Annapolis, MD – The Maryland General Assembly is moving forward with new legislation that would grant in-state tuition benefits to the children of fallen public safety workers, regardless of where those children live at the time of enrollment.
The proposal, known as the Maryland Fallen Heroes Tuition Benefits Act, exempts financially dependent children of state or local public safety employees who die in the line of duty from paying out-of-state or out-of-county tuition at any Maryland public college or university.
Under the bill, designated as House Bill 3, the exemption would apply to the dependents of firefighters, paramedics, rescue squad members, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and members of the Maryland National Guard who were residents of the state at the time of death. The measure would ensure that a student qualifying under this provision pays the same tuition rate as an in-state resident, even if they live outside Maryland’s borders.
Supporters say the bill strengthens Maryland’s commitment to families of first responders and military personnel who have died in service to the state. The measure directs the Maryland Higher Education Commission to develop regulations for implementation before the law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Key points:
- The Maryland Fallen Heroes Tuition Benefits Act provides in-state tuition for children of fallen public safety workers
- Applies to dependents of firefighters, police, correctional officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members
- The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directs the state higher education commission to set regulations
If enacted, Maryland would join a growing number of states offering education benefits to the families of public safety employees who lose their lives in the line of duty, extending access to affordable higher education as part of the state’s broader public service recognition initiatives.
