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HB 1298

relative to the disposal of electronic ballot counting device external memory devices.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ross Berry

Maryland HB 1298 defines audiology to include in-office, nonradiographic imaging and screenings related to auditory/vestibular conditions, expanding scope while excluding surgery a

Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026; Chapter 162; eff. 08/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1298

Note: the documents you supplied include multiple different bills labeled “HB 1298” from different states and on different topics. The only complete bill text and fiscal note in your packet that match the Maryland bill number HB 1298 relates to Health Occupations — definition of “practice audiology.” You also listed a different title (Wrecker Services Reform Act of 2025) but did not include that bill’s text. Below I summarize the Maryland HB 1298 (Audiology). If you want a summary of the Wrecker Services bill, please provide its text or point me to the correct document.

Summary — Maryland HB 1298 (Health Occupations — Practice of Audiology — Definition)
- Purpose / Intent
- To clarify and broaden the statutory definition of “practice audiology” so it expressly covers the use of any means known in the science of audiology and to specify certain screenings and in‑office, non‑radiographic imaging related to auditory and vestibular conditions.

  • Key provisions / Changes

    • Revises the definition of “practice audiology” to state it “means to use any means known in the science of audiology to” perform the activities already enumerated in statute (evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of auditory/vestibular conditions; prescribing/ordering/fitting hearing aids and sound processors for osseo‑integrated devices and cochlear implants).
    • Clarifies that “practice audiology” includes:
    • Conducting health screenings related to auditory or vestibular conditions or screenings required by federal, State, or third‑party payers.
    • Ordering and performing in‑office, nonradiographic scanning or imaging of the external auditory canal as it relates to auditory or vestibular conditions of the human ear.
    • Retains explicit exclusions: performance of surgery (including cochlear implant and osseo‑integrated device surgery) and the preparation/operation/performance of radiographic imaging.

  • Who is affected

    • Licensed audiologists in Maryland (and any individuals performing audiology services) — clarifies the scope of permissible activities and documentation of procedures that fall within audiology practice.
    • The State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech‑Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists — may need to update regulations and guidance to reflect statutory clarifications.
    • Third‑party payers and health facilities may be affected by clarified screening and non‑radiographic imaging practices.

  • Fiscal and procedural effects / Timeline

    • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
    • Fiscal note: No revenue impact. The State Board can update regulations with existing budgeted resources. No local government or small business fiscal effects identified.
    • Legislative status (Maryland): Introduced by Delegate Martinez; first reader/fiscal note dated Feb 21, 2025; bill moves through Health & Government Operations and was on second reading (referred to Rules per your status line).

  • Additional notes

    • Cross‑file: SB 919 (Finance).
    • The change is largely definitional/clarifying and does not expand licensure requirements; it confirms inclusion of certain screenings and in‑office, non‑radiographic imaging within audiology’s scope while leaving surgical and radiographic procedures outside the practice.

If you want a concise summary of the Wrecker Services Reform Act (the bill title you provided) or any of the other HB 1298 versions in your packet (North Dakota, Hawaii, Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana), tell me which jurisdiction/version and I will produce a tailored summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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