Bill > SB490

This bill eliminates citizenship requirements for various state boards, commissions, task forces, and workgroups, replacing them with residency requirements and adding a new provision to ensure diverse representation. Specifically, the bill modifies multiple sections of Maryland state law across different articles, removing language that previously required board members to be United States citizens and instead specifying that members must be residents of the state. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that, to the extent practicable, the membership of any board, committee, commission, task force, or workgroup created by state law should reflect the full diversity of the state. This change applies to a wide range of entities, including boards for professional practices (such as accountancy, architecture, and nursing), advisory committees for various state programs, and oversight groups for specific initiatives. The goal appears to be to make state board membership more inclusive by removing citizenship barriers and promoting representation that better reflects the state's population. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing time for affected boards and agencies to adjust their membership criteria.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0490?ys=2025RS