Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB455

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Education - Certification of Scholarship Granting Organizations (Opting in on Opportunity Act)

Impact

If enacted, HB455 is set to enhance educational funding mechanisms by establishing a formal framework for scholarship granting organizations in the state. It will require these organizations to annually report their activities to the U.S. Treasury Department, thus increasing transparency in the awarding of scholarships. Additionally, the bill directs the Maryland Comptroller to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the federal income tax credit available for contributions made to these scholarship organizations, thereby incentivizing donations and potentially increasing scholarship availability.

Summary

House Bill 455, titled the 'Opting in on Opportunity Act,' focuses on the regulation and certification of nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships to eligible students in Maryland. The bill mandates the State Department of Education to approve nonprofit organizations as scholarship granting organizations if they meet certain criteria, including adherence to guidelines set by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. This measure aims to facilitate access to educational opportunities for students by streamlining the certification process for scholarship programs.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB455 include concerns about the potential for misuse of scholarship funds and the oversight of nonprofit organizations within this framework. Critics worry that without stringent regulations, there could be a lack of accountability in how funds are distributed and used by these organizations. Proponents, however, argue that the bill will empower families and students by providing them with more educational choices and resources through reliable scholarships.

Companion Bills

MD SB329

Crossfiled Education - Certification of Scholarship Granting Organizations (Opting in on Opportunity Act)

Previously Filed As

MD SB690

Higher Education - Scholarships for Correctional Officers

MD HB358

State Department of Education - Soccer Opportunities Program - Establishment

MD SB408

State Department of Education - Soccer Opportunities Program - Establishment

MD HB402

Anne Arundel County Board of Education - Student Member Scholarship - Increase

MD HB555

Early Childhood Education - Child Care Scholarship Program - Eligibility

MD SB307

Anne Arundel County Board of Education - Student Member Scholarship - Increase

MD SB597

Higher Education - Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program - Eligible Institutions

MD HB704

Higher Education - Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program - Eligible Institutions

MD HB19

Health Occupations - Nursing - Loan Repayment, Education, and Sunset Extension (Building Opportunities for Nurses Act of 2025)

MD SB216

Health Occupations - Nursing - Loan Repayment, Education, and Sunset Extension (Building Opportunities for Nurses Act of 2025)

Similar Bills

NJ S1027

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A1578

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

IN HB1636

Dynamic choice scholarships.

KS SB87

Expanding student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, increasing the amount of the tax credit for contributions made pursuant to such program and providing for aggregate tax credit limit increases under certain conditions.

NJ A2970

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

OH SB44

Allow students to concurrently receive certain state scholarships

HI SB440

Relating To Education.

HI SB440

Relating To Education.