Higher Education - Religious Educational Institutions - Certificate of Approval
Summary
SB 524 changes Maryland higher education law governing when religious educational institutions must obtain a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) in order to operate in the State. Under current law, certain religious institutions may operate without MHEC approval if they are organized for religious educational purposes, offer only programs for religious vocations or purposes, provide sectarian instruction, and identify the religious nature of their awards. The bill adds a new limitation to that exemption: a religious educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education would no longer be allowed to operate without a certificate of approval from MHEC.
The practical effect is to preserve the existing exemption for some religious schools while requiring state approval for a subset of institutions that are both religious and federally recognized as accredited. The bill does not change the definition of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, but it amends Education Article § 11-202.1 to narrow the circumstances under which religious institutions may avoid state oversight. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 524 would amend Maryland Education Article § 11-202.1 to require certain accredited religious educational institutions to obtain a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission before operating in the State. This would narrow an existing statutory exemption for religious schools and expand the reach of MHEC oversight to institutions that are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor, while leaving the exemption in place for other qualifying religious institutions, including those established before January 1, 2013.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or other discussion, so there is no documented public sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears targeted and technical rather than broadly controversial on its face, but it addresses a sensitive area involving religious liberty, higher education regulation, and state oversight of private institutions.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether accredited religious institutions should still qualify for the existing exemption from MHEC approval. Supporters may view the bill as ensuring that institutions with formal accreditation are subject to the same state review as other higher education providers, while opponents may argue that it burdens religious schools or narrows a long-standing exemption for faith-based education. Another possible issue is the distinction the bill draws between older religious institutions established before January 1, 2013, and newer ones, as well as the interaction between state approval requirements and religious autonomy.