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Bill

Bill

SB 238

School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Malcolm Augustine

Maryland joins an interstate school psychologist licensure compact enabling licensed professionals to practice across member states without separate state certifications.

Third Reading Passed (128-0)
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Bill Summary · SB 238

Legislative bill overview

SB 238 establishes Maryland's participation in an interstate licensure compact for school psychologists, allowing professionals licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate state licenses. This creates a streamlined reciprocal licensing framework similar to compacts used for teachers and other professions, reducing bureaucratic barriers while maintaining professional standards through the compact's coordinating commission.

Why is this important

School psychologist shortages affect many states, and interstate compacts help address regional staffing imbalances by enabling mobility across state lines. The policy could reduce hiring timelines for schools, lower costs associated with multiple licensing applications, and improve access to mental health services in underserved areas. However, it requires balancing professional standards and accountability across jurisdictions with different regulatory frameworks.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Different states may have varying training requirements, continuing education standards, and disciplinary procedures, raising questions about whether a single compact adequately protects all students
  • State sovereignty and enforcement: Questions about how multi-state compacts handle disciplinary actions, license revocations, and which state's standards take precedence in disputes
  • Workforce displacement arguments: Concerns from some stakeholders that easier interstate mobility could disadvantage local hiring or affect salary/job market dynamics in lower-demand regions

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

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