MD SB983

Expands the objection process for new academic programs by removing the restriction that limited objections to only graduate programs, allowing objections to be filed against undergraduate programs as well

Maryland Higher Education Commission and state higher education institutions may file objections within 30 days of receiving notice of a new program proposal

Valid grounds for objection remain unchanged: mission inconsistency, failure to meet regional/statewide needs per the State Plan for Higher Education, unreasonable program duplication causing harm, or unnecessary duplication violating equal educational opportunity obligations

Effective date: July 1, 2026