MarylandMaryland law makes correctional officers eligible for loan and tuition aid
Correctional officers and students preparing for those jobs may qualify for loan repayment or tuition help through Maryland programs, with service requirements for scholarships.
What it does
Correctional officers may get help repaying college loans if they earn a degree from a Maryland public college, work in an eligible state job for at least two years, and meet other state requirements.
Correctional officers and students preparing for those jobs may qualify for tuition scholarships. Recipients must finish their studies and work in an eligible state job for at least five years within eight years after graduation, or repay the funds.
Argument forLoan repayment help could ease college debt for correctional officers who earn a degree and work in an eligible state job.
Argument againstScholarship recipients could owe the money back if they do not finish their studies or complete the required service.
More detail
The state loan repayment program includes correctional officers. The program covers correctional officers as defined in state law. An officer must earn a degree from a public college or university in Maryland, work in an eligible state job for at least two years, and meet other criteria set by the Office. The law took effect July 1, 2026.
The state scholarship program includes correctional officers and students preparing for correctional officer jobs. Students may qualify if their studies prepare them to become correctional officers. Current correctional officers may qualify for studies that further their careers. The program covers Maryland public colleges and community colleges. Applicants must meet the program's other eligibility rules and sign a letter promising to complete the service requirement. Recipients must repay the funds if they fail to finish their studies or meet the service requirement. The service period is at least five years during the eight years after graduation. The law took effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 679Became Law
- Apr 13Returned Passed
- Apr 13Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 9Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Apr 9Favorable Report by AppropriationsMinor
- Apr 1
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 26Hearing 4/08 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 13Referred AppropriationsMinor
- Mar 12Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Mar 10Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Mar 10Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Mar 9Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 3Hearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m. (Judicial Proceedings) and Hearing canceled (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
- Feb 27
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 10Hearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m. (Judicial Proceedings) and Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
- Jan 14First Reading Judicial Proceedings and Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentMinor
- Jan 13Hearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m. (Judicial Proceedings)
- 2025
- Oct 1Pre-filedIntroduced
EducationCriminal Justice