The Annapolis Insider
Weekly Legislative Update 
Due to Connectivity issues, The Insider did not go out last Friday .
 Week of March 20 - 24, 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 
AHCA Vote Cancelled in Congress; Hubbard Bill on Way to Passage; FY2018 Budget passed with differences-Conference Committee Announced, Independent Living Tax Credit Advances, Lead Poisoning, Marylanders Meet with Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., Continued Threats to Medicaid
 
Events and Bill Hearings Held This week

AHCA Vote In Congress Cancelled

Congress has been on a fast track to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and adopt the Republican-led American Health Care Act (AHCA). The AHCA would make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program. The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program. After postponing the vote yesterday, the House plans to vote on the bill this afternoon. 

Breaking News: House Speaker Paul Ryan cancelled today's planned vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and has pulled the bill.  These delays and the recent action point to a division between Republican House Members with not enough votes to pass the bill. Overnight, a provision was added to repeal the essential health benefits (EHB).  EHBs include hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse disorder services including behavioral health treatment, and rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, to name a few. The provision effectively repeals protection against lifetime and annual caps, and will make it harder for people with pre-existing conditions to find adequate health insurance.

The American Health Care Act includes an $880 billion cut to Medicaid over the next decade. According to the Congressional Budget Office it will result in 24 million people without health insurance by 2026. This includes 14 million fewer people enrolled in Medicaid, click here.
 
Yesterday the White House and various elements of the House Republicans met to continue discussions and negotiations to secure enough Republican votes to pass the AHCA. There are two camps that oppose the current version of AHCA: Democrats and the House Freedom Caucus, comprised of the 40 most conservative House Republicans.  The Administration and GOP's balancing act was to craft a bill that will obtain votes from both moderate Republicans and the House Freedom Caucus. More information will be released as events unfold. By the time you finished reading this, things may have changed.

Your voice needs to be heard! Go to www.thearc.org for immediate action you can take. Click here  to find your U.S. Senators and Congress people.

The Arc Maryland is compiling information and real life stories of Marylanders to educate legislators about how cuts to the federal Medicaid Program would impact the 23,000 Marylanders with I/DD and hundreds of children with autism who rely upon Medicaid Waivers that provide home and community services.  Click here to read the fact sheet. If you are a person with I/DD or a family member and would like to share your story and photo click here (the accompanying release must also be completed and attached in order for your story to be shared). Your stories are vital to educate legislators about the impact of proposed funding caps and cuts to the Medicaid program!  


On March 20, 2017 Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, John Sarbanes, and Jamie Raskin led a rally in Annapolis to petition Governor Hogan to respond to inquiries about his position on the American Health Care Act.  The AHCA will cut health care services to 350,000 Maryland citizens.  Tens of thousands of Maryland residents affected are citizens with developmental disabilities. 

Congressman Cummings said that he is begging Governor Hogan to "Stand up and add your voice to people who are forcefully and publicly opposing the American Health Care Act." 

Marylanders Head to Capitol Hill to Meet with Congressional Delegation

A record number of people with disabilities, families, and advocates attended this week's National Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. The focus was on Medicaid, health care and SSI. The Maryland team from several counties met with staff of Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and all eight of our House Representatives. All but a few have a long history of support of programs and the civil rights of individuals with I/DD and they cordially and responsively welcomed our visit.

The Arc Baltimore Team


Maryland Senate & House Adopt Different Budget Versions
Different versions of the FY 2018 Operating Budget have been passed.  A conference committee will meet to resolve differences.  Conferees: Senator's Kasemeyer, DeGrange, Madaleno, King, and Edwards; Delegates McIntosh, Gaines, Jones, Reznik, and Beitzel.  Both versions include the 3.5% rate increase for DDA-funded providers, full funding for Transitioning Youth, Crisis Resolution and Emergencies, and the start of a Waiting List Initiative.  The one difference related to DDA Budget: The Senate includes additional funds for the transition from CSLA to Personal Supports; the House does not provide this increase.

James W Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Act Advances

The House and Senate have each passed their respective bills.  The bills have crossed over to the other chamber. SB 872 was heard this week in House Ways & Means Committee. HB 971 is expected to be before the Senate EHEA Committee next week. Both bills are the same version.
 
HB 644/SB 180 - Independent Living Tax Credit Act

HB 644 passed the House with amendments and was heard in the Senate this week. The Arc testified in support of companion bill SB 180 with amendments which include: the tax credit is only to individuals; the tax credit will be administered through the Department of Disabilities; and that the yearly tax credit available from the State be changed from $2 Million to $1 Million.
 
ABLE ACT Update

The Maryland ABLE program will be implemented by Maryland 529 and will allow individuals with disabilities to save money and pay for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing federal means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid. HB 448 - Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE Program) - Account Clarifications passed the House, crossed to the Senate and has received a favorable report by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. SB 344 passed in the Senate and has moved to the House. The bill clarifies that a certain amount may be contributed in each calendar year to an ABLE account and provides guidelines that contributions to an ABLE account may not exceed a certain maximum amount.

HB456/SB 943 - Children with Disabilities and Child Care Providers - Dispute Resolution Process

As amended, HB 546 requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with a work group of stakeholders, to draft regulations for a dispute resolution process to be used by families of children with disabilities and child care providers for resolving complaints of discrimination based on a child's disability. The Department must submit a report outlining the process and its implementation to the General Assembly by October 1, 2017.  SB 943 has passed the Senate and was heard this week by the House Ways and Means Committee.   HB 456 passed the House and has moved to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Both bills are identical. 
 
HB 1061 - Education - Emergency and Evacuation Plans - Individuals with Disabilities

HB 1061 requires the State Department of Education to consult with disability advocacy groups by December 1, 2017, to update specified guidelines to accommodate, safeguard, and evacuate students, staff, and visitors with disabilities on public school grounds. It will require each local school system, to update the local school system's emergency plan based on a specified update of the Department's guidelines and regulations on or before July, 2018.The bill passed in the House, has crossed over to the Senate and has a hearing on March 29, 2017 before the Senate Education, Health, and Governmental Affairs Committee. 

HB 1287 - Commission on the School-to-Prison Pipeline and Restorative Practices

HB 1287 establishes the Commission on the School-to-Prison Pipeline and Restorative Practices. The purpose of the Commission is to study current disciplinary practices in Maryland public schools and examine national best practices for training teachers and principals in restorative practices and eliminating the school-to-prison pipeline. The Commission's report with its findings and recommendations is due to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2019. HB 1287 passed the House Ways and Means Committee and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate EHEA Committee on 3/29/17.

SB 1013/HB 1214 - Services of Much Needed Dental Therapists May be Available in Maryland 

Many people with I/DD depend on Medicaid to cover the cost of dental health care. Unfortunately, few private dentists will accept this insurance. Even if a family is lucky enough to find a dentist who will accept Medicare, dentists often do not have training in working with individuals who may be non-verbal, have challenging behaviors or other special needs. SB 1013/HB 1214 - Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure would license specially trained dental hygienists who have taken additional course work specifically addressing the dental care needs of patients with I/DD and other special needs. Dental therapists are designed as a portable practice - dental therapists can travel to rural areas, which lack dentists, as well as, to schools, recreation centers, community centers and other locations that are accessible by public transportation.
 
SB 1013 passed second reader yesterday in the Senate amended to create a work group, including stakeholders and representatives of people with disabilities, to study the need for dental therapists in Maryland. The report is due December 2017. HB 1214 has not yet come out of committee. 

Legislation to Prevent and Combat Lead Poisoning Moving Forward

Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental child health problems in the United States. Lead is especially harmful to children younger than 6, due to their developing brain and nervous system. Large amounts of lead in a child's blood can cause brain damage, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and behavior problems. Lead poisoning is often undetected because there are typically no obvious signs of lead poisoning. Lead contamination is often found at home, in paint, house dust, and soil abutting a building covered with lead paint. 
 
Although in recent years there has been a decline in the number of children in Maryland determined to have unsafe levels of lead exposure, the most recent Childhood Lead Registry released by the Maryland Department of the Environment documents over a thousand new cases of children with dangerous blood lead levels of greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter. Unfortunately, these young children now join the multitude of older children and adults in Maryland who have been suffering the debilitating effects of lead poisoning for decades.  A series of bills aimed at combating  lead poisoning have been introduced this legislative session. 

HB 1358/SB 542 - Maryland Lead Poisoning Recovery Act would establish the Maryland Lead-Based Paint Restitution Fund made up of funds received by the State for claims brought against the lead paint industry.  Funds would be used to support the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Under the bill, the Governor would be required to include in the annual budget for these programs the lesser of $100,000,00 or 90% of the funds estimated to be available in the fund that fiscal year.  Portions of the fund would expressly be used to support research for the prevention and treatment of lead poisoning. Significant new funding would be expressly allocated every year for special education and job training addressing the needs of lead-poisoned children and adults. These services could greatly benefit many children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both bills depend on the General Assembly accepting the theory of collective liability which is, unfortunately, a disfavored legal doctrine. To date, both bills are still in Committee and have not yet been voted on.

More successful has been HB 7 - Environment - Lead Hazards-Environmental Investigation, Reporting and Risk Reduction which was unanimously voted out of the House and will have a hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on March 29. HB 7, as amended, would require the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to promulgate regulations establishing uniform, state-wide procedures for conducting environmental investigations to determine the source of harmful lead exposure to both pregnant women and children under age 6. Unlike current practices in Maryland, the new procedures would have to be consistent with the guidelines promulgated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill would also require more extensive reporting by MDE on the lead poisoning of children in Maryland.

HB 133 - Environment-Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing - Notification of Elevated Blood Lead Level was also unanimously passed out of the House and is currently in the Senate Rules Committee. This bill promotes a more comprehensive and efficient system of notification when a rental property is found to expose a child to the risk of harmful lead poisoning. HB 133 would require the Secretary of Environment assist local governments in providing case management for children with elevated blood lead levels. Additionally, the MDA would be charged with assisting local governments in the notification of the parents or legal guardians of a child at risk as well as the owner of the affected rental property.  
 
Other Priority Issues
 
SB 230/HB 1 - Labor and Employment - Maryland Health Working Families Act  

Both bills have passed their respective houses but with differing amendments. HB 1 was heard last week in Senate committee.  The Senate Finance Committee has not taken action to determine which amendments they will vote out.  The Arc Maryland supports the legislation with amendments that are included to ensure essential services are not disrupted for persons with developmental disabilities who receive community services.

HB 370/SB 354 - Richard E Israel and Roger 'Pip' Moyer End-of-Life Option Act  

The bill was withdrawn. The Arc Maryland opposed the bill.

HB 317 - Labor and Employment - Wages and Benefits - Preemption of Local Authority  

This bill was given an unfavorable report in Committee and is dead this year. This bill would have prohibited local municipalities to set their own minimum wage level.

HB 665/SB 607- Labor and Employment - Exemptions from Overtime Pay - Administrative, Executive, or Professional Capacity

These bills were killed in the Senate Committee and is dead this year. The bill was an attempt to roll back federal requirements, which are on hold pending legal action.

On Slate for Next Week

 
  • FY 2018 State Budget - Senate and House Conferees are expected to be named to iron out the differences between the two budget bills.
  • Watch for more updates and alerts on proposed Congressional action on health care and Medicaid. 
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, Post Hearing in Senate
ECM, FIN
Support with Amendments
Environment - Children With Elevated Blood Lead Levels - Environmental Investigation
Passed in House, Hearing 3/29 at 1 pm (EHEA)
E&T, EHEA
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, Post Hearing in Senate
Support
Health Insurance - Required Conformity With Federal Law
Passed in House, Hearing 4/4 at 1 pm (FIN)
Monitor

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Board of Review - Repeal Passed in House, Hearing 3/30 at 1 pm (FIN)
HGO, FIN
Oppose
State Disabilities Plan and Interagency Disabilities Board - Revisions
Passed in House, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (FIN)
Monitor

Environment - Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing - Notification of Elevated Blood Lead Level
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
Support
HB 150
(SB 170)		 Budget Bill Conference Committee Appointed APP Support
HB 152
(SB 172)		 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2017 Conference Committee Appointed APP Support with Amendments
HB 172
(SB 728)		 Home Act of 2017 Passed in House, First Reading in Senate E&T, JPR Support
Education - Children With Disabilities - Individualized Education Program Process - Parental Consent
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
W&M, EHEA
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
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
JUD, JPR
Support
( SB 786)
Education - Behavior Intervention Plans - Physical Restraint and Seclusion
Post Hearing
W&M
Support
Maryland Student Transportation Safety Act
Unfavorable Report
E&T
Support with Amendments
( SB 1106)
Health Care Practitioners - Use of Teletherapy
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
HGO, EHEA
Monitor

( SB 305)
Commonsense Paid Leave Act
Post Hearing
ECM
Monitor

( SB 651)
Public Schools - Suspensions and Expulsions
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
Support
( SB 344)
Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Account Clarifications
Passed in House, Second Reading Passed in Senate
HGO, B&T
Support
( SB 943)
Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers - Dispute Resolution Process - Regulations
Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
W&M, EHEA
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
Passed in House, Hearing 3/29 at 1 pm (FIN)
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, Post Hearing in Senate
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
Passed in House, Post Hearing in Senate
HGO, ECM, FIN
Support
( SB 180)
Independent Living Tax Credit Act
Passed in House, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (B&T)
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, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (FIN) HGO, FIN Monitor
HB 909
(SB 571)		 Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act Second Reading Passed with Amendments 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 Unfavorable Report JUD Monitor
HB 971
(SB 872)		 James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program Passed in House, First Reading in Senate W&M, EHEA Support
HB 978
(SB 871)		 Education - Accountability - Consolidated State Plan and Support and Improvement Plans (Protect Our Schools Act of 2017) Passed in House, Favorable with Amendments Report in Senate W&M, EHEA Support
HB 1061 Task Force to Study Emergency and Evacuation Plans for Students, Staff, and Visitors with Disabilities in Public School Facilities Passed in House, First Reading in Senate W&M, EHEA Support
( SB 201)
Education - Fire Drill Requirements - State Fire Prevention Code
Passed in House, Hearing 3/29 at 1 pm (EHEA)
W&M, EHEA
Support with Amendments
HB 1080 Education - Universal Prekindergarten - Established Post Hearing W&M Monitor
HB 1158 Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Comprehensive Dental Benefits for Adults - Authorization
 Post Hearing HGO Support
HB 1165 Estate - Duties of Guardian of the Person - Notice and Visitation by Family Second Reading Passed with Amendments 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 Passed in House, First Reading in Senate JUD, JPR Monitor
HB 1214
(SB 1013)		 Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure Post Hearing 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 Passed in House, First Reading in Senate
HGO, FIN, EHEA
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 Passed in House, Hearing 3/29 at 1 pm (EHEA) W&M, EHEA 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, Post Hearing in House
Support
Child Abuse and Neglect - Substance-Exposed Newborns - Reporting
Unfavorable Report
JPR
Monitor

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

( HB 15)
Family Law - Destitute Adults - Extraordinary Medical Expenses for Developmental Disabilities and Civil Action
Unfavorable Report
JPR
Support
( HB 1207)
Family Law - Treatment Foster Care Homes - Siblings
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/30 at 1 pm (JUD)
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, Post Hearing in House
Support
( HB 1066)
Education - Fire Drill Requirements - State Fire Prevention Code
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
Support with Amendments
( HB 769)
Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council - Renaming and Altering Membership and Duties
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
Monitor

( HB 1)
Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
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, Hearing 3/29 at 1 pm (JUD)
Support
SB 282
(HB 571)		 Property Tax Credit - Disabled or Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Rescue Workers - Acquisition of Dwelling
 Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/30 at 1 pm (W&M) B&T, W&M 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, Post Hearing in House
Monitor

( HB 448)
Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Account Clarifications
Passed in Senate, Second Reading Passed 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, Post Hearing in House
EHEA, HGO
Monitor

Service Animals - Aggravated Cruelty and False Representation
Unfavorable Report 
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
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (HGO)
Monitor

Education - Remote Classroom Technology Grant Program - Establishment (Peyton's Bill)
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
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
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
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (HGO)
FIN, HGO
Support
( HB 658)
Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Telehealth - Requirements
Post Hearing
FIN
Monitor

( HB 909)
Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act
Passed in Senate, Second Reading Passed with Amendments in House
FIN, HGO
Monitor

( HB 516)
Workgroup to Study the Implementation of Universal Access to Prekindergarten for 4-Year-Olds
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
B&T, W&M
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
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
EHEA, FIN, W&M, HGO
Monitor

( HB 425)
Public Schools - Suspension and Expulsions
Passed in Senate, First Reading in House
EHEA, HRU
Support
( HB 548)
Education - Prekindergarten Student Assessment - Moratorium
Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House
EHEA, W&M
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 Post Hearing 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
Passed in Senate, Hearing 3/28 at 1 pm (E&T)
EHEA, E&T
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)
 Laid Over Adopted EHEA Support
SB 872
(HB 971)		 James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House EHEA, W&M Support
SB 943
(HB 456)		 Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers - Dispute Resolution Process - Regulations Passed in Senate, Post Hearing in House EHEA, W&M Support
SB 962
(HB 1416)		 Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage Required (Fight for Fifteen) Post Hearing FIN Monitor
SB 987
(HB 940)		 Education - School Vehicles Used by Private Entities - Seat Belt Requirement Unfavorable Report JPR Support with Amendments
SB 1013
(HB 1214)		 Health Occupations - Dental Therapists - Licensure Passed in Senate, First Reading in House EHEA, HRU Support
SB 1106
(HB 352)		 Healthcare Practitioners - Use of Teletherapy Passed in Senate, First Reading in House SRU, HRU 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