Summary

Maryland HB 813 (Open States or Maryland Legislature) establishes a task force to study the impact on expanding credited and noncredited courses for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Legislative Analysis

HB 813 tasks the Maryland Higher Education Committee (MHEC) with staffing a task force to study the impact of expanding credit and noncredit courses for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The task force will study both the impact of credit and the expansion of available credit and noncredit course offerings at public institutions of higher education in Maryland, including costs, distance-learning options, pathways to meaningful credentials or gainful employment as defined in regulations adopted under Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act, barriers, and logistics. By January 1, 2014, the task force will submit a report with their findings and recommendations regarding the expansion of course offerings.

This legislation may lead to increased educational opportunities for Maryland citizens with disabilities, and distance-learning programs may help improve access to education for those citizens.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Martin O’Malley on 5/2/2013