SB 263 Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members - Advance Enrollment Procedures

BILL: SB 263

TITLE: Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members

- Advance Enrollment Procedures

DATE: February 18, 2026

POSITION: Favorable

COMMITTEE: Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee

CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM

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The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four public school superintendents, supports Senate Bill 263.

This bill requires local school systems to allow a dependent child of a service member to apply for advance enrollment in a public school and specifies requirements for advance enrollment procedures. The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, in consultation with specified entities, must publish and maintain information on (1) advance enrollment procedures and (2) any assistance and services available to service members regarding advance enrollment. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maryland is home to approximately 100,000 active-duty service members, and we recognize the important role military families play in our communities. Children in military families often face unique challenges due to frequent relocations, including disruptions in coursework, credit transfers, and social adjustment when enrolling in a new school. Supporting policies that streamline enrollment processes, ensure timely credit recognition, and provide consistent transitions across school systems helps reduce unnecessary stress on families who already shoulder significant sacrifice. This bill facilitates smoother school transitions and reflects Maryland’s commitment to supporting its service members. 

PSSAM appreciates the intent of Senate Bill 263 in addressing the challenges faced by current enrollment procedures for dependent students of service members. Last year PSSAM supported this legislation with amendments that have been incorporated into this year’s version of the bill. 

Therefore, PSSAM supports Senate Bill 263.