Bill > SB789

This bill modifies Maryland's Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program by expanding its scope and making key changes to program eligibility and funding. The bill requires the Maryland Higher Education Commission to designate hunger-free campuses based on specific criteria, such as establishing a hunger task force, helping students enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing food pantries, creating meal-sharing programs, and conducting annual student surveys about hunger. Notably, the bill now prohibits private institutions of higher education and private nonprofit regional higher education centers from receiving grant funding under the program, limiting funding to public institutions. The bill authorizes the Governor to include $150,000 in the annual budget for the program, and requires the Commission to incorporate a plan for addressing student basic needs insecurity into the 2026-2030 State Plan for Higher Education. Additionally, the Commission must report to the Governor and General Assembly within two years of establishing the program, detailing grant awards, the program's impact on reducing student food insecurity, and recommendations for program expansion. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0789?ys=2025RS