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MarylandHB 00072026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Authority to Issue Limited Licenses to Practice Music Therapy

Sponsored By: Guy Guzzone (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsAdministrative AgenciesApplicants and ApplicationsArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcAudiologists and Speech PathologistsCommittees and CommissionsCounselors and TherapistsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFormsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hearing AidsLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Limited licenses for music therapists

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board issues limited licenses to practice music therapy. You must meet all license rules except the exam and work under a fully licensed music therapist. You must file the Board’s form and pay the application fee. A limited license lasts one year and can be renewed once for one more year if you apply and pay the Board’s renewal fee. If you do not earn a full license within two years of your first limited license, you must wait at least one year before applying again.

What counts as music therapy work

Starting October 1, 2026, the law defines what music therapy covers. It includes taking referrals, assessing clients, making and carrying out individualized music therapy plans, teaching, and working with care teams. It does not include screening, diagnosing, or assessing physical, mental, or communication disorders. The law also defines board-certified music therapist, licensed professional music therapist, limited license, and individualized music therapy treatment plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 30

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    2/20/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    2/19/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    2/17/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    2/17/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Health

    2/16/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  12. First Reading Health

    1/14/2026House

  13. Pre-filed

    9/30/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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