Bill > SB101

This bill expands eligibility for two Maryland programs designed to support law enforcement professionals: the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Police Officers and Probation Agents, and the Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program. Specifically, it adds correctional officers to both programs, meaning they will now be eligible to receive assistance with repaying their higher education loans if they meet certain criteria, such as working in the state for at least two years, and will also be eligible for scholarships to help fund their education if they intend to pursue a career as a correctional officer or are already working as one and wish to further their education. The bill also clarifies that a "correctional officer" is defined by another section of state law and that the scholarship program requires recipients to fulfill a "service obligation" of working as a correctional officer, police officer, or probation agent for at least five years within eight years of graduation. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.