MarylandHB 08662026 Regular SessionHouse

Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing - Extension

Sponsored By: Aaron M. Kaufman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

DisabledAdministrative AgenciesAwareness and OutreachBlind and Low VisionCommittees and CommissionsDeaf and Hard of HearingEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Health -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Intergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Recruitment and HiringReportsSocial Services -see also- Public BenefitsStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetWork, 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.

Stronger state office for deaf residents

Beginning July 1, 2024, Maryland runs an Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents in the Governor’s Office. The Director must be deaf or hard of hearing and have experience on these issues. The Office has at least three case managers to help deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing people get services. It coordinates policy and access, gives referrals and direct help, and works on emergencies and jobs. It holds at least two public town halls each year and can share budgeted resources with other agencies.

Workgroup to improve deaf services

Beginning July 1, 2024, a Workgroup studies services and barriers for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing people. It looks at case management, education, jobs, health, outreach, and communication access. It must send findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2028. The Workgroup exists through December 31, 2028.

Law in effect through 2028

The law takes effect July 1, 2024. It ends on December 31, 2028. Another clause in the session law lists July 1, 2026 as an effective date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Pam Lanman Guzzone
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Nicholaus R. Kipke
Republican • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
Democratic • House
Teresa E. Reilly
Republican • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 656
5/26/2026
Returned Passed
4/13/2026House
Third Reading Passed (42-0)
4/13/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed
4/10/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted
4/10/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/10/2026Senate
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
3/16/2026Senate
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/12/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (134-1)
3/11/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/10/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {693723/1 Adopted
3/10/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
3/10/2026House
Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
2/13/2026House
First Reading Health
2/4/2026House

Bill Text

Enacted
5/26/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/10/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/4/2026
PDF

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