Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB393

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

1/28/26

Caption

Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program - Alterations

Impact

The implications of SB393 are significant, as it seeks to ensure that community colleges are adequately funded for maintaining and improving their facilities. By obligating the state to guarantee a minimum funding level for the grant program, the bill addresses the ongoing issue of deferred maintenance that many community colleges face. This increased financial support is expected to foster better educational environments and enhance infrastructure, ideally leading to improved educational outcomes and greater student satisfaction.

Summary

Senate Bill 393 aims to enhance the Community College Facilities Renewal Grant Program by broadening the scope of projects eligible for funding and increasing the state fiscal support for community colleges. The bill removes the previous requirement for eligible projects to have a maximum estimated cost of $1,000,000. This change allows community colleges to pursue a wider range of facility improvements and essential repairs without the previous financial constraints. Additionally, SB393 mandates that if the amount the Governor appropriates to the Community College Construction Grant Program falls below $80,000,000, the Governor must make up the difference to ensure that the Facilities Renewal Grant Program receives sufficient funding.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from various educational stakeholders, it may face scrutiny regarding fiscal responsibility. Critics may argue that increasing state funding for community colleges could strain the state budget, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. There may also be debates on the prioritization of funding for community colleges over other pressing state budget concerns. Additionally, discussions may arise about how broadening the criteria for eligibility might lead to competition among community colleges for limited resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB505

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Renaming and Alterations

MD SB813

Howard Community College - Board of Trustees, Meetings, and Contracts - Alterations Ho. Co. 1-25

MD SB10

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Eligible Sources - Alterations (Reclaim Renewable Energy Act of 2025)

MD SB359

Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Funding - Alterations

MD HB185

Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Funding - Alterations

MD HB774

Higher Education - Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - Alterations

MD SB789

Higher Education - Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - Alterations

MD HB716

Housing and Community Development - Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program Eligibility - Alterations

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

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, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

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; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.