MarylandHB 11802026 Regular SessionHouse

State Board of Architects - Grounds for Discipline and Anonymous Complaints

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Anonymous reporting allowed for architect violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland’s State Board of Architects may create an online portal for anonymous, confidential reports. Reports must concern suspected violations of architecture law sections 3–601 through 3–604. The law allows the portal but does not require the Board to create it.

Permit officials must check architect credentials

Beginning October 1, 2026, local code officials reviewing architectural plans for building-code compliance must check the signing architect’s credentials. Before processing a permit, they must verify the architect’s seal and license with that architect. Maryland’s State Board of Architects must also notify every county’s code official when it suspends or revokes a license. The law sets no new direct fee for permit applicants.

Architects face stronger discipline and fines

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland’s State Board of Architects must deny applications or discipline architects when listed grounds apply. Grounds include license fraud, false license claims, serious negligence, incompetence, misconduct, rule violations, and helping unlicensed practice. Felonies, misdemeanors tied to fitness to practice, and comparable out-of-state discipline also qualify, except discipline for unpaid fees. The Board must follow hearing rules and act with a majority vote of its authorized membership. For convictions, it must weigh the crime, its link to architecture and fitness, time elapsed, and conduct before and after. The Board may also impose fines up to $5,000 per violation, instead of or alongside other discipline. Fine amounts depend on seriousness, harm, good faith, and prior violations; collected money goes to the State General Fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lily Qi
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026