Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is planning to sign a bill next week that would give thousands of low- and middle-income students free community college tuition.

The legislation allots $15 million per year in state funds to provide scholarships for students starting community college, and an additional $2 million over five years for older students.

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"The governor remains committed to helping more students achieve their educational goals and looks forward to signing this bill into law,” a spokeswoman for Hogan told The Baltimore Sun.

State lawmakers in both Democratic-controlled chambers passed the legislation last month.

Other states and cities, including Rhode Island, New York and Oregon, have piloted similar programs.