# Maryland HB 1120: Professional Licensing Portability - Members of the Foreign Service and Spouses

Maryland HB 1120, Professional Licensing Portability - Members of the Foreign Service and Spouses, is a 2026 Regular Session House bill sponsored by Mike Rogers (Democratic); status signed, last action 2026-05-12 (Approved by the Governor - Chapter 492) (as of 2026-10-19).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-HB1120-2026RS
- As of: 2026-10-19
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Maryland HB 1120
- State: Maryland
- Session: 2026 Regular Session
- Title: Professional Licensing Portability - Members of the Foreign Service and Spouses
- Status: signed
- Chamber: House
- Introduced: 2026-02-11
- Last action: 2026-05-12, Approved by the Governor - Chapter 492
- Sponsor: Mike Rogers (Democratic)
- Cosponsors: 13
- Subjects: State Government - Agencies, Offices, and Officials, Health Occupations, Business Occupations and Professions, Accessibility - see also- Blind; Deaf; Disabilities; etc, Accountants, Acupuncturists, Agents and Brokers, Agriculture, Department of, Animals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; Livestk, Appraisals, Apprenticeships and Internships, Architects and Architecture, Armed Forces and Uniformed Services, Art, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etc, Assisted Living, Attorneys, Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, Bail, Barbers, Calvert County, Certifications, Chemical Tests, Child Care, Chiropractors, Committees and Commissions, Continuing Education, Contractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc., Cosmetologists, Counselors and Therapists, Dental Hygenists, Dentists, Dietitians and Nutritionists, Driver Education, Education, State Board of, Electronic Funds Transfer, Electricians, Electrologists, Elevators, Emergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqd, Energy Matters -see also- Fuel; NuclearMatt; PwrPlnts; etc., Energy Technology and Infrastructure, Engineers and Engineering, Environment, Department of the, Environmental Health, Equipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc., Ethics, Explosives -see also- Fireworks, Farmers and Farming -see also- Agriculture; Farmland, Federal Government, Fertilizers, Finance Companies, Financial Regulation, Division of, Fire Protection, Fish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&Dev, Food -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc., Foresters, Fuel -see also- Coal, Funerals, Genetics, Goods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGds, Guns, Health, Department of, Health Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations), Hearing Aids, Heating and Cooling, Home Detention, Inspections -see also- Motor Vehicle Inspection, Insurance Administration, Interior Designers, International Affairs, Investigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd Invest, Laboratories, Labor, Department of, Labor and Industry, Division of, Landscape Architects, Land Surveyors and Surveys, Licenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; Permits, Long-Term Care -see also- Continuing Care; Nursing Homes, Massage, Medical Testing and Diagnosis, Medication Technitions, Mental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc., Midwives, Milk Products, Mining, Morticians, Motor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc., Motor Vehicle Dealers and Salespeople, Motor Vehicle Equipment, Motor Vehicle Inspection, Natural Resources, Department of, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses -see also- Nurse Practitioners; Nursing Assistants, Nursing Assistants, Nursing Homes -see also- AsstLiving; ContinCare; LTCare, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, and Opticians, Organ Donorship, Pawnshops, Pest Control, Pharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- Drugs, Physician Assistants, Physicians -see also- MedExmnrs; Pediatr; Psychiatrists etc., Physical Therapists, Pilots and Docking Masters, Plumbing, Podiatrists, Precious Metals and Stones, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Public Safety and Correctional Services, Department of, Radiation, Real Estate -see also- Agents and Brokers, Recycling, Refuse Disposal -see also- Recycling, Rehabilitation, Renewable Energy Sources -see also- Geotherm; Solar; etc., Retail Sales, Safety -see also- Occupational Safety, Social Workers, Special Events, Sports and Recreation, Spouses, Standards and Best Practices, State Police, Department of, Students, Substance Abuse Treatment, Surveillance, Tax Preparers, Teachers, Titles -see also- Deeds, Towing, Transient Merchants, Transportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etc, Trees, Utilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water, Veterinarians, Wastewater, Wells -see also- Hydraulic Fracturing; Water, Wholesale Distribution, Work, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc., Wreckers and Scrap Processors
- Touches household money: no
- Roll calls: 2 (180 yes, 0 no in all)
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 18

## Summary

No summary available.

## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read

- Doctors, pharmacists, and imaging portability: benefit, medium. 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…
- Easier path for teachers and counselors: benefit, medium. 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: benefit, medium. 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…
- Therapists and other health specialists portability: benefit, medium. 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…
- License relief for environmental trades: benefit, medium. 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…
- Motor vehicle business license relief: benefit, medium. 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 lic…
- Architect licensing steps reduced: benefit, low. 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: benefit, low. 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 s…
- Foreign Service can use out-of-state licenses: benefit, low. 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 a…
- Sports agents and wrestling license relief: benefit, low. 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: benefit, low. 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: benefit, low. 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.
- Stricter licensing for elevator and lift work: cost, medium. 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 employ…
- Licenses now required for energy sellers: cost, medium. 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 complian…
- Tax preparers must register with the State: cost, low. 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: cost, low. 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.
- EMS and utility operator flexibility: mixed, medium. 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…
- Assisted living managers need licenses: mixed, low. 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 and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Mike Rogers (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Andre V. Johnson (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Christopher T. Adams (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Steven J. Arentz (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Harry Bhandari (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Brian Chisholm (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Diana M. Fennell (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Seth A. Howard (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Mary A. Lehman (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: LaToya Nkongolo (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Jesse T. Pippy (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: Pam Queen (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: April Rose (Republican), House
- Cosponsor: William J. Wivell (Republican), House

## Roll call votes

| Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026-04-13 | Senate | Third Reading Passed | pass | 44 | 0 | 3 |
| 2026-03-23 | House | Third Reading Passed | pass | 136 | 0 | 4 |

## Actions (15)

- 2026-05-12: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 492
- 2026-04-13: Returned Passed (House)
- 2026-04-13: Third Reading Passed (44-0) (Senate)
- 2026-04-10: Second Reading Passed (Senate)
- 2026-04-10: Favorable Adopted (Senate)
- 2026-04-10: Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment (Senate)
- 2026-03-23: Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment Finance (Senate)
- 2026-03-23: Third Reading Passed (136-0) (House)
- 2026-03-23: Second Reading Passed with Amendments (House)
- 2026-03-23: Favorable with Amendments {883726/1 Adopted (House)
- 2026-03-23: Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters (House)
- 2026-03-03: Hearing 3/04 at 1:30 p.m. (Economic Matters) (House)
- 2026-03-03: Hearing canceled (Economic Matters) (House)
- 2026-02-19: Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters) (House)
- 2026-02-11: First Reading Economic Matters and Health (House)

## Bill text

- Enacted, 2026-05-12: [PDF](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Chapters_noln/CH_492_hb1120t.pdf)
- Third Reading, 2026-03-23: [PDF](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1120t.pdf)
- First Reading, 2026-02-11: [PDF](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1120f.pdf)

## Related bills

- SB 0496: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization (became law)
- SB 0366: Motor Vehicles - Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program - Establishment (became law)
- SB 0244: Code Revision - Health - Maryland Medical Assistance Program (became law)
- SB 0148: Income Tax - Credit for 9-1-1 Specialist Retirement Income (Supporting Our 9-1-1 Specialists Act) (became law)
- SB 0016: Child Support - Earnings Withholdings Limits (became law)
- HB 0529: Code Revision - Health - Maryland Medical Assistance Program (became law)

## Sources
- [Enacted (PDF)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Chapters_noln/CH_492_hb1120t.pdf)
- [Third Reading (PDF)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1120t.pdf)
- [First Reading (PDF)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1120f.pdf)

## Related
- [SB 0496: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - A…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-SB0496-2026RS)
- [SB 0366: Motor Vehicles - Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program - Establishm…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-SB0366-2026RS)
- [SB 0244: Code Revision - Health - Maryland Medical Assistance Program](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-SB0244-2026RS)
- [SB 0148: Income Tax - Credit for 9-1-1 Specialist Retirement Income (Supporting Our 9-1-…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-SB0148-2026RS)
- [SB 0016: Child Support - Earnings Withholdings Limits](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-SB0016-2026RS)
- [HB 0529: Code Revision - Health - Maryland Medical Assistance Program](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-HB0529-2026RS)
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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/MD-HB1120-2026RS (as of 2026-10-19).