Bill > SB524

This bill modifies Maryland's higher education regulations by creating an exemption for certain religious educational institutions from obtaining a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to operate in the state. Specifically, the bill allows religious educational institutions to enroll Maryland students in fully online distance education programs without MHEC registration if they meet specific criteria: they must be established for religious educational purposes, provide educational programs exclusively for religious vocations, offer only sectarian instruction for individuals who hold or seek to learn specific religious faiths, and state the religious nature of their awards on certificates or diplomas. The bill includes an important limitation that this exemption does not apply to religious educational institutions established before January 1, 2013, and further specifies that religious educational institutions accredited by a United States Department of Education recognized accrediting body must still obtain a certificate of approval from MHEC. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these new regulatory provisions.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0524?ys=2025RS