reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-710 - Deduction of Membership Dues Â Authorizations.

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
(a)    An agreement shall include a provision for the deduction from the paycheck of each public employee in a bargaining unit of any membership dues authorized and owed by the public employee to the exclusive representative.
(b)    (1)    A public employee may authorize a deduction under this section by notifying the exclusive representative.
(2)    The notice may be a handwritten or electronic statement.
(3)    A public employee may make a request to the exclusive representative to cancel or change a deduction under this section.
(c)    An exclusive representative shall:
(1)    Collect and maintain the notices under subsection (b) of this section;
(2)    Certify to a public employer the public employees who have authorized deductions under this section; and
(3)    Indemnify a public employer from any claims made by a public employee made in reliance on the certification under this section.
(d)    An exclusive representative may not be required to provide copies of authorization notices unless a dispute arises in connection with the validity of an authorization.
(e)    A public employer shall:
(1)    Rely on an exclusive representative’s certification of public employees who have authorized deductions;
(2)    Direct public employees to the exclusive representative to cancel or change a deduction; and
(3)    Submit a dispute arising between a public employee and an exclusive representative to be resolved under unfair labor practice proceedings in accordance with the laws of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-711 - Request for Mediation by Board or Mediator Â Mediation by Mutual Agreement Â Cost Sharing Â Board Decision Final. [Renumbered]

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
(a)    If in the course of collective bargaining a party determines that an impasse exists, that party may request the services of the Board in mediation or engage another mutually agreeable mediator.
(b)    (1)    By mutual agreement, the parties may engage in mediation.
(2)    (i)    If there is not mutual agreement, either party may petition the Board to initiate fact–finding.
(ii)    1.    After considering the status of bargaining and the budget schedule of the public employer, the Board may find that an impasse exists and may notify the parties that fact–finding is to be initiated.
2.    A public employer and the exclusive representative may select their own fact finder.
3.    A.    If the parties have not selected their own fact finder within 5 days after the required notification, the Board shall submit to the parties the names of five qualified individuals.
B.    Each party alternately shall strike two names from the list with the remaining individual being the fact finder.
4.    The fact finder selected by the parties shall conduct hearings and may administer oaths.
5.    The fact finder shall make written findings of fact and recommendations for resolution of the impasse.
6.    Not later than 30 days after the date of appointment, the fact finder shall transmit the findings to the public employer, the exclusive representative, and the Board.
7.    If the impasse continues 10 days after the report is submitted to the parties, any unresolved noneconomic language items that are subject to fact–finding shall be referred to the Board.
(c)    The parties shall bear equally the costs of fact–finding.
(d)    The Board, on receipt of the report and certification of unresolved noneconomic language items, shall provide the parties with an opportunity to submit additional position statements and issue a written decision adopting:
(1)    The final proposal of the public employer;
(2)    The final proposal of the exclusive representative; or
(3)    The fact finder’s final offer or resolution.
(e)    The Board’s written decision is final and binding on the public employer and the exclusive representative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-712 - Strike by Public Employee Prohibited Â Compensation Prohibited During Strike Â Strike Enjoined Â Revocation of Certification.

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
(a)    A public employee may not engage in a strike.
(b)    A public employee may not receive pay or compensation from the public employer for any period during which the public employee is engaged in a strike.
(c)    If a strike of public employees occurs, a court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin the strike at the request of the public employer.
(d)    (1)    If an employee organization certified as an exclusive representative engages in a strike, the Board shall revoke the organization’s certification as the exclusive representative.
(2)    An employee organization that engages in a strike and has its certification revoked shall be ineligible to be certified as an exclusive representative for a period of 1 year following the end of the strike.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-713 - Rights of Public Employer and Public Employee Â Grievance Hearings Â No Repercussions to Employee for Exercising Rights. [Renumbered]

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
(a)    A public employer has the right to:
(1)    Determine how the statutory mandate and goals of the community college, including the functions and programs of the community college, its overall budget, and its organizational structure, are to be carried out; and
(2)    Direct college personnel.
(b)    A public employee has the right to:
(1)    Organize;
(2)    Form, join, or assist any employee organization;
(3)    Bargain collectively through an exclusive representative;
(4)    Engage in other lawful concerted activity for the purpose of collective bargaining; and
(5)    Refrain from engaging in the activities listed under this subsection.
(c)    A public employee or group of public employees has the right at any time to:
(1)    Present a grievance arising under the terms of the agreement to the public employer; and
(2)    Have the grievance adjusted without the intervention of the exclusive representative.
(d)    The exclusive representative has the right to be present during any meeting involving the presentation or adjustment of a grievance.
(e)    (1)    A public employer shall hear a grievance and participate in the adjustment of the grievance.
(2)    The adjustment of a grievance may not be inconsistent with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement then in effect.
(3)    A public employer shall give prompt notice of any adjustment of a grievance to the exclusive representative.
(f)    A public employer and an employee organization may not interfere with, intimidate, restrain, coerce, or discriminate against a public employee because the employee exercises rights granted under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-714 - Restrictions on Actions by Public Employer, Officers, and Agents.

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
A public employer, its officers, and agents may not:
(1)    Interfere with, intimidate, restrain, or coerce public employees in the exercise of their rights under this subtitle;
(2)    Encourage or discourage public employees in their selection of membership in any employee organization;
(3)    Discharge or discriminate against an employee because of the signing or filing of an affidavit, petition, or complaint, or giving information or testimony in connection with matters under this subtitle;
(4)    Refuse to participate in good–faith bargaining or the dispute resolution process in this subtitle; or
(5)    Disclose any portion of personally identifiable information of public employees to an unauthorized third party.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 16 - Community Colleges › Subtitle 7 - Collective Bargaining › Section 16-715 - Actions by Board Â Restrictions on Rules Adopted by Board.

** TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 16 AND 27 OF THE 2021 SPECIAL SESSION **
(a)    The Board may:
(1)    Adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle; and
(2)    Delegate and assign its responsibilities and obligations under this subtitle to the Executive Director of the Board.
(b)    The Board may not adopt any rule that:
(1)    Unnecessarily delays the resolution of disputes over elections, unfair labor practices, or any other matter under this subtitle; or
(2)    Restricts or weakens the protection provided to public employees and employee organizations under this subtitle or existing regulations.
(c)    The Board shall adopt regulations in accordance with Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that address ratification, duration, and enforcement of an agreement under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 1 - Aid to Nonpublic Institutions › Section 17-102 - Administration of Program

Subject to review by the Board of Public Works, the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall adopt standards and procedures, not inconsistent with this subtitle, to implement and administer the aid program provided for by this subtitle, including standards and procedures for:
(1)    Submitting applications for aid;
(2)    Verifying full-time equivalent student enrollment by institutions that apply for aid;
(3)    Submitting reports or data on the use of this money by the institutions that receive it; and
(4)    Paying the aid to the institutions during the fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 1 - Aid to Nonpublic Institutions › Section 17-103 - Eligibility for Aid

(a)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall determine which institutions are eligible for aid under this subtitle.
(b)    To qualify for State aid under this subtitle, an institution of higher education shall:
(1)    Be:
(i)    A nonprofit private college or university that was established in the State before July 1, 1970;
(ii)    A nonprofit private institution of higher education that formerly received State aid as a component of a private college or university that was established in this State before July 1, 1970; or
(iii)    A private nonprofit institution of higher education that is established in this State and grants an associate of arts degree;
(2)    Be approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;
(3)    Be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools;
(4)    Have awarded the associate of arts or baccalaureate degrees to at least one graduating class;
(5)    Maintain one or more earned degree programs, other than seminarian or theological programs, leading to an associate of arts or baccalaureate degree; and
(6)    Submit each new program and each major modification of an existing program to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for its review and recommendation as to the initiation of the new or modified program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 1 - Aid to Nonpublic Institutions › Section 17-105 - Certification and Payment of Aid; Reductions for Unreasonably Duplicative Programs

(a)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall certify the amount of aid due each institution under this subtitle to the Governor, who shall include the total amount in the annual budget submission.
(b)    If a private nonprofit institution of higher education has implemented a new or substantially modified program contrary to the recommendation of the Maryland Higher Education Commission that was based on a finding of unreasonable duplication, then the Maryland Higher Education Commission may recommend that the General Assembly reduce the appropriation by the amount of aid associated with the full–time equivalent enrollment in that program. This provision does not preclude the private nonprofit institution from going forward with implementation of the new or substantially modified program.
(c)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall certify the amount of aid due each institution, less any reduction made by the General Assembly under subsection (b) of this section, to the State Comptroller, who shall pay it from appropriations made for this program under the normal budgetary procedures.
(d)    (1)    If the General Assembly reduces program funding under subsection (b) of this section, the affected private nonprofit institution annually may reapply to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for reconsideration of the program recommendation.
(2)    If the Commission determines that the unreasonable duplication no longer exists, then the Commission may recommend that there be no reduction in the institution’s amount of aid.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 1 - Aid to Nonpublic Institutions › Section 17-106 - Purchases Through Department of General Services

Subject to the initial approval of the Secretary of General Services, an institution that qualifies for aid under this subtitle may make any purchase through the Department of General Services in accordance with the rules and regulations of that Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 2 - Eminent Scholar Program › Section 17-202 - Qualifications of Institutions

(a)    Each public institution of higher education may participate in the Eminent Scholar Program.
(b)    The governing body of each institution that participates in the Program shall adopt standards and procedures for attracting and keeping eminent scholars in this State that include the following concepts:
(1)    The appointee shall hold the rank of associate or full professor, or its equivalent, such as artist in residence;
(2)    The appointee shall have achieved national eminence in his discipline as judged by his peers; and
(3)    The “eminence” of the appointee:
(i)    Shall be judged, generally, on evidence of effective teaching and productive research as attested to by his peers; and
(ii)    If appropriate, may be judged on the basis of artistic achievement or distinguished accomplishments in areas that lie beyond academic endeavor but for which there is concrete evidence of superior talent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 2 - Eminent Scholar Program › Section 17-203 - Period and Source of Endowment

(a)    Each chair designated as a position for an eminent scholar shall be endowed fully for the incumbency of the holder of that chair.
(b)    The State may contribute the funds provided in the budget to match endowments obtained by each institution that are specifically designated for the Eminent Scholar Program. The contribution shall be in conjunction with, and supplemental to, the regular faculty salary funding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 3 - Private Donation Incentive Program › Section 17-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Base year” means July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998.
(c)    “Eligible institution” means:
(1)    Each public senior higher education institution identified in § 10–101(m) or § 12–101(b)(3) of this article or its affiliated foundation; and
(2)    The following community college campuses or their affiliated foundations:
(i)    Allegany;
(ii)    Anne Arundel;
(iii)    Baltimore City;
(iv)    Calvert;
(v)    Carroll;
(vi)    Catonsville;
(vii)    Cecil;
(viii)    Charles;
(ix)    Chesapeake;
(x)    Dundalk;
(xi)    Essex;
(xii)    Frederick;
(xiii)    Garrett;
(xiv)    Germantown;
(xv)    Hagerstown;
(xvi)    Harford;
(xvii)    Howard;
(xviii)    Prince George’s;
(xix)    Rockville;
(xx)    St. Mary’s;
(xxi)    Takoma Park; and
(xxii)    Wor–Wic.
(d)    (1)    “Eligible private donor” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or other form of business organization, public or private foundation, or other nonprofit organization.
(2)    “Eligible private donor” does not include the State, a subdivision of the State, the federal government, or a foreign government.
(e)    “Eligible program” means an endowment for an academic purpose that does not contain unreasonable restrictions as to use as further defined by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(f)    “Endowment” means a donation or gift that has been provided under the condition that the principal remain intact and be invested in perpetuity for the purpose of producing income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 3 - Private Donation Incentive Program › Section 17-303 - Audits

An affiliated foundation of an eligible institution that receives State payments shall provide to the Maryland Higher Education Commission an annual audit of all pledged and paid amounts and their sources, and a copy of the annual audit shall be provided to the Legislative Auditor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 3 - Private Donation Incentive Program › Section 17-304 - Allocation of Payments Made

(a)    Amounts paid by the State under this subtitle may be applied to any eligible program at the eligible institution to which the payment is made.
(b)    No more than one-half of the total amount to be paid by the State under provisions of this subtitle may be appropriated in any fiscal year. The provisions of § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article do not apply to unused program funds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 3 - Private Donation Incentive Program › Section 17-306 - Regulations; Annual Report

The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall:
(1)    Adopt regulations necessary for the administration of this subtitle; and
(2)    Submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly an annual report summarizing the total amount of funds pledged by eligible private donors and total amount of funds raised.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 4 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program › Section 17-401 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program -- Assisting Institutions of Higher Education -- Priority Given to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions

(a)    There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Program to assist institutions of higher education in:
(1)    Taking advantage of national foundation efforts to develop highly qualified teachers and leaders from diverse backgrounds; and
(2)    Aiding students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements.
(b)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall implement and administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program under this subtitle.
(c)    The Commission shall give priority to historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic–serving institutions with a track record of preparing diverse and high–quality teachers in making grants under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 4 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program › Section 17-402 - Additional Grant Funding by State -- Amount

(a)    If an institution of higher education receives grant funding from a non–State source to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program, the institution may receive additional grant funding from the State, as needed, in an amount equal to or less than the non–State grant received by the institution.
(b)    In each fiscal year, the amount of grant funding provided by the State to institutions of higher education in accordance with subsection (a) of this section may not exceed $500,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 4 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program › Section 17-403 - Assistance From Commission With Applying for Grants

The Commission shall provide assistance with applying for grants under this subtitle to institutions of higher education that are required under § 6–123 of this article to seek grant funding to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 4 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program › Section 17-404 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program -- Purpose -- Awarding of Grants

(a)    There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program within the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program.
(b)    The purpose of the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program is to provide grants to teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education to assist students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements.
(c)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program by awarding grants totaling at least $500,000 each year:
(1)    To applicants on a competitive basis; and
(2)    In a manner that serves the purpose of the Grant Program.
(d)    The Maryland Higher Education Commission may adopt regulations to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 17 - Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education › Subtitle 4 - Teacher Quality and Diversity Program › Section 17-405 - Annual Budget Bill Appropriation -- Use of Funds

(a)    The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program.
(b)    Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Maryland Higher Education Commission may use the funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section to award funding to institutions of higher education under § 17–402 or § 17–404 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(c)    “Office” means the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
(d)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Higher Education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-103 - Eligible Institutions

Except as otherwise provided in Subtitles 3, 4, 5, and 12 of this title, a scholarship, grant, loan, or other student financial assistance awarded by the Office may be used only at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in this State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-104 - Control of Institution Not Affected; Religious Discrimination

(a)    This title does not affect the power of any institution over:
(1)    Its operation or curriculum;
(2)    Its standards of scholarship for admission or attendance;
(3)    Examinations and grades;
(4)    Adoption and enforcement of rules and regulations; and
(5)    The disciplining of students.
(b)    The recipient of a scholarship may not be:
(1)    Denied admission to any institution because of religion; or
(2)    Required to take sectarian religious courses to qualify for a degree.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-106 - Refund Where Recipient Withdraws

(a)    If, during an academic year, a student who is receiving any student financial assistance award withdraws from the institution at which the award is used or otherwise fails to remain eligible for the award, the institution shall make a pro rata refund to the Office or other donor on the same terms that it makes refunds to students.
(b)    Any refund may be reawarded on an interim basis under this title until the end of the academic year. Any requirement of an examination is waived for the recipient of an interim award.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-107 - Source of Funds; Unused Funds; Need-Based Student Financial Assistance Fund

(a)    (1)    Each year, money for each student financial assistance program administered by the Office shall be included in the State budget.
(2)    Each year, the Governor shall include in the State budget at least 80 percent of the funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year for need–based programs as provided in §§ 18–301, 18–706(f), 18–1401, 18–1501, and 18–2601 of this title.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, money appropriated under this title that is not used by the end of the fiscal year shall be deposited in the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.
(c)    (1)    In this subsection, “Fund” means the Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.
(2)    There is a Need–based Student Financial Assistance Fund.
(3)    The purpose of the Fund is to allow money appropriated for student financial assistance programs that is not used in a fiscal year to be retained for need–based awards in future fiscal years.
(4)    The Commission shall administer the Fund.
(5)    (i)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(ii)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(6)    The Fund consists of:
(i)    Money distributed to the Fund under subsection (b) of this section; and
(ii)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(7)    (i)    The Fund may be used only for making need–based financial assistance awards to students as provided in §§ 18–301, 18–601, 18–604, 18–706(f), 18–1401, 18–14A–01, 18–1501, 18–2507, and 18–2601 of this title.
(ii)    The Fund may not be used for administrative expenses.
(8)    (i)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(ii)    Any investment earnings on the funds in the account shall be paid into the General Fund of the State.
(9)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-108 - Disability of Infancy Removed for Recipients of Scholarships

Any college student or other individual, who is under 18 years old and is eligible for or is receiving benefits from any State scholarship, loan, tuition grant, remission of fixed charges, fellowship, federal or State student loan program, or any other student financial assistance:
(1)    May execute notes, contracts, or agreements necessary to obtain these benefits in the same manner and with the same effect as though he were 18 years old; and
(2)    May not assert the disability of infancy as a defense in any action brought against him with respect to these benefits.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-110 - Nonresidents Enrolled in Courses or Programs Leading to Licensure as Licensed Registered or Practical Nurse

(a)    Any student attending a public institution of higher education who is not a resident of this State and who is enrolled in an education course or program leading to an occupation as a licensed registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse shall pay only the tuition fees and other mandatory fees payable by a resident of this State if the student furnishes a promissory note to this State, with security satisfactory to the Commission, that, on completion of the education course or program, the student will work in this State for at least 4 years as a licensed registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in a hospital or related institution, as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary of Health may determine if there is a shortage of licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
(2)    Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, if the Secretary determines that there is no shortage of licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, the nonresident student tuition reduction program established under this section may not be applied to any courses or programs required for that particular occupation.
(3)    Paragraph (2) of this subsection applies only to students who enroll in a course of study leading to that occupation subsequent to the determination made under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(4)    Paragraph (2) of this subsection may not affect any student who is participating in the nonresident tuition reduction program prior to the determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-112 - Repayment Obligations

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, repayment obligations incurred by recipients of student financial assistance administered by the Office shall be calculated at an interest rate equal to and matching the interest rate established by the United States Department of Education for the Federal Stafford Loan on the first day of July of each year, with interest not accruing prior to notification to the Commission of a recipient’s graduation or termination from an institution of higher education.
(b)    A recipient shall commence repayment obligations upon graduation or termination from an institution of higher education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-113 - Multiple Scholarships and Grants

(a)    A student may receive one or more awards of student financial assistance administered by the Office if:
(1)    Eligibility requirements are met for each type of student financial assistance received; and
(2)    The total of all student financial assistance received does not exceed:
(i)    The student’s total cost of education as certified by the institution the student is attending; and
(ii)    The equivalent annual expenses of a full–time resident undergraduate at the 4–year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, with the highest annual expenses for a full–time resident undergraduate.
(b)    A student who receives multiple awards of student financial assistance that have a service obligation requirement:
(1)    Must fulfill the terms of each service obligation; and
(2)    May not fulfill the service obligations concurrently.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-114 - Development of Application for Digital Devices

The Commission and the Department shall work collaboratively to develop an application for use on digital devices that provides:
(1)    Information about State financial aid programs;
(2)    Calendar notifications for dates and deadlines associated with applying for financial aid; and
(3)    Any other information the Commission and the Department determine to be necessary or helpful to parents and students regarding financial aid in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 18-115 - Student Loan Notification

(a)    (1)    In this section, “education loan” means a direct loan administered by the U.S. Department of Education that is made to assist a student in obtaining a postsecondary education.
(2)    “Education loan” does not include a Parent Plus loan or a private student loan.
(b)    An institution of postsecondary education that receives education loan information from the U.S. Department of Education shall provide to each undergraduate student enrolled in the institution who applies for federal student aid in the applicable award year:
(1)    The information reported on the student’s Student Aid Report issued by the U.S. Department of Education from the most recent award year, including:
(i)    The total amount of outstanding loans; and
(ii)    The monthly payment amount for a 10–year period for every $1,000 owed by the borrower;
(2)    The lifetime loan limit for undergraduate student borrowers;
(3)    A statement that the actual repayment amount is dependent on the following factors:
(i)    The total amount a student borrows;
(ii)    The interest rate at the time the funds are borrowed and the amount of interest that accrues over the course of the loan;
(iii)    The length of the repayment term of the loan; and
(iv)    The decisions a student makes relating to:
1.    Income–based repayment plans;
2.    Deferments; and
3.    Loan forgiveness;
(4)    A link to the National Student Loan Data System for Students website and an income–driven repayment plan website; and
(5)    The address of the financial aid office where the student may seek financial aid counseling.
(c)    An institution of postsecondary education shall provide the information required under subsection (b) of this section to students annually with the student’s financial aid award notice.
(d)    The information provided under this section may include the following statement:
“The information provided by the institution of postsecondary education was obtained from your Student Aid Report issued by the U.S. Department of Education for the most recent award year. It is based on assumptions made by the U.S. Department of Education as reported in your Student Aid Report and is not meant as a guarantee or promise. This information does not include Parent Plus loans or private student loans.”
(e)    If an institution of postsecondary education includes the statement under subsection (d) of this section with the information required under subsection (b) of this section, the institution of postsecondary education does not incur liability for any inaccurate representations made under this section if the representations were:
(1)    Made based on incorrect information provided by the U.S. Department of Education; and
(2)    Reasonably relied on in good faith by the institution of postsecondary education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Office of Student Financial Assistance › Section 18-202 - Executive Director

(a)    The head of the Office is the Executive Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary.
(b)    Subject to the general policies of the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the general supervision of the Secretary, the Executive Director exercises the powers and performs the duties under this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Office of Student Financial Assistance › Section 18-203 - Employees; Commission and Office to Share Resources and Coordinate Activities

(a)    The Office may employ the additional staff necessary to carry out its functions as provided in the State budget.
(b)    Each employee of the Office is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
(c)    In conducting their operations, the Commission and Office shall share resources and coordinate their activities in order to enhance the efficient utilization of resources in the performance of their functions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Office of Student Financial Assistance › Section 18-204 - Powers and Duties

(a)    In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, the Office has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Office shall:
(1)    Administer student financial assistance programs;
(2)    Issue and disseminate public information about student financial assistance;
(3)    Regulate the form and submission of applications for student financial assistance under this title; and
(4)    Conduct conferences and interviews with applicants to evaluate their eligibility.
(c)    (1)    The Office may adopt any rule or regulation necessary to carry out its powers and duties.
(2)    The rules and regulations adopted by the Office under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include provisions for:
(i)    The performance of a service obligation for a program that as a condition of award requires a recipient of student financial assistance to perform a service obligation;
(ii)    The repayment of student financial assistance funds received should a recipient fail to perform a service obligation; and
(iii)    Waiver and deferment of a service obligation or repayment in circumstances determined by the Commission.
(d)    The Office:
(1)    Shall administer any federal program of scholarships or grants to students or institutions except for the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship which shall be administered by the Maryland State Department of Education; and
(2)    May do anything necessary to comply with any federal law relating to these scholarships or grants.
(e)    The Office shall:
(1)    Arrange for the competitive examination required of applicants for certain scholarships; and
(2)    Send the results of the examination to the appropriate institutions and to the person who awards the scholarship.
(f)    The Office shall:
(1)    Analyze under uniform standards the financial need of each applicant for a scholarship for which financial need is a consideration; and
(2)    Send its analysis to the appropriate institution and the person who awards the scholarship.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 2 - Office of Student Financial Assistance › Section 18-205 - Deferment From Service Obligation

Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Office shall grant a deferment from the service obligation component of student financial assistance awarded under this title to:
(1)    An individual who has been assigned military duty outside of the State; or
(2)    The spouse of an individual who has been assigned military duty outside of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program › Section 18-301 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards Established

(a)    There is a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.
(b)    The Program shall consist of the following types of awards:
(1)    Guaranteed Access Grants that are awarded to the neediest students to ensure that 100 percent of educational costs, as defined by regulations adopted by the Commission, are paid; and
(2)    Educational Assistance Grants that are awarded to low and moderate income students to assist in paying educational costs, as defined by regulations adopted by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program › Section 18-303.2 - Eligibility for Award

Notwithstanding § 18–303(a)(2) of this subtitle, an individual is eligible for an award under this subtitle if the individual is eligible for in–State tuition under this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program › Section 18-303.3 - Verification for and Administration of Guaranteed Access Grant

(a)    A public institution of higher education in the State, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that is eligible for State aid under § 17–103 of this article, may verify the eligibility of an applicant for, and on verification of the eligibility administer, a Guaranteed Access Grant in accordance with this section.
(b)    An institution may verify:
(1)    The eligibility of an applicant who:
(i)    Is identified by the Office as potentially eligible for a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    Applies for admission to the institution; or
(2)    The renewal eligibility of a student who:
(i)    Received a Guaranteed Access Grant under § 18–303 of this subtitle in the prior award year; and
(ii)    Is an admitted student at the institution in the current award year.
(c)    An institution shall:
(1)    Verify that an applicant qualifies for a Guaranteed Access Grant under the requirements of § 18–303 of this subtitle;
(2)    Evaluate the applicant’s income eligibility criteria using federal V1 standard verification and in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established by the Office;
(3)    Maintain records used by the institution to determine the eligibility of applicants for a period of 5 years after the end date of the award year associated with the student’s last award; and
(4)    Provide the Commission with an audit, in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, to show that awards verified and administered under this section have been made properly.
(d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a verification obtained by an applicant under subsection (b) of this section may be used at any eligible institution described under § 18–305 of this subtitle.
(2)    The amount of the Guaranteed Access Grant awarded to an applicant may be adjusted in accordance with the cost of attendance at the institution at which the applicant uses the award.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program › Section 18-305 - Use of Award

(a)    A Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used:
(1)    At a degree granting institution of higher education, an eligible institution with an associate degree program that provides transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program, or a hospital diploma school for training registered nurses if the curriculum is approved by the Commission; and
(2)    For educational expenses as defined by the Commission, including:
(i)    Tuition and fees; and
(ii)    Room and board.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used at a school in another state if:
(1)    There is a reciprocal agreement as provided in § 18–308 of this subtitle; and
(2)    The school meets requirements of subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(c)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may be used at a degree granting institution of higher education that is not in the State if:
(1)    The applicant is a deaf or hearing impaired student attending an institution of higher education that makes special provisions for deaf and hearing impaired students; and
(2)    Comparable special provisions are not available to the student at an institution of higher education in the State.
(d)    The Office may not award more than 10% of the funds available for each of the types of grants awarded under this subtitle for use by students attending schools in another state and the District of Columbia.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 3 - Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program › Section 18-306 - Duration of Award

(a)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may hold the award for 4 years if the recipient:
(1)    Continues to be a resident of this State;
(2)    Continues to be a full–time student at an eligible institution and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester, or its equivalent as determined by the Office;
(3)    In the judgment of the institution, is making satisfactory progress toward a degree; and
(4)    Maintains the standards of the institution.
(b)    Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in § 18–303(a)(1) of this subtitle may hold the award for 2 years if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.
(c)    Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award may hold the award for a 5th year if the recipient continues to satisfy the requirements under subsection (a) of this section and:
(1)    Is enrolled in an academic program that, as determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete; or
(2)    Provides evidence, satisfactory to the Office, of extenuating financial, academic, or other circumstances that prevent the recipient from completing the academic program in 4 years.
(d)    Each recipient of a Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in § 18–303(a)(1) of this subtitle may hold the award for a 3rd year if the recipient:
(1)    Continues to satisfy the requirements under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)    Provides evidence, satisfactory to the Office, of extenuating financial, academic, or other circumstances that prevent the recipient from completing the academic program in 2 years.