Bill > HB959

This bill establishes the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, which creates a streamlined process for school psychologists to obtain licenses in multiple states. The compact aims to improve the availability of school psychological services by enabling qualified professionals to more easily practice across state lines. Key provisions include establishing a multistate licensing system where a school psychologist can obtain an equivalent license in member states after meeting certain requirements, such as holding an unencumbered home state license, passing a national exam, completing a qualifying education program, and undergoing a background check. The bill creates a School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission to oversee the implementation, which will facilitate information sharing between states, set standards for licensure, and provide a mechanism for dispute resolution. The compact is designed to promote workforce mobility, especially for military members and their spouses, while maintaining state-level oversight to ensure public safety. The bill will only take effect once seven other states have enacted substantially similar legislation, with an intended start date of October 1, 2025. The compact allows states to grant equivalent licenses to qualified school psychologists, collect fees, and maintain the ability to investigate and take disciplinary actions against licensees.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0959?ys=2025RS