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MD HB1522

MD HB1522
Higher Education - Religious Educational Institutions - Certificate of Approval


summary

Introduced
02/20/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Exempting certain religious educational institutions accredited by certain accrediting bodies from the requirement to obtain a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate in the State.

AI Summary

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, a religious educational institution can now operate without a certificate of approval and enroll Maryland students in fully online distance education programs if it meets four key criteria: it is established for religious educational purposes, provides educational programs only for religious vocations, offers only sectarian instruction designed for individuals who hold or seek to learn specific religious faiths, and states the religious nature of its award on certificates or diplomas. However, this exemption does not apply to religious educational institutions established before January 1, 2013, and institutions accredited by a United States Department of Education-recognized accrediting body still must obtain a certificate of approval from MHEC. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving institutions time to understand and prepare for the new regulatory framework.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations (on 02/20/2025)

bill text


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