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HB 959

School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bernice Mireku-North

Maryland joins interstate compact allowing school psychologists licensed in member states to practice across state lines without separate licenses, improving professional mobility and workforce flexibility.

Hearing 2/24 at 11:00 a.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 959

Legislative bill overview

HB 959 would establish Maryland's participation in the Interstate Licensure Compact for School Psychologists, a multi-state agreement that streamlines licensure reciprocity. This compact allows school psychologists licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses, reducing bureaucratic barriers to interstate practice.

Why is this important

School psychologist shortages are acute in many regions, and interstate compacts address this by enabling licensed professionals to work across state lines more easily. This could help districts in underserved areas access qualified mental health professionals more quickly and affordably, while giving school psychologists greater career mobility and employment options.

Potential points of contention

  • Standards and oversight concerns: Critics may worry that streamlined licensure could lower quality standards or create inconsistent accountability if different states have varying requirements for school psychologists
  • Economic impact on local workforce: Some argue that easier interstate movement could draw qualified psychologists away from Maryland to higher-paying states, potentially worsening local shortages
  • Data sharing and privacy: The compact requires sharing licensing and disciplinary records across states, raising questions about data security and how disciplinary history is handled across jurisdictions

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

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