DDA Budget Decisions Expected from House Appropriations this Week

The House Appropriations Committee, followed by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, are expected to share updates on the DDA Budget very soon. After two months of advocacy from our powerful grassroots network, visits to legislators' offices, and Rallies and Action Nights on Lawyers Mall, we know we have done our best to inform and educate representatives with hopes of making a positive change to budget outcomes.

As decisions are announced, The Arc Maryland will share breaking news updates and possible new Action Alerts. Please stay tuned for more information!

ACTION ALERT: Contact Legislative Leaders to Fix Funding Shortfall for the Therapeutic Child Care Program!

This year's budget proposal contained a cut in funding for the Therapeutic Child Care Program, which children with significant disabilities and medical complexities and their families rely on to give them a head start in life. The FY26 draft budget is short $2.2 million to level-fund it with last year, leaving the services of these children in trouble! Initially, we were informed this was an error, likely to be fixed through the supplemental budget process, but have since learned this cut was purposeful, in light of our state's tough budget position.

Today, please do two things ASAP:

1. Please write and submit testimony through the My MGALeg website: SB 359 has a hearing in Ways and Means on Wednesday and written testimony is being accepted for it. We must let committee members know that we need this program to be funded at $3.7 million and the effective dates should be adjusted to include the current fiscal year, extending to 2029.
2. Please contact key legislative leaders to urge them to restore the $2.2 million in funding for the program TODAY! Use the template and contact information available in the script below!

DDA Community Meeting

March 20th from 2:30 to 3:30 PM

The Developmental Disabilities Administration is holding a community webinar this Thursday, March 20th, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. We do not have information on the topic or agenda. If you would like to attend, please register through the button below!

The Arc Maryland Annual Awards: We Are Now Taking Nominations For Statewide Honors!

Do you know someone who is Opening Doors through their advocacy and work to support people with IDD? We want to hear about it! Our Awards Program recognizes those who are making outstanding contributions to the fabric of our communities! During our 2025 Convention & Awards Banquet on May 29th, we will honor awardees and celebrate their achievements alongside representatives of the community that they so greatly impact. Submit your nominations by April 9th!

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration

March 21st from 2 to 5 PM

Join us in Annapolis for a day of advocacy, community, and of course, dancing as we come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! This year’s theme, "I Am Valuable. Invest in Me!" emphasizes the importance of recognizing the worth, potential, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome as we advocate to protect and sustain critical disability funding.

Start the celebration with a powerful rally at Lawyers Mall from 2 pm to 3 pm, where self-advocates and allies will share their stories and speak up for people with Down syndrome. Join us afterward at St. Anne’s Parish House & Hall for an afternoon of music, snacks, dancing, and celebration! Space is limited at the House and Hall Celebration and Dance Party, so please register to attend that part of the event below!

Autism Acceptance Day Resource Fair

April 2nd from 3 to 5 PM

Join us in Annapolis for a day of advocacy, community, and resources!

The Maryland Autism Coalition is holding a resource fair and celebration on Lawyers Mall on April 2nd to celebrate Autism Acceptance Day and share FAQs and resources for families and people with Autism in Maryland. Please register to attend the event below!

Crossover Day Is Today, March 17th

Today, March 17th is the last day for each Chamber (the House and Senate) to send bills it intends to pass favorably over to the opposite chamber. This is known as Crossover Day. In the chart below, Crossover Day is the movement between the first and second row in the Legislative Process.

Bills that pass through their original chamber by the end of today have between will now and the final day of session, April 7th, to pass through second chamber, and return for consideration in their original chamber before making their way to the Governor to be signed or vetoed.

Some of the bills that we have highlighted this session have crossed over to the opposite chamber, or are likely to crossover today. You can read more about some bills below. Expect to hear from us on these bills and others in the next three weeks for advocacy opportunities! For a full status list of legislation, be sure to check out our Bill Tracker!

HB0450 - Maryland Transit Administration - Disability Reduced Fare Program - Renewal for Permanently Disabled Individuals

Status: Passed in House (138-1)

This bill requires the Maryland Transit Administration to automatically renew the Disability Reduced Fare Program certification of an enrollee who is permanently disabled. Currently, people with IDD (considered a permanent disability) have to renew their Disability Reduced Fair Program authorizations every 3 years. This bill makes it so that people do not have to go through a lengthy renewal process for a condition that is considered, by medical professionals, to be permanent.

HB0781 - Election Law - Polling Place Procedures - Voting by Elderly Voters and Voters With Disabilities (Accessible and Expedited Voting Act of Maryland)

Status: In House Second Reading Passed with Amendments

This bill would require the State Board of Elections to establish and implement guidelines and training for the local boards of election to implement a process to expedite voting for elderly voters and voters with disabilities at each early voting center and polling place.

HB1204 - Public and Nonpublic Schools - Student Elopement - Notice and Reporting Requirements (Ace's Law)

Status: In House Second Reading Passed with Amendments

This bill would require schools to notify a parent or guardian if a student attempts or accomplishes an elopement from school (wandering away) without permission. Currently, schools are not compelled to notify a parent on the day that their child has eloped, or attempted elopement from school. This bill would ensure parents are aware of possible dangers and behaviors of their children for intervention.

HB1244 - Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration Waiver Advisory Council - Establishment

Status: Passed in House with Amendments (139-1)

This bill codifies the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration Waiver Advisory Council and clarifies its purpose to advise and provide recommendations to the DDA on system design, service delivery, and quality enhancement. It requires the membership of The Arc Maryland and MACS on the Council - two statewide organizations that advocate for people with IDD.

SB0929 - Workgroup on Mail-In Ballot Accessibility

Status: Passed in Senate with Amendments (35-11)

This bill would establish the Workgroup on Mail-In Ballot Accessibility to examine current processes in the State relating to mail-in ballot return, assess the impact on voters with disabilities, collect information about current practices for accessible alternatives to paper mail-in ballot return, and evaluate the alternatives for individuals with disabilities. The Arc Maryland is named as a workgroup member examining these issues and solutions.