The Annapolis Insider
Weekly Legislative Update 
 Week of March 6 - 10, 2017

Greetings from The Arc Maryland Policy Team! Throughout the 2017 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, we bring you weekly recaps and updates every Friday on key legislation and events. The Legislative Session runs from January 11 - April 10 midnight 2017. 
This Week's Highlights 
DDA 3.5% Rate Restored in House; James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program passes Senate; American Health Care Act Introduced in Congress - Threats to Medicaid. The Arc analyzes bills relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), develops and presents testimony, organizes witnesses, and works with coalitions on our priority issues. 


Events and Hearings Held This Week on Key Issues
 
DDA 3.5% Rate Increase Restored 

With budget hearings completed, the budget moves to budget subcommittees and full committees for action this week and next week. The House Appropriations Committee has adopted the Governor's FY 2018 budget with full restoration of the 3.5% DDA Rate Increase!  The House budget moves to the House floor next week.  Be sure to thank members of the House Appropriations Committee for their support for the DDA 3.5% Rate Restoration.  

Senate budget subcommittee and full committee decision meetings are next week. 

SB 872/HB 971 - The James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program
Witnesses pictured with HB 971 sponsor Delegate Eric Ebersole

SB 872 has passed in the Senate; House Ways & Means Committee voted out the companion bill favorably. The bill offers competitive grants to state universities and colleges to develop and implement pilot programs on Maryland campuses that provide inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Thank you to Michael Jajistar (Harford County) and Mark Randolph (Frederick County) for compelling testimony on HB 971 this week.

HB 1061 - Task Force to Study Emergency and Evacuation Plans for Students, Staff and Visitors with Disabilities in Public School Facilities  

The bill has been voted out of the House Ways & Means Committee. It now moves to the House Floor. This bill would require individualized evacuation plans for students with disabilities and was the brainchild of The Arc Maryland Board member Lori Scott. 

HB 1/SB 230- Maryland Healthy Working Families Act

Maryland Healthy Working Families Act passed the House with amendments and moved to third reader in the Senate yesterday.  The bill was Special Ordered until March 10. The most significant change is the number of days of employment before an employee is eligible to use earned sick and safe leave. The latest amendment changes the period from 160 to 106 days of employment. Click here for a comprehensive detail of proposed amendments.
 
SB 1013-Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure

The Arc Maryland testified in support of SB 1013 this week before the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. The bill requires the State Board of Dental Examiners to adopt regulations for the licensure of dental therapists and the practice of dental therapy.  To qualify for a dental therapist license, an applicant must successfully complete a dental therapist education program that includes treating people with developmental disabilities, cognitive impairment, complex medical problems, and significant physical disabilities. There is some significant opposition regarding resources and a proposal of a collaboration agreement.

American Health Care Act Introduced in Congress - Threats to Medicaid
 
Late Monday March 6, Congress introduced two bills that make up the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that will restructure Medicaid and reform the Affordable Care Act. Congress is on the fast track to repeal major portions of the Obama Affordable Care Act. It is moving swiftly!!! The US House of Representatives hopes to quickly move the repeal bill through Committee and vote by the end of March. The Senate has indicated that it would like to vote on the House bill before the mid-April recess. 
 
Sponsors of the bills say it offers more choice; however disability rights advocates believe the American Health Care Act offers less protection. There is serious concern about the caps on Medicaid and the future of disability services in home and community-based settings, resulting in cuts to the Medicaid program. The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program. In Maryland, Medicaid pays for supported employment, day habilitation, residential services, and personal supports.

To take action to protect funding for these services, go to   www.thearc.org for action needed. 

The bill can be found here. 
 
On Slate for Next Week
  • The Governor's Proposed FY 2018 budget moves to the House Floor; Senate Budget decision meetings will be held.
  • HB 1214 - Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure on March 13 before the House Health & Government Operations Committee. This bill establishes a new category and licensure for dental therapists that includes specialized training in treating individuals with special needs. 
LEGISLATION 

Bill Number
Bill Title
Status
Committee
The Arc 
MD's 
Position
The Arc MD Testified
( SB 230)
Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
ECM, FIN
Support with Amendments
Environment - Children With Elevated Blood Lead Levels - Environmental Investigation
Favorable with Amendments Report
E&T
Support
( SB 79)
Family Law - Destitute Adults - Extraordinary Medical Expenses for Developmental Disabilities and Civil Action
Unfavorable Report by Committee
JUD
Support
Task Force to Improve Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Scores for Maryland Public School Students
Unfavorable Report by Committee
W&M
Support with Amendments
Estates and Trusts - Conditions of Disability and Incapacity - Confinement
Passed in House
HGO
Support
Health Insurance - Required Conformity With Federal Law
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Board of Review - Repeal Passed in House
HGO
Oppose
State Disabilities Plan and Interagency Disabilities Board - Revisions
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate 
Monitor

Environment - Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing - Notification of Elevated Blood Lead Level
Favorable Report 
E&T
Support
HB 150
(SB 170)		 Budget Bill First Reading APP Support
HB 152
(SB 172)		 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2017 Post Hearing APP Support with Amendments
HB 172
(SB 728)		 Home Act of 2017 Post Hearing E&T Support
Education - Children With Disabilities - Individualized Education Program Process - Parental Consent
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
Baltimore County - Public Schools - Active Assailant Event Training and Drills
Post Hearing
W&M
Support with Amendments
( SB 485)
Education - Remote Classroom Technology Grant Program - Establishment (Peyton's Bill)
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
Support
( SB 272)
Guardianship and Child in Need of Assistance Proceedings - Jurisdiction and Authority of Juvenile Court
Post Hearing
JUD
Support
( SB 786)
Education - Behavior Intervention Plans - Physical Restraint and Seclusion
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
Maryland Student Transportation Safety Act
Post Hearing
E&T
Support with Amendments
( SB 1106)
Health Care Practitioners - Use of Teletherapy
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

( SB 354)
Richard E. Israel and Roger "Pip" Moyer End-of-Life Option Act
Post Hearing
HGO,  JUD
Oppose
( SB 305)
Commonsense Paid Leave Act
Post Hearing
ECM
Monitor

( SB 651)
Public Schools - Suspensions and Expulsions
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
( SB 344)
Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Account Clarifications
Passed in House, Hearing 3/21 at 1 pm in Senate (B&T)
HGO, B&T
Support
( SB 943)
Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers - Dispute Resolution Process - Regulations
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
( SB 604)
Visual Impairments - Requirements for Teacher Training, Student Screening, and Maryland Medical Assistance Program Coverage
Post Hearing
W&M, HGO
Monitor

( SB 562)
Health Care Decisions Act - Advance Directives and Surrogate Decision Making - Disqualified Individuals
Post Hearing
HGO
Support
 
( SB 581)
Workgroup to Study the Implementation of Universal Access to Prekindergarten for 4-Year-Olds
Passed in House, Returned Passed
Monitor
Public Health - Prenatal Infectious Disease Testing
Passed in House
HGO
Monitor

( SB 420 )
Humane Adoption of Companion Animals Used in Research Act of 2017
Post Hearing
APP
Monitor

( SB 667)
Education - Prekindergarten Student Assessment - Moratorium
Post Hearing
W&M
Monitor

HB 571
(SB 282)		 Property Tax Credit - Disabled or Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Rescue Workers - Acquisition of Dwelling
 Post Hearing W&M Support
Behavioral Health Community Providers - Keep the Door Open Act
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

HB 631
(SB 415)		 Public Health - Essential Generic Drugs - Price Gouging - Prohibition
Post Hearing
HGO, ECM
Support
( SB 180)
Independent Living Tax Credit Act
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
( SB 570)
Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Telehealth - Requirements
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

( SB 607)
Labor and Employment - Exemptions From Overtime Pay - Administrative, Executive, or Professional Capacity
Post Hearing
ECM
Monitor

( SB 437)
Public Health - Expensive Drugs - Manufacturer Reporting and Drug Price Transparency Advisory Committee
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

( SB 813)
Department of Housing and Community Development - Rental Assistance Programs - Duration of Assistance
Post Hearing
E&T
Monitor

 HB 696
(SB 849)		 Department of Housing and Community Development - Rental Assistance Programs - Duration of Assistance
 Post Hearing W&M Support
Education - PARCC Testing - Children With Disabilities (Ben's Rule)
Post Hearing W&M
Oppose
HB 736 Workgroup to Recommend Possible Reforms to Maryland's Health Care System
 Post Hearing HGO Monitor
HB 769
(SB 216)		 Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council - Renaming and Altering Membership and Duties
 Passed in House HGO Monitor
HB 909
(SB 571)		 Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act Post Hearing HGO Monitor
HB 940
(SB 987)		 Education - School Vehicles Used by Private Entities - Seat Belt Requirements Unfavorable Report E&T Support with Amendments
HB 968 Children - Health and Safety - Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline and Signage Post Hearing JUD Monitor
HB 971
(SB 872)		 James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program Second Reading Passed with Amendments W&M Support
HB 978
(SB 871)		 Education - Accountability - Consolidated State Plan and Support and Improvement Plans (Protect Our Schools Act of 2017) Second Reading Passed with Amendments W&M Support
( SB 475)
Developmental Disabilities Administration - Crisis Resolution and Crisis Prevention Services - Funding and Reporting
Hearing 3/14 at 1 pm (HGO)
HGO, APP
Support
HB 1061 Task Force to Study Emergency and Evacuation Plans for Students, Staff, and Visitors with Disabilities in Public School Facilities Second Reading Passed with Amendments W&M Support
( SB 201)
Education - Fire Drill Requirements - State Fire Prevention Code
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
W&M, EHEA
Support with Amendments
HB 1080 Education - Universal Prekindergarten - Established Post Hearing W&M Monitor
( SB 439)
State Procurement - Information Technology - Nonvisual Access
Post Hearing
HGO
Monitor

HB 1158 Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Comprehensive Dental Benefits for Adults - Authorization
 Hearing 3/14 at 1 pm HGO Support
HB 1165 Estate - Duties of Guardian of the Person - Notice and Visitation by Family Post Hearing HGO Monitor
HB 1175
(SB 834)		 Human Relations - Discrimination by a Place of Public Accommodation - Enforcement and Remedies
 Post Hearing HGO Support
HB 1207
(SB 85)		 Family Law - Treatment Foster Care Homes - Siblings Second Reading Passed with Amendments JUD Monitor
HB 1214
(SB 1013)		 Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure Hearing 3/13 at 1 pm HGO Support
HB 1222 Maryland School Discipline Reform Act Post Hearing W&M Support
( SB 340)
University of Maryland School of Public Health, Center for Health Equity - Workgroup on Health in All Policies Hearing 3/14 at 1 pm
HGO
Monitor

HB 1268 Education - Student Achievement Gap Standard - Establishment (Maryland Student Achievement Act) Post Hearing W&M Support
HB 1287 Commission on the School-to-Prison Pipeline and Restorative Practices Post Hearing W&M Support
( SB 542)
Maryland Lead Poisoning Recovery Act
Post Hearing
E&T, JUD
Support
( SB 962)
Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage Required (Fight for Fifteen)
Post Hearing
ECM
Monitor

HB 1559
(SB 173)		 Commission on Access to Tax-Preferred Health and Childcare Savings Accounts for All Marylanders
 First Reading HRU Monitor
HB 1613
(SB 876)		 Individuals With Disabilities - Establishing Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports (Maryland Disability Integration Act)
 First Reading HRU Monitor
HB 1625 Environmental - Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing - Blood Lead Level First Reading HRU Monitor
( SJ 2)
Constitutional Convention - Amendment - Repeal
Post Hearing
HRU
Support
Education - Specialized Intervention Services - Reports
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/21 in W&M
Support
Child Abuse and Neglect - Substance-Exposed Newborns - Reporting
Unfavorable Report by Committee
JPR
Monitor

Reporting Abuse to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Office of Health Care Quality
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
Monitor

( HB 15)
Family Law - Destitute Adults - Extraordinary Medical Expenses for Developmental Disabilities and Civil Action
Unfavorable Report by Committee
JPR
Support
( HB 1207)
Family Law - Treatment Foster Care Homes - Siblings
Favorable with Amendments Report
JPR
Monitor
SB 170
(HB 150)		 Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2018) First Reading B&T Support
SB 172
(HB 152)		 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2017 Post Hearing B&T Support with Amendments
( HB 1559)
Commission on Access to Tax-Preferred Health and Childcare Savings Accounts for All Marylanders
Post Hearing
B&T
Monitor

( HB 644)
Independent Living Tax Credit Act
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/22 in W&M
Support
( HB 1066)
Education - Fire Drill Requirements - State Fire Prevention Code
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/21 in W&M
Support with Amendments
( HB 769)
Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council - Renaming and Altering Membership and Duties
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
Monitor

( HB 1)
Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act
Special Order until 3/10
FIN
Support with Amendments
Task Force to Study Suspension Rates of African American Prekindergarten Students
Post Hearing
Support with Amendments
( HB 279)
Guardianship and Child in Need of Assistance Proceedings - Jurisdiction and Authority of Juvenile Court
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
Support
SB 282
(HB 571)		 Property Tax Credit - Disabled or Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Rescue Workers - Acquisition of Dwelling
 Post Hearing B&T Support
( HB 382)
Commonsense Paid Leave Act
Post Hearing
Monitor

( HB 1225)
University of Maryland School of Public Health, Center for Health Equity - Workgroup on Health in All Policies
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
Monitor

( HB 448)
Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Account Clarifications
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
Support
Education - Prekindergarten Students - Funding
Post Hearing
B&T
Monitor

( HB 631)
Public Health - Essential Generic Drugs - Price Gouging - Prohibition
Post Hearing
FIN
Support
( HB 528)
Humane Adoption of Companion Animals Used in Research Act of 2017
Post Hearing
Monitor

( HB 666)
Public Health - Expensive Drugs - Manufacturer Reporting and Drug Price Transparency Advisory Committee
Post Hearing
FIN
Monitor

( HB 1140)
State Procurement - Information Technology - Nonvisual Access
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
EHEA, HGO
Monitor

Service Animals - Aggravated Cruelty and False Representation
Unfavorable Report by Committee
JPR
Monitor

( HB 984)
Developmental Disabilities Administration - Crisis Resolution and Crisis Prevention Services - Funding and Reporting
Post Hearing
FIN
Support
( HB 580)
Behavioral Health Community Providers - Keep the Door Open Act
Motion Special Order until 3/14 Adopted
Monitor

Education - Remote Classroom Technology Grant Program - Establishment (Peyton's Bill)
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/21 in House (W&M)
Support
( HB 1358)
Maryland Lead Poisoning Recovery Act
Post Hearing
JPR Support
Estates and Trusts - Guardianship of a Disabled Person - Visitation and Notification
Unfavorable Report by Committee
JPR
Monitor

Education - Maryland Education Opportunity Account Program - Established
Post Hearing
B&T
Oppose
( HB 498)
Health Care Decision Act - Advance Directives and Surrogate Decision Making - Disqualified Individuals
Post Hearing
FIN
Support
( HB 658)
Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Telehealth - Requirements
Post Hearing
FIN
Monitor

( HB 909)
Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act
Post Hearing
FIN
Monitor

( HB 516)
Workgroup to Study the Implementation of Universal Access to Prekindergarten for 4-Year-Olds
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
B&T
Monitor
Baltimore City and Baltimore County - Police Behavioral Health Units - Training Requirements
Post Hearing
JPR
Monitor

( HB 458)
Visual Impairments - Requirements for Teacher Training, Student Screening, and Maryland Medical Assistance Program Coverage
Third Reading Passed
EHEA, FIN
Monitor

( HB 425)
Public Schools - Suspension and Expulsions
Post Hearing
EHEA
Support
( HB 548)
Education - Prekindergarten Student Assessment - Moratorium
Post Hearing
EHEA
Monitor

State Budget
Post Hearing
B&T
Monitor

Education - Children With Disabilities - Individualized Education Program Process- Parental Consent
Post Hearing
EHEA
Support
SB 728
(HB 172)		 Home Act of 2017 Hearing 3/14 at 1 pm JPR Support
( HB 331)
Education - Behavior Intervention Plans - Physical Restraint and Seclusion
Post Hearing
EHEA
Support
( HB 689)
Department of Housing and Community Development - Rental Assistance Programs - Duration of Assistance
Third Reading Passed
EHEA
Monitor

SB 834
(HB 1175)		 Human Relations - Discrimination by a Place of Public Accommodation - Enforcement and Remedies
 Post Hearing JPR Support
SB 849
(HB 689)		 Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools - Discrimination - Prohibition Post Hearing JPR Support
SB 871
(HB 978)		 Education - Accountability - Consolidated State Plan and Support and Improvement Plans (Protect Our Schools Act of 2017)
 Post Hearing EHEA Support
SB 872
(HB 971)		 James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/21 at 1 pm (W&M) EHEA, W&M Support
SB 876
(HB 1613)		 Individuals With Disabilities - Establishing Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports (Maryland Disability Integration Act) Hearing 3/16 at 1 pm FIN Monitor
SB 943
(HB 456)		 Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers - Dispute Resolution Process - Regulations Favorable with Amendments Report EHEA Support
SB 962
(HB 1416)		 Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage Required (Fight for Fifteen) Hearing 3/15 at 1 pm FIN Monitor
SB 987
(HB 940)		 Education - School Vehicles Used by Private Entities - Seat Belt Requirement Unfavorable Report by Committee JPR Support with Amendments
SB 1013
(HB 1214)		 Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure Post Hearing EHEA Support
SB 1106
(HB 352)		 Healthcare Practitioners - Use of Teletherapy Hearing 3/15 at 1 pm Rules Monitor
SJ 2
(HJ 2)		 Constitutional Convention - Amendment - Repeal Passed in Senate, First Reading in House EHEA, HRU Support
SJ 3 United States Constitution - Amendments Convention - Limitations of Federal Power Post Hearing EHEA Monitor
 
Please note: the following abbreviations identify the legislative committees in the Maryland General Assembly.

House of Delegates
  • Appropriations Committee - APP
  • Economic Matters Committee - EMC
  • Environment and Transportation Committee - E&T
  • Health and Government Operations Committee - HGO
  • House Rules and Executive Nominations - HRU
  • Judicial Committee - JUD
  • Ways and Means Committee - W&M
Senate 
  • Budget & Taxation Committee - B&T
  • Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee - EHEA
  • Finance Committee - FIN
  • Judicial Proceedings Committee - JPR
     
The Arc Maryland Policy Team 

Cristine Marchand, Executive Director

Susan Somerville-Hawes , Esq., Director of Public Policy & Advocacy - Children and Families
Jamie Stoner , The Arc Maryland 2017 Public Policy Fellow; Director of Outreach, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
Andrew Siske, Legislative Intern, University of Baltimore School of Law
Aaron Stephens , Deputy Director, The Arc of Frederick County