Bill > HB600

This bill expands and clarifies definitions and educational benefits for uniformed services members, veterans, and their families across multiple areas of Maryland law. The legislation broadens the definition of "veteran" and "active service member" to include a wider range of uniformed services personnel, not just those from traditional military branches. Key provisions include expediting educator licensing for active service members and veterans, allowing dependent children of active service members to more easily enroll in schools when relocating, creating a Purple Star Schools Program to support military-connected students, and ensuring that community colleges provide comprehensive support services for veterans. The bill also modifies tuition and scholarship provisions to make higher education more accessible for service members, veterans, and their families, such as exempting them from nonresident tuition rates and providing scholarship opportunities. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive support and recognition for individuals who have served in uniformed services across various state educational and benefits programs, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0600?ys=2025RS