Bill > HB1204

This bill establishes an Education Savings Account Program, administered by the State Department of Education, to provide state grants to eligible students for their education. An eligible student is defined as one who can enroll in a public school and has attended a public, charter, or home school for at least 100 days in the preceding fiscal year, with an exception for children of active-duty military members stationed in the state. The program allows for quarterly deposits into an education savings account for eligible students, with the amount being a percentage of the per-pupil state and local funds allocated to their resident school district, varying based on family income. Parents must sign an agreement to provide a core education, ensure regular attendance, take required assessments, and release the resident school district from its obligation to educate the student. Funds can be used for various educational expenses, including tuition at qualifying nonpublic schools, textbooks, private tutoring, curriculum materials, online learning programs, standardized tests, and services for students with disabilities. The bill also allows for a subtraction modification on state income tax for deposits made into these education savings accounts, and qualifying schools must meet certain health, safety, and non-discrimination standards.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1204?ys=2026RS