Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed over 190 pieces of legislation into law, including significant changes to the state’s school funding plan. His initial proposal aimed to cut funding for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which was designed to enhance educational resources in underserved areas. This plan, established in 2021, aimed to gradually increase school spending to approximately $12,000 per student. However, the House rejected many of the proposed cuts, allowing for funding increases in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years.
Among the new laws, House Bill 1475 mandates the Maryland Department of Education to analyze a publicly funded Pre-K program and report recommendations by December 2027. Additionally, House Bill 782 requires a study on weapon detection in schools, with interim findings due by December 2025. Another bill, HB879, establishes a task force to address chronic absenteeism, with a report due by December 2025.
The legislation also includes measures to expand resources for veterans and service members, redefine “veteran” for public health and housing assistance, and enhance safety regulations in schools and transportation. Other notable laws address access to over-the-counter birth control, transportation safety for children, and support for pregnant or parenting students in higher education.
