The Arc Maryland's Weekly Legislative Update | |
Stay up to date on legislation through our Bill Tracker! View position statements, access bill text, and check hearing times and dates. | | |
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Eye On Annapolis Summit
We attended the "Eye on Annapolis Summit" for a live conversation with Maryland's political leaders in Annapolis last week. Off the bat, Governor Moore announced that his budget will include $2 billion in cuts with plans for $50 million in cost savings. The cost savings will be advised by a consulting firm which has been retained to find areas of efficiency.
The Speaker of the House, Adrienne Jones, and Senate President, Bill Ferguson also spoke about their predictions for the session, citing concerns about keeping the progress created by the Blueprint for Education Act, even if some component start dates, such as additional teacher planning time, are delayed as an expense management tactic.
Details about the budget proposal were not provided, however upon being asked about disability funding support, the Senate President answered reassuringly, stating they (the Legislature) were "not going to balance the budget on the backs of [our most] vulnerable citizens." Maryland’s current budget is about $63 billion and Governor Moore is expected to introduce his 2026 budget proposal this Wednesday.
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The second day of Legislative Session is Legislative Calendar Day, and representatives from the 10 local chapters of The Arc and members of The Arc Maryland showed out in Annapolis to distribute copies of our Legislative Calendars to their representatives in the House and Senate. In addition to legislators' birthdays and holidays, each calendar month features stories of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by The Arc, and how they are "Opening Doors" in the community. Thank you to everyone who came to be a part of the day, and to the legislators who stopped by to say hello! | |
Senate and House Witness Guideline Updates | |
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The House and Senate Protocols for 2025 have been updated. While these are similar to last year, there are some changes to signing up for testimony:
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House bill testimony is due two business days before a hearing between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Senate bill testimony is due two business days before a hearing between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Please note that this is two business days. Monday hearings require testimony submission on Thursday of the week prior, while Tuesday hearings require testimony submission on Friday of the week prior. For the full protocols from the House and Senate, click the links below! We encourage you to save a copy of these for reference during session.
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SB0062 - Task Force on Education Funding and Student Population Growth
Position: Support with Amendment
Current Status: In Senate B&T Hearing 1/15 at 10:30 a.m.; Testimony due today, 1/13, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the MGA Website
This bill would establish a Task Force on Education Funding and Student Population Growth. We must ensure adequate representation from the Special Education community for any group created to look at school funding and student population growth (future teacher needs). The Arc Maryland signed on to Education Advocacy Coalition testimony asking for an amendment to add at least one individual with expertise related to students with disabilities and special education.
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SB0097 - Education - Youth Enhancement Program - Establishment
Position: Support with Amendment
Current Status: In Senate B&T Hearing 1/15 at 10:30 a.m.; Testimony due today, 1/13, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the MGA Website
This bill would establish a mentorship program that would provide grants to organizations that serve early adolescent children and young adults who attend public school in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and are members of a historically disadvantaged group who face obstacles to achievement. The Education Advocacy Coalition supports the establishment of this worthy program. We suggest an amendment making clear that adolescents and young adults with disabilities must be included within the scope of the program.
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SB0157 - Maryland Disability Service Animal Program - Established
Position: Support
Current Status: In FIN Hearing January 1/15 at 10:30 a.m.; Testimony WOULD be due today, 1/13, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the MGA website (see below)
This bill would establish a Disability Service Animal Program and fund in the Department of Disabilities. The Department would select a nonprofit training entity for participation in the Program. This repeat bill includes language changes we requested to last year's version. Several Marylanders with disabilities receive assistance from service animals or would be benefited by access to a service animal.
The legislation is being treated as a prior intro bill, and only Sponsor Testimony will be provided to the Committee. Previously, Sponsor-only testimony may be allowed after cross-over day for cross-filed, identical bills, but not for initial introductions in a new legislative session. We will question this change in protocol as many bills are presented in prior sessions and brought back. Citizens of the state should have the opportunity to provide testimony with the benefit of time and additional data/ information to share to help influence sound decision-making.
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Save the Date: Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
Feb 13th in Annapolis
One of the biggest advocacy days of the year is coming up soon - Registration is expected to open later this week for DD Day at Legislature. The event will be held again at the Graduate Annapolis Hotel! On February 13th, several hundred people with IDD, family members, providers, and other leaders will touch down in Annapolis to make an impact with their representatives. Be on the lookout for more announcements from The Arc Maryland and other members of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition.
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HEARING SCHEDULE
Please See the Bill Tracker for Our Positions on These Bills
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Tuesday, January 14th at 1 p.m. in House APP
- Briefing, Medicaid Federal Policy Implications and AHEAD Model
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Tuesday, January 14th at 1 p.m. in Senate JPR
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SB0184 - Charitable Organizations- Late Fees and Registration- Suspension and Cancellation Requirements
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Wednesday, January 15th at 10:30 a.m. in Senate B&T
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SB0062 - Task Force on Education Funding and Student Population Growth
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SB0097 - Education - Youth Enhancement Program - Establishment
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Wednesday, January 15th at 10:30 a.m. in Senate FIN
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SB0157 - Maryland Disability Service Animal Program- Established
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Thursday, January 16th at 11 a.m. in House APP (Education and Economic Development Subcommittee); Joint Hearing with W&M (Early Childhood Subcommittee)
- Briefing, State Department of Education on Child Care
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Thursday, January 16th at 1 p.m. in Senate FIN
- Briefing, Maryland Department of Health
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Thursday, January 16th at 2 p.m. in Senate EEE
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SB0242 - Department of Information Technology - Maryland Digital Service - Establishment
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Tuesday, January 21st at 1 p.m. in House EMC
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HB0031 - Consumer Protection- Right to Repair- Powered Wheelchairs
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Tuesday, January 21st at 2:30 p.m. in Senate JPR
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SB0090 - Criminal Procedure- Incompetency to Stand Trial Dismissal
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Wednesday, January 22nd at 1 p.m. in House EMC
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HB0239 - Charitable Organizations- Late Fees and Registration- Suspension and Cancellation Requirements
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Wednesday, January 22nd at 1 p.m. in House JUD
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HB0027 - Estates and Trusts - Compensation of Guardians of Property and Trustees
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Wednesday, January 22nd at 1 p.m. in Senate EEE
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SB0151 - Higher Education- Disciplinary Records- Use in Admissions and Disciplinary Proceedings
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SB0248 - Department of Service and Civic Innovation – Maryland Corps Program Service Year Option Pathways – Revisions
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Thursday, January 23rd at 1 p.m. in Senate EEE
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SB0068 - Public Schools- Restorative Practices Schools - Comprehensive Plan
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Thursday, January 23rd at 1 p.m. in Senate JPR
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SB0019 - Estates and Trusts - Compensation of Guardians of Property and Trustees
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SB0125 - Residential Real Property- Local Limits on Summoning Law Enforcement or Emergency Services
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Please Note: the following abbreviations identify the Legislative Committees in the Assembly: | |
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House of Delegates:
APP - Appropriations
EMC - Economic Matters
E&T - Environment and Transportation
HGO - Health and Government Operations
HRU - Rules and Executive Nominations
JUD - Judiciary
W&M - Ways and Means
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Senate:
B&T - Budget and Taxation
EEE - Education,Energy, and the Environment
EXN - Executive Nominations
FIN - Finance
JPR - Judicial Proceedings
SRU - Rules
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