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MarylandSB 02232025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Department of Aging - Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

ElderlyAccessibility - see also- Blind; Deaf; Disabilities; etcAging, Department ofAwareness and OutreachBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; Telecom; etc.Disabilities, Department ofDisabilitiesElderly Persons (65+) -see also- Elder Abuse and NeglectElectronic CommunicationGiftsGrantsIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.LiabilityNonprofit OrganizationsNoticesRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSpecial EventsTelecommunications and Information TechnologyTelephonesVolunteers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More Maryland Seniors Qualify for Check-Ins

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland residents age 60 or older qualify for the renamed Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program. The law replaces the age-65 minimum and removes requirements to show isolation risk or a need for extra social contact and wellness checks. Regular wellness and social contacts can use calls, texts, web, virtual, video, in-person, or other approved formats, accessible to participants with disabilities. Depending on program design, missed responses can trigger follow-up or notice to a chosen contact, local police, or another local government unit. The Department of Aging must also promote accessible communication equipment and use educational materials from Telecommunications Access of Maryland.

More Partners Can Support Senior Check-Ins

Beginning October 1, 2025, the Department of Aging can arrange program services through vendors, nonprofits, aging agencies, and other partners. It can also make agreements with state or local governments; participating volunteer-led Villages must be incorporated in Maryland and serve older adults. Funding comes through state budget appropriations, and the Department can accept public or private funds, gifts, and grants. The law sets no funding amount or new surcharge, and the Department can set program rules and standards. Designated contacts, providers, contracted partners, and volunteers are protected from liability for reasonable acts or omissions directly tied to services that follow Department rules. State and local government units and employees remain covered by their respective tort claims laws for services under program regulations.

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: 176 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/13/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 36

    4/8/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    3/31/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/31/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/28/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations

    3/28/2025House

  6. Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/15/2025House

  7. Referred Health and Government Operations

    2/14/2025House

  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/13/2025Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/11/2025Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {883721/1 Adopted

    2/11/2025Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    2/10/2025Senate

  12. Hearing 1/22 at 3:45 p.m.

    1/14/2025Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/8/2025Senate

  14. Pre-filed

    9/28/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/11/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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