MarylandHB 02262026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Department of Disabilities - Housing Programs and Affiliated Foundations - Establishment

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

DisabledEthicsAccessibility - see also- Blind; Deaf; Disabilities; etcAccountantsAttorney GeneralAuditors and AuditsAwareness and OutreachCommittees and CommissionsDisabilities, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesNoticesPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRecruitment and HiringReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)SolicitationState EmployeesTechnology -see also- AeroT; BioT; EnergyT; InfoT; MedT; etcWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Department runs accessible housing programs

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Department of Disabilities oversees Affordable and Accessible Housing Programs. Housing becomes one of the Department’s core duties. The Department coordinates services to create integrated, affordable, accessible housing in communities of choice. The law does not change who qualifies or set funding amounts.

New foundations raise support for disability programs

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Department may set up nonprofit foundations to support assistive technology, employment, and accessible housing programs. Foundations can raise and accept money and partner with people, businesses, governments, and nonprofits. The Secretary deposits accepted funds into a separate special fund. Donations supplement, and do not replace, the Department’s budget.

Strict ethics and audits for foundations

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, the Department writes operating policies for each foundation and sends them to the Attorney General and the State Ethics Commission for review. Foundations are not state agencies and cannot decide eligibility or set program policy; the Department keeps control. Foundation debts are not state debts. Department staff may serve on boards, but cannot be paid; only real expenses may be reimbursed with Department and board approval. The Department must notify the Ethics Commission when staff serve, which has 30 days to object, and must file a yearly report by Sept 1. Each foundation must pass a yearly independent audit; without a current audit, it cannot seek or receive donations, and the Department cannot accept them.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 198 • No: 101

Senate vote 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote 2/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 6 • Other: 13

House vote 2/12/2026

Floor Amendment {233021/1 (Delegate Grammer) Rejected

Yes: 32 • No: 95 • Other: 14

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 89

    4/14/2026
  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House
  3. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    4/8/2026Senate
  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026Senate
  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate
  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/6/2026Senate
  7. Referred Finance

    2/16/2026Senate
  8. Third Reading Passed (122-6)

    2/13/2026House
  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/12/2026House
  10. Floor Amendment {233021/1 (Delegate Grammer) Rejected (32-95)

    2/12/2026House
  11. Floor Amendment {973122/1 (Delegate Chisholm) Adopted

    2/12/2026House
  12. Motion Special Order until 2/11 (Delegate Chisholm) Adopted

    2/10/2026House
  13. Favorable with Amendments {623426/1 Adopted

    2/10/2026House
  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    2/9/2026House
  15. Hearing 2/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House
  16. First Reading Appropriations

    1/14/2026House
  17. Pre-filed

    9/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

  • Third Reading

    2/12/2026

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

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