All Roll Calls
Yes: 182 • No: 0
MarylandHB 03802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
State Board of Examiners in Optometry - Examination Requirements and Time Period for Inactive Status
Sponsored By: Steve Johnson (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Health OccupationsApplicants and ApplicationsCommittees and CommissionsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Licenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansTime
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Faster licenses for experienced or out-of-state optometrists
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board may waive Maryland exams for applicants licensed in another state. You must pay the application fee, show three years of continuing education (or Maryland’s equivalent), provide a certified copy of your license, and not have failed a Board-required exam in the last five years. The Board may also waive exams for those who actively practiced for three years, or who spent those years teaching, serving as a uniformed services optometrist, supervising or in administration, or doing optometry research. Within one year of your application, the Board can still require you to pass an exam and sets the passing score.
Limits and paths for inactive optometry licenses
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board places you on inactive status if you file the Board’s form and pay the inactive fee. You cannot stay inactive for more than six straight years. To reactivate from inactive, you must meet Board continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license expired less than five years and you were not inactive, the Board may reinstate it if you meet continuing education, meet renewal rules, and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license expired five or more years and you were not inactive, you must pass every section of each part of the exam and meet other requirements before reinstatement.
Stricter optometry exams, easier retakes
Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants must pass every section of each part of the optometry exam. The State Board sets the exam subjects, form, and passing scores. Required topics include eye anatomy, physiology, pathology, and exam instruments. If you fail, you can take the next regularly scheduled exam. The old statutory fee for each reexamination is removed. The Board may still set other fees under its general authority.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/6/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • 2/26/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 26
4/14/2026Returned Passed
4/7/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (46-0)
4/6/2026SenateFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
3/31/2026SenateFavorable Report by Finance
3/30/2026SenateReferred Finance
2/27/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (136-0)
2/26/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed
2/24/2026HouseFavorable Adopted
2/24/2026HouseFavorable Report by Health
2/23/2026HouseHearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
1/22/2026HouseFirst Reading Health
1/19/2026House
Bill Text
Enacted
4/14/2026
Third Reading
2/24/2026
First Reading
1/19/2026
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