Bill > SB101

This bill expands existing loan repayment and scholarship programs to include correctional officers, alongside police officers and probation agents. The Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers will now offer funds to help repay higher education loans for individuals who earn a degree from a Maryland public college or university, secure eligible employment as a correctional officer for at least two years, and meet other criteria. Additionally, the Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, and Correctional Officers Scholarship Program will provide tuition assistance to students pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers as correctional officers, or to current correctional officers seeking further education to advance their careers, provided they commit to serving in the role for at least five years within eight years of graduation. The bill also clarifies definitions for "correctional officer" and "eligible employment" to encompass these roles and mandates that the program publicize scholarship availability and aim for diverse award recipients. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0101?ys=2026RS