Bill > SB9

This bill modifies the Maryland Higher Education Commission's (MHEC) processes for academic program approval, focusing primarily on graduate-level programs. Beginning January 1, 2025, nonpublic (private nonprofit) higher education institutions will be required to submit a letter of intent to MHEC every 6 months detailing new graduate-level programs they intend to propose within the next 6 months to 2 years. The purpose of these letters is to facilitate collaboration between institutions and allow MHEC to provide early feedback about potential program duplication. The bill explicitly states that these letters do not establish a preference for program approval or give institutions a right of first refusal. MHEC will review these letters and may notify institutions if their proposed programs appear similar, encouraging discussion and collaboration. The bill also removes previous restrictions that limited which institutions could propose emerging workforce need programs and simplifies the language around how MHEC develops and updates its State Plan for Higher Education. Additionally, the bill requires MHEC to update its State Plan by January 1, 2025, with current state and regional workforce needs information, and mandates that postsecondary education stakeholders be given an opportunity to provide input during this update process.

Budget and Finance, Education

Education, Energy, and the Environment (S)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0009?ys=2025RS