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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland requires accredited religious colleges to obtain an operating certificate from the state higher education commission
Last action · January 21, 2026: Hearing 1/28 at 10:00 a.m.Sponsor: Nick Charles
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What This Bill Would Do
Exempting certain religious educational institutions accredited by accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from the requirement to obtain a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate in the State.
Accredited religious colleges in Maryland must secure state authorization to operate, shifting oversight for these institutions regardless of their continuous operation status since 2013.
- The Maryland Higher Education Commission coordinates the state's postsecondary education system and regulates the approval of degree-granting institutions. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Religious educational institutions
Accredited religious schools must obtain a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate legally in the State.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
The Commission is responsible for reviewing and issuing certificates of approval to previously exempt accredited religious institutions.
Key Facts
- Religious educational institutions accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education cannot operate without a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
- Religious educational institutions that meet specific unaccredited criteria—such as offering programs only for religious vocations or sectarian instruction—may still operate without a certificate of approval or registration.
- This Act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which religious schools are affected by this change?
Does this apply to schools that have been operating in Maryland for many years?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
5 actions- Jan 21, 2026SenateHearing 1/28 at 10:00 a.m.
- Jan 21, 2026SenateHearing canceled
- Jan 16, 2026SenateHearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m.
- Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
- Oct 31, 2025SenateIntroducedPre-filed
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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