Appropriations Committee approves bills on higher education goals, Carroll County bond, new social agency, child advocacy standards and paid family leave

The Maryland House Appropriations Committee voted during a committee meeting to approve a package of bills affecting higher education goal-setting, county bond authority, a new state agency focused on economic mobility, standards for child advocacy centers and a technical conformity change to the state paid family leave program.

The measures were all approved by roll call and recorded votes were read aloud for each bill.

House Bill 762: higher education goals Delegate Smith, sponsor, described House Bill 762 as “a departmental bill that repeals statutory goals regarding postsecondary degree attainment. Instead the Maryland Higher Education Commission must set higher education goals for the state.” The committee adopted one amendment that struck the bill’s requirement to set goals for research and innovation; the amendment passed on voice vote. The bill passed on roll call; the ayes were recorded and the motion carried.

House Bill 833: Carroll County general obligation bonds Delegate Smith described House Bill 833 as a local Carroll County delegation bill that authorizes the county…