Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB393

Introduced
1/18/24  

Caption

Higher Education - Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program - Alterations

Impact

The enactment of SB393 is expected to significantly bolster facilities maintenance and renovations across all community colleges in the state. By ensuring that each college receives an equal share of funding, the bill seeks to address disparities in facility conditions that may affect educational experiences. With a focus on grants for improvements and deferred maintenance projects under $1 million, it aims to provide necessary support for colleges to maintain a conducive learning environment and modern facilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 393 aims to amend the existing Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program by requiring the Maryland Higher Education Commission to distribute equal grants to each community college in Maryland each fiscal year. The bill mandates that starting in fiscal year 2025, the Governor will appropriate a minimum of 10% of the funds from the Community College Construction Grant Program specifically for this grant program. This reflects a commitment to enhance the infrastructure of community colleges, a critical aspect of Maryland's education system.

Contention

Throughout discussions regarding SB393, there have been debates on the adequacy of funding and the distribution method. Proponents argue that equitable distribution is essential for ensuring all community colleges can improve their infrastructure, thereby enhancing educational quality. However, some critics have raised concerns regarding the overall level of funding appropriated and whether it will sufficiently cover the needs of all community colleges. Additionally, stakeholders have debated the implications of tying these grants too closely to another existing grant program, indicating a need for careful fiscal management.

Companion Bills

MD HB427

Crossfiled Higher Education - Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program - Alterations

MD SB918

Carry Over Higher Education - Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program - Alterations

Previously Filed As

MD SB393

Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program - Alterations

MD SB728

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

MD HB845

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

MD SB789

Higher Education - Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - Alterations

MD HB774

Higher Education - Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - Alterations

MD HB0845

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

MD SB188

Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program and Fund - Alterations

MD HB172

Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program and Fund - Alterations

MD S802

Expands Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools.

MD HB0845

Higher Education - Student Financial Assistance - Alterations to Scholarship Programs

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

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PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.