at the institution and takes at least 6 semester hours of courses each semester leading to a degree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any recipient of a senatorial scholarship may use up to one–half of the yearly award for summer school.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is enrolled in a terminal certificate program as provided in § 18–402(a)(1) of this subtitle may hold the scholarship for 2 years if the recipient is a full–time student and otherwise meets the conditions of subsection (a) of this section, or may hold the scholarship for 4 years if the recipient is a part–time student and otherwise meets the conditions of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is currently enrolled, or was enrolled within the last 2 years, in a certificate or license program, course, or sequence of courses at a community college that leads to certification or licensure, as provided in § 18–402(a)(3) of this subtitle, may use the scholarship to reimburse educational expenses as defined by the Office under § 18–405(b)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is enrolled in a private postsecondary proprietary institution that is accredited by a national accrediting association approved by the United States Department of Education:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May hold the scholarship for the completion of one program if the student otherwise meets the conditions of subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall complete the program within the length of time prescribed by the institution for the completion of the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A recipient of a senatorial scholarship who is an active service member or the spouse of an active service member and otherwise meets the conditions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be domiciled in this State rather than eligible for in–State tuition under this article.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>On request from an applicant of the scholarship with a documented disability, the Maryland Higher Education Commission may waive the requirement in subsection (b)(3) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-406.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <text>A recipient may hold a scholarship for a fifth undergraduate academic year or for a semester subsequent to the end of a fourth undergraduate academic year if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requests a scholarship from the Senator for a fifth undergraduate academic year or for a semester subsequent to the end of a fourth undergraduate academic year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a full–time student;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition under this article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Continues to be a student at the institution and takes courses leading to a degree; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Has exhausted the funds available under § 18–406(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-407" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Each Senator shall award all of the Senator’s senatorial scholarships on or before September 1 of each year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If any Senator fails to award all of the Senator’s scholarships on or before September 1 of each year, the Commission shall make the remaining awards to applicants from the Senator’s legislative district who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Scored highest on the competitive examination; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Are attending an eligible institution and have completed at least 1 year in good academic standing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify each Senator of the applicants to whom it awards the Senator’s scholarships; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Announce publicly the names of all recipients.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To the extent a scholarship awarded under § 18–404 of this subtitle is not used by a student, money appropriated to the Commission for that award not used by the end of the fiscal year shall be retained by the Commission for use by the awarding Senator in the Senatorial Scholarship Program during subsequent fiscal years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-408" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Senatorial Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>If there is no qualified applicant in a legislative district, a qualified applicant who resides in another legislative district may be appointed to receive the senatorial scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a senatorial scholarship awarded under this section is for 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A student who receives an appointment under this section is eligible to receive a subsequent appointment for not longer than 4 years.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-501" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of Delegate Scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this subtitle may be used at:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An eligible institution for a program of undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional institution outside the State, if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Will be studying in an academic area that is not offered in a program that is accredited by a national accrediting association approved by the United States Department of Education in any institution in this State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is disabled and will be studying at an institution outside the State that makes special provisions for disabled students that are not available to the applicant at an institution in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is an active service member or the spouse of an active service member who is domiciled in this State; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A private career school within the State that is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission under § 11–202 of this article and that is accredited by a national accrediting association that is approved by the United States Department of Education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Money appropriated to the Commission for scholarships awarded under this section that is not used by the end of the fiscal year shall be retained by the Commission for use by the awarding Delegate in the Delegate Scholarship Program during subsequent fiscal years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-502" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Each member of the House of Delegates may select the recipients of the scholarships on any basis that the Delegate considers appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member of the House of Delegates may select any individual who is eligible for in–State tuition under this article as a recipient of the scholarship.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-503" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>During each term in office, each Delegate may award the equivalent of four 4–year full–time scholarships, which may be awarded for either 1–, 2–, 3–, or 4–year periods.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each scholarship pays the tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual amount of a scholarship at a public or private institution or any graduate or professional program may not exceed the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of an undergraduate program at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-504" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>A Delegate may award two part–time scholarships for each full–time scholarship available.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A part–time scholarship may not be for more than twice as many years as a full–time scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each recipient of a part–time scholarship shall carry at least 6 semester hours of courses each semester in a program leading to a degree.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On request from an applicant of the scholarship with a documented disability, the Maryland Higher Education Commission may waive the requirement in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-505" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Each recipient of a full-time Delegate Scholarship may use the scholarship to attend summer school.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The term of a full-time Delegate Scholarship shall be shortened by one-half year for each summer of use.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The amount used for summer school may not exceed one-half of the value of the award for the next academic year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-506" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>As an alternative to the scholarship awards authorized by §§ 18–503 through 18–505 of this subtitle, and subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, during each year in office each Delegate may award scholarships in a total amount equal to four times the tuition and mandatory fees for a full–time undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus for the academic year commencing in that year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A scholarship award under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not be for an amount less than $200 or more than one–half of the total amount of scholarships authorized by subsection (a) of this section for that year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be used at an eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May be used by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A graduate, undergraduate, or professional student;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A student at a private career school within the State that is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission under § 11–202 of this article and that is accredited by a national accrediting association that is approved by the United States Department of Education; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A student who is currently enrolled or was enrolled in the last 2 years in a certificate or license program, course, or sequence of courses at a community college that leads to certification or licensure as reimbursement for educational expenses that are defined by the Office and include tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To the extent it is not used by the student, shall be recredited to the Delegate’s scholarship account and may be awarded in the next 12 months by that Delegate to another student pursuant to this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-507" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Delegate Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 1996, each Delegate may authorize the Office to award all or a portion of the funds authorized under this subtitle to eligible recipients of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who reside in the Delegate’s legislative district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In the event that the total number of eligible recipients of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who reside in the Delegate’s legislative district is insufficient to utilize the total amount of funds available to the Delegate for any fiscal year, the Office of Student Financial Assistance may, with the consent of the Delegate, award the unused funds to other eligible recipients throughout the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-601" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Disabled public safety employee” means a State or local public safety employee who sustains an injury in the line of duty that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Precludes the individual from continuing to serve or be employed as a State or local public safety employee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of a volunteer member of a fire department or ambulance or rescue company or squad, precludes the member from continuing to be employed in the nonpublic safety occupation in which the member is engaged at the time of the injury.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Fund” means the Edward T. Conroy and Jean B. Cryor Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“School employee” includes an employee of a public or nonpublic school in the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“State or local public safety employee” means a person who is employed in the State as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A career or volunteer member of a:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fire department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ambulance company or squad; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Rescue company or squad;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A law enforcement officer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A correctional officer; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A member of the Maryland National Guard who was a resident of this State at the time of death.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Surviving spouse” means a person who has not remarried.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks” means a Maryland resident who was killed as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the attack on the Pentagon in Virginia, or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a program of scholarships that are awarded by eligible postsecondary institutions under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The program for uniformed services and public safety personnel and their eligible dependents is the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The program for eligible dependents of public and nonpublic school employees is the Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may apply to an eligible postsecondary institution for a scholarship under this section if the person:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in the regular undergraduate, graduate or professional program at an eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is enrolled in a 2–year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is enrolled in a private career school;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is at least 16 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Meets the other eligibility criteria specified in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To apply for a scholarship under this section, the following persons are required to be a resident of Maryland at the time of application or at the time of the disabling or fatal event:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or the surviving spouse of a member of the uniformed services who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Died as a result of service after December 7, 1941;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Suffered a service connected 100% permanent disability after December 7, 1941; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action, if that occurred on or after January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict, and if the child was born prior to or while the parent was a prisoner of war or missing in action;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A prisoner of war or missing in action, if that occurred on or after January 1, 1960, as a result of the Vietnam conflict and was a resident of this State at the time the person was declared to be a prisoner of war or missing in action;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A veteran who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Suffers a service connected disability of 25% or greater; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans’ educational benefits;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of or the surviving spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a school employee who, as a result of an act of violence:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Died in the line of duty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the school employee 100% disabled; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The surviving spouse of a school employee who, as a result of an act of violence:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Died in the line of duty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the school employee 100% disabled.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To apply for a scholarship under this section, the following persons are not required to be a resident of Maryland at the time of application or at the time of the disabling or fatal event:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of any State or local public safety employee killed in the line of duty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The surviving spouse of any State or local public safety employee killed in the line of duty; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>A disabled public safety employee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of a disabled public safety employee who sustains an injury in the line of duty that renders the public safety employee 100% disabled; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The surviving spouse of a disabled public safety employee who sustains an injury in the line of duty that renders the public safety employee 100% disabled.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be used for the tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Exceed the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be less than the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$3,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident of the institution attended by the recipient of the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Each postsecondary institution shall determine the eligibility of persons who apply to the institution for the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program and the Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds for the Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program and the Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program shall be allocated by the Commission to each postsecondary institution based on a formula determined by the Commission, which may include prior year enrollment, eligible recipients, and institutional tuition and fees.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In October and February of each year, each postsecondary institution shall report to the Commission the number of eligible recipients attending the institution.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall allocate funds for awards to postsecondary institutions subject to the availability of funds as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each postsecondary institution may make awards to eligible students subject to the allocation of funds from the Commission under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission shall adopt guidelines to implement this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this section may hold the award for 5 years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of eligible recipients under subsection (d)(2)(iii) of this section shall be limited to 15 each year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An award provided under subsection (d)(2)(iv) of this section may not exceed the amount specified in subsection (e)(2) of this section when combined with any other scholarship received by a student based on the student’s status as a child or spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to a recipient’s continued eligibility under subsection (d) of this section and the availability of funds under subsection (f) of this section, an awarding authority shall give priority to a recipient of a scholarship before awarding funds to new applicants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>There is an Edward T. Conroy and Jean B. Cryor Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from the programs; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the programs with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $4,000,000 to the Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-602" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of scholarships for children of volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance or rescue squad members who died or were disabled by an accident resulting from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Performing any duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Actively participating in the ambulance or rescue squad work of an incorporated volunteer fire company or volunteer ambulance or rescue squad in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The recipient of a scholarship under this section shall be a graduate of an accredited high school.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firefighters Association, in its discretion, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Determine the amount of each award; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Select the recipient of each award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Maryland State Firefighters Association shall provide the funds for these awards.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-603.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Fund” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Scholarship” means the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual may apply to the Office for the scholarship if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a resident of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a course offered at an eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is actively engaged as a career or volunteer firefighter or ambulance or rescue squad member in an organized fire department or ambulance or rescue squad in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May be used for the tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be up to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident student at a 2–year public institution of higher education established under Title 16 of this article with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident student; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>50% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any student financial aid, other than a student loan, awarded to a scholarship recipient shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided through the scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Initial awards shall be provided to scholarship recipients on a first–come, first–served basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this section may hold the award for 5 years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A Senator or Delegate may authorize the Office to award all or a portion of the funds authorized under Subtitles 4 and 5 of this title to eligible recipients of scholarships awarded under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Funds for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is a Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Fund in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A recipient of a scholarship shall work for at least 1 year as a volunteer or career firefighter or ambulance or rescue squad member in an organized fire department or ambulance or rescue squad in the State after completion of study at an eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>A scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this section if the recipient does not perform the service obligation required under subsection (i) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-604" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees"> <level label="a"> <text>For purposes of this section, an individual served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict if the individual was an active service member who served in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Afghanistan or contiguous air space, as defined in federal regulations, on or after October 24, 2001; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Iraq or contiguous waters or air space, as defined in federal regulations, on or after March 19, 2003.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this section if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a resident of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in the regular undergraduate program at an eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Is a veteran who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is an active service member who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is a member of a reserve component who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in subsection (a) of this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or spouse of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A veteran or an active service member who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member of the reserve component who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict described in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this section may supplement, but is not contingent on, any federal education benefits for which a recipient qualifies as a result of an individual’s service or status as a dependent of an active service member or of a veteran.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Each scholarship may be used, at any eligible institution, to pay for educational expenses as defined by the Office, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Tuition and mandatory fees; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Room and board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual amount of a scholarship may not exceed 50% of the equivalent annual tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board of a resident undergraduate student at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this section may hold the award for 5 years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>A scholarship recipient is not required to submit an application for federal or State financial aid.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Scholarship recipients who file for financial aid must file by March 1 of each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A Senator or Delegate may authorize the Office to award all or a portion of the funds authorized under Subtitles 4 and 5 of this title to eligible recipients of scholarships awarded under this section.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>Funds for the Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection, “Fund” means the Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>There is a Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Fund in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly as provided under § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-605" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Scholarships for Uniformed Services and Public Safety Personnel and Their Dependents and the Dependents of Certain School Employees"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Richard W. Collins III Leadership With Honor Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual is eligible for a scholarship under this section if the individual is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Eligible for in–State tuition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member of a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A minority student or a student who is a member of another group historically underrepresented in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A student at a historically black college or university in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Award at least 25% of its total annual grant money to students at Bowie State University;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Award the remaining amount of its total annual grant money to students at historically black colleges and universities other than Bowie State University;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Determine the amount of each award;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Select the recipient of each award; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Prioritize students with financial need in selecting recipients of each award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget an annual appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Office shall adopt procedures or regulations necessary to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-708" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Economic Development Grants"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Advisory Council” means the Advisory Council on Workforce Shortage.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in this State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Fund” means the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Grant” means the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance grant.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Public good or benefit” means service to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State in an occupation in the public sector or in an organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a program of Workforce Shortage Student Assistance grants under this section for students who pledge to work in fields of critical shortage in the State on completion of their studies.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the program is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide financial assistance to students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Address the workforce shortage needs of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient of a Workforce Shortage Student Assistance grant under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be selected by the Office from qualified applicants;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Sign a letter of intent to enroll at an eligible institution in the State in an eligible program as specified for each field in which there is a critical shortage in this State as provided in this section;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Sign a letter of intent to perform the service obligation on completion of the recipient’s required studies;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Accept any other conditions attached to the grant;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>After completion of studies in an eligible program, perform the service obligation as specified for each field in which there is a critical shortage, as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, the Commission shall on a biennial basis:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify workforce shortage fields in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Designate eligible workforce shortage fields under the grant program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Remove from the grant program any field that the Commission determines no longer qualifies as a workforce shortage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint an Advisory Council on Workforce Shortage to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify workforce shortage fields in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend to the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Priority workforce shortage fields to be included in the grant program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The removal of fields that in the Advisory Council’s judgment no longer qualify as workforce shortage fields.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In making recommendations to the Commission, the Advisory Council shall consider whether a workforce shortage field provides a public good or benefit to the citizens of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Advisory Council shall include the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary of Higher Education or designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Secretary of Labor or designee;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One representative from the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Secretary of Commerce or designee;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Secretary of Health or designee;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The State Superintendent of Schools or designee;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One representative of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One representative of the Maryland House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Two representatives from the University System of Maryland, appointed by the Chancellor;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>The President of Morgan State University or designee;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>The President of St. Mary’s College or designee; and</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Representatives nominated by the following organizations and appointed by the Secretary of Higher Education:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One representative from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One representative from the Washington Board of Trade;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative from the Greater Baltimore Committee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Two representatives from the Maryland Independent College and University Association;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Two representatives from the Maryland Association of Community Colleges;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One representative from the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Associations; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One representative from the Financial Assistance Advisory Council representing a financial aid office at an institution of higher education.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the following workforce shortage fields shall be included in the grant program:</text> <level label="1"> <text>School teachers (the grant to be known as the Sharon Christa McAuliffe Memorial Teacher Scholarship);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Social workers (the grant to be known as the Ruth M. Kirk Public Social Work Scholarship);</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nurses;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Child care providers (the grant to be known as the Hattie N. Harrison Memorial Scholarship);</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice providers (the grant to be known as the Ida G. and L. Leonard Ruben Scholarships);</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Physical and occupational therapists and assistants; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Public servants (the grant to be known as the William Donald Schaefer Scholarship and the grant to be known as the Parren J. Mitchell Public Service Scholarship).</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission may remove a shortage field specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph if in the Commission’s judgment the field no longer qualifies as a workforce shortage field.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A grant recipient in a workforce shortage field that is removed from the grant program may continue to receive renewal awards under the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each fiscal year, the Commission shall determine the number of grants to be awarded in eligible workforce shortage fields based on the:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Priority of the workforce shortage field;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Severity of the workforce shortage in the field; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Availability of funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office shall annually select eligible students and offer a grant to each student selected to be used at an eligible institution of the student’s choice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Eligible students shall be selected based on academic accomplishment and financial need, as determined by standards established and approved by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each grant shall be renewable for a maximum of 5 years subsequent to the original grant if the recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Continues to meet the qualifications specified in subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Meets satisfactory academic progress standards as determined by the eligible institution.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A grant recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be enrolled at an eligible institution on a part–time or full–time basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall earn at least 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credit hours in each academic year, including summer sessions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, shall be an undergraduate student at an eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>May be a graduate student if the Office determines that the shortage field requires employees with a graduate level education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “cost of attendance” means the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of this subsection, the Commission shall establish in guidelines the annual grant awards under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Annual grant awards shall be within the following ranges:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a part–time student attending a 2–year eligible institution – $1,000 and 12.5% of cost of attendance;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a full–time student attending a 2–year eligible institution – $2,000 and 25% of cost of attendance;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For a part–time student attending a 4–year eligible institution – $2,000 and 25% of cost of attendance; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For a full–time student attending a 4–year eligible institution – $4,000 and 50% of cost of attendance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For a student taking courses during a summer session to meet the minimum number of credit hours for full–time or part–time status, the Commission shall distribute grant awards to the student in the spring and summer sessions in amounts it determines to be appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A student who is enrolled in an academic program that includes a mandatory summer academic session as part of the approved curriculum may receive an additional award not to exceed $1,000 per calendar year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The grant award may be used at any eligible institution for educational expenses as defined by the Commission, including tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>A grant recipient shall perform a service obligation in the recipient’s field of critical shortage in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A full–time position at a rate of 1 year for each year that the recipient receives a grant awarded under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A part–time position at a rate of 2 years for each year that the recipient receives a grant awarded under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may establish alternative service obligation requirements for designated workforce shortage fields to address statewide and regional needs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>A grant recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received as set forth in § 18–112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Earn at least 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credit hours in each academic year in which the student receives assistance, including summer sessions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Complete the specified degree, attain the licensure or certification required, or fulfill other requirements as provided in this section; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Perform the service obligation required under subsection (k) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall waive the repayment of a grant award at a rate of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 year for each year that the recipient performs the service obligation on a full–time basis; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>6 months for each year that the recipient performs the service obligation on a part–time basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A recipient shall begin repayment at any time during the period that the recipient is no longer performing the service obligation.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A recipient may delay repayment as long as the recipient remains a student enrolled at least part–time in a degree–granting program.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, repayment shall be made to the State within 6 years after the repayment period begins and shall follow a repayment schedule established by the Office.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Office may waive or defer repayment in the event of disability or extended sickness which prevents the recipient from fulfilling the service obligation required under this section.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Office shall grant a deferment from the service obligation required under this section to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An active service member who has been assigned duty outside the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The spouse of an active service member who has been assigned duty outside the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to recipients of the William Donald Schaefer Scholarship specified in subsection (e)(5) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall annually select eligible students and offer grants to students who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service to assist in providing legal services to low–income residents in the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In making William Donald Schaefer Scholarship awards under this section, the Commission shall endeavor to select award recipients who are representative of the State’s rich cultural, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each individual awarded a William Donald Schaefer Scholarship under this section must have indicated and demonstrated to the Commission a serious intent to enter public service on the completion of the student’s educational program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to recipients of the Parren J. Mitchell Public Service Scholarship specified in subsection (e)(5) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall annually select eligible students and offer grants to students who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service and assist in providing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Social work services to low–income residents in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Other services in the public or nonprofit sectors in which there is a shortage of qualified practitioners to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In making Parren J. Mitchell Public Service Scholarship awards under this section, the Commission shall endeavor to select award recipients who are representative of the State’s rich cultural, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each individual awarded a Parren J. Mitchell Public Service Scholarship under this section must have indicated and demonstrated to the Commission a serious intent to enter public service on the completion of the student’s educational program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Fund in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person or corporation for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a grant award from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an annual report on the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly as provided under § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>A recipient may hold a Workforce Shortage Student Assistance grant and any other State grant or scholarship awarded by the Office provided that the total of all grants and scholarships does not exceed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The student’s total cost of attendance, as certified by the institution where the student is enrolled; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The cost of attendance, as defined in subsection (i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>Funds for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance grant program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>The Commission shall adopt guidelines or regulations necessary to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-801" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Medical, Dental, and Nursing Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Each county may establish a program of county scholarships for students of medicine, dentistry, or nursing, and may levy and pay any amount required for this purpose.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The county council, board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may determine the amount to be awarded, the number of these scholarships, and the method of selecting the recipients.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An award granted under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not be held by the same student for more than 4 years; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be used for educational expenses, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Tuition and mandatory fees;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Room and board; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Books.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this section shall give a bond to the county, with security satisfactory to it, that after graduation he will practice his profession in the county for at least:</text> <level label="1"> <text>5 years if the scholarship is for medicine or dentistry; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>3 years if the scholarship is for nursing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-802" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Medical, Dental, and Nursing Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible institution” means an institution of postsecondary education:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Approved to operate by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That awards nursing degrees or diplomas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Eligible organization” means an institution, including a licensed hospital, nursing home, adult day care center, public health agency, home health agency, or other organization authorized by the Secretary of Health.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Medical education center” means an institution:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whose objectives include the education of medical and allied health personnel; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That has residency programs or full departments in at least three primary care areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Nurse practitioner” means a nurse practitioner as defined by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Nursing.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Nursing shortage area” means a recognized area of nursing service or specialization determined by the Secretary of Health to be an area where there exists a shortage of qualified nurses in eligible organizations.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Nursing student” means a student enrolled in a postsecondary nursing education degree or diploma program at an eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Physician assistant” means an individual licensed under Title 15 of the Health Occupations Article to practice as a physician assistant.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Primary care” means family practice, general internal medicine, and general pediatrics.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Physician Assistant–Nurse Practitioner Training Program that provides financial support to institutions with training programs for physician assistants and nurse practitioners in primary care in this State administered by the Office. An institution may participate if its program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is accredited by the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, or the National League of Nursing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Produces graduates eligible to take:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The primary care physician assistant certifying examination of the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The primary care in adult and family nursing practice certifying examination or any other examination required by the State Board of Nursing;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is part of, or has a formal arrangement with, a medical education center;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Focuses on developing primary care skills and includes substantial clinical experience in primary care; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Is not a specialty program in a discipline other than primary care.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Physician Assistant–Nurse Practitioner Training Program consists of grants to an eligible medical education center for each individual who completes the program in physician assistant or nurse practitioner training in the amount of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$3,000 for each physician assistant; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$1,500 for each nurse practitioner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the total amount of the grants to be made under this section for physician assistants–nurse practitioners is more than $72,000 annually, then the amount of a medical education center’s grant for that period shall be equal to the product of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount required to pay grants for that center; times</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ratio of the total amount appropriated to the total amount required to pay grants under this section to all centers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A grant may not be awarded to a medical education center that has discontinued its program in physician assistant or nurse practitioner training.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-803" future_version_removed="true" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Medical, Dental, and Nursing Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible institution” means an institution of postsecondary education that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is approved to operate by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Produces graduates eligible to take the appropriate national examination for licensure, certification, or registration in the relevant health occupation determined to be in short supply.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Grant” means the Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant for eligible institutions offering educational programs leading to licensure, certification, or registration in health occupations determined to be in short supply.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Health occupation” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who has at least an Associate degree in physical therapy;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An occupational therapist or an occupational therapist assistant who has at least an Associate degree in occupational therapy;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A radiographer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A respiratory therapist;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A laboratory technician;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A medical technologist;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A pharmacist;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; or</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A physician who engages in family practice or pediatrics.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Program for eligible institutions.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall administer the Grant Program as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In consultation with the Secretary of Health, the Office shall adopt regulations to implement the Grant Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An eligible institution is qualified to receive a grant under this section if the institution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has an approved education program leading to licensure, certification, or registration in a health occupation determined to be in short supply; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds the approved education program at an amount not less than the preceding fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an eligible institution shall receive a grant in the amount of $1,500 for each student who graduates from an approved education program leading to licensure, certification, or registration in a health occupation determined to be in short supply, that is in excess of the lowest number of students who graduated from the approved education program at that eligible institution commencing in the academic year 1990–91.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall establish, in consultation with each appropriate eligible institution, that institution’s threshold number of students.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If the total amount of the grant to be issued under subsection (d) of this section is more than the amount appropriated in the annual State budget, the amount of an eligible institution’s grant for that period shall be equal to the product of the amount required to pay grants under subsection (d) of this section multiplied by the ratio of the total amount appropriated to the eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any unspent portions of the money that is transferred to the Office for use under this section by the Comptroller may not be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund maintained by the Office to administer these programs to be used for the purposes specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An amount not exceeding $100,000 of the unspent portion of the money that is transferred to the Office for use under this section may be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State in order to offset the costs of the tax credit available under § 10–739 of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The eligible institution shall use the grant to enhance or expand approved education programs leading to licensure or certification in health occupations determined to be in short supply.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with § 1–204 of the Health Occupations Article, the Secretary of Health shall certify annually to the Maryland Higher Education Commission those health occupations in short supply.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In any year in which a health occupation is determined by the Secretary of Health to be no longer in short supply, the Office shall discontinue issuing new grants under this section for that health occupation, provided that the existing grants shall continue for the students who are enrolled in prior to and who subsequently graduate from the approved education program after the determination is made by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-901" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Postgraduate Fellowships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “University” means the University of Maryland, College Park Campus.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a program of fellowships for postgraduate work in the Graduate School of the University known as the Judith A. Resnik Memorial Postgraduate Fellowship Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each recipient of a fellowship awarded under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be a graduate of a standard 4–year college course in an institution of higher education accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or an equivalent regional accrediting agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be recommended for graduate study by the executive head of the institution from which the recipient graduated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If possible, residents of this State shall receive preference in the award of these fellowships.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The University shall cooperate with the accredited institutions of higher education in this State by specifying each year the requirements of the graduate school, the standards for determining eligibility for fellowships, and the fields of greatest need for qualified faculty in the public institutions of higher education in this State.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each fellowship:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not be for less than $200 a single year or for more than the highest 10–month stipend for a graduate assistant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be held for 3 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Continues to be a full–time student at the University and carries at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the judgment of the University, is making satisfactory progress towards a degree; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Maintains the department standards of the University.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year, the fellowship committee of the University shall certify not more than 18 fellowships to qualified applicants as the amount appropriated to the program that year allows.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The award of such fellowships shall be made when possible so as to promote compliance with the State of Maryland desegregation goals.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If possible:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The distribution shall be made as wide as possible to graduates of accredited institutions of higher education in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Consideration shall be given to the greatest need in securing qualified faculties in the public institutions of higher education in this State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1201" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <text>There is a program of private career school student grants in this State, known as the Jack F. Tolbert Memorial Student Grant Program, that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1202" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <text>The Office shall administer the program of private career school student financial aid grants.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1203" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office may not require any competitive examination in determining student eligibility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each applicant for a private career school student grant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be accepted for admission at an approved private career school;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be enrolled in a full-time program as determined by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be a resident of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Demonstrate to the Office financial need.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1204" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <text>A private career school student grant may be awarded in $100 increments. However, an award for a single year may not be more than $1,500.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1205" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A private career school student grant may be used at a private career school in this State that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operates solely within the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not have an outstanding notice of deficiencies under appeal in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Higher Education Commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Does not have a negative final report under the State Postsecondary Review Program in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 667.23 as the regulation may be amended; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Has not been referred for review under the State Postsecondary Review Program as a result of its student loan default rates in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 667.5 as the regulation may be amended.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A grant awarded under this subtitle may be used for tuition charges only.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1206" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <text>Each recipient of a private career school student grant may hold the grant for 2 years if the student:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to be a resident of this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to be enrolled in a full-time program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the judgment of the institution, is making satisfactory progress toward a certificate of completion; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Continues to demonstrate a financial need.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1207" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Private Career School Student Grant Program"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Program in an amount not less than $200,000 for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 1996 and each subsequent fiscal year.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1401" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Part-Time Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “part–time student” means a student who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is enrolled in a degree–granting program at an eligible institution and taking at least 3 but no more than 11 semester hours of courses each semester; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is dually enrolled in a secondary school in the State and an institution of higher education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In cooperation with the institutions of higher education in the State, the Commission shall establish and administer a grant program for undergraduate part–time students.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A recipient of a part–time grant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in § 18–1401.1 of this subtitle, be a resident of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have demonstrated a definite financial need according to criteria established by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For courses completed under the program, a recipient who is dually enrolled in a secondary school in the State and an institution of higher education may not be required to receive credit from a secondary school and an institution of higher education at the same time.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1401.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Part-Time Grant Program"> <text>Notwithstanding § 18–1401(c)(1) of this subtitle, an individual is eligible for an award under this subtitle if the individual is eligible for in–State tuition under this article.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1402" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Part-Time Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Part–Time Grant Program shall be allocated by the Commission to each institution of higher education based upon the number of undergraduate part–time students with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled in degree–granting programs at the institution.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the grant program for part–time students shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1403" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Part-Time Grant Program"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish guidelines for the awarding of grants to part-time students; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adopt any other guidelines or regulations necessary for the administration of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1404" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Part-Time Grant Program"> <text>An institution of higher education that receives State funds under this subtitle shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition of the funds.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-14A-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Dual Enrollment Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Dually enrolled student” means a student who is dually enrolled in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A secondary school in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An institution of higher education in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Grant” means the Early College Access Grant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Early College Access Grant that provides financial assistance to dually enrolled students in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In cooperation with institutions of higher education in the State, the Commission shall administer the Grant.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient of a grant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a dually enrolled student; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Demonstrate financial need according to criteria established by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For courses completed under the Grant, a recipient is not required to receive credit from a secondary school and an institution of higher education at the same time.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-14A-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Dual Enrollment Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Grant shall be allocated by the Commission to an institution of higher education based on the number of dually enrolled students receiving credit for courses completed at the institution.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the Grant shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-14A-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Dual Enrollment Grant Program"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish guidelines for awarding the Grant to dually enrolled students; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adopt any other guidelines or regulations necessary for the administration of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-14A-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Dual Enrollment Grant Program"> <text>Each county board shall make all high school students who meet mutually agreed on enrollment requirements aware of the opportunity to dually enroll under this subtitle. </text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-14A-06" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="14A" subtitle_name="Dual Enrollment Grant Program"> <text>An institution of higher education that receives State funds under this subtitle shall provide the Commission with an annual audit of the use of the funds. </text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1501" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Eligible field of employment” means employment in the State by an organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible field of employment” includes employment by the State or any local government in the State, but does not include being employed as a judicial clerk in any court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Mental health professional” means an individual who provides mental health services in public schools and is employed by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A county school system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A local health department to provide school health services through an agreement with a county board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Mental health professional” includes a school psychologist, resource psychologist, psychologist coordinator, social worker, social worker supervisor, school counselor, or mental health coordinator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“School nurse” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is licensed as a registered nurse in accordance with Title 8 of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides health services in a public school; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is employed by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A county school system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A local health department to provide school health services through an agreement with a county board.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1502" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of loan assistance repayment known as the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university in the State of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A school of law;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a mental health professional, any accredited college or university; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For a veterinary practitioner or veterinary technician, any accredited veterinary college or university; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Receives a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) from the Department after completing an alternative teaching preparation program approved by the State Superintendent;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains eligible employment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the Office, including any additional sources of income; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Public school teacher in the State who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has taught in Maryland for at least 2 years:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In science, technology, engineering, fine arts, or math subjects;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a school in which at least the following percentages of the students are enrolled in the free and reduced price lunch program in the State:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>75% through June 30, 2025; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>55% beginning July 1, 2025; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In a school that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Had Title I status during the 2018–2019 school year;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Lost Title I status after the 2018–2019 school year; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Participates in the United States Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has received a performance evaluation rating for the most recent year available in the county in which the teacher taught;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Mental health professional who has provided mental health services in a public school for at least 2 years as an employee of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A county school system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A local health department through an agreement with a county board; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nurse who has been a school nurse for at least 2 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A veterinarian practitioner who has provided veterinary services as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An employee in the State for a period not less than 5 years; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours per year for a period not less than 3 years at an animal shelter that is owned by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A local government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization contracted to perform animal control services for a local government; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An organization that shelters animals and was a recipient of the Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program during the prior year; or</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A veterinary technician who has provided veterinary technician services as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An employee in the State for a period not less than 5 years; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours per year for a period not less than 3 years at an animal shelter that is owned by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A local government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization contracted to perform animal control services for a local government; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An organization that shelters animals and was a recipient of the Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program during the prior year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A grant awarded under subsection (c) of this section shall be known as the Nancy Grasmick Public School Professional Award.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A recipient of a Nancy Grasmick Public School Professional Award shall be known as a Nancy Grasmick Public School Professional Scholar.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in § 18–1501(c)(2) of this subtitle shall require the approval of the Office.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapy counselor, or a licensed clinical professional counselor whose practice is located in a high–need geographic area of the State as determined by the Maryland Department of Health.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1503" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt regulations to establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The maximum total income for eligibility in the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program, including any additional sources of income;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Graduated from an institution of higher education in the last 3 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is employed on a full–time basis; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>Provides, as the principal part of the individual’s employment, legal services to low–income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services, nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of this title, or other services in an eligible field of employment in which there is a shortage of qualified practitioners to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For teacher, mental health professional, and school nurse applicants only, qualifies for a Nancy Grasmick Public School Professional Award;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance in repaying the loan of an eligible individual, based on the individual’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A procedure and schedule for the monthly or annual payment of the amount of loan assistance provided by the Office of Student Financial Assistance to the eligible individual, as appropriate to assist an eligible individual in meeting loan forgiveness program requirements;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A requirement that an eligible individual apply to federal loan forgiveness programs for which the individual may qualify;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A requirement that an eligible individual notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance if the individual receives other loan repayment assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>An annual review of the eligibility of each individual participating in the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall adopt any other regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1504" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program described in subsection (b)(2) of this section shall be allocated by the Commission to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has received a graduate degree from a school of law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has submitted an application for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program that the Commission disapproved due to insufficient funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be provided on an annual basis in the State budget; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include money paid to the Program from the fee charged for a special admission of an out–of–state attorney under § 7–202(f) of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a federal matching grant loan program furnishes professional services in an eligible field of employment to low–income or underserved residents of the State, the Office may apply not more than 50 percent of the funds provided in the State budget for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program to the State’s participation in the federal program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1505" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Office shall report to the General Assembly by January 1 of each year on the implementation of the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program and the requirements of § 18–28A–05 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1506" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program"> <text>The Office shall publicize the availability of the Program, including by publicizing the Program:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At historically Black colleges and universities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a manner that focuses on students who are historically underrepresented in the teaching field;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To eligible mental health professionals in an effort to recruit and retain mental health professionals to public schools in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To eligible school nurses in an effort to recruit and retain nurses working in public schools in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1601" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Math/science Student Corps"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible employment” means full-time employment in the State in an occupation requiring a college or university degree in a math or science program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1602" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Math/science Student Corps"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Math/Science Student Corps to encourage students to enroll in math and science programs and work in occupations in Maryland requiring math and science skills.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the program is to increase the number of graduates who are employed in occupations requiring math and science skills and to provide loan repayment assistance for graduates who work in Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office may assist in the repayment of any higher education loan owed by an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receives an undergraduate degree in a math or science program from a college or university in Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains eligible employment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Participates in activities to encourage other students to pursue math and science degree programs and occupations as may be required by the Office; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Recipients of loan repayment assistance may participate in the program for a maximum of 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate study.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in § 18-1601(c)(2) of this subtitle shall require the approval of the Office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1603" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Math/science Student Corps"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall adopt guidelines or regulations to establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The math and science degree programs and occupations eligible for the program and review them on an annual basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The criteria for making loan repayment assistance awards;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A procedure and schedule for the Office to pay eligible individual loan repayment assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An annual review of the eligibility of each individual participating in the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall adopt any other guidelines or regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1604" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Math/science Student Corps"> <text>Funds for the Math/Science Student Corps shall be as provided by the Governor in the annual budget of the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1701" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible student” means a junior, senior, or graduate student who attends an institution of higher education in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Internship” means a paid or an unpaid internship in the State with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Affords the student the opportunity to participate in and support management functions, including board governance, executive leadership, financial management, human resources, fundraising, or facilities management; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State or any local government in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Shriver Center” means the Shriver Center located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1702" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a scholarship program known as the Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Program consists of at least the following public service intern fellowships:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Governor’s Summer Internship Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Sondheim Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to assist college and graduate students to explore public service career opportunities through internships.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Shriver Center shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An institution of higher education in the State may nominate eligible students to participate in the Program on or before:</text> <level label="1"> <text>January 1 of each year for summer and fall internships; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>October 1 of each year for spring internships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Priority for participation in the Program shall be given to an eligible student who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has demonstrated an interest in a career in public service; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Assists in providing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Legal services:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To low–income residents in the State who cannot afford legal services; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a public service position;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Social work services to low–income residents in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Nursing services in nursing shortage areas in the State as defined in § 18–802 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Other services in the public or nonprofit sectors in which there is a shortage of qualified practitioners to low–income or underserved residents or areas of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, for eligible students who have agreed to serve in a public service internship, the Shriver Center shall award scholarships on or before:</text> <level label="i"> <text>January 15 of each year for spring internships;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May 1 of each year for summer internships; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>August 1 of each year for fall internships.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds for the scholarships awarded under this subtitle shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Subject to the availability of funds, the scholarship award under the Program shall be at least $2,000 and no more than $6,000.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Shriver Center shall serve as a clearinghouse for public and nonprofit entities that wish to hire public service interns participating in the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1703" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Shriver Center shall adopt policies to establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The criteria for eligibility in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A procedure and schedule for the payment of the scholarship award provided to an eligible student; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A procedure for the repayment of the scholarship award if a student does not fulfill the internship requirements under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Shriver Center shall adopt any other policies necessary to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1704" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be provided on an annual basis in the State budget in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation for the Program that is at least 125% of the appropriation provided in fiscal year 2026.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The appropriation shall include funding for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County that is at least 125% of the funding provided in fiscal year 2026 for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Governor’s Summer Internship Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Sondheim Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor may provide funding in the State budget to the Shriver Center to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1705" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Shriver Center shall report to the General Assembly by January 1 of each year on the implementation of the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1801" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Grant” means an apprenticeship incentive grant that is awarded to an apprenticeship sponsor under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Grant recipient” means a person or entity that receives a grant under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Apprenticeship Incentive Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1802" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor in collaboration with the State Superintendent of Schools and the Secretary of Higher Education may establish a program of school–to–work transition grants, to be known as the “Youth Apprenticeship Program”.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the program shall be as provided by the Governor in the annual budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1803" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A grant may be awarded under this subtitle to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An employer or consortium of employers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An industrial trade association;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A trade union;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A registered apprenticeship sponsor; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A combination of the entities specified in items (1) through (4) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A grant recipient shall use the grant in an apprenticeship training program that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A registered apprenticeship program approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council within the Maryland Department of Labor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A youth apprenticeship program approved by the State Superintendent of Schools that involves students attending the public schools of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A youth apprenticeship program approved by the Secretary of Juvenile Services that involves clients of the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary of Labor may ensure that the youth apprenticeship programs approved under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Foster the expansion of structured, school–to–work transition programs that link secondary school applied learning experiences with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Skilled, high wage, workplace jobs and professions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Postsecondary technical and occupational work experiences;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Foster enrollment in apprenticeship programs that target youth, including general education degree recipients;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Foster enrollment of inexperienced, unskilled, first time hires in long–term programs leading to a credential in emerging, technology based occupations that are projected as high growth areas in the State economy; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Support the development of competency based instructional programs that encompass secondary and postsecondary institutions and are based on specific skill standards that are identified by the industry through accepted models.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1804" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor, after consultation with the Advisory Board and interested potential grant recipients, may establish guidelines for the review and evaluation of grant proposals and the selection of grant recipients.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>During the month of January each year, the Maryland Department of Labor may issue a request for proposals inviting interested persons to submit grant proposals for participation in the program for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 of that year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grant proposals may be received and reviewed by the Department only during the period between the date of the issuance of the request for proposals under paragraph (1) of this subsection and May 31 of that year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor may evaluate grant proposals on a competitive basis and shall approve only proposals that it determines are of high quality and likely to fulfill the goals and objectives of the program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Following a review of all grant proposals received during the period specified under subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary of Labor may announce the grant recipients for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 of that year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1805" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <text>If a Youth Apprenticeship Program is established under the authority granted under this subtitle, the Secretary of Labor may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Determine the amount that is needed to fund the grants awarded under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit this information to the Department of Budget and Management for inclusion in the annual budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1806" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor may require that each grant recipient have a matching requirement for the amount of the grant that is awarded to the recipient under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The grant recipient may include in the amount that is calculated as its match under subsection (a) of this section the costs of personnel, equipment, and materials it incurs in the training program for the students it enrolls.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1807" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The grant recipient may use the grant for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The development of competency based instructional programs that incorporate industry skills and that are based on generally accepted models within the industry;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The development of performance assessment systems that are tied to industry standards that demonstrate mastery of skills with a formal credential;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The coordination of work site and on–the–job training; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To the extent not provided by the educational institution attended by the student or by any other entity, the costs of tuition, books, fees, and materials used in the training program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the costs of the administration of the program shall be as provided by the Governor in the annual budget.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The grant recipient shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit periodic reports to the Secretary of Labor summarizing its activities under the program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meet and consult with the Secretary about the program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make available to the Secretary for inspection, the recipient’s books, accounts, and other records associated with the program at such times as are mutually agreed upon by the parties.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1808" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor may establish a Youth Apprenticeship Program Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Board shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Labor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Superintendent of Schools;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Higher Education;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The chair of the Maryland Business Roundtable, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The President of the Maryland AFL–CIO, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The chair of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The chair of the Partnership for Workforce Quality Advisory Board, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The chair of the Vocational Education Advisory Council, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The chair of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Advisory Board shall, from time to time, review the program and advise the Secretary of Labor, the State Superintendent of Schools, and the Secretary of Higher Education about matters regarding the program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1809" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Apprenticeship Incentive Program"> <text>The Secretary of Labor, in collaboration with the State Superintendent of Schools and the Secretary of Higher Education, may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1901" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“ABLE account holder” means an individual who has established an account described under § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code and is the designated beneficiary of the account.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Account holder” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Makes or undertakes the obligation to make advance payments of qualified higher education expenses as provided under a prepaid contract; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in § 18–1909(b) of this subtitle, is a resident of Maryland or of the District of Columbia at the time that the account holder enters into a prepaid contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Broker–Dealer Plan” means the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan established under Subtitle 19B of this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Current prepaid contract obligations” means the scheduled payments due for the next fiscal year under existing prepaid contracts.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Eligible institution of higher education” means an institution of higher education that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Offers an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Market value of program assets” means the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by the Trust plus the fair market value of other assets of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Maryland ABLE Program” means the Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience Program established under Subtitle 19C of this title.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Plan” means the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan established under Subtitle 19A of this title.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Prepaid contract” means a contract between the State Treasurer and an account holder under the provisions of this subtitle for the advance payment of qualified higher education expenses by the account holder for a qualified beneficiary to attend an eligible institution of higher education, if the qualified beneficiary is admitted to the institution.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Program” means Maryland 529.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Qualified beneficiary” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is eligible to apply advance payments of qualified higher education expenses to undergraduate or graduate qualified higher education expenses at an eligible institution of higher education under the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in § 18–1909(b) of this subtitle, is a resident of the State or of the District of Columbia at the time that the account holder enters into a prepaid contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Qualified higher education expenses” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Qualified state tuition program” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Trust” means the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Tuition” means the actual tuition and mandatory fees assessed to all students by an eligible institution of higher education as a condition of enrollment at the institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Tuition” does not include any fee that is assessed by the institution for a particular course taken, year of enrollment, academic status, course of study, residency status, or any other distinguishing factor used by the institution to determine a specific fee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1902" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly to enhance the accessibility and affordability of higher education for all citizens of the State and for all citizens of the District of Columbia by establishing a method to provide for the prepayment of tuition at eligible institutions of higher education.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1902.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Program entitled Maryland 529.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide for the administration by the State Treasurer of the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust, the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan, the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan, and the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1903" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Trust is to provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A means for payment of the cost of tuition in advance of enrollment at an eligible institution of higher education; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An assurance to a beneficiary who enrolls at an eligible institution of higher education that the State Treasurer shall make every effort to invest the advance payments so that the prepaid contract will cover the average in–State tuition costs at public institutions of higher education in the State at the time that the benefits are exercised.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer the Trust in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards for qualified state tuition programs.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The funds of the Trust consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Payments received from prepaid contracts made under the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bequests, endowments, or funds from any other available private source;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest and income earned from the investments of the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Federal, State, or local funds, or funds from any other available public source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money remaining in the Trust at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the Trust and may not revert to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Money of the Trust may not be considered money of the State and may not be deposited into the Treasury.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Money of the Trust may not be considered money of the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan and may not be commingled with the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Money of the Trust may not be considered money of or be commingled with the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Money of the Trust may not be considered money of or be commingled with the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>The debts, contracts, and obligations of the Trust are not the contracts, debts, or obligations of the State and neither the faith and credit nor taxing power of the State is pledged directly or indirectly or contingently, morally or otherwise, to the payment of the debts, contracts, and obligations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer cannot directly or indirectly or contingently obligate, morally or otherwise, the State to levy or pledge any form of taxation whatsoever for the debts and obligations of the Trust or to make any appropriation for the payment of the debts and obligations of the Trust.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Neither the State nor any eligible institution of higher education shall be liable for any losses or shortage of funds in the event that the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust is insufficient to meet the tuition requirements of an institution attended by the qualified beneficiary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1904" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust established under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan established under Subtitle 19A of this title;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan established under Subtitle 19B of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program established under Subtitle 19C of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1905" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall appoint a deputy treasurer to administer the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May employ additional Program staff in accordance with the budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except for employees described in subparagraph (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph, the employees shall be skilled service employees subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern skilled service employees.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An employee is in the professional service and subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern professional service employees if the position:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requires knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a course of specialized intellectual instruction and study; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Normally requires a professional license, an advanced degree, or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An employee is in the management service and subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern management service employees if the position:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Primarily involves direct responsibility for the oversight and management of personnel and financial resources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is not in the executive service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer may retain the services of consultants, administrators, and other personnel, as necessary, to administer the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The budget for the Program and staff retained by the State Treasurer to administer the Program are subject to review by the General Assembly for information purposes only.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Treasurer may adopt any regulations that the State Treasurer considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle or Subtitle 19A, Subtitle 19B, or Subtitle 19C of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In administering the Program, the State Treasurer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Execute contracts and other necessary instruments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hold, buy, and sell instruments, obligations, securities, and other investments consistent with its comprehensive investment plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Enter into agreements with eligible institutions of higher education and other public or private entities for the promotion, administration, or marketing of the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Invest funds not required for immediate disbursement;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Solicit and accept gifts, grants, loans, or other aid from any source or participate in any government program for purposes consistent with this subtitle and Subtitles 19A, 19B, and 19C of this title;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Subject to the review of the General Assembly, impose, collect, and distribute across Maryland 529 programs reasonable administrative fees for any transactions under the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program or involving prepaid contracts or transactions affecting the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Procure insurance against any loss of assets of the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Endorse insurance coverage written exclusively for the purpose of protecting:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A prepaid contract under the Trust and the account holder and the qualified beneficiary of the contract;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An investment account under the Plan, or the Broker–Dealer Plan, and the account holder and qualified designated beneficiary of the investment account; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An ABLE account under the Maryland ABLE Program and the ABLE account holder;</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Designate terms under which money may be withdrawn from the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Establish additional procedural and substantive requirements for participation in and the administration or marketing of the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Appear before boards, commissions, or other governmental agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Take any other action that the State Treasurer considers appropriate to implement and administer the Program, the Trust, the Plan, the Broker–Dealer Plan, or the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Treasurer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Delegate, wholly or partly, the exercise of fiduciary duties related to the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contract for support services necessary to carry out the State Treasurer’s fiduciary duties related to the Trust.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1905.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall implement a marketing plan to increase participation in Maryland 529.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The marketing plan shall identify methods to increase general participation in Maryland 529.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall coordinate with the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Employees Supplemental Retirement Plans and local school systems, respectively, to identify methods to increase participation in Maryland 529 among:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State employees that participate in other State tax savings programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Families of students in local school systems with lower rates of participation in Maryland 529 than the State population.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 1, 2025, and every 3 years thereafter, the State Treasurer shall submit the marketing plan required under subsection (a) of this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment, the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the House Appropriations Committee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1906" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt a comprehensive investment plan for the administration of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The plan shall specify the investment policies used by the State Treasurer in the administration of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Assets of the Trust shall be invested in accordance with the comprehensive investment plan.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The comprehensive investment plan must indicate the percentage of assets that shall be held in each class of investment, the amount of funds held in any cash pool, the amount of funds held in fixed assets investments, the amount of funds held in equity investments, and the percentage and dollar value of assets placed with outside managers.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any law restricting the deposit or investment of State money, the State Treasurer may place assets of the Trust in savings accounts or may use the assets to purchase fixed or variable life insurance or annuity contracts, securities, evidence of indebtedness, or other investment products pursuant to the comprehensive investment plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any insurance, annuity contracts, savings, or other investment products procured by the State Treasurer shall be underwritten and offered in compliance with applicable federal and State laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Treasurer shall make every effort to invest the assets of the Trust in a manner that earns, at a minimum, sufficient earnings to generate the difference between the prepaid amount under prepaid contracts and the average in–State tuition costs at public institutions of higher education in the State at the time that the benefits are exercised.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The comprehensive investment plan shall provide for the Trust to be administered in an actuarially sound manner to assure that the State Treasurer may defray obligations of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The State Treasurer shall review the comprehensive investment plan at least annually to assure that the Trust remains actuarially sound.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer may contract with an investment advisory or management company for the investment and management of the Trust as long as the Trust is administered in accordance with the comprehensive investment plan.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The State Treasurer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall preserve, invest, and expend the assets of the Trust solely for the purposes of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not loan, transfer, or use the assets for any other purpose of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Trust is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>Unless the State Treasurer provides otherwise by regulation, the State Treasurer shall use the proceeds in the Trust in the following order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To pay eligible institutions of higher education in accordance with the State Treasurer’s obligations under prepaid contracts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To refund money on the termination of prepaid contracts;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To pay the operating expenses of the State Treasurer in administering the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To make payments to resolve claims brought against the Trust in accordance with § 18–1917 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the State Treasurer determines after an annual review that the market value of Trust assets exceeds the amount necessary to satisfy all scheduled payments currently due or scheduled to become due under all prepaid contracts by 30% or more, the State Treasurer may provide for a rebate from the excess to account holders of existing prepaid contracts in an amount to be determined by the State Treasurer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer may not rebate any amount to account holders if, within the 5 years immediately preceding the proposed rebate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer has requested an appropriation under § 18–1906.1 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Trust has failed to repay to the State any appropriation under § 18–1906.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1906.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>If the current prepaid contract obligations of the Trust exceed the market value of Trust assets, at the request of the State Treasurer, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill submitted to the General Assembly an appropriation in the amount determined under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The appropriation to be included in the budget bill under subsection (a) of this section shall equal the difference between the current prepaid contract obligations and the market value of Trust assets.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For purposes of this section, the current prepaid contract obligations and the market value of Trust assets:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be determined as of June 30 of the calendar year that ended before the beginning of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is requested; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be verified by the report of the independent outside auditor required under § 18–1916 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The amount appropriated under this section shall be deposited into the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All amounts paid into the Trust under this section shall constitute and be accounted for as advances to the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the rights of the Trust’s contract holders, amounts appropriated under this section shall be repaid to the State without interest in equal amounts in each of the next 2 fiscal years succeeding the one for which the appropriation was made.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the appropriation in the State budget as enacted by the General Assembly is less than the amount specified under subsection (b) of this section, the State Treasurer may adjust the terms of subsequent or current prepaid contracts to ensure continued actuarial soundness of the Trust.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1907" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “fiduciary” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employee of the Program or the Trust who exercises any discretionary authority or control over:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The management or administration of the Trust; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The management or disposition of the assets of the Trust; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An individual to whom the State Treasurer has delegated fiduciary duties in accordance with § 18–1905 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A fiduciary shall discharge the fiduciary’s duties with respect to the Trust:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Solely in the interest of the participants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the exclusive purposes of providing benefits to the participants and providing reasonable expenses of administering the Trust;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>With the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character with like aims;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>By diversifying the investments of the Trust so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In accordance with the laws governing the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Trust to the extent that the documents and instruments are consistent with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In exercising authority, control, or discretion with respect to the Trust, a fiduciary may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use the assets of the Trust for the fiduciary’s own interest or account;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Act in a transaction involving the Trust on behalf of a person, or represent a person, if the interests of the person are adverse to the interests of the Trust or the interests of participants;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Receive any consideration for the fiduciary’s own account from a person dealing with the Trust in connection with a transaction involving the assets of the Trust; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Become an endorser or surety or, in any manner, an obligor, for money lent to or borrowed from the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1908" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each fiduciary shall be covered by a surety bond or an insurance policy of the type and in the amount of coverage determined by the State Treasurer under § 5–108 of the State Government Article, as a fiduciary of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless a fiduciary is bonded, the fiduciary may not exercise custody or control of any assets of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A fiduciary may not allow another fiduciary to act in violation of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1909" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after June 1, 2023, the State Treasurer may not establish any new prepaid contracts or extend or upgrade any existing prepaid contracts under the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or after June 1, 2023, an account holder may not enter into any new prepaid contracts or extend or upgrade any existing prepaid contracts under the Trust.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For the purpose of entering into a prepaid contract, either the account holder or the qualified beneficiary must be a resident of Maryland or of the District of Columbia at the time that the account holder enters into the prepaid contract.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the purposes of determining residency for the purchase of a prepaid contract:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For residency in Maryland, “resident” has the meaning stated in § 10–101 of the Tax – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For residency in the District of Columbia, “resident” has the meaning stated in § 47–1801.04 of the District of Columbia Code Annotated.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The cost of a prepaid contract shall be based on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The average current in–State tuition costs at the time the prepaid contract is purchased at public institutions of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of years expected to elapse between the purchase of a prepaid contract and the use of the benefits of the prepaid contract; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The projected tuition costs at the time that the benefits will be exercised.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each prepaid contract made under the provisions of this subtitle shall include the following provisions:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of each payment and the number of payments required from an account holder;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms and conditions under which account holders shall remit payments, including the dates of the payments;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provisions for late payment charges and defaults;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Penalties for early withdrawal from the Trust;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The amount and terms of any administrative fees that must be paid by the account holder or the beneficiary;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The name and date of birth of the qualified beneficiary on whose behalf the contract is made;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Terms and conditions for a substitution for the qualified beneficiary originally named;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Terms and conditions for the termination of the prepaid contract;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The time period during which the qualified beneficiary may claim benefits from the Trust;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The maximum number of undergraduate semester hours that are prepaid under the prepaid contract, based on in–State tuition at a public institution of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>All other rights and obligations of the account holder and the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Any other terms and conditions that the State Treasurer considers necessary or appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to subsection (a) of this section, the State Treasurer shall allow the conversion of a prepaid contract from one tuition plan or payment option to a different tuition plan or payment option.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Treasurer shall allow excess prepaid contract benefits due to receipt of a scholarship, tuition remission, or early graduation from college to be used toward the payment of other qualified higher education expenses, as specified by the State Treasurer, at an eligible institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after June 1, 2023, the State Treasurer may only allow the transfer of funds from any other qualified state tuition program to the Trust, in accordance with federal law, for the purpose of contributing funds towards an existing contractual obligation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall allow the transfer of funds from the Trust to any other qualified state tuition program, in accordance with federal law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Treasurer shall allow the transfer of funds from the Trust to any qualified ABLE program established in accordance with § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall set procedures to ensure that contributions to the Trust plus contributions or payments to other qualified state tuition programs do not exceed a total maximum amount determined by § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code for contributions to multiple qualified state tuition programs.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Maryland prepaid contract plan shall be referred to as the Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer prepaid contract plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1910" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall issue refunds as specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless authorized by the State Treasurer or under subsection (b) of this section, a refund may not exceed the amount paid into the Trust by the account holder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A refund equal to the same benefits as provided by the prepaid contract, minus any amount paid out of the funds of the Trust on behalf of the qualified beneficiary and for reasonable administrative charges, shall be made if the beneficiary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is awarded a scholarship or tuition remission that covers benefits provided under the prepaid contract; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Dies or suffers from a disability which prevents the beneficiary from attending an institution of higher education within the time allowed by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A reduced refund of the contributions made to the Trust, as determined by the State Treasurer, shall be made if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The beneficiary does not attend an institution of higher education;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Benefits are not exercised under the contract within a time specified in the contract; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The prepaid contract is canceled by the account holder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The time that a qualified beneficiary spends in active duty as a member of the uniformed services shall be added to the time period allowed to exercise the benefits under a prepaid contract before a termination under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1911" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <text>The Program, Trust, and prepaid contracts issued under this subtitle are not subject to the provisions of the Insurance Article.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1912" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <text>The assets and income of the Trust are exempt from State and local taxation.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1913" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “person” does not include the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not attach, execute, garnish, or otherwise seize any current or future benefit under a prepaid contract or any asset of the Trust.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1914" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle or in any prepaid contract may be construed as a promise or guarantee by the State Treasurer of admission to, continued enrollment at, or graduation from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The actual tuition rate charged to a qualified beneficiary shall be determined at the time of enrollment in accordance with the residency policy adopted by the governing board of the institution of higher education at which the qualified beneficiary enrolls.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1915" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <text>The State and its agencies or any local government in the State may agree, by contract or otherwise, to remit payments on behalf of an employee toward a prepaid contract through payroll deductions.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1916" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Legislative Auditor shall audit the Trust as provided under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall cause an audit of the Trust to be made by an outside independent auditor annually.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall pay for the audit required under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, the State Treasurer shall submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly a report including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The audit of the outside independent auditor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A financial accounting of the Trust, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The annual review of the comprehensive investment plan which shall include:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The status of the investment program, including investment income matched to projected enrollment costs under the existing prepaid contracts;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The assets held in each class of investment, the amount of funds held in any cash pool, the amount of funds held in fixed assets investments, and the amount of funds held in equity investments;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The percentage and dollar value of assets placed with outside managers;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>The income produced by each class of investment; and</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>The income produced by each investment manager; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed account of the operating and administrative budget for the Trust, which shall include a complete list of revenue sources and expenditures detailing the line item expenditures for:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Technical and special fees;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Communication;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Travel;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Contractual services;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>Supplies and materials;</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>Equipment;</text> </level> <level label="H"> <text>Fixed charges; and</text> </level> <level label="I"> <text>Other expenses;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number of prepaid contracts entered into during the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Efforts by the State Treasurer in marketing the prepaid contracts under the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any recommendations of the State Treasurer concerning the operation of the Trust.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall make available to each account holder a copy of a summary of the report and the option to purchase the full report at a nominal charge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The audit required by subsection (a)(2) of this section and the report required by subsection (b) of this section may be combined with any other audit or report for the same fiscal year required to be submitted by the State Treasurer to the Governor and the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-1917" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland 529 Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an account holder or a qualified beneficiary may file a claim arising from the administration of the Trust with the State Treasurer, as fiduciary of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A claim may be filed only by an account holder or a qualified beneficiary for an account that was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021, by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An account holder; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A qualified beneficiary for a distribution that was made to the qualified beneficiary or to an eligible educational institution on the beneficiary’s behalf.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any claim brought under this section shall be subject to the exclusions and limitations set forth in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A claim filed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall be filed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a claim relating to the updated terms included in the disclosure statement for the Trust that went into effect November 1, 2021:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Not sooner than the date of the notice to account holders required by subsection (j)(2)(i) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Not later than December 31, 2023; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For all other claims, 1 year after the date the claim arises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A claim under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contain a concise statement of facts that sets forth the nature of the claim;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State the name, address, telephone number, and e–mail address, if any, of the claimant;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the Prepaid Trust account number to which the claim relates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Contain any other information required to be set forth in a claim by any procedures or regulations adopted by the State Treasurer in accordance with subsection (j) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>State the name, address, telephone number, and e–mail address of the legal representative or counsel for the claimant, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Be signed by the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the State Treasurer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Investigate the claim;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Approve or deny the claim in whole or in part; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Notify the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant, if any, in writing of the final determination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the exercise of the State Treasurer’s fiduciary duties, the State Treasurer may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Delegate, wholly or partly, this responsibility, provided that any delegate shall be a fiduciary with respect to making a final determination of a claim; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contract for any support services that are needed to carry out this responsibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For claims relating to the updated terms included in the disclosure statement for the Trust that went into effect November 1, 2021, to the extent practicable, the State Treasurer shall prioritize the processing of claims of account holders who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have sought distributions for qualified higher education expenses before June 1, 2023; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Will be seeking distributions for qualified higher education expenses for the fall of calendar year 2023.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each final determination made by the State Treasurer in accordance with this section shall be made:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Independently and in the State Treasurer’s role as fiduciary to the Trust; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Solely considering the interests of all of the account holders and qualified beneficiaries under the Trust.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Acceptance of a settlement by a claimant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With respect to a claim brought in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section, shall be conditioned on an agreement of the account holder to transfer all funds in the account to any other qualified state tuition program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is, as to that claimant and any qualified beneficiary of the account to which the claim relates:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Final; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A complete release of each claim arising from the administration of the Trust against:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each of its units;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All State personnel; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Trust.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The State Treasurer, as fiduciary of the Trust:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Makes the final determination with respect to claims submitted in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is exempt from the provisions of Title 10, Subtitles 2 and 3 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Any claim by an account holder or a qualified beneficiary arising from the administration of the Trust shall be made solely against the assets of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section provides the exclusive remedy for a claim against the assets of the Trust.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For claims brought in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section, establish procedures to implement the claim process established in this section for those claims; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For all other claims, adopt regulations for the claim process established in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall provide notice to account holders within 10 business days of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The establishment of the procedures described in this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The adoption of regulations in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Account holder” means the person who established an investment account on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible educational institution” has the meaning stated in § 529(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Investment account” means an account established by an account holder under this subtitle on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary for the purpose of applying distributions toward qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Plan” means the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Qualified designated beneficiary” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Qualified higher education expenses” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Qualified state tuition program” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Plan is to allow contributions to an investment account established for the purposes of meeting the qualified higher education expenses of the qualified designated beneficiary of the account.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer, manage, promote, and market the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer the Plan in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards for qualified state tuition programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures that the State Treasurer considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Application procedures for participation in the Plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Start–up costs incurred by the State for the development of the Plan with these costs to be reimbursed to the State by the Plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Early withdrawals, so that there will be no major detriment to the remaining account holders in the Plan;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State contribution program;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Transfer of funds from the Plan to other qualified state tuition programs and from other qualified state tuition programs to the Plan in accordance with federal law; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Transfer of funds from the Plan to a qualified ABLE program established in accordance with § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>At least annually, the State Treasurer shall issue to each account holder a statement that provides a separate accounting for each qualified designated beneficiary providing the following information with respect to each account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The beginning balance;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the account, including any State contribution;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Withdrawals from the account during the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Ending investment account value.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer may issue requests for proposals to evaluate and determine the means for the administration, management, promotion, or marketing of the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall consider proposals that meet the following criteria:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Ability to develop and administer an investment program of a nature similar to the objectives of the Plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ability to administer financial programs with individual account records and reporting;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ability to market the Plan to Maryland residents;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Ability to market the Plan to nonresidents of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Ability to coordinate the Plan with other programs or informational services considered beneficial by the State Treasurer, including the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust established under Subtitle 19 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for applications made under § 18–19A–04.1 of this subtitle, the State Treasurer may require an initial application fee to be used for administrative costs of the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer may require additional fees associated with the expenses of the Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Contributions to the Plan on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary may not exceed the maximum amount determined by the State Treasurer to be in accordance with § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the Plan may be made only in cash or cash equivalent.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Plan shall include provisions for automatic contributions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures to ensure that contributions to the Plan plus contributions or payments to other qualified state tuition programs do not exceed a total maximum amount determined under § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code for contributions to multiple qualified state tuition programs.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Plan:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be established in the form determined by the State Treasurer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be established as a trust to be declared by the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Plan may be divided into multiple investment portfolios.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Plan is divided into multiple portfolios as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses incurred, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to a particular portfolio shall be enforceable against the assets of that portfolio only and not against the assets of the Plan generally, if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Distinct records are maintained for each portfolio; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The assets associated with each portfolio are accounted for separately from the other assets of the Plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Maryland College Investment Plan shall be referred to as the Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-04" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>A Maryland resident or a nonresident of Maryland may participate in and benefit from the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Distributions shall be requested by the account holder.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-04.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, for investment accounts established after December 31, 2016, a State contribution may be made to not more than two investment accounts for each qualified beneficiary as provided in this section if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The qualified beneficiary of the investment account and the account holder are Maryland residents;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The account holder is at least 18 years old for applications filed on or after January 1, 2022;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The account holder submits an application to the State Treasurer or the State Treasurer’s designee between January 1 and June 1 of each year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The account holder has Maryland adjusted gross income in the previous taxable year no greater than $112,500 for an individual or $175,000 for a married couple filing a joint return;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The account holder files income taxes on or before July 15 of each year; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The qualified beneficiary is under the age of 26 years in the calendar year before the account holder submits an application.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For State contribution application periods after December 31, 2020, a qualified beneficiary may not receive more than two State contributions for each year the qualified beneficiary is eligible for the State contribution under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An application may be made in person, online, or by mail.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall develop:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An application form that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Includes permission for confirming Maryland taxable income with the Comptroller; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allows for certification of Maryland residency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A procedure to certify the date and time of receipt of an application; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other necessary procedures for the submittal of applications.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For an account holder with Maryland adjusted gross income of less than $50,000 for an individual or $75,000 for a married couple filing a joint return who contributes at least $25 per beneficiary during the contribution period in subsection (e) of this section, the State shall provide an additional $500 per beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For an account holder with Maryland adjusted gross income of at least $50,000 but less than $87,500 for an individual or at least $75,000 but less than $125,000 for a married couple filing a joint return who contributes at least $100 per beneficiary during the contribution period in subsection (e) of this section, the State shall provide an additional $500 per beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For an account holder with Maryland adjusted gross income of at least $87,500 but no greater than $112,500 for an individual or at least $125,000 but no greater than $175,000 for a married couple filing a joint return who contributes at least $250 per beneficiary during the contribution period in subsection (e) of this section, the State shall provide an additional $250 per beneficiary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $3,000,000 in each fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the funding provided in a fiscal year is not sufficient to fully fund all State contributions authorized under this section, the State Treasurer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide contributions in the order in which applications are received; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Give priority to applications of account holders who have not received a contribution.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>An account holder shall contribute at least the amount specified under subsection (c) of this section on or before November 1 of each year in order to qualify for the State contribution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A State contribution shall be made by December 31 of the calendar year in which the account holder made the contribution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>An account holder is not eligible for the subtraction modification under § 10–208 of the Tax – General Article for any taxable year in which the account holder receives a State contribution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An account holder may qualify for not more than $9,000 in State contributions through the lifetime of the account holder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall utilize an outreach and marketing plan to provide notification to individuals about the availability of a State contribution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The outreach and marketing plan shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Make use of a variety of marketing media, including billboards, brochures, and electronic resources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide a centralized contact point for individuals to obtain information about opening an account and the availability of a State contribution.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The State Treasurer may adopt any regulations that the State Treasurer considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The debts, contracts, and obligations of the Plan are not the contracts, debts, or obligations of the State and neither the faith and credit nor taxing power of the State is pledged directly or indirectly or contingently, morally or otherwise, to the payment of the debts, contracts, and obligations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer cannot directly or indirectly or contingently obligate, morally or otherwise, the State to levy or pledge any form of taxation whatsoever for the debts and obligations of the Plan or to make any appropriation for the payment of the debts and obligations of the Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Neither the State nor any eligible educational institution shall be liable for any losses or shortage of funds in the event that the account holder’s investment account balance is insufficient to meet the tuition requirements of an institution attended by the qualified designated beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Money of the Plan may not be considered money of the State or deposited in the State Treasury.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Money of the Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money of the Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Money of the Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-05.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <text>The Maryland 529 Program, Plan, and investment accounts issued under this subtitle are not subject to the provisions of the Insurance Article.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-06" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <text>The assets and income of the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan are exempt from State and local taxation.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-06.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “person” does not include the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not attach, execute, garnish, or otherwise seize any current or future benefit under an investment account or any asset of the Plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19A-07" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19A" subtitle_name="Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Legislative Auditor shall audit the Plan as provided under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall obtain an annual audit report from service providers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, the State Treasurer shall submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly a report including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A financial accounting of the Plan, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An annual review of the Plan which shall include:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The status of the investment program;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The assets held in each class of investment;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The percentage and dollar value of assets placed with outside managers;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>The income produced by each class of investment;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>The income produced by each investment manager;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>The total deposits into the Plan for the past year; and</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>The total withdrawals from the Plan for the past year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed account of the operating and administrative budget for the Plan, which shall include a complete list of revenue sources and expenditures detailing the line item expenditures for:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Technical and special fees;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Communication;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Travel;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Contractual services;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>Supplies and materials;</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>Equipment;</text> </level> <level label="H"> <text>Fixed charges; and</text> </level> <level label="I"> <text>Other expenses;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of new account holders during the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Efforts in marketing the Plan; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any recommendations of the State Treasurer concerning the operation of the Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall make available to each account holder a copy of a summary of the report and the option to purchase the full report at a nominal charge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The audit required by subsection (a)(2) of this section and the report required by subsection (b) of this section, at the State Treasurer’s discretion, may be combined with any other audit or report for the same fiscal year required to be submitted by the State Treasurer to the Governor and the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Account holder” means the person who established an investment account on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Broker–Dealer Plan” means the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Eligible educational institution” has the meaning stated in § 529(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Investment account” means an account established by an account holder under this subtitle on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary for the purpose of applying distributions toward qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Qualified designated beneficiary” has the meaning stated in § 529(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Qualified higher education expenses” has the meaning stated in § 529(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Qualified state tuition program” has the meaning stated in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Treasurer may establish a Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Broker–Dealer Plan is to provide for a broker–dealer distributed vehicle that would allow contributions to an investment account established for the purposes of meeting the qualified higher education expenses of the qualified designated beneficiary of the account.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer, manage, and promote the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer the Broker–Dealer Plan in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards for qualified state tuition programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures relating to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Enrollment procedures for participation in the Broker–Dealer Plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Start–up costs incurred by the State for the development of the Broker–Dealer Plan with these costs to be reimbursed to the State by the Broker–Dealer Plan;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Early withdrawals so that there will be no major detriment to the remaining account holders in the Broker–Dealer Plan;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Transfer of funds from the Broker–Dealer Plan to other qualified state tuition programs and from other qualified state tuition programs to the Broker–Dealer Plan in accordance with federal law; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Transfer of funds from the Broker–Dealer Plan to a qualified ABLE program established in accordance with § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt any other procedures that the State Treasurer considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At least annually, the State Treasurer shall issue to each account holder a statement that provides a separate accounting for each qualified designated beneficiary providing the following information with respect to each account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The beginning balance;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the account;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Withdrawals from the account during the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Ending investment account value.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer may issue requests for proposals to evaluate and determine the means for the administration, management, promotion, or marketing of the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall consider proposals that meet the following criteria:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Ability to develop and administer an investment program of a nature similar to the objectives of the Broker–Dealer Plan;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ability to administer financial programs with individual account records and reporting; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ability to market the Broker–Dealer Plan to Maryland residents and, at the State Treasurer’s discretion, nonresidents of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer may require an initial enrollment fee to be used for administrative costs of the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer may require additional fees associated with the expenses of the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Contributions to the Broker–Dealer Plan on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary may not exceed the maximum amount determined by the State Treasurer to be in accordance with § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the Broker–Dealer Plan may be made only in cash or cash equivalents.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Broker–Dealer Plan shall include provisions for automatic contributions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Broker–Dealer Plan:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May be established as one or more separate plans as determined by the State Treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If established by the State Treasurer, shall be established in the form determined by the State Treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall be marketed and promoted under the name or names determined by the State Treasurer; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>May be established as one or more trusts to be declared by the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Broker–Dealer Plan may be divided into multiple investment options.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-04" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>A Maryland resident or, at the State Treasurer’s discretion, a nonresident of Maryland may participate in and benefit from the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Distributions shall be requested by the account holder.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The debts, contracts, and obligations of the Broker–Dealer Plan are not the contracts, debts, or obligations of the State, and neither the faith and credit nor taxing power of the State is pledged directly or indirectly or contingently, morally or otherwise, to the payment of the debts, contracts, and obligations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer cannot directly or indirectly or contingently obligate, morally or otherwise, the State to levy or pledge any form of taxation whatsoever for the debts and obligations of the Broker–Dealer Plan or to make any appropriation for the payment of the debts and obligations of the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Neither the State nor any eligible educational institution shall be liable for any losses or shortage of funds in the event that the account holder’s investment account balance is insufficient to meet the tuition requirements of an institution attended by the qualified designated beneficiary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Money of the Broker–Dealer Plan may not be considered money of the State or deposited in the State Treasury.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Money of the Broker–Dealer Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money of the Broker–Dealer Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Money of the Broker–Dealer Plan may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-06" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland 529 Program, the Broker–Dealer Plan, and the investment accounts issued under this subtitle are not subject to the provisions of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The assets and income of the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan are exempt from State and local taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-07" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “person” does not include the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not attach, execute, garnish, or otherwise seize any current or future benefit under an investment account or any asset of the Broker–Dealer Plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19B-08" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19B" subtitle_name="Maryland Broker-Dealer College Investment Plan"> <level label="a"> <text>The Legislative Auditor shall audit the Broker–Dealer Plan as provided under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Treasurer shall obtain an annual audit report from service provider(s) within six months of the end of such service provider’s reporting period.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“ABLE account” means an account described under § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“ABLE account contributor” means an individual who contributes money to an ABLE account described under § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“ABLE account holder” means an individual who is the designated beneficiary of an account described under § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Designated beneficiary” means an individual described in § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Eligible individual” means an individual described in § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Maryland ABLE Program” means a qualified ABLE program described in § 529A(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Qualified disability expenses” means expenses described in § 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall establish a Maryland ABLE Program that shall be subject to the provisions of § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is the goal of the State that the Maryland ABLE Program be fully operational by October 1, 2017.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Maryland ABLE Program is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide secure funding for disability–related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, the Supplemental Security Income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, the beneficiary’s employment, and any other source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer, manage, and promote the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall administer the Maryland ABLE Program in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards for qualified ABLE programs.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall work in consultation with the Department of Disabilities to administer, manage, and promote the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State Treasurer may collaborate and participate with other states or entities to administer, manage, and promote the Maryland ABLE Program, including participating with a consortium of states that are implementing ABLE programs in those states or as a consortium of states.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enrollment for participation in the Maryland ABLE Program and any other procedures that the State Treasurer considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The establishment and operation of an ABLE account by a person other than a designated beneficiary as described in § 18–19C–04 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At least annually, the State Treasurer shall issue to each ABLE account holder a statement that provides a separate accounting for each designated beneficiary providing the following information with respect to each account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The beginning balance;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the account;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Distributions from the account during the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Ending ABLE account value.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer may issue requests for proposals to evaluate and determine the means for the administration, management, promotion, or marketing of the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall consider proposals that meet the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Ability to develop and administer an investment program of a nature similar to the objectives of the Maryland ABLE Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ability to administer financial programs with individual account records and reporting; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Ability to market the Maryland ABLE Program to eligible individuals.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the State Treasurer shall develop written informational materials about the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The written materials developed under this subparagraph shall be in a form that enables the materials to be distributed electronically or by hand.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Treasurer shall provide the materials developed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph to the State Board and county boards for distribution to parents during individualized education program, individualized family service plan, and 504 plan meetings in accordance with §§ 8–405(b)(2) and 8–405.1 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer may require an initial enrollment fee to be used for administrative costs of the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer may require additional reasonable fees associated with the expenses of the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program is subject to the provisions of § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program shall include provisions for automatic contributions.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Money and assets in the accounts established under the Maryland ABLE Program or an ABLE program in any other state may not be considered for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive, or the amount of, any assistance or benefits from local or State means–tested programs.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Money and assets contributed in each calendar year to the account of each ABLE account holder may not exceed the amount specified in § 529A(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code for each calendar year in which the taxable year begins.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Contributions to the account of each ABLE account holder may not exceed the maximum amount determined by the State Treasurer to be in accordance with § 529A(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program may receive money from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Appropriations in the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonable fees assessed to beneficiaries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Grants or other assistance from federal, State, or local government; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any public or private source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May be established as one or more separate plans as determined by the State Treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall be established in the form determined by the State Treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall be marketed and promoted under the name or names determined by the State Treasurer; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>May be established as one or more trusts to be declared by the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland ABLE Program may be divided into multiple investment options.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-04" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An eligible individual may participate in and benefit from the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An ABLE account may be established only for an eligible individual by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The eligible individual;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person selected by the eligible individual; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection and except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, if an eligible individual, whether a minor or an adult, is unable to establish an ABLE account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The eligible individual’s agent under a power of attorney; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the eligible individual does not have a power of attorney, in the following order, the eligible individual’s:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Conservator or legal guardian;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Spouse;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Parent;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Sibling;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Grandparent; or</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>Representative payee appointed for the eligible individual by the Social Security Administration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board may accept a certification made under the penalties of perjury from the person seeking to establish an ABLE account that indicates:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The basis of the person’s authority to establish the ABLE account; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>There is no other person with a higher priority to establish the ABLE account under paragraph (2)(iii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The following individuals may not establish an ABLE account on behalf of an eligible individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A minor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual against whom the eligible individual has obtained a peace or protective order;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An individual who has been held civilly or criminally liable for financial exploitation under Title 13, Subtitle 6 of the Estates and Trusts Article; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An individual who is the subject of a civil or criminal order prohibiting contact with the eligible individual.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the provisions of § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code, distributions shall be requested by the designated beneficiary or the person authorized to establish the ABLE account under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The debts, contracts, and obligations of the Maryland ABLE Program are not the contracts, debts, or obligations of the State, and neither the faith and credit nor taxing power of the State is pledged directly or indirectly or contingently, morally or otherwise, to the payment of the debts, contracts, and obligations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer may not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate, morally or otherwise, the State to levy or pledge any form of taxation whatsoever for the debts and obligations of the Maryland ABLE Program or to make any appropriation for the payment of the debts and obligations of the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State may not be liable for any losses or shortage of funds in the event that the designated beneficiary’s ABLE account balance is insufficient to meet the designated beneficiary’s qualified disability expenses.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Money of the Maryland ABLE Program may not be considered money of the State or deposited in the State Treasury.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Money of the Maryland ABLE Program may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money of the Maryland ABLE Program may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Money of the Maryland ABLE Program may not be considered money of or commingled with the Maryland Broker–Dealer College Investment Plan.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-06" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland 529 Program, the Maryland ABLE Program, and the ABLE accounts issued under this subtitle are not subject to the provisions of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The assets and income of the Maryland ABLE Program are exempt from State and local taxation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-07" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “person” does not include the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not attach, execute, garnish, or otherwise seize any current or future benefit under an ABLE account or any asset of the Maryland ABLE Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-08" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Legislative Auditor shall audit the Maryland ABLE Program as provided under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Treasurer shall obtain an annual audit report from a service provider within 6 months of the end of the reporting period of the service provider.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-09" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Treasurer shall issue refunds as specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the contribution of an ABLE account contributor under the Maryland ABLE Program would result in aggregate contributions from all contributors to the ABLE account for the taxable year exceeding the amount specified in § 529A(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code for each calendar year in which the taxable year begins, the State Treasurer shall issue a refund to the ABLE account contributor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Treasurer shall adopt procedures to ensure that contributions to the account of each ABLE account holder do not exceed the total maximum amount determined under § 529A(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-19C-10" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="19C" subtitle_name="Maryland Able Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless prohibited by federal law, on the death of a designated beneficiary, money and assets in an ABLE account may be transferred to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The estate of the designated beneficiary; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An ABLE account for another eligible individual specified by the designated beneficiary or the estate of the designated beneficiary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless required by federal law, an agency or instrumentality of the State may not seek payment under § 529A(f) of the Internal Revenue Code from an ABLE account or its proceeds for any amount of medical assistance paid for the designated beneficiary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2001" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Office” means the Office of Student Financial Assistance as defined in § 18-101(c) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Regular undergraduate program” means an academic program of study in an institution of higher education at or below the baccalaureate level leading to either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Service obligation” means employment in the State in an occupation directly related to the eligible program of study as determined by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Service obligation” does not mean paid student internships, paid fellowships, or volunteer service.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2002" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle. The Office shall annually select students who have the greatest potential for academic success in higher education and offer a scholarship to each student to be used at a Maryland higher education institution of the student’s choice, if the recipient meets the following qualifications:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Qualifies academically as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has a secondary school transcript indicating an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent after completion of the first semester of the senior year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Intends to enroll or is enrolled as a full-time student in an academic program as designated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has graduated from a secondary school;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a Maryland resident and was a Maryland resident at the time of graduating from secondary school;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is accepted for admission in a regular undergraduate program at a Maryland higher education institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Begins attending an eligible Maryland higher education institution within 5 years of completing secondary school or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Agrees to the conditions provided in subsection (c) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Accepts any other conditions attached to the award and satisfies any additional criteria the Commission may establish.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The annual scholarship award shall be in the amount of $1,000 for a student enrolled at a 2-year eligible institution or $3,000 for a student enrolled at a 4-year eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If accepted by the eligible student, each award may be renewed on an annual basis for a maximum of 3 years after the original award if the recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Remains a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Attends a Maryland higher education institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester or its equivalent as determined by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Maintains a 3.0 grade point average on an academic year basis or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office, of extreme extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Is making satisfactory progress toward a degree as determined by the institution; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Maintains the standards of the institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each recipient of a Maryland Science and Technology Scholarship who is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program may renew the annual award four times if the recipient is enrolled in an undergraduate academic program that, as determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each award may be renewed on an annual basis for a maximum of 2 years for students enrolled in an associate degree program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A recipient of an award made under this section shall receive the award for each year indicated in which the recipient is eligible if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The recipient signs an agreement at the time of the initial award to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Commence employment in the State within 1 year after completion of undergraduate studies for 1 year for each year that the scholarship was awarded; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Repay the State the amounts awarded under this subtitle as set forth in § 18-112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible academic program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform the service obligation for 1 year for each year that the recipient has a scholarship awarded under this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The service obligation begins after graduation and cannot be fulfilled prior to graduation from an eligible institution.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2003" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <text>A Maryland Science and Technology Scholarship may be used for tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2004" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <text>Each year after consulting with the Department of Commerce, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the appropriate commission advisory boards and evaluating such factors as high economic growth and the needs of Maryland’s science and technology industry and business community, the Commission shall establish a list of academic programs eligible for the Maryland Science and Technology Scholarship Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2005" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <text>Funds for the Maryland Science and Technology Scholarship Program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2006" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <text>On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships are awarded.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2007" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships"> <text>The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall publicize the availability of Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2101" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“HBCU” means the following historically black colleges and universities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bowie State University;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coppin State University;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Morgan State University; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>University of Maryland Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the James Proctor Scholarship Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2102" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <text>There is a James Proctor Scholarship Program in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2103" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to award scholarships to students who attend an HBCU.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2104" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each HBCU shall apply funding from the Program to the tuition and fees of an enrolled student who is a resident of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by a student who receives a scholarship under the Program shall be applied first to pay the student’s tuition and fees.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2105" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <text>Each HBCU shall administer the Program on its campus and shall adopt policies, subject to the requirements of this subtitle, to establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Eligibility requirements for a student receiving a scholarship under the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Award amounts to be given to eligible students;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A procedure and schedule for the payment of the scholarship award provided to an eligible student; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other policies necessary for the implementation of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2106" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="James Proctor Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $400,000 to the Program for scholarship awards.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>These funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section shall be divided and distributed equally to each HBCU.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2201" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Public senior higher education institution in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission and has a department, school, or college of education; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission, has a department, school, or college of education, and agrees to provide a matching grant to an undergraduate or graduate student, as appropriate, who receives a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship in the lesser of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>100% of the annual cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>50% of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the private nonprofit institution of higher education.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Service obligation” means to teach full time in the State as a teacher in a Maryland public school or a public prekindergarten program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is in a high–needs school, as identified by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a grade level or content area in which there is a shortage of qualified educators, as identified by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Service obligation” does not mean employment as teaching assistants, volunteer service, paid fellowships, or internships.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2202" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarships that are awarded under this subtitle for students who pledge to work as public school or public prekindergarten teachers in the State upon completion of their studies at:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A high–needs school, as identified by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a grade level or content area in which there is a shortage of qualified educators, as identified by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each year the Department shall submit to the Office a list of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>High–needs schools in which there are a significant proportion of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Teacher vacancies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grade levels and content areas in which there are a significant proportion of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Teacher vacancies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2203" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall annually select eligible students and offer a scholarship to each student selected to be used at an eligible institution of their choice.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, be accepted for admission or currently enrolled at an eligible institution as a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a course of study or program in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Continue to make satisfactory progress toward a degree and maintain the standards of the institution;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Sign a letter of intent to perform the service obligation upon completion of the recipient’s required studies;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Accept any other conditions attached to the award; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, an individual who, at the time the individual is scheduled to matriculate at an eligible institution, will have been employed as a teaching assistant at a public school or public prekindergarten program in the State for at least 2 years:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May apply for a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is eligible to hold a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship as a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may be an individual who is enrolled or plans to enroll at an eligible institution as a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Changes majors to pursue a course of study or program in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Seeks to change careers to pursue a course of study or program in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In selecting awardees for a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship, the Office shall give preference to applicants, including those applying under paragraph (2) of this subsection, who have been employed in a public school or a publicly funded prekindergarten program within the last 5 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may not hold a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Applicants who are secondary school students shall provide a high school transcript after completion of the first semester of their senior year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Applicants who are currently enrolled in an eligible institution shall provide the most recent college transcript, or if not applicable, the applicant may submit a final high school transcript.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Applicants who are not currently enrolled in an eligible institution, but who are high school graduates, shall provide a final high school transcript.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Applicants who are high school graduates and are not currently enrolled in an eligible institution, but have completed some courses at an eligible institution, shall provide the most recent college transcript.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Applicants who are not currently enrolled in an eligible institution, but who are college graduates, shall provide a final college transcript.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2204" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship shall repay the Commission the funds received as set forth in § 18–112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible course of study or program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform the service obligation to teach in a public school or a public prekindergarten program in a high–needs school, as identified by the Department, or in a grade level or content area in which there is a shortage of qualified educators, as identified by the Department, for a period of at least 2 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Become professionally certified to teach in the State of Maryland within the time period specified by the Commission in consultation with the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a recipient is unable to perform the service obligation required under this subtitle because there are no available positions in a qualifying school, grade level, or content area, the recipient may work in any public school or public prekindergarten program in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a recipient performs the service obligation by teaching at a school, grade level, or content area previously identified as high–needs that is no longer identified as high–needs, the recipient may continue to teach in that school, grade level, or content area without being required to repay the funds received under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall forgive a recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship for 2 years of an award if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The recipient has taken the teacher certification examination, approved by the State Board of Education, in 2 consecutive years; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The recipient fails to pass the teacher certification examination within the time period specified by the Commission in accordance with subsection (a)(3) of this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recipient provides to the Office satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent the recipient from becoming professionally certified to teach in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2205" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>The annual scholarship award shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At a public senior higher education institution in the State that has a department, school, or college of education, 100% of the equivalent annual tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board of a resident undergraduate student or graduate student, as appropriate, at the public senior higher education institution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, at a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that has a department, school, or college of education, an amount equal to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student or graduate student, as appropriate, at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>50% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate or graduate student, as appropriate, at the eligible private nonprofit institution of higher education; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>100% of the room and board of a resident undergraduate student or graduate student, as appropriate, at the eligible private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A private nonprofit institution of higher education shall provide a matching scholarship award in an amount equal to the award calculated in subsection (a)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2206" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may renew the award three times if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to be a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution as determined by the Office; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to make satisfactory progress toward a degree and maintains the standards of the institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may renew the annual award four times if the recipient is enrolled in a course of study that, as determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2207" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <text>A Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship may be used for tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board at any eligible institution.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2208" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <text>If an eligible institution has enrolled at least 15 recipients of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship, the eligible institution shall develop and implement an enriched honors program of education that is responsive to exceptional dedication and merit–based accomplishment in the study of education and preparation for the teaching profession.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2209" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <text>The Governor annually shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least the following amounts for the Commission to award scholarships under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2022, $4,000,000;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2023, $8,000,000;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2024, $12,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, $18,000,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2210" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Teacher Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office, in collaboration with the Department, shall publicize the availability of Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarships.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall focus on publicizing the availability of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarships:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At historically Black colleges and universities in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To teaching assistants and other educational support staff currently working in public schools and publicly funded prekindergarten programs; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In a manner that promotes the program to students who are members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching profession.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Office shall award scholarships under this subtitle in a manner that reflects ethnic, gender, racial, and geographic diversity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2301" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in this State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Regular undergraduate program” means an academic program of study in an institution of higher education at or below the baccalaureate level leading to either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Service obligation” means full-time employment within the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2302" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of Maryland HOPE Scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall publicize the availability of Maryland HOPE Scholarships.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2303" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be accepted for admission in a regular undergraduate program at an eligible institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Earn an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent after completion of the first semester of the senior year;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Begin attending an eligible institution within 2 years of completing high school or, failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Enroll as a full-time student at an eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Have an annual total family income of $95,000 or below;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Accept any other conditions attached to the award; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria the Maryland Higher Education Commission may establish.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2304" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>The annual scholarship award shall be in the amount of $1,000 for a student enrolled at a 2-year eligible institution or $3,000 for a student enrolled in a 4-year eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A student who transfers from a 2-year eligible institution to a 4-year eligible institution may receive an annual scholarship award in the amount of $3,000 once the student is enrolled at the 4-year eligible institution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2305" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>A Maryland HOPE Scholarship may be used at an eligible institution in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2306" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship may hold the award for 5 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to be a full-time student at an eligible institution in the State and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester or its equivalent as determined by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Upon completion of the freshman year, has achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and maintains this minimum cumulative grade point average throughout the remainder of the award, or failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the judgment of the institution, is making satisfactory progress toward a degree; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Maintains the standards of the institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in this subtitle may hold the award for 3 years if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship who transfers from a 2-year eligible institution to a 4-year eligible institution may hold the award for a total of 5 years, including the years at both the 2-year eligible institution and the 4-year eligible institution, if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient of an award made under this section shall receive the award for each year indicated in which the recipient is eligible if the recipient signs an agreement at the time of the initial award to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Commence employment in the State within 1 year after completion of undergraduate studies for 1 year for each year that the scholarship was awarded; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Repay the State the amounts awarded under this subtitle as set forth in § 18-112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible institution or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Perform the service obligation for 1 year for each year that the recipient has a scholarship awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The service obligation begins after graduation and cannot be fulfilled prior to graduation from an eligible institution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2307" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>On or before May 1 of each year, the Office shall send each Senator and each Delegate a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom Maryland HOPE Scholarships are awarded.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2308" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>A Maryland HOPE Scholarship may be used for tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2309" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>Funds for the Maryland HOPE Scholarship Program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Maryland Higher Education Commission by the Governor.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2310" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall draft a plan to administer a Maryland HOPE Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission’s plan shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A 3–year schedule, beginning July 1, 2000, for the progressive implementation of the Maryland HOPE Scholarship Award to all eligible students; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A priority list of the applicable fields of study which focuses on such factors as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Economic need of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Employment shortage areas of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Training and education capacity of the higher education institutions in Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The priority list shall be created in consultation with the appropriate advisory boards of the Commission, the Department of Commerce, and representatives of higher education and private industry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2311" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Maryland Hope Scholarships"> <text>The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall submit the plan for the implementation of the Maryland HOPE Scholarship Program to the Governor and the Legislative Policy Committee of the General Assembly by October 30, 1999.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2401" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study leading to practice as a dentist or dental hygienist that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Dent–Care Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2402" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of higher education loan assistance grants to dentists and dental hygienists in the State, known as the Maryland Dent–Care Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to increase access to oral health services for underserved Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients by increasing the number of dentists and dental hygienists who treat that population.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2403" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall administer the Program with the assistance of the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recruit dentists and dental hygienists to participate in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine if the private practice or clinical setting in which an applicant will practice is located near or readily accessible to underserved Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients and if the applicant qualifies for the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Determine if each dentist participant or, for each dental hygienist participant, each office in which the participant works meets the Program requirements and serves the required number of Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Notify the Office of any findings made in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2404" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <text>Each applicant for a Higher Education Loan Assistance Grant under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be licensed to practice in Maryland by the State Board of Dental Examiners;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Demonstrate financial need;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be employed full time or part time as a dentist or dental hygienist;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Agree that at least 30% of the patients treated by the dentist or in the practice in which the dental hygienist works each year for a 3–year period in a private practice or clinical setting will be Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Meet any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2405" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office, on notification by the Maryland Department of Health, may award Higher Education Loan Assistance Grants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, shall adopt regulations to determine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The maximum number of participants in the Program each year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The maximum number of total participants in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the minimum and maximum amount of a Higher Education Loan Assistance Grant awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On or after October 1, 2023, the amount of a Higher Education Loan Assistance Grant awarded under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be at least $50,000 per year for 3 years for a dentist; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not exceed $10,000 per year for 2 years for a dental hygienist.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, shall periodically evaluate the minimum and maximum grant amounts determined under subsection (b)(3) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Office, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, shall establish prorated Higher Education Loan Assistance Grant amounts for part–time dentists and part–time dental hygienists.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2406" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <text>Each recipient of a Higher Education Loan Assistance Grant under this subtitle may hold the grant for up to 3 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to be employed full time or part time as a dentist or dental hygienist; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to treat Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipients as at least 30% of all patients treated:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By the dentist in a private practice or clinical setting authorized under the Program; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the private practice or clinical setting in which the dental hygienist works.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2407" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <text>The Office, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including regulations on repayment of funds if the participant fails to comply with the requirements of the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2408" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Maryland Dent-Care Program"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2501" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <text>There is a 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program in the State under which scholarships are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2502" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <text>A 2+2 Transfer Scholarship awarded under this subtitle may be used only at a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2503" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <text>To qualify for a 2+2 Transfer Scholarship, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be a student at a community college in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while a student at a community college in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Have earned an associate’s degree from a community college in the State by the end of the semester in which the applicant plans to transfer;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Be accepted for admission in a degree program at a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Intend to enroll in a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State in order to complete a bachelor’s degree program;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>On or after the fall semester of 2014, enroll as a full–time student in a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State by the fall semester following completion of the associate’s degree;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>In the case of an individual who is required to register with the Selective Service System, have complied with the registration requirement;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Have completed the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Have demonstrated financial need, defined by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Accept any other conditions or satisfy any additional criteria that the Commission or the Office may establish.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2504" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the annual amount of the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship awarded under this subtitle shall be $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a student who enrolls in a science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or nursing program at a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State, the annual amount of the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship awarded under this subtitle shall be $2,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A 2+2 Transfer Scholarship may be used for tuition and mandatory fees for 3 years of study, or six semesters of study, whichever is longer.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To retain a 2+2 Transfer Scholarship, the recipient shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Remain a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continue to be enrolled as an undergraduate student in a degree program at a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale each academic year the individual is enrolled at a public senior higher education institution or a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State or provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Maintain the standards of the eligible institution that the individual attends.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2505" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <text>On or before July 1 of each year, the Office shall send to each member of the Maryland General Assembly a list of individuals in each legislative district to whom 2+2 Transfer Scholarships are awarded.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2506" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <text>The Office shall publicize the availability of 2+2 Transfer Scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2507" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hope for Nontraditional Students -- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Funding for the Program shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the State budget does not include at least $2,000,000 for the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program in any fiscal year, funds shall be transferred from the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund, established under § 18–107 of this title, in an amount that provides a total of at least $2,000,000 to make awards under the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program each year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2601" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In cooperation with the institutions of higher education in the State, the Commission shall establish and administer a Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to full–time and part–time students in the fields of medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, nursing, social work, and veterinary medicine.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recipient of a graduate and professional scholarship shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Demonstrate financial need according to criteria established by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Attend one of the following institutions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The University of Maryland School of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Dentistry;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Law;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Pharmacy; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Social Work;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The University of Baltimore School of Law;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The University of Maryland Eastern Shore enrolled in one of the following degree programs:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Doctor of Pharmacy;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Doctor of Physical Therapy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Doctor of Veterinary Medicine;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any institution of higher education in the State offering a master’s degree in nursing;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any institution of higher education in the State offering a master’s degree in social work; or</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Any institution of higher education in the State offering a first professional degree in pharmacy.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A graduate and professional scholarship award for a single school year may not be less than $1,000 or more than $5,000.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient may not receive an award for longer than 8 semesters.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall allocate grants for the Program to the institutions of higher education specified in subsection (b)(3) of this section based on the proportion of State residents enrolled in eligible programs at each institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this section shall provide the Commission with an annual audit describing the disposition of the funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish guidelines for the awarding of graduate and professional scholarships by the institutions of higher education to the students; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Funds for the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2701" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible individual” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enrolled in the first or second year at an institution of initial eligibility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Teacher Development and Retention Fund established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Institution of initial eligibility” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An institution of higher education in the State where at least 40% of the attendees receive federal Pell Grants; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community college established under Title 16 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Teacher Development and Retention Program established under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2702" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Teacher Development and Retention Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Teacher Development and Retention Program is a pilot program designed to incentivize a cohort of students to pursue a career in the teaching profession.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide support to eligible individuals who ultimately pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in the State in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Program shall provide financial support to eligible individuals interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession, beginning by offering eligible individuals a one–time stipend for participation in an experiential learning opportunity in a classroom and concluding by placing those individuals in high–needs schools, grade levels, or content areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall establish eligibility criteria for the Program, including requirements for an applicant to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be enrolled in the first or second year at an institution of initial eligibility in an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before receiving an educator internship stipend under § 18–2703 of this subtitle, pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department, for a minimum of 2 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Office shall administer the Program and establish a process for eligible individuals to apply to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office shall develop a process for awarding stipends to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall give preference to applicants who have been employed in a public school or a publicly funded prekindergarten program within the last 5 years.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2703" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In each school year from the 2024–2025 school year through the 2026–2027 school year, a recipient who is selected for support under the Program shall receive an initial stipend to support the recipient’s participation in an experiential learning opportunity in a public school or publicly funded prekindergarten classroom.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The experiential learning opportunity shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Occur within the first or second year of the recipient’s enrollment in an institution of initial eligibility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contribute to the education of the students in the classroom in which the recipient participates.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The purpose of the initial stipend awarded under this subsection is to nurture in the recipient a passion for becoming a teacher.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the institution of initial eligibility has a written agreement with a public partner school or publicly funded prekindergarten program for the establishment of a training practicum under § 6–120 of this article, then the recipient’s experiential learning opportunity shall be in a classroom within the partner school.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Office shall determine the amount of the initial stipends awarded under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In each school year from the 2027–2028 school year through the 2029–2030 school year, a Program recipient shall be eligible for an internship stipend if the Program recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program at an institution of higher education in the State that, through its course of study leads to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is currently engaged in an internship or a practicum providing direct experience working with students in a public school or publicly funded prekindergarten program as part of the recipient’s course of study;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Continues to make satisfactory progress toward a degree and maintain the standards of the institution; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Pledges to fulfill a service obligation for 2 years as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department under paragraph (4) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A Program recipient who meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall receive an internship stipend of up to $20,000 for a 10–month educator internship.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the recipient of an internship stipend does not fulfill the service obligation, the recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this subsection as set forth in § 18–112 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In order to ensure that Program recipients fulfill the service obligation, the Department shall submit to the Office a list of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>High–needs schools in which there are a significant proportion of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Teacher vacancies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Grade levels and content areas in which there are a significant proportion of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Teacher vacancies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2704" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <text>Funding for the Program shall be as provided in the State budget. </text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2705" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before July 1, 2029, the Commission shall conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Program in attracting new teachers to the profession.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before January 1, 2030, the Commission shall report the results of the evaluation to the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2706" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTERS 185 AND 186 OF 2024" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Teacher Development and Retention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Teacher Development and Retention Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide support to eligible individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession and who ultimately pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund shall be used to administer the Program and provide support to recipients under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund may be used for administrative expenses for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Collaborative” means an agreement outlining commitments of a partnership among:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At least one local school system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least one employee organization representing employees of a local school system in accordance with Title 6, Subtitle 4 or Subtitle 5 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>At least one institution of higher education in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An alternative partnership model formed in accordance with § 18–27A–04(e) or (f) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Noncertified education support professional” means a public school employee who is not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A certificated employee designated as part of a bargaining unit under Title 6, Subtitle 4 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A managerial employee; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A confidential employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Provisional teacher” means an individual employed by a local school system through a provisional contract as a conditional teacher.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide support to collaboratives that offer teacher licensure programs with on–the–job experiential learning for eligible individuals who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are employed by a local school system in the State as a school–based part–time or full–time employee; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ultimately pledge to fulfill a 3–year service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in the local school system in which they are currently employed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To be eligible for the Program, a teacher candidate applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be employed as a noncertified education support professional or provisional teacher by a participating local school system on the effective date of the Program in a school–based position;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Commit to pursue a teacher licensure pathway approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A collaborative shall negotiate an agreement that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A collaborative shall develop and submit to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A plan that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identification of the collaborative members, including the roles and responsibilities of each member;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>School–based part–time or full–time positions that allow a teacher candidate to systematically develop teaching skills through experiential learning and ultimately demonstrate teaching competencies;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Identification of at least one content area in the local school system in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A mentor who is a regularly employed teacher in the local school system assigned for the entirety of the Program to a teacher candidate, consistent with proper supervision, training, and continuity of employment and applicable provisions in collective bargaining agreements;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A systemic program of experiential learning that results in credits from the institution of higher education if credits are required for completion, including credits toward the practicum; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The designation of a Program administrator from the local school system to assist teacher candidates, evaluate the effectiveness of the Program, and manage the administration associated with the Program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An estimate, based on appropriate data, of the number of projected participants to include in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Evidence of a written billing agreement with an institution of higher education that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total cost to the collaborative for the cohort of teacher candidates;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prorated tuition cost the collaborative shall pay the institution of higher education if a candidate does not complete the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A provision that no teacher candidate shall be required to pay tuition, books, or fees as part of the teacher candidate’s course of study.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A collaborative shall develop and submit to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An outreach plan to recruit teacher candidates and mentor teachers that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Prioritizes candidates and mentor teachers with linguistic diversity and from racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identifies a sustainability plan to continue recruiting, preparing, and mentoring teacher candidates after completion of the Program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other materials required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-04" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2025, the Department shall consult with a national nonprofit entity that has successfully guided other state education agencies or local education agencies that have increased the number of licensed teachers by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Launching sustainable, cost–effective grow–your–own teacher preparation programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Implementing registered teacher apprenticeships; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Implementing teacher residencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The entity selected under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall support the Department in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Program, including the development of metrics for establishing high–quality teacher preparation and licensure programs that have the highest likelihood of aiding the State by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Increasing the teacher workforce; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Improving teacher retention and diversity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The entity selected under paragraph (1) of this subsection may work directly with collaboratives to support the development and implementation of grow–your–own teacher preparation programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall award a grant to a local school system that is part of a collaborative for employees of the local school system to complete a pathway to teacher licensure under the agreement described in § 18–27A–03 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall award a grant to a local school system for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tuition, books, and fees for teacher candidates;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Stipends for mentor teachers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Costs associated with the administration of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In awarding a grant, the Department shall prioritize collaboratives that partner with institutions of higher education offering to negotiate a lower tuition cost for teacher candidates.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may award a grant to a collaborative formed between at least one local school system and one employee organization representing employees of a local school system in accordance with Title 6, Subtitle 4 or Subtitle 5 of this article, if the collaborative uses a program model that allows candidates to complete coursework that does not require enrollment in an institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to collaboratives that implement a registered teacher apprenticeship program model under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In awarding a grant under this subsection, the Department shall prioritize collaboratives that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are composed of a group of more than one local school system and more than one employee organization representing employees of a local system in accordance with Title 6, Subtitle 4 or Subtitle 5 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Implement a registered teacher apprenticeship program to be administered by the Department with a standardized curriculum that promotes on–the–job experiential learning to be leveraged across the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An institution of higher education in the State may provide related instruction for a registered teacher apprenticeship program under this subsection through a competitive bidding process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>A teacher candidate shall be paid a rate of pay and offered benefits that are at least equal to the rate of pay received by and benefits offered to a noncertified education support professional or provisional teacher of the equivalent classification and tenure in the local school system provided in the collective bargaining agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph does not apply to a provisional teacher.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a teacher candidate may not serve as a teacher of record or a substitute teacher for any teacher other than the mentor teacher assigned to the teacher candidate.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A teacher candidate may serve as a daily substitute teacher if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The teacher candidate does so in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement of the local school system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The teacher candidate agrees to the assignment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The teacher candidate’s mentor approves of the assignment; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The principal of the school in which the teacher candidate is employed approves of the assignment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A local school system may not reduce the compensation or benefits of a teacher candidate.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A local school system and an employee organization that represents the teacher candidates shall negotiate a gradual release model that allows teacher candidates to focus primarily on internship and practicum requirements, if applicable.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>A teacher candidate shall perform a service obligation to teach full–time in the State in a public school or a public prekindergarten program in a content area in which there is a shortage of qualified educators, as identified by the Department for a minimum of 2 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <text>The Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation for the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-27A-06" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="27A" subtitle_name="Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, the Department shall collect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Data on teacher candidate race, gender, and linguistic status;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Data on teacher candidate status and retention;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Spending by category;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A summary of teacher candidate recruitment methods; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If applicable, the hiring status and retention data of Program graduates.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1, 2026, and each July 1 thereafter, the Department shall report on the data collected under subsection (a) of this section to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In issuing reports under this section, the Department shall make reasonable efforts to anonymize the data to protect the privacy of teacher candidates.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-28A-01" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="28A" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Agriculture.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Higher education loan” means a loan that is obtained for tuition, education expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study leading to a degree in agriculture or an agriculture–related field, including farming.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-28A-02" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="28A" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a farmer who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has received an undergraduate or graduate degree in agriculture or an agriculture–related field from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education located in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has been a farmer for at least 5 years but not more than 10 years since obtaining the degree;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the Office, in consultation with the Department, including any additional sources of income; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-28A-03" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="28A" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers"> <text>The Office, in consultation with the Department, shall adopt regulations to establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The maximum total income for eligibility in the Program, including any additional sources of income;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to a farmer who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Graduated from an institution of higher education in the State in the last 10 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is employed as a farmer on a full–time basis; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>As determined by the Department in consultation with the Department of the Environment, uses sustainable agricultural techniques and demonstrates environmental stewardship;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office in repaying the higher education loan of a farmer, based on the farmer’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A procedure and schedule for the payment of the amount of loan assistance provided by the Office to the farmer; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>An annual review of the eligibility of each farmer participating in the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-28A-04" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="28A" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be provided on an annual basis in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-28A-05" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="28A" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers"> <text>As part of the annual report required under § 18–1505 of this title, the Office shall include information regarding implementation of the Program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of money allocated for the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of awards made and amounts of the awards; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The number of applicants denied an award.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-2901" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="29" subtitle_name="Maryland First Scholarship"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“First–generation student” means a student whose parents have not earned a degree from an institution of higher education.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland First Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Scholarship” means the Maryland First Scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland First Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual may apply to the Office for the scholarship if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in the regular undergraduate program at an eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2–year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in item (ii) of this paragraph, attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent at the end of the first semester of the senior year of high school; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has completed 40 hours of verifiable community service in the year before applying for the scholarship if the individual graduated from high school more than 4 years prior to enrolling in an eligible institution;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Demonstrates financial need;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is a first–generation student; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Meets any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In addition to providing any other information the Office requires, each applicant shall describe the types of community service completed during high school or in the year before applying for the scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be used for the tuition and mandatory fees and room and board for on–campus housing at any eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be in an annual amount up to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>50% of the tuition and mandatory fees charged to the recipient if the recipient is enrolled as an undergraduate student at a 4–year public eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>75% of the tuition and mandatory fees charged to the recipient if the recipient is enrolled at a 2–year public eligible institution;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>50% of the annual average tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student at the 4–year public institutions of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, if the recipient is enrolled at a 4–year private nonprofit eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>75% of the annual average out–of–county tuition and mandatory fees of a student at the 2–year public institutions if the recipient is enrolled in a 2–year terminal certificate program under subsection (c)(2)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be determined at the end of the academic year during which the recipient held the award and before the recipient’s reenrollment for the next academic year.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Subject to subsection (f) of this section, each scholarship recipient may hold the award for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>5 years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study at a 4–year eligible institution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>3 years of full–time study or 4 years of part–time study at a 2–year eligible institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A scholarship applicant or recipient shall file for federal and State financial aid by March 1 of each year.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland First Scholarship Fund in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide money for scholarship awards under this section and for administrative expenses incurred by the Commission in making scholarship awards under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and shall invest the money in the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall use any gift or grant that it receives for a scholarship from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Fund with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Gifts or grants received by the Commission for the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Making scholarship awards under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Administrative expenses incurred by the Commission in making scholarship awards under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Money provided to the Fund that is not awarded by the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <level label="i"> <text>At the end of the fiscal year, the Commission shall prepare an annual report of the Fund that includes an accounting of all financial receipts and expenditures to and from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Governor annually shall include funds in the State budget to be used to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3001" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Technology Internship Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Technology–based business” means a commercial or industrial enterprise, or a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that is engaged in the application of scientific knowledge to practical purposes in a particular field.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“UMBC” means the University of Maryland Baltimore County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3002" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <text>There is a Maryland Technology Internship Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3003" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <text>The purposes of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Connect college and university students, recent graduates, and veterans with small innovative businesses in the high–growth technology sector through internships;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Encourage high–achieving students at institutions of higher education in the State to remain in the State after graduation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Increase student understanding of employment opportunities in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Create connections between students and community business leaders and entrepreneurs and develop opportunities for student involvement in communities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Assist small technology–based businesses in developing internship programs and recruiting future employees; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Foster business retention and development, job creation, workforce development, and new investment in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3004" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>UMBC shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To carry out the purposes of the Program, UMBC, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Utilize an Internet site through which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Students may learn about technology–based businesses, technology–based positions in units of State and local governments, and internship opportunities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Technology–based businesses may register, post information about internship opportunities, and apply for reimbursement of internship stipends as provided under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Units of State and local governments may register, post information about technology–based internship opportunities, and apply for reimbursement of internship stipends as provided under this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Develop application and registration requirements;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop orientation and training programs for participants in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Review applications and award reimbursements of internship stipends under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide opportunities for students to meet entrepreneurs, visit technology–related industry incubators, and learn about starting a business in the State;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide recruitment and training opportunities and support for participating businesses and units of State and local government; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Track and assess Program outcomes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3005" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <text>To qualify for participation in the Program, an individual shall:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Be a student enrolled at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale each academic year;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 12 months before the date of application for the Program, have graduated from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have maintained a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale during the latest academic year the individual was enrolled as a student;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>Be a student enrolled at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education outside the State, if the student graduated from a high school in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale each academic year; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>Have been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or a reserve component within 18 months of the date of application;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be a resident of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Have graduated from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Commit to working a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Attend an orientation session provided or approved by UMBC; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Meet any other criteria established by UMBC.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3006" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for participation in the Program, a business shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be located in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be a technology–based business;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Commit to hosting an intern for a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide a detailed description of an intern position with the business; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide proof that a representative has attended an orientation or training program provided or approved by UMBC.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for participation in the Program, a unit of State or local government shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Commit to hosting an intern for a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide a detailed description of a technology–based intern position with the unit; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide proof that a representative has attended an orientation or training program provided or approved by UMBC.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3007" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>UMBC shall develop a process for tracking and assessing the outcomes of the Program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total number of individuals, businesses, and units of State and local governments participating in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The locations and sizes of participating businesses and units of State and local governments;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The number of participating students remaining in the State after graduation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The number of employee hires resulting from internships;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The effect of the Program on student understanding of opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the State;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Student skill growth resulting from internship experiences;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Business growth or improvement resulting from internships; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The effect of the Program on relationships between businesses and institutions of higher education in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>UMBC shall obtain feedback from Program participants:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the conclusion of any orientation or training program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the conclusion of each internship; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the following intervals after the conclusion of each internship:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 months;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>6 months;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>1 year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>2 years; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>3 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3008" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, money awarded under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be used to reimburse a technology–based business or a unit of State or local government up to 50% of a stipend paid to an intern, but not more than:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$1,800 for the first semester; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$1,200 for the second semester; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May total not more than $3,000 each year for each intern.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The maximum reimbursement amounts established in subsection (a) of this section may be increased in accordance with changes in employment market conditions as jointly determined by UMBC and the Department of Commerce.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least 50% of the internships supported by the Program each year shall be with businesses that have not more than 150 employees.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3010" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Maryland Technology Internship Program"> <text>The Governor annually shall include funds in the State budget for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The reimbursement of internship stipends under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>UMBC to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3101" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with this subtitle, Montgomery County is authorized to create a body corporate and politic to be known as the Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Authority is to provide a system of financial assistance consisting of affordable grants, loans, and other aids to enable Montgomery County residents, graduates of the county public school system, individuals employed by the county government or public school system, and other individuals as determined by the Authority, to obtain a postsecondary education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3102" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority"> <level label="a"> <text>Before Montgomery County may establish the Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority, the county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Study aspects of implementing the Authority in accordance with State and county law, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Performing a feasibility and demand study;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Assessing the potential benefit to recruitment and retention of county and school system employees; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Studying the operation of similar programs in other systems, including operating costs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hold public hearings; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide an opportunity for public comment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If Montgomery County decides to establish the Authority as authorized in § 18–3101 of this subtitle, the county’s governing body must pass an ordinance that creates the Authority in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3103" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority"> <level label="a"> <text>If Montgomery County establishes the Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority, the Authority shall meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority shall be subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Montgomery County public ethics law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Open Meetings Act under Title 3 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority is granted the power to issue bonds for the purpose of making loans to finance postsecondary education, any bonds issued by the Authority shall be obligations of the Authority only and not of Montgomery County or the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The provisions of the Montgomery County Charter do not apply to the Authority unless the governing body of Montgomery County expressly provides by law that a charter provision applies to the Authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3201" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Foster care recipient” means an individual who was placed in an out–of–home placement by a state’s or unit of a state government’s department of social services for 3 years or more.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An institution of higher education, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3202" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall assist in the repayment of higher education loans owed by a foster care recipient who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week by the State or a county or municipality of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Received an undergraduate or a graduate degree from an institution of higher education in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Meets any other requirement established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in § 18–1601(c)(2) of this title shall require the approval of the Office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3203" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the availability of funds appropriated under subsection (b) of this section, the award amount under the Program shall be equal to the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$5,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>10% of the eligible individual’s total higher education loan debt for each year the individual qualifies for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor annually shall include an appropriation of $100,000 in the State budget for the Commission to disburse assistance under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3204" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <level label="a"> <text>Each recipient of an award under the Program may hold the award for 3 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to meet the qualifications specified under § 18–3202 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Signs an agreement at the time of the award to remain employed by the State or a county or municipality of the State for at least 1 year after the expiration of the term of the award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each award under the Program shall be renewable on the expiration of the term of the award.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3205" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <text>An award under the Program shall be used only for repayment of the higher education loans owed by the recipient.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3206" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <text>The Office shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3207" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department of Budget and Management shall provide to State employees information about the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The local governing body of each county and municipality of the State shall provide their employees with information about the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3301" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible student” means a student who is a Maryland resident, or has graduated from a Maryland high school, and:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is enrolled in a Workforce Development Sequence at a public community college in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is enrolled directly in a registered apprenticeship program that partners with a public community college in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Workforce Development Sequence” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A program offered by a community college that is approved by the Commission and is composed of courses that are related to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Job preparation or an apprenticeship;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Licensure or certification; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Job skill enhancement; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A registered apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning in the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Workforce Development Sequence” does not include a sequence of courses leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship” means an award made to an eligible student under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3302" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships"> <text>There is a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship administered by the Office. </text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3303" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this section if the individual is an eligible student.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An eligible student who receives a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship under this subtitle may use the award for tuition, mandatory fees, other associated costs of attendance, or costs to participate in a registered apprenticeship program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The annual amount of a scholarship awarded to an eligible student may not exceed $2,000.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor shall provide in the annual budget an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Commission for the Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3304" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, the Commission shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of students who received a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the award made to each recipient;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The community college that the recipient attended;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The workforce development sequence in which the recipient enrolled; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The registered apprenticeship program in which the recipient participated.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3401" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3402" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers"> <level label="a"> <text>In Howard County, the governing body of the county may establish a Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers employed by the Howard County Public School System.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse cadre of qualified teachers in the Howard County Public School System that is reflective of the student population within the county schools.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the county shall assist in the repayment of higher education loans owed by an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains employment as a full–time teacher in the Howard County Public School System;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Commits to teach in the Howard County Public School System for a period of not less than 5 years;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the county, including any additional sources of income;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is not in default on any student loan; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established under the Program by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the county that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3403" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers"> <text>Loan assistance under the Program shall be in the amount and on the terms and conditions established by the county.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3404" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers"> <text>The Program shall be administered by the Howard County Public School System.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3405" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be as provided on an annual basis in the county budget in an appropriation separate from the county’s appropriation to the operating budget of the Howard County Board of Education.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the Program may be used to cover administrative expenses of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3501" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is approved under operation of law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3502" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a scholarship program known as the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to support students who are pursuing an education in programs that are directly relevant to cybersecurity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3503" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this subtitle if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is eligible for in–State tuition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, is a student who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is enrolled full–time at an eligible institution in an approved degree or certificate program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is within 3 years of graduation from the individual’s degree or certificate program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Has not received a federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has applied for but has not received a federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A scholarship award under this subtitle may be used at any eligible institution to pay for education expenses as defined by the Office, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tuition and mandatory fees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Room and board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, each recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle may hold the award for 3 years of full–time study.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning with the 2023–2024 Program application period, a part–time student may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this subtitle in accordance with regulations adopted by the Office.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle may hold the award for 6 years if the recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is a part–time student;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Continues to be a student at the institution and takes at least 6 semester hours of courses each semester leading to a degree or certificate that is directly relevant to cybersecurity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Office shall determine an award amount that is appropriately prorated for the part–time status of the student.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>On or before January 1, 2023, the Office shall adopt regulations to administer the Program for part–time students.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Department shall provide information on the Program to high school students who participate in career and technology education programs related to cybersecurity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3504" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for 1 year for each year that the recipient receives a scholarship under this subtitle, a scholarship recipient shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Work in the State in the cybersecurity field for a:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="A"> <text>Local education agency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Public high school; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Community college; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unit of:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>State government;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>County government; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>City or municipal government; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Teach in the State in an education program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A public high school; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community college.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the Office shall adopt guidelines on or before January 1, 2023, establishing a work obligation, appropriately prorated, for a scholarship recipient who receives a scholarship as a part–time student.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The work obligation for a part–time student shall equal the amount of time needed for an equivalent full–time student to complete the certification.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The work obligation for a part–time student may not exceed 3 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In accordance with § 18–112 of this title, a scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this subtitle if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Earn credit as a full–time student as defined in regulations adopted by the Office for the Program or as a part–time student as required in § 18–3503(f) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Complete an approved degree or certificate program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity at an eligible institution; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Perform the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, a recipient shall begin repayment at any time during the period that the recipient is no longer performing the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, repayment shall be made to the State within 6 years after the repayment period begins and shall follow a repayment schedule established by the Office.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Office may waive or defer repayment in the event of disability or extended sickness that prevents the recipient from fulfilling the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3505" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3506" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify the programs that meet the requirements of § 18–3503(b)(2) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Define the number of credits a scholarship recipient must earn as a student.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3601" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Annual adjusted gross income” means the total of the combined adjusted gross income of the applicant and the applicant’s parents, or the applicant and the applicant’s spouse if the applicant is married, as reported on the most recent federal or State income tax return.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Award” means a scholarship award from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Community college” includes Baltimore City Community College.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Local promise scholarship” means a community college scholarship program in effect on July 1, 2018, that provides a scholarship to any high school senior who is eligible for enrollment at the community college.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Tuition” means the basic instructional charge for courses offered at a community college.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Tuition” includes any fees for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Registration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Application;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Administration;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Laboratory work; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Other mandatory fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Tuition” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Costs associated with the parts of a registered apprenticeship that take place at a location that is not a community college; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any fees for room and board that are related to an on–campus residential facility for students.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3602" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a program of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships in the State that are awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students to attend a community college in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office and each community college shall publicize the availability of Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office shall allocate Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship funding to each community college in the State based on the proportion of Pell–eligible students at each community college for each community college to award Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship awards to students.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a community college does not award all funding allocated to the community college under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the community college shall distribute the remaining funding to other community colleges to make Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship awards to students in the award year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3603" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a student may apply annually to a Maryland community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community college, in the region where the applicant lives to receive a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the community college located in the county or region where the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant wants to enroll, the student may apply to the community college outside the county or, in the case of a regional community college, outside the region where the applicant lives to receive a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community college annually shall select eligible applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each selected applicant to be used for tuition at the community college.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is eligible for in–State tuition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Enrolls at:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The community college located in the county where the applicant lives;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regional community college located in the region where the applicant lives; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A community college in the State that has an on–campus residential facility for students; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a high school or successfully completing a GED in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="A"> <text>Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from Delmar High School in Delmar, Delaware; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Is a resident of Delmar, Maryland;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) and (4)(i) of this section, has earned a cumulative grade point average of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>While enrolled at a community college in the State, at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent household; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent household;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Enrolls in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At least 6 credits per semester at the community college; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or certification; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before the date of application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established in subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An applicant who enrolls in a noncredit vocational certificate program, enrolls in a sequence of noncredit courses leading to licensure or certification, or participates in a registered apprenticeship program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is not subject to the grade point average requirements in subsection (b)(3) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not subject to the requirements in subsection (b)(6) of this section, unless the applicant is enrolling in a noncredit program for which a federal Pell Grant may be used.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3603.1" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>A community college shall verify the eligibility of an applicant for a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A community college shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award under the requirements of § 18–3603 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility using federal standards for verification and in accordance with income eligibility criteria established by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Maintain records used by the community college to determine the eligibility of applicants for not less than a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the student’s last award; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this section have been made properly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A verification obtained by an applicant under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection may be used at another community college.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office shall review the audit provided to the Commission under subsection (b)(1)(iv) of this section not less than once every 3 years to verify that recipients met the eligibility requirements for an award.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Office determines that a community college made an incorrect award to an ineligible student, the community college shall remit to the Commission the total amount of the award made in error.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commission shall pay all amounts received under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph to the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund under § 18–107 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The community college may not require a student to repay the community college for an incorrect award made from the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3604" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Initial scholarship awards shall be provided to recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Priority for scholarship awards in subsequent years shall be given to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Prior year recipients who remain eligible for the program;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>All eligible students who are enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, or enrolled in a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that lead to licensure or certification; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>If any funds remain to be allocated, students enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b) of this subtitle, an eligible recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a recipient is eligible for a local promise scholarship, an award provided under this subtitle shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the award of the local promise scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may hold the award until the earlier of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 years after first enrolling:</text> <level label="1"> <text>As a candidate for a noncredit vocational certificate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a sequence of credit or noncredit courses leading to licensure or certification;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In credit or noncredit courses that are required for participation in a registered apprenticeship program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>As a candidate for a certificate; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>As a full–time candidate for an associate’s degree at a community college in the State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>6 years after first enrolling as a part–time candidate for an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community college may extend the duration of an award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the community college satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent the recipient from continuous enrollment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the recipient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Continues to enroll in and complete at least 6 credits per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the community college; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of the award or, failing to do so, provides to the community college satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Continues to meet the income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3605" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>Through fiscal year 2025, the Governor shall include an annual appropriation of at least $15,000,000 in the State budget for the Commission to disburse Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include an annual appropriation of at least $13,500,000 in the State budget for the Commission to disburse Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3606" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3607" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <text>On or before December 1, 2020, and each December 1 thereafter, the Commission shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation of the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of applicants who received a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship in the academic year disaggregated by the community college at which the scholarship was used;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients enrolled in an associate’s degree program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients enrolled in a vocational certificate program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients enrolled in a certificate program;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The amount of the award made to each scholarship recipient;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The number of eligible applicants, if any, who were placed on a waiting list and the amount of demonstrated financial need, in the aggregate, of those applicants;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients who earned an associate’s degree within 2, 3, or 4 years after receiving an award;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients who earned a vocational certificate within 1, 2, or 3 years after receiving an award;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients who transferred to a 4–year institution in the State;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The number of scholarship recipients who received a baccalaureate degree after transferring to a 4–year institution in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The outreach activities made by the Commission for the scholarship.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3608" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contact each school counselor at each public high school in the State with information on the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, including the eligibility, availability, and deadlines for the scholarship; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Post on the Commission’s website, in a readily accessible location, information on the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, including the eligibility, availability, and deadlines for the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each community college in the State shall post on the community college’s website, in a readily accessible location, information on the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, including the eligibility, availability, and deadlines for the scholarship.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3701" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Correctional officer” has the meaning stated in § 8–201 of the Correctional Services Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible employment” means to work as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A police officer or correctional officer in the State for at least 2 years; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A parole and probation agent, supervisor, or regional director in the State for at least 2 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Higher education loan” means a loan that is obtained for tuition for undergraduate study.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Probation agent” means an individual serving as a parole and probation agent, supervisor, or regional administrator for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3702" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall distribute funds from the Program to assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from a public college or university in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains eligible employment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3703" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations shall include a limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office in repaying the loan of an eligible individual, based on the individual’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3704" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal year 2025, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $2,000,000 for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3705" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Office shall report to the General Assembly by January 1 each year on the implementation of the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3801" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Correctional officer” has the meaning stated in § 8–201 of the Correctional Services Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible institution” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A public senior higher education institution in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community college in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Probation agent” means an individual serving as a parole and probation agent, supervisor, or regional administrator for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Service obligation” means to work as a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer in the State not less than 5 years during the 8–year period after graduation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3802" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the program is to provide tuition assistance for students who are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Attending an eligible institution and enrolled in a degree or certificate program that would further the student’s intent to become a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer after graduation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employed as a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer, attending an eligible institution, and enrolled in a degree or certificate program that would further the police officer’s, probation officer’s, or correctional officer’s career.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall publicize the availability of the Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3803" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, the Office shall select eligible students and offer a scholarship to each student selected to be used at an eligible institution of the student’s choice.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recipient of the Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a Maryland resident or have graduated from a Maryland high school;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be accepted for admission or currently enrolled at an eligible institution as a full–time or part–time undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a course of study, program, or certificate that would further the recipient’s career;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Sign a letter of intent to perform the service obligation on completion of the recipient’s required studies; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria the Commission may establish.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A current police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer shall be eligible for a Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship if they meet the eligibility criteria under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3804" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <text>The recipient of a Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship shall repay the Commission the funds received as set forth in § 18–112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Satisfy the degree or certificate requirements of the eligible course of study or program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform the service obligation to work as a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer for at least 5 years during the 8–year period after graduation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3805" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <text>The annual scholarship award shall be 50% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate student at the eligible institution.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3806" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal year 2025, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 to the Commission to award scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $2,000,000 to the Commission to award scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 to the Commission to award scholarships under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3807" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Publicize the availability of Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarships; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the extent practicable, award scholarships under this subtitle in a manner that reflects ethnic, gender, racial, and geographic diversity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3901" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible county” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Baltimore County; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible institution” means a public higher education institution in the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Scholarship” means the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>“Service obligation” means to work in a targeted position for a minimum period of time, as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, during the 8–year period immediately following the awarding of a Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The service obligation period shall be 15 months for each academic year that the Scholarship is awarded, regardless of the credit hours or semesters completed by the recipient during the academic year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Service obligation” includes work in a targeted position while a student is attending an eligible institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Targeted positions” means the following positions in the Department of Human Services in an eligible county:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Child Support Specialist Series;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Family Investment Specialist Series;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Family Support Worker Series;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Family SVS Caseworker Series; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Social Worker Series.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3902" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Scholarship is to provide tuition assistance to students who are enrolled in a program at an eligible institution that will enable the student to obtain a credential or degree that is necessary to work in or further a career in a targeted position in the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A Scholarship recipient shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a Maryland resident or a graduate of a Maryland high school;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be accepted for admission or currently enrolled at an eligible institution in a program that will enable the recipient to obtain a credential or degree that is necessary to work in or further a career in a targeted position in the Department of Human Services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Enter into a written agreement with the Commission, in the form and manner prescribed by the Office, to meet the conditions of the Scholarship under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Satisfy any additional criteria established by the Office or the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The annual scholarship award shall be 100% of the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible institution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3903" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year the Office shall work with the Department of Human Services to award Scholarships to students to be used at an eligible institution.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office and the Department of Human Services shall publicize the availability of the Scholarship, including providing information on the Scholarship to every employee in a targeted position.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department of Human Services shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify and select eligible applicants; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine the amount of Scholarship awards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Human Services shall prioritize selecting applicants for a Scholarship who participated in the Pilot Program for Human Services Careers established under § 2–303 of the Human Services Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Award Scholarships to applicants selected by the Department of Human Services in the amounts determined by the Department of Human Services; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide oversight related to the service obligation of the Scholarship.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A Scholarship recipient shall repay the Office the funds received under this subtitle as set forth in § 18–112 of this title if the recipient does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible course of study or program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform the service obligation after graduation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The amount to be repaid for failure to perform the service obligation shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Equal to the total amount of funds received; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As determined by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Scholarship is nonrefundable.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the Scholarship shall be reduced if the total amount of scholarship funds and additional resources exceeds tuition and mandatory fees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-3904" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Pilot Program for Human Services Careers Scholarship"> <text>Funding for the Scholarship shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4001" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Eligible recipient” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Accepted for admission or enrolled in a regular undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at an institution of postsecondary education;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 16 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A surviving transportation worker;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A child, stepchild, spouse, or unmarried partner of a surviving transportation worker;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>A surviving child, stepchild, spouse, or unmarried partner of a fallen transportation worker; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a fallen transportation worker does not have a surviving child, stepchild, spouse, or unmarried partner, a sibling of the fallen transportation worker; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A child or stepchild of an unmarried partner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fallen transportation worker” means an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Whose occupation is in the construction, rehabilitation, or operation of a transportation facility or transportation facilities project in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Who died, on or after January 1, 2022, as a result of an accident occurring while the individual was performing any job duty necessary for the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of a transportation facility or transportation facilities project in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the Fallen and Surviving Transportation Workers Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Fallen and Surviving Transportation Workers Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Surviving transportation worker” means an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Whose occupation is in the construction, rehabilitation, or operation of a transportation facility or transportation facilities project in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Who survived, on or after January 1, 2022, an accident:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Resulting in at least $100,000,000 in total damages to a transportation facility or transportation facilities project in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Occurring while the individual was performing any job duty necessary for the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of a transportation facility or transportation facilities project in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Transportation facilities project” has the meaning stated in § 4–101 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Transportation facility” has the meaning stated in § 3–101 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Unmarried partner” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the time of a fallen transportation worker’s death:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Was in a committed relationship with the fallen transportation worker;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shared a primary residence with the fallen transportation worker; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Was receiving and relied on, in whole or in part, the reasonable necessities of life from the fallen transportation worker; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the time of a surviving transportation worker’s accident:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Was in a committed relationship with the surviving transportation worker;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shared a primary residence with the surviving transportation worker; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Was receiving and relied on, in whole or in part, the reasonable necessities of life from the surviving transportation worker.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4002" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Fallen and Surviving Transportation Workers Scholarship Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide tuition assistance to a student who was impacted by an accident involving a fallen transportation worker or a surviving transportation worker.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4003" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may apply to an eligible institution of postsecondary education for a scholarship under this subtitle if the individual is an eligible recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A scholarship awarded under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be used for the total cost of attendance at any institution of postsecondary education; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Exceed the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of an undergraduate student at the 4–year institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time undergraduate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be less than the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$3,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The equivalent tuition and mandatory fees of the institution attended by the recipient of the scholarship.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each institution of postsecondary education shall determine eligibility of individuals who apply to the institution for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the availability of funds, funds for the Program shall be allocated by the Commission to each institution of postsecondary education based on the number of eligible recipients attending each institution.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In February and October each year, beginning in 2024, each institution of postsecondary education shall report to the Commission the number of eligible recipients attending the institution.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Commission shall allocate funds for awards to institutions of postsecondary education on verification of eligible recipients attending the institutions.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If funds cannot be allocated in the fiscal year in which awards are made, priority shall be given to allocating funds for those awards in the immediately following fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle may hold the award for 5 years of full–time study or 8 years of part–time study.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Department of Transportation, a local department of transportation, or a contractor that employed fallen transportation workers or surviving transportation workers shall provide to the Commission the names and contact information for the families of the fallen transportation workers or surviving transportation workers after any accident resulting in eligibility for a scholarship under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4004" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Fallen and Surviving Transportation Workers Scholarship Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interest earnings; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted by the Commission for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund may be used only to award scholarships under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May accept any gift or grant from any person for the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall deposit any gift or grant that it receives for the Program with the State Treasurer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Funding for the Program shall be as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4101" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Educator” includes a classroom teacher, an education support professional, an education–related service provider, and a specialist eligible for certification from the State Department of Education.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A college or university, government, or commercial source; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4102" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators"> <level label="a"> <text>In Anne Arundel County, the governing body of the county may establish a student loan assistance repayment program for educators employed by the Anne Arundel County Public School System.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse cadre of qualified educators in the Anne Arundel County Public School System that is reflective of the student population within the county schools.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the county shall assist in the repayment of higher education loans owed by an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtains employment as an educator in the Anne Arundel County Public School System;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Commits to serve in the Anne Arundel County Public School System for a period of not less than 5 years;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the county, including any additional sources of income the individual may earn;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is not in default on any student loan; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Satisfies any other criteria established under the Program by the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the county that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4103" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators"> <text>Loan assistance under the Program shall be in the amount and on the terms and conditions established by the county.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4104" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators"> <text>The Program shall be administered by the Anne Arundel County Public School System.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4105" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Anne Arundel County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Educators"> <level label="a"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be as provided on an annual basis in the county budget in an appropriation separate from the county’s appropriation to the operating budget of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Funds for the Program may be used to cover administrative expenses of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4201" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="42"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“PAREA” means the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal Grant Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="18-4202" title_number="18" title_name="Student Financial Assistance" subtitle_number="42"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal Grant Program in the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assist in closing appraisal gaps that occur in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Award grants to minorities who reside in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities with the goal of pursuing PAREA; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Diversify the appraisal field.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall administer the Program.</text> </level> </section>