Last week, there were several briefings of interest in the House and Senate. We are highlighting two: The Department of Health- Budget Overview (House), and a Briefing on the Status of Home and Community Based Services Waivers in Maryland (House).

Maryland Department of Health Budget Hearing

The budget analyst reported that even though there was an effort to reduce waiting lists and registries for waiver services after the passage of the End The Wait Act, the waiting lists and registries grew in numbers, overall. MDH was asked to provide an update on efforts to fill EDD vacancies that would support Medicaid HCBS waiver programs. EDD is responsible for determining and redetermining a person's continuing eligibility for Medicaid. Personnel vacancies, combined with a lack of automation in EDD, have contributed to a backlog.

The MDH was also asked to describe how the $10 million in new funding in the DDA will be used to support provider capacity in fiscal year 2025. The Department reported its plans to address the issues with EDD and is developing a response to how it intends to use the 10 million dollars. You can review the full report below.

Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Briefing

In an overview in the Appropriations Committee last week, members of the Medicaid offices shared information on the difference between State Plan Services under Medicaid and 1915(c) HCBS Waivers. Waiver service numbers, rate increases over time, and top priorities for the Department were also discussed. That report can be found here:

SB0419 / HB0377 - Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Funding – Alterations

Position: Support

Current Status: SB0419 in Senate B&T Hearing 1/31 at 1 PM. Testimony due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 1/30 through the MGA website.

HB0377 in House W&M Hearing 1/31 at 1 PM. Testimony due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 1/29 through the MGA website.

This bill would alter the fiscal years, beginning in fiscal year 2025, during which the Governor is required to include in the annual budget bill a certain appropriation to the Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program. We are grateful for the interest in continuing this important program.

HB0336 - Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Materials for Individualized Education Program Meetings

Position: Support (with information)

Current Status: In House W&M Hearing 1/31 at 1 PM. Testimony is due between 8 AM and 6 PM on 1/29 through the MGA website.

This legislation would require local school systems to provide parents with written informational materials regarding the Maryland ABLE Program during individualized education program (IEP) meetings. The materials would be developed by the State Treasurer and could be distributed electronically or by hand to parents, the State Board of Education, and county boards of education.

Our testimony will request that the committee consider adding a requirement for schools to notify parents before their child’s first IEP meeting each academic year of their right to include experts and other third parties in their IEP meetings. This could include but is not limited to inviting a lawyer, a therapist, or a family member with knowledge of the child. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act already gives parents the right to involve third parties in IEP meetings, but most families are unaware of this right. There is legislation currently being considered on a Federal Level: the Think Differently About Education Act, that would require this.

SB0162 / HB0093 - Landlord and Tenant - Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent

Position: Support if Amended

Current Status: SB0162 In Senate JPR, Hearing 1/30 at 1 PM. Testimony is due today, 1/29 between 8 AM and 6 PM through the MGA website.

HB0093 In House E&T, Hearing 1/30 at 2 PM. Testimony was due Friday.

This bill would limit a tenant's liability for rent under a residential lease if a physician, counselor, therapist, or psychologist completes a form specifying that the tenant has an intellectual or developmental disability or mental disorder and the tenant vacates the leased premises, the management of which is extremely limited by the leased premises.

We expressed concerns about unintended consequences with the sponsors, and sponsors agreed with us. They have amended the bill to remove references to intellectual and developmental disabilities and expand the list of professionals who can certify that a person meets criteria for terminating a lease to include counselors.

Maryland Department of Health Senate Budget Hearing

January 29th, 1 PM

Today, tune into MGA's Youtube at 1 PM for the Senate's Health and Human Services Subcommittee, part of B&T, which has a hearing on the Maryland Department of Health Budget. While this hearing covers an overview of the MDH Budget, the budget hearings for the DDA, which is part of the MDH, will take place on February 22nd and 23rd.

Maryland Department of Health House Budget Overview Briefing

January 30th, 1 PM

Tomorrow, tune into MGA's Youtube at 1 PM for the House HGO Committee, which will have a briefing on the Maryland Department of Health Budget.

Maryland Department of Disabilities House Budget Hearing

February 1st, 1 PM

The House's Health and Social Services Subcommittee, part of APP, is holding a hearing for the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) Budget this Thursday, February 1st, at 1 PM. The MDOD budget includes funding for key initiatives such as the Ethan Saylor Alliance and the Autism Taskforce, which may come up in discussions on the budget. You can tune into the hearing via the MGA YouTube link.

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 at more than 750 people expected to attend. While registration is full, you can still tune into a live stream of the event, or join the event waitlist here in case any tickets become available.

The Annual National Disability Policy Seminar

April 8th to 10th

The Disability Policy Seminar is an annual federal legislative conference co-sponsored by leading disability advocate organizations: The Arc, Autism Society, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, United Cerebral Palsy, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, and TASH (the partners). The Disability Policy Seminar strengthens our federal advocacy efforts by providing training, learning opportunities, and updates, as well as opportunities to visit members of Congress. The Disability Policy Seminar promotes unity and movement building and amplifies the concerns of people with IDD before Congress.

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum

Apply by March 1st

Calling all Maryland residents in their last two years of high school or graduating in Spring 2024! Unlock your leadership potential and elevate your future with the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum!

Explore civic engagement, enhance communication, and experience 'college life' at Towson University from June 24-26, 2024. Apply by March 1st for consideration!

Tuesday, January 30th at 1:00 PM in House APP

• HB0157 - Public Schools - Appropriations for School Safety Expenditures - Increase (School Safety Enhancement Act of 2024)
• HB0318 - Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Mail Depository Key

Tuesday, January 30th at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0308 - Public Safety - Missing Person Reports - Collection and Publication
• HB0318 - Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Mail Depository Key

Tuesday, January 30th at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0212 - Behavioral Health Advisory Council and Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access - Alterations

Tuesday, January 30th at 1:00 PM in Senate JPR

• SB0141 - Multifamily Dwellings - Smoking Policies
• SB0162 - Landlord and Tenant - Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent

Tuesday, January 30th at 2:00 PM in House E&T

• HB0007 - Housing Innovation Pilot Program and Housing Innovation Fund - Establishment (Housing Innovation Pilot Program Act of 2024)
• HB0093 - Landlord and Tenant - Termination of Residential Lease - Limitation of Liability for Rent

Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in House JUD

• HB0137 - Civil Actions - Civil Immunity - Educator Intervention

Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in House W&M

• HB0047 - Education - Interscholastic and Intramural Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams - Designation Based on Sex (Fairness In Girls' Sports Act)
• HB0116 - Teacher Degree Apprenticeship
• HB0167 - Public Schools - Student Health - Certificate of Dental Health
• HB0206 - Education - Student Behavior - Parent and Guardian Notice and Required Counseling (Parent and Guardian Accountability Act)
• HB0336 - Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program - Materials for Individualized Education Program Meetings
• HB0377 - Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Funding - Alterations

Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in Senate B&T

• SB0419 - Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Funding - Alterations

Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0070 - Transportation - Change in Bus Service - Impacts Report

Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in Senate JPR

• SB0077 - Bicycles, Play Vehicles, and Unicycles - Authorizations and Requirements

Thursday, February 1st at 1:00 PM in House E&T

• HB0111 - Bicycles, Play Vehicles, and Unicycles - Authorizations and Requirements
• HB0161 - Vehicle Laws - Driver's Licenses, Learner's Instructional Permits, and Identification Cards

Thursday, February 1st at 1:00 PM in House W&M

• HB0032 - Income Tax - Caregiver Tax Credit
• HB0218 - Income Tax - Credit for Long-Term Care Premiums (Long-Term Care Relief Act of 2024)

Thursday, February 1st at 1:00 PM in Senate FIN

• SB0084 - Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

Friday, February 2nd at 1:00 PM in Senate JPR

• SB0373 - Criminal Law – Theft – Mail and Mail Depository Key

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 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 FIN

• SB0331 - Rehabilitation Services - Disability - Definition

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 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)

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