Bill > HB840

This bill requires public senior higher education institutions in Maryland to develop a comprehensive support plan for pregnant and parenting students, which must be posted on their websites by August 1, 2026. The bill defines a "pregnant and parenting student" as a student who is either pregnant or has care, custody, or control of a child, and applies to institutions like the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, and St. Mary's College of Maryland (but excluding specific campuses like the University of Maryland Global Campus). The plan must include referrals to various government assistance programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, Child Care Scholarship Program, Maryland Medical Assistance Program, and Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program. Additionally, the plan must provide information about adoption services, institutional accommodations for pregnant and parenting students, and a network of on-campus and off-campus health care service providers. The bill emphasizes the principle that all students should be free from discrimination, specifically pregnancy discrimination, as described in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to support students who are balancing their educational pursuits with pregnancy and parenting responsibilities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0840?ys=2025RS