# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 1. General Provisions

#### Section 7-135

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Open-source" means material with either freely obtainable source code, a license for modification, or permission for free distribution.

  (3) "Open-source phonics organization" means any nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, or public library that produces or distributes free, open-source phonics materials in the State.

  (4) "Phonics" has the meaning stated in Sec. 4-136 of this article.

  (5) "Program" means the Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program.

(b) There is an Open-Source Phonics Matching Grant Program in the Department.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to provide matching funds to open-source phonics organizations to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials to be used by adults to tutor students in the State.

(d) The Department shall administer the Program.

(e)

  (1) An open-source phonics organization may submit an application for a grant on the form that the Department requires.

  (2) An application for a grant shall include a plan to ensure that the open-source phonics organization is able to provide free, open-source phonics learning materials that:

    (i) Are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading; and

    (ii) Enable adults to tutor students in the State.

  (3) The Department shall disburse grants to open-source phonics organizations.

(f) Periodically, the Department shall review the open-source phonics learning materials provided under this section to ensure the materials are consistent with best practices in literacy education, including the science of reading.

(g) The Department shall:

  (1) On or before December 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article; and

  (2) Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.

(h) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $150,000 to the Program.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)