MarylandMaryland renames deaf services office and adds Deafblind council roles
Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland’s deaf and hard of hearing office and advisory council include Deafblind people in their names, and the council adds two roles.
What it does
Maryland renames its deaf and hard of hearing office and advisory council to include Deafblind people. The renamed office succeeds the former office.
The council adds a seat for the Department of Disabilities and reserves one public member spot for someone with expertise in services for deafblind people.
Argument forAdding a member with expertise in services for deafblind people may help the council give state officials advice that better reflects those needs.
Argument againstA larger council could take more time to coordinate, which may slow its advice to state agencies.
More detail
Maryland renames the office and advisory council to include Deafblind people. The office is part of the Governor’s Office, and the council advises the state. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
The council adds a seat for the Department of Disabilities and a public member with expertise in services for deafblind people. The Department of Disabilities secretary or a designee fills one seat. One of the nine public members must have special knowledge or expertise about services for deafblind people. The Governor appoints council members with the advice and consent of the Senate. These membership changes take effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 655Became Law
- Apr 10Returned Passed
- Apr 9Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Apr 8Second Reading Passed
- Apr 8Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Apr 8Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentMinor
- Mar 22
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 27Referred Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentMinor
- Feb 26Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Feb 24Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Feb 24Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Feb 23Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Feb 20
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 28Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 22First Reading Government, Labor, and ElectionsIntroduced
Disability RightsGovernment & Ethics