MDASLA Advocacy & Awareness Update

Welcome to the 2026 Maryland legislative session! The MDASLA Executive Board advocates on members behalf to state legislator by hiring a legislator consultant to guide the board on bills have the potential to impact landscape architecture licensure and the practice of landscape architecture. The Advocacy Committee made up of MDASLA Board Members and volunteers and legislative Advisor, Jack Neil Associates follow the progress of bills, inform members about the impacts and write letters of support or opposition to bill sponsors.

This year the MDASLA Board is trying something new combining efforts of the Advocacy Committee and Awareness Committees. This two-step effort of advocating and making people aware of Landscape Architecture are complimentary. During the legislative session (January 14 to April 14) we will endeavor to alert you to bills under consideration that may impact you. We will sponsor a lunch time learning legislation session wrap up with Jack Neil and work on a tour of a Maryland place significantly impacted by landscape architects. We look forward to hearing your suggestions for tour locations and legislators and influencers to invite. Additionally, we are working on a presentation by the MD Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects on the topic of licensure and continuing education.

Following the legislative session, we will kick off awareness events looking to inform and make others aware of landscape architecture. We plan on hosting a few events that will focus on the future (children) and present.

Legislative Update: HB 0485/SB0256 Legislation - HB0485

These bills were initiated by the Board of Licensure, supported by MDASLA, to modernize the language within the Code of Maryland (COMAR). Outdated organizations reporting organizations are omitted while the tile of professional landscape architects is updated to eliminate ongoing confusion on use of the term landscape architect. The bills include Licensure Board qualifications and duties and slightly educational qualifications to practice landscape architecture. The most significant addition is the inclusion of a provision for emeritus status authorized by the Board. No significant changes to work permitted by right of landscape architects has been added. The bills have been referred to Committee with no significant changes suggested.

We anticipate passage of the bills with minor changes and full support by MDASLA for passage. HB 1120/ SB 0418 Legislation - HB1120

These cross-filed bills authorize foreign service members and their spouses to practice a licensed profession issued by another jurisdiction.

Please provide your thoughts and any concerns for these bills directly to us for use in consideration of continued support. Please write to legislator sponsors and your direct legislators for passage.

We also want to share information on what is happening at the municipal level and are looking for your assistance in providing information to share in the google document.