§ 7–115.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-115.1 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 7–115.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Child with a disability” has the meaning stated in § 8–401 of this article.
(3)
“Dependent child” means an individual of school age who is a natural child, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a financially dependent child of an active service member.
(4)
“Enrollment” includes course registration and charter school lotteries.
(5)
“Free appropriate public education” has the meaning stated in § 8–401 of this article.
(6)
“Sending state” has the meaning stated in § 7–1303 of this title.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section, a county superintendent shall allow a dependent child of an active service member who is relocating to the State on official orders and is not domiciled in that county during the enrollment period to apply for advance enrollment in a public school in the county.
(2)
To advance enroll under paragraph (1) of this subsection, an active service member shall provide to a county superintendent official orders evidencing that the active service member will be stationed in the State during the current or immediately following school year.
(3)
(i)
A county superintendent shall establish a remote registration process for advance enrollment under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii)
A remote registration process established under this paragraph may not:
(1)
Charge a fee; or
(2)
Require the active service member or other parent or guardian or the dependent child to physically appear at a location within the county to complete any part of the advance enrollment process.
(4)
(i)
The remote registration process shall provide an opportunity for the active service member or other parent or guardian of a dependent child to note whether the child has an individualized education program or a 504 plan in the sending state.
(ii)
If a dependent child has an individualized education program or a 504 plan in the sending state, the county board shall ensure that the child receives an appropriate education without undue delay in the county in which the child enrolls, including, if appropriate, education under an individualized education program or in accordance with a 504 plan.
(iii)
A county board shall coordinate with a child’s parent or guardian and the school system in the sending state in order to carry out this paragraph.
(c)
(1)
To finalize advance enrollment under this section, within 10 days of the published arrival date on the active service member’s official orders, the active service member shall provide the school with:
(i)
Satisfactory evidence of the dependent child’s status as a dependent child of the active service member;
(ii)
A copy of the active service member’s official orders to relocate; and
(iii)
Proof of residence in the county.
(2)
The active service member may use the address of any of the following as proof of residence:
(i)
A temporary on–base lodging facility;
(ii)
A purchased or leased home or apartment; or
(iii)
Any federal government housing unit or off–base military housing unit.
(d)
(1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a dependent child of an active service member who has used advance enrollment to enroll in a school under this section may remain enrolled in school until the end of the current school year, even if the child no longer meets residency requirements of the school.
(2)
A dependent child of an active service member who uses advance enrollment shall have access to academic courses and programs, including extracurricular activities and athletic and social programs, in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school.
(e)
The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, in consultation with the military family education liaison designated under § 7–1303 of this title and the Office of Military and Federal Affairs and the Maryland Military Installation Council in the Department of Commerce, shall publish and maintain information on:
(1)
The advance enrollment procedures established under this section;
(2)
The Purple Star Schools Program established under § 7–129 of this subtitle;
(3)
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children established under Subtitle 13 of this title; and
(4)
Any assistance and services available to active service members regarding the advance enrollment of a dependent child, including a child with a disability entitled to receive a free appropriate public education in the State.