MD HB479

Requires private nonprofit institutions of higher education to submit letters of intent to the Maryland Higher Education Commission every 6 months identifying new graduate-level programs they plan to propose within the next 6 months to 2 years

Repeals Section 11-206.5, which had limited approval of emerging workforce need programs to only five institutions: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland College Park, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Removes restrictions that previously required institutions to wait or collaborate before proposing emerging workforce need programs, allowing any institution to propose such programs

Amends the State Plan for Higher Education requirements to include identification of specific academic programs institutions could develop to address current and emerging workforce needs

Designated as an emergency bill requiring three-fifths approval from both houses, taking effect immediately upon enactment