Forestry Licenses - Applicant Qualifications - Alterations

HB 342 modifies Maryland's forestry licensing requirements by adding new educational accreditation standards. It requires applicants to graduate from a forestry program approved by the Board *and* accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or an equivalent accrediting body. This directly affects individuals seeking forestry licenses in Maryland, as it replaces previous curriculum approval requirements. The bill maintains the existing 2-year forestry experience requirement but adds this dual accreditation condition for educational institutions. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.