MarylandHB 04852026 Regular SessionHouse

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

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

More landscape architecture businesses need permits

Beginning October 1, 2026, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies need a Board permit to operate landscape architecture businesses. The former exemption for services provided to the business itself or an affiliated business ends. Sole practitioners remain exempt from the business-permit requirement. Permits last two years from issuance, replacing expiration dates tied to June 30 in even-numbered years. Permit fees are set by the Board, not listed in the law.

Landscape businesses can seek permit restoration

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board may restore a revoked landscape architecture business permit. It may also restore a suspended permit before the suspension conditions have been fulfilled. Restoration is not automatic; the Board must follow the law and its reinstatement regulations.

Stronger oversight of landscape architect credentials

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland's State Board of Professional Landscape Architects has three professional members and two consumer members. Two professionals need 10 years of Maryland practice, including five years in direct charge of the work. The third needs five years of Maryland practice. The Board must send its licensee list annually to code officials who review building permit documents or issue permits. Those officials must also receive access to the list on request.

Landscape architects face license renewal requirements

Beginning October 1, 2026, landscape architect licenses last two years from their issue date. This replaces expiration dates tied to June 30 in even-numbered years. Renewal generally requires 24 hours of professional development, except for the first renewal after initial licensing. Applicants restoring a license must meet the competency requirements that applied to renewal and pay a Board-set reinstatement fee. The Board may also ask them to explain why it should restore the license.

Broader penalties for landscape architecture violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, disciplinary language reaches individuals beyond those described only as licensees. When legal grounds apply, the Board may reprimand an individual or impose up to $5,000 per violation. Business-permit penalties also cover specified violations or failures to meet ongoing requirements. Permit penalties require approval by a majority of serving Board members and must follow applicable hearing requirements. The Board must weigh seriousness, harm, good faith, and prior violations when setting those penalties.

Emeritus title available for experienced landscape architects

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board may grant emeritus status after 25 years as a landscape architect, including five in Maryland. Applicants must be currently licensed or formerly licensed and eligible for renewal when their license expired. They must apply, pay a Board-set fee, and have no pending landscape architecture discipline in Maryland or another state. They may use “Landscape Architect Emeritus” but cannot practice with that status. To restore practice rights, they must apply, meet continuing competency requirements, have no such pending discipline, and pay a reinstatement fee.

New licensing rules for landscape architects

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensing applicants need work experience supervised by a professional landscape architect or another licensed design professional. The Board must also find the experience satisfactory. Schools for the four-year design and nondesign degree pathways need Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognition or equivalent regional accreditation. The Board may use a testing service for extra exams when needed to assess an applicant's skills. Applicants still pay a Board-set, nonrefundable application fee; the separate statutory exam-fee requirement ends, but Board-set exam charges remain possible.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Johnson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/26/2026