HB 1124
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 1124 (Delegate Harrison)
Appropriations Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Higher Education - Richard W. Collins III Leadership With Honor Scholarship -
Bowie State
This bill allows students at Bowie State University (BSU) to receive more than 25% of the
annual grant money for the Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
Program, by removing the requirement that exactly 25% of the annual grant money be
awarded to BSU students. Any remaining grant money, rather than 75%, must be awarded
to students at other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The bill takes
effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) can distribute the
scholarship funds in the manner required by the bill using existing resources. Revenues are
not affected.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: Chapter 597 of 2018 established the Richard W. Collins III Leadership
with Honor Scholarship Program. To be eligible, an individual must be (1) eligible for
in-state tuition; (2) a member of a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program; (3) a
minority student or a student who is a member of another group historically
underrepresented in ROTC programs; and (4) a student at an HBCU in the State. The Office
of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) within MHEC must make the awards, following
specified criteria, and must adopt procedures or regulations necessary to implement the
program. The Governor must include in the State budget an annual appropriation of at least
$1.0 million for the program.
OSFA must:
 award 25% of its total annual grant money to students at BSU;
 award 75% of its total annual grant money to students at HBCUs other than BSU;
 determine the amount of each award;
 select the recipient of each award; and
 prioritize students with financial need in selecting recipients of each award.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: SB 40 (Senator Peters) - Education, Health, and Environmental
Affairs.
Information Source(s): Maryland Higher Education Commission; University System of
Maryland; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 9, 2021
an/rhh Third Reader - March 11, 2021
Analysis by: Caroline L. Boice Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 1124/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Higher Education - Richard W. Collins III Leadership With Honor Scholarship - Bowie State: 18-605 Education
Text - Third - Higher Education - Richard W. Collins III Leadership With Honor Scholarship - Bowie State: 18-605 Education