Higher Education - Private Career Schools - Advertising

HB 1138 allows private career schools in Maryland to advertise programs and collect potential student contact information before receiving full approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission. It directly affects new or expanding private career schools that are preparing to open but lack their final operating certificate. Schools must first complete a market survey, secure property, finish building preparations, and obtain necessary permits (excluding the certificate), demonstrate a high likelihood of approval, and get the Secretary's written permission. The bill requires all such advertising to clearly state the school is "pending approval" and specifies that the Secretary will create regulations for the approval process. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.