Higher Education - Religious Educational Institutions - Certificate of Approval

HB 1522 exempts certain religious educational institutions in Maryland from needing a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate. It applies to schools established for religious purposes that offer only sectarian instruction aligned with a specific faith, provide programs solely for religious vocations, and state the religious nature of their awards. However, institutions established before January 1, 2013, and those accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized body remain subject to the approval requirement. The bill amends Maryland’s Education Article (§11-202.1(b)) and takes effect July 1, 2025.