2023 Legislative Updates

Bills we’re following this legislative session:

House Bill 41 would require all polling locations to allow curbside voting for persons with disabilities. This bill is currently being reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 95 would require that election judges be provided training materials teaching them how to assist elderly and disabled voters. This bill is currently being reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 294 would shift the burden of proof onto the school systems in due process hearings, when there is a question as to whether a child with a disability was provided with an appropriate education. This bill is pending review by the Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 354 would raise the age limit for opening an ABLE account (from 26 to 46) to accommodate people who become disabled later in life. This bill has been read by the Health and Government Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on 2/28.

House Bill 621 would require DORS to post their number of open cases on their website, and update the information monthly. This bill has been read by the Ways and Means Committee and is awaiting a hearing.

House Bill 726 would allow children of military families who are on the Autism Waiver Registry to remain on the registry if the family is relocated by the military, so that they do not have to begin the process and go back to the end of the waiting list if they return to Maryland (currently, the average wait time for services is nine years). This bill has been read by the Health and Government Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on 2/28.

House Bill 870 would require DORS and DDA to develop a “memorandum of understanding,” in order to safely and efficiently share data regarding individuals who are served by both. This bill is scheduled for a House Health and Government Operations Hearing on March 14.