MarylandHB 11202026 Regular SessionHouse

Professional Licensing Portability - Members of the Foreign Service and Spouses

Sponsored By: Mike Rogers (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsHealth OccupationsBusiness Occupations and ProfessionsAccessibility - see also- Blind; Deaf; Disabilities; etcAccountantsAcupuncturistsAgents and BrokersAgriculture, Department ofAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAppraisalsApprenticeships and InternshipsArchitects and ArchitectureArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcAssisted LivingAttorneysAudiologists and Speech PathologistsBailBarbersCalvert CountyCertificationsChemical TestsChild CareChiropractorsCommittees and CommissionsContinuing EducationContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.CosmetologistsCounselors and TherapistsDental HygenistsDentistsDietitians and NutritionistsDriver EducationEducation, State Board ofElectronic Funds TransferElectriciansElectrologistsElevatorsEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdEnergy Matters -see also- Fuel; NuclearMatt; PwrPlnts; etc.Energy Technology and InfrastructureEngineers and EngineeringEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.EthicsExplosives -see also- FireworksFarmers and Farming -see also- Agriculture; FarmlandFederal GovernmentFertilizersFinance CompaniesFinancial Regulation, Division ofFire ProtectionFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.ForestersFuel -see also- CoalFuneralsGeneticsGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsGunsHealth, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hearing AidsHeating and CoolingHome DetentionInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionInsurance AdministrationInterior DesignersInternational AffairsInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestLaboratoriesLabor, Department ofLabor and Industry, Division ofLandscape ArchitectsLand Surveyors and SurveysLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLong-Term Care -see also- Continuing Care; Nursing HomesMassageMedical Testing and DiagnosisMedication TechnitionsMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.MidwivesMilk ProductsMiningMorticiansMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.Motor Vehicle Dealers and SalespeopleMotor Vehicle EquipmentMotor Vehicle InspectionNatural Resources, Department ofNurse PractitionersNurses -see also- Nurse Practitioners; Nursing AssistantsNursing AssistantsNursing Homes -see also- AsstLiving; ContinCare; LTCareOccupational TherapistsOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansOrgan DonorshipPawnshopsPest ControlPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPhysician AssistantsPhysicians -see also- MedExmnrs; Pediatr; Psychiatrists etc.Physical TherapistsPilots and Docking MastersPlumbingPodiatristsPrecious Metals and StonesPsychiatristsPsychologistsPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRadiationReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersRecyclingRefuse Disposal -see also- RecyclingRehabilitationRenewable Energy Sources -see also- Geotherm; Solar; etc.Retail SalesSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySocial WorkersSpecial EventsSports and RecreationSpousesStandards and Best PracticesState Police, Department ofStudentsSubstance Abuse TreatmentSurveillanceTax PreparersTeachersTitles -see also- DeedsTowingTransient MerchantsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcTreesUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterVeterinariansWastewaterWells -see also- Hydraulic Fracturing; WaterWholesale DistributionWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.Wreckers and Scrap Processors

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Analyzed Economic Effects

18 provisions identified: 12 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.

Doctors, pharmacists, and imaging portability

Medical and pharmacy licenses now recognize the Foreign Service exception. If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you may practice medicine, pharmacy, respiratory care, or work in radiation and imaging roles without getting a Maryland license. You must stay within your out-of-state scope and follow board rules. Others still need Maryland licensure.

Easier path for teachers and counselors

If you are covered by §10-14A-03, you can qualify for a Maryland teaching certificate without some extra steps. You may skip certain exams, National Board Certification, or an induction program. Covered school counselors also do not need the listed student mental health training for renewal.

Portable licenses for Foreign Service families

The law creates a portability path for many jobs. If you are a U.S. Foreign Service member or spouse and meet §10-14A-03, you may work in Maryland under your valid out-of-state license. You must be in good standing, have used the license recently, and work only within its scope. State boards still enforce Maryland standards and discipline.

Therapists and other health specialists portability

If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you may practice without a Maryland license in these fields: physical and occupational therapy, optometry, athletic training, polysomnography, perfusion, and naturopathic medicine. Supervision rules now refer to people authorized to practice, not just those licensed in Maryland. Others must still hold a Maryland license.

License relief for environmental trades

If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you are exempt from Maryland licensing in several environmental and resource trades. This includes scrap tire handling, on‑site wastewater work, well drilling, surface mining, marine contracting, and junk or scrap metal dealing. Most others still must meet Maryland licensing rules.

Motor vehicle business license relief

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you qualify under §10-14A-03, you are exempt from Maryland licensing as a vehicle salesperson, automotive dismantler or scrap processor, title service agent, drivers’ school operator, or driving instructor. Licensees must still follow existing rules, like listing a license number in ads.

Stricter licensing for elevator and lift work

Starting October 1, 2026, anyone who builds, installs, maintains, or repairs commercial stairway and platform lifts must hold a new accessibility lift mechanic license. On the same date, the old exemption for elevator apprentices and helpers working under supervision is repealed. Workers and employers in these trades face new licensing or supervision duties and related costs.

Licenses now required for energy sellers

Beginning July 1, 2025, energy salespeople and energy vendors must have a Public Service Commission license to work in Maryland. People authorized under the Foreign Service portability rule (§10‑14A‑03) are exempt while covered. Most sellers and vendors face new licensing steps and ongoing compliance costs.

EMS and utility operator flexibility

If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you may provide emergency medical services and work as a water or wastewater operator without Maryland licensure. Covered incinerator operators are not required to show the approved operator training. Radiation machine inspectors who are authorized under §10-14A-03 are now clearly covered by State rules, fees, and penalties.

Architect licensing steps reduced

If §10-14A-03 already lets you practice architecture in Maryland, the board cannot make you apply for reciprocity. Also, if you received a Maryland license by reciprocity, the board cannot force you to keep another state’s license to keep your Maryland license.

Easier path to a Maryland architect license

The Board may license architects by reciprocity. You must be of good character, pay a nonrefundable application fee and a license fee, and show your prior license met rules like Maryland’s or that you meet Maryland’s current rules. The Board may accept a certified national Council certificate for some applicants.

Foreign Service can use out-of-state licenses

The law lets a U.S. Foreign Service member or spouse who moves to Maryland for an assignment work here on a valid license from another state. You must give the board your assignment notice, have used the license in the last 2 years, and stay in good standing. You may only do the same type of work and scope your other state allows, and you must follow Maryland rules and discipline. Many fields recognize this, including physician assistants and genetic counselors, HVAC, contractors and home improvement sales, locksmiths, dealers and pawnbrokers, and peddlers. Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland also cannot make covered people take a state exam to perform vehicle inspections.

Sports agents and wrestling license relief

If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you may act as an athlete agent or take part in professional wrestling roles without Maryland’s licenses while covered. You must still meet the §10-14A-03 conditions.

Easier reciprocity for master plumbers

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you hold a valid master plumber or gasfitter license from another state, you can get the equivalent Maryland license without an exam. You must present the other state’s Commission‑issued license. §10-14A-03 still applies where relevant.

Street vendors and promoters license relief

If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you do not need local or State licenses to operate as a peddler or nonresident magazine seller in Calvert County, to promote outdoor festivals, or to act as a trader, exhibitor, or transient vendor in Maryland.

Tax preparers must register with the State

Anyone who prepares individual tax returns for pay in Maryland must register with the State Board of Individual Tax Preparers before offering services. This adds a registration step and oversight. The law does not list registration fees.

Licenses required for home detention monitoring

A business that provides court‑ordered home detention monitoring for a fee must be licensed by the Secretary before operating. This adds a licensing step and compliance duties. The statute does not state the license fee.

Assisted living managers need licenses

Starting July 1, 2026, assisted living managers must hold a Maryland license. If you qualify under §10-14A-03, you may be exempt from the license rule. Others must meet Maryland licensing to manage an assisted living program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Rogers
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Andre V. Johnson
Democratic • House
Christopher T. Adams
Republican • House
Steven J. Arentz
Republican • House
Harry Bhandari
Democratic • House
Brian Chisholm
Republican • House
Diana M. Fennell
Democratic • House
Seth A. Howard
Republican • House
Mary A. Lehman
Democratic • House
LaToya Nkongolo
Republican • House
Jesse T. Pippy
Republican • House
Pam Queen
Democratic • House
April Rose
Republican • House
William J. Wivell
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026