Bill > HB852

This bill amends the Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program to include correctional officers, expanding eligibility for tuition assistance. The program, which supports students pursuing careers in law enforcement or corrections, now explicitly defines "Correctional Officer" and includes them in the scholarship's purpose, which is to provide financial aid for attending eligible higher education institutions in Maryland. Recipients must meet residency requirements, be enrolled in a relevant degree program, and commit to a service obligation of working as a police officer, probation agent, or correctional officer in the state for at least five years within eight years after graduation; failure to do so will require repayment of the scholarship funds. The bill also mandates that the Office publicize the scholarship's availability and, to the extent possible, award scholarships in a way that reflects diversity. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0852?ys=2026RS