MarylandSB 03332026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

Sponsored By: Benjamin F. Kramer (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsApplicants and ApplicationsAssessments -see also- Property TaxAttorney GeneralAuditors and AuditsAwareness and OutreachBiometrics -see also- Artificial Intelli; Identif; FingerprtBonds -see also- County & Baltimore City Bonds; State BondsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCommittees and CommissionsContracts -see also- ProcurementControlled Dangerous Substances -see also- Drugs; OpioidsCopyrightCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Criminal Background InvestigationsData -see also- Census; DemographicsDisciplineDisclosureDistrict CourtsEthicsFederal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFingerprintingGiftsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Information TechnologyInsurance -see also- Health Ins; MAIF; Motor Vehicle InsIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Interstate AffairsInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestJudicial Review -see also- AppealsLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsLegislative Services, Department ofLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMediation -see also- ArbitrationMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentNoticesOpen GovernmentPersonal PropertyPetitionsPodiatristsPrivacyProcurementPublic InformationReal PropertyRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationReportsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesSubpoenasTimeVirtual EnvironmentsVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In VotingWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Faster multistate licenses for podiatrists

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland offers a faster multistate podiatry license once at least four other states pass similar laws. To qualify, you must finish an accredited podiatry school, pass national board exams (Parts I–III), complete an approved residency, hold recognized specialty certification, and already have a full, unrestricted member‑state license. You must have no disqualifying criminal convictions or license discipline, no controlled‑substance license problems, and not be under active investigation. The board can run an FBI fingerprint background check to decide eligibility. A disqualifying record can block the expedited license.

Binding rules and enforcement across states

The commission makes rules that act like state law in member states. The process follows a standard administrative act, and anyone can ask certain federal courts to review a rule within 30 days. Compact rules override conflicting state laws, unless a rule exceeds a state’s constitution. The commission can enforce the compact, sue defaulting states, and seek injunctions or damages; the winner can recover costs and attorney fees. It must offer mediation and can end a state’s membership after notice and a chance to fix problems; the state still owes dues through the end date.

New commission runs the compact

The law creates an Interstate Commission to run the compact. It adopts bylaws and chooses a chair, vice‑chair, and treasurer each year; officers serve without pay. Commission officers and employees have legal protection for acts done in their jobs, except for intentional misconduct. The commission defends its executive director and employees; state representatives get a defense only if the state’s Attorney General approves.

How states exit or compact ends

A state can leave the compact by repealing it, but the exit takes effect one year after that law’s effective date and after notice to other governors. The state must pay dues and obligations through the withdrawal date and can rejoin later. If only one state remains, the compact dissolves, the commission winds down, and any surplus funds are distributed under the bylaws.

When Maryland joins and start date

Maryland joins the compact only after at least four other states pass similar laws. The Maryland Department of Health must notify the Department of Legislative Services within 10 days after the fourth state acts. Once that happens, the law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin F. Kramer

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 181 • No: 1

House vote 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Senate vote 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 71

    4/14/2026
  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate
  3. Third Reading Passed (136-1)

    4/7/2026House
  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House
  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/3/2026House
  6. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/20/2026House
  7. Referred Health

    3/20/2026House
  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate
  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/17/2026Senate
  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/17/2026Senate
  11. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/16/2026Senate
  12. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/27/2026Senate
  13. First Reading Finance

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

Related Bills

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