Maryland HB721: Uniformed Services Spouses Act

What the bill says

An act concerning Uniformed Services Spouses Act FOR the purpose of applying certain provisions of law regarding priority registration at public institutions of higher education, resources and support at community colleges, senatorial and Delegate scholarships, and preferences in hiring by the Public Service Commission to the spouses of active service members and veterans…

From the enrolled text, May 19, 2026:

AN ACT concerning Uniformed Services Spouses Act FOR the purpose of applying certain provisions of law regarding priority registration at public institutions of higher education, resources and support at community colleges, senatorial and Delegate scholarships, and preferences in hiring by the Public Service Commission to the spouses of active service members and veterans; altering the veterans to whom certain provisions of law regarding priority registration at public institutions of higher education, resources and support at community colleges, senatorial and Delegate scholarships, preferences in hiring by private employers, and credits on selection tests for State personnel apply; and generally relating to active service members, veterans, and the spouses of veterans and service members. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Education Section 15-124, 16-109, 18-405(d)(3), 18-406(g), and 18-501(b)(2)(iii) Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Education Section 18-401 and 18-501(a) Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Labor and Employment Section 3-714(a) and (b) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Public Utilities Section 18-111(a) and (b) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - State Personnel and Pensions Section …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Edith Patterson (D, HD-028) · primary sponsor
• Gabriel Acevero (D, 39)
• Nick Allen (D, 8)
• Steven Arentz (R, HD-036)
• Heather Bagnall (D, 33C)
• Dylan Behler (D, 30A)
• Adrian Boafo (D, 23)
• Jason Buckel (R, HD-001B)
• Jon Cardin (D, HD-011)
• Coley, Derrick (D, 24)
• Charlotte Crutchfield (D, 19)
• Kris Fair (D, 3)

Latest actions

1. May 12, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 490
2. April 10, 2026: Returned Passed
3. April 9, 2026: Third Reading Passed (33-0)
4. April 8, 2026: Second Reading Passed
5. April 8, 2026: Favorable Adopted
6. April 8, 2026: Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
7. March 13, 2026: Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
8. March 12, 2026: Third Reading Passed (133-0)
9. March 10, 2026: Second Reading Passed
10. March 10, 2026: Favorable Adopted

Votes

• Third Reading Passed (33-0) (April 9, 2026): 33 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading Passed (133-0) (March 12, 2026): 133 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB721?

HB721 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Uniformed Services Spouses Act.

What does HB721 do?

In its own words: An act concerning Uniformed Services Spouses Act FOR the purpose of applying certain provisions of law regarding priority registration at public institutions of higher education, resources and support at community colleges, senatorial and Delegate scholarships, and preferences in hiring by the Public Service Commission to the spouses of active service members and veterans…

What is the status of HB721?

Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 490 (May 12, 2026).

Who sponsored HB721?

Edith Patterson (D, HD-028), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB721?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0721?ys=2026RS