All Roll Calls
Yes: 180 • No: 0
MarylandHB 04852026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
State Board of Professional Landscape Architects - Revisions
Sponsored By: Steve Johnson (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Business Occupations and ProfessionsApplicants and ApplicationsCommittees and CommissionsEthicsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesLandscape ArchitectsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNoticesPermits -see also- Building PermitsPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRules and RegulationsSchool TestingTime
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.
Stronger discipline and $5,000 fines
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Board can deny, suspend, revoke, or reprimand licenses and permits, and fine up to $5,000 per violation. Each violation can bring a separate fine. Complaints must be written with specific facts, and non‑Board complainants must swear to them. If you have a qualifying conviction, the Board must weigh the crime’s nature, link to practice, time since conviction, and your conduct before and after.
License paths and exam rules for applicants
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, you must be at least 18, meet the Board’s education and experience rules, and pass the exam. At least two years of work under a licensed design professional can count toward experience. The Board offers exams at least once a year and may use a testing service to schedule and run them. You must apply on the Board’s form and pay a nonrefundable application fee.
More environmental checks for development permits
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, grading or building permits in the Severn River Watershed (Anne Arundel County and Annapolis) require a certificate from a licensed engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect that silt and erosion controls are adequate and will be followed. If the certificate is violated, linked permits are void. For subdivision, grading, or sediment control permits, you must submit a forest stand delineation and a forest conservation plan by a licensed forester, a professional landscape architect, or another approved professional. These rules generally apply to sites over 40,000 square feet. The law also adds professional landscape architects to the list of “Designers” for projects that may need excavation or demolition.
Entity permits and responsible-charge rules
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, firms that offer landscape-architecture services must be a corporation, partnership, or LLC and hold a Board permit. Sole practitioners are exempt. Each firm must name a licensed professional landscape architect in responsible charge, and one licensee may not lead more than one firm without Board approval. Permits last two years, and the Board may reinstate suspended or revoked permits. Licensed landscape architects may practice through these entities, which must follow all Board rules.
Two-year renewals, 24 hours, reinstatement
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, licenses run for two years. To renew, you must complete at least 24 hours of professional development; the first renewal is exempt. If your license expired more than two years ago, the Board may require a new application or can reinstate you if you meet renewal and competency rules and pay a reinstatement fee. The Board offers an Emeritus Status license for those with at least 25 years in practice, including 5 in Maryland; it lets you use the title but not practice. You may return to active practice later if you meet the Board’s requirements and pay a reinstatement fee.
Board ethics code and info sharing
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Board adopts a code of ethics and gives it to applicants and licensees, and sends updates. The Board gives applicants and code officials copies of the law and regulations, and sends rule changes to licensees at renewal. The Board keeps a list of licensees and gives code officials an annual copy; others can request a copy for a reasonable fee.
Seal final plans and stop false titles
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, a licensed landscape architect must sign, seal, and date final plans, specifications, reports, and similar documents before giving them to a client or public agency. People who are not authorized may not use titles like “landscape architect” or claim they hold a Board permit. This does not restrict a licensed sole practitioner from operating without an entity permit.
New board makeup and legal updates
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Board has five members: three licensed professional landscape architects and two consumer members. Two professional members must have at least 10 years in practice with 5 years in responsible charge; one must have at least 5 years in State practice. State laws are updated to reference the State Board of Professional Landscape Architects and the title “professional landscape architect.”
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2
House vote • 2/26/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 224
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (44-0)
4/8/2026SenateFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/7/2026SenateFavorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/6/2026SenateReferred Education, Energy, and the Environment
2/27/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (136-0)
2/26/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
2/25/2026HouseFavorable Report by Economic Matters
2/24/2026HouseHearing 2/11 at 2:30 p.m.
2/6/2026HouseHearing canceled
2/6/2026HouseHearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
1/28/2026HouseFirst Reading Economic Matters
1/23/2026House
Bill Text
Third Reading
2/25/2026
First Reading
1/23/2026
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