SB0443 / HB0403 - End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act)

Position: Evaluating

Current Status: SB0443 In Senate JPR Hearing 2/8 at 1 PM. Testimony due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 2/7 through the MGA website.

HB0403 In House HGO Hearing 2/16 at 1 PM and In House JUD Hearing 2/16 at 1 PM. Testimony due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 2/15 through the MGA website.

This bill would authorize people to request aid in dying with requirements related to consulting physicians, mental health assessments, health care facility policies, and the effect of aid in dying on insurance policies. Would authorize a pharmacist to dispense medication for aid in dying only to certain individuals under certain circumstances.

It is the position of The Arc US to oppose legislation such as this due to historically disparate, inequitable healthcare for people with IDD, a persistent lack of understanding regarding the prognosis for people with certain conditions, and fears related to denial of healthcare due to misunderstandings about quality of life of people with IDD.

In Maryland, our membership is divided on the issue. We recognize the growing support in Maryland for this legislation and our goal is to try to ensure that anything that might pass has certain protections built in, and data requirements to protect individuals with IDD from misuse of this option. Members of The Arc Maryland Governmental Affairs Committee will be meeting today to discuss the legislation further.

HB0641 - Election Law - Curbside Voting

Position: Support

Current Status: In House W&M Hearing 2/13 at 1 PM. Testimony is due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 2/9 through the MGA website.

This legislation would require each local board of elections to designate an outside location for curbside voting. The bill would make voting easier for people who have ambulation and mobility disabilities to vote from the comfort of their vehicle. A similar bill was filed last year, but this year's version addresses concerns raised regarding privacy, notifications, and access.

SB0092 / HB0426 - Places of Public Accommodation - Motion Picture Houses – Captioning

Position: Support

Current Status: SB0092 In Senate JPR, Hearing 2/8 at 1 PM. Testimony is due on 2/7 between 8 AM and 6 PM through the MGA website.

HB0426 In House EMC, Hearing tomorrow, 2/6 at 1 PM. Testimony was submitted by The Arc Maryland on Friday.

This legislation would require Movie theaters (considered places of public accommodation) to provide access to fully operational open caption technology for the general public for each screening of a movie that is produced and offered with closed captioning. This does not apply during the first 7 days after a motion picture premieres in the motion picture house.

A place of public accommodation that controls, operates, owns, or leases at least two motion picture houses in the state shall provide open captioning for each motion picture it screens each week that is produced and offered with closed captioning for at least two screenings each week.

SOLD OUT: Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature

February 21st, 8 to 11 AM

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We are excited to announce that we are now sold out for DD Day with more than 750 people expected to attend. While registration is full, you can still tune into a live stream of the event on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition's Facebook page here, or join the event waitlist here in case any tickets become available.

Save the Date: The Arc Maryland Statewide Convention & Awards Banquet

May 30th

Mark your calendars for May 30th! Our Convention & Awards Banquet is back once again at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County! This year's theme is Leading the Way. Sponsorship opportunities will open soon to showcase your business or organization for an anticipated 300 self-advocate, family member, professional, legislative leader, and partner affiliate attendees! Sponsorship opportunities and early ticket sales start tomorrow!

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in House EMC

• HB0426 - Places of Public Accommodation - Motion Picture Houses - Captioning

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in House E&T

• HB0199 - Multifamily Dwellings - Smoking Policies

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0354 - Maryland Pathway to Nursing Program and Advisory Committee - Establishment
• HB0368 - Human Relations - Discrimination by a Place of Public Accommodation

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0195 - Public Safety - Missing Persons With Cognitive Impairment - Purple Alert Program

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0054 - Occupational Licensing and Certification – Criminal History – Prohibited Disclosures and Predetermination Review Process
• SB0371 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Provider Agencies and Personal Care Aides - Reimbursement and Wage Reports (Homecare Workers Livable Wage Act of 2024)

Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM in Senate JPR

• SB0262 - Charitable Organizations - Late Fees and Registration - Suspension and Cancellation Requirements
• SB0277 - Vehicle Laws - Driver's Licenses, Learner's Instructional Permits, and Identification Cards

Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 PM in House EMC

• HB0175 - Occupational Licensing and Certification – Criminal History – Prohibited Disclosures and Predetermination Review Process

Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0353 - Maryland Department of Health - 2-1-1 Maryland - Oversight

Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0359 - Petition for Guardianship of the Property of Alleged Disabled Person - Stay of Civil Actions and Proceedings
• HB0432 - Courts and Judicial Proceedings and Criminal Procedure - Technical Corrections - References to Intellectual Disability

Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 PM in House W&M

• HB0060 - Rehabilitation Services - Disability - Definition

Wednesday, February 7th at 1:00 PM in Senate EEE

• SB0033 - More Opportunities for Career-Focused Students Act of 2024
• SB0381 - Education - Interscholastic and Intramural Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams - Designation Based on Sex (Fairness In Girls' Sports Act)

Wednesday, February 7th at 2:00 PM in Senate B&T

• SB0552 - Operating Budget - Funding - Scholarships for Nonpublic School Students

Wednesday, February 7th at 2:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0331 - Task Force to Study Paratransit in Maryland

Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0340 - Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits and Funding (The Lowering Prescription Drug Costs For All Marylanders Now Act)
• HB0400 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Annual Behavioral Health Wellness Visits - Coverage and Reimbursement

Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0169 - Custodial Interrogation of Minors - Admissibility of Statements
• HB0319 - Juvenile Justice Restoration Act of 2024

Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 PM in Senate EEE

• SB0445 - Maryland Department of Health - 2-1-1 Maryland - Oversight

Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0197 - Residential Service Agencies - Reimbursement - Personal Assistance Services

Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 PM in Senate JPR

• SB0092 - Places of Public Accommodation - Motion Picture Houses - Captioning
• SB0443 - End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act)

Tuesday, February 13th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0581 - State Government - Permits, Licenses, and Certificates - Processing (Transparent Government Act of 2024)

Tuesday, February 13th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0547 - Crime of Violence - Educational Facilities, Medical Facilities, and Places of Worship - Penalty (Sacred Places Safety Act)

Tuesday, February 13th at 1:00 PM in House W&M

• HB0142 - Election Law - Polling Places - Establishing Voter Identity (Voter Privacy Act of 2024)
• HB0164 - Election Law - Voter Registration List - Absentee Voters (Absentee Ballot Transparency Act of 2024)
• HB0192 - Elections - In-Person Voting - Proof of Identity
• HB0202 - Election Law - Absentee Ballots - Signature Requirements and Verification
• HB0614 - Election Law - Curbside Voting

Tuesday, February 13th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0124 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Annual Behavioral Health Wellness Visits - Coverage and Reimbursement

Tuesday, February 13th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0052 - Juvenile Justice Restoration Act of 2024
• SB0120 - Juvenile Law - Custodial Interrogation - Parental Consultation
• SB0314 - Juvenile Law - Willful Misconduct of a Minor - Civil Liability of a Parent, Legal Guardian, or Custodian (Parental Accountability Act)

Wednesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM in House EMC

• HB0251 - Unemployment Insurance - Covered Employment - Employees of Governmental Entities or Charitable, Educational, or Religious Organizations
• HB0571 - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program - Modifications

Wednesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM in House E&T

• HB0420 - State and Local Parks - Play Area Accessibility - Communication Boards

Wednesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0103 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Dental Services - Coverage and Rate Study
• HB0215 - Human Services - Attendant Care Program - Ongoing Additional Supports
• HB0509 - Developmental Disabilities - Community Providers - Federal Participation for Local Funds
• HB0767 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Adult and Pediatric Dental Services - Reimbursement Rates

Wednesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0698 - Estates and Trusts - Guardianship of the Person of a Disabled Person - Expedited Proceedings

Wednesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM in House W&M

• HB0615 - Education - Prohibited Behavior on School Grounds and Property - Application
• HB0837 - More Opportunities for Career–Focused Students Act of 2024

Thursday, February 15th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0347 - Medical Cannabis – Employees in Health Care Settings Caring for Qualifying Patients

Friday, February 16th at 1:00 PM in House HGO

• HB0403 - End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act)

Friday, February 16th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0403 - End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act)

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