(a) This section applies to the following individuals:
(1) An active duty member of the United States armed forces;
(2) The spouse of an active duty member of the United States armed forces;
(3) A financially dependent child of an active duty member of the United States armed forces;
(4) An honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces; or
(5) A member of the National Guard as defined in § 13–405(a)(3) of the Public Safety Article.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an individual described in subsection (a) of this section who attends a public institution of higher education in the State is exempt from paying nonresident tuition at a public institution of higher education in this State if:
(1) The active duty member referred to in subsection (a) of this section:
(i) Is stationed in this State;
(ii) Resides in this State; or
(iii) Is domiciled in this State;
(2) The honorably discharged veteran presents documentation that the individual:
(i) Was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces; and
(ii) 1. Resides in this State; or
2. Is domiciled in this State; or
(3) The National Guard member described in subsection (a)(5) of this section is a member of the Maryland National Guard and joined or subsequently serves in the Maryland National Guard to:
(i) Provide a Critical Military Occupational Skill; or
(ii) Be a member of the Air Force Critical Specialty Code as determined by the National Guard.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a spouse or financially dependent child of an active duty member who enrolls as an entering student in a public institution of higher education and is exempt from paying nonresident tuition under subsection (b) of this section shall continue to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition if:
(1) The active duty member no longer meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1) of this section; and
(2) The spouse or financially dependent child remains continuously enrolled at the public institution of higher education.
(d) Each public institution of higher education shall comply with federal law relating to nonresident tuition for veterans and veterans’ dependents.
(e) The Commission shall adopt regulations in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article to implement the provisions of this section.