ANNAPOLIS, MD—As the Maryland state 2025 legislative session comes to a close, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition is celebrating a successful season after mobilizing its extensive grassroots network for advocacy and collaborating with legislative leaders to secure more than $1 billion in restored or newly allocated funds across fiscal years 2025 and 2026. In addition to budgetary successes, the Coalition accomplished the passage of multiple bills to improve the quality of life for Marylanders with disabilities.

“This was a difficult session, but a transformative one for Marylanders with disabilities,” said Laura Howell, chief executive officer of the Maryland Association of Community Services. “We want to thank the budget leaders, the governor’s team and the Maryland General Assembly for working with us to support the needs of the more than 18,000 Marylanders who live with disabilities.”

The Developmental Disabilities Coalition’s tireless advocacy led to more than just a transformative win in the fiscal budget. It also came alongside major legislative victories that protect rights, expand access, and ensure safety and inclusion. These changes ensure sustainable support for community providers and people with disabilities while setting a foundation for long-term growth and equity.

“This year’s successes mark a turning point for disability services and rights in Maryland,” said Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland. “The DD Coalition remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future where all people with developmental disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and full community participation.”

The DD Coalition was helped to secure the passage of multiple bills:

• HB31: Right to Repair – Powered Wheelchairs
  Ensures people with disabilities and independent repair providers have access to the parts and tools needed to maintain their mobility devices. This right-to-repair bill aligns Maryland with national disability rights movements.
• HB450: Permanent Disability Transit Fare Renewal
  Ends the burdensome re-certification process for permanently disabled individuals receiving reduced fare, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential transportation services.
• HB1204: Ace’s Law – Student Elopement Reporting
  Mandates same-day parental notification when a student with disabilities elopes or attempts to elope from school. Requires annual review of elopement risks in IEPs to protect student safety.
• HB502: Disability Employment Advancement and Maryland as a Model Employer
  Establishes a dedicated office to promote disability employment in state government and closes employment gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• HB1244: Waiver Advisory Council Expansion
  Enhances representation by formally including The Arc Maryland and the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), giving people with lived experience a greater voice in shaping services.

Budget successes include:

Dedicated Hours: Restored $51.85 million in state funds, totaling $103.7 million with federal contributions, to ensure consistent support for individuals who rely on dedicated staff hours.

Geographic Differential: Achieved a $37.7 million restoration and secured language setting the FY26 geographic differential rate at 10% above the rest-of-state rate, reinforcing equity for providers in higher-cost areas.

LISS Program (Low Intensity Support Services):

• $2 million restored for LISS, with a per-participant cap set at $1,000 annually.
• $5.5 million reinstated in FY25, ensuring critical flexible funding for families.

End the Wait Act: Secured $6 million to support the timely implementation of this life-changing initiative, aimed at reducing waiting lists for services.

Continued Budget Restoration and Expansion:

• Restored $292.48 million to the DDA budget, reversing a proposed $457 million cut.
• Reclaimed $152 million of a proposed $194 million cut for FY25.

Addressed deficit spending with an additional $277 million in FY25 and $283 million in FY26, from both state and federal funds.

Expansion funding will support approximately 600 transitioning youth, emergencies, and foster care transitions in FY26.

Total Restored Amounts:

• FY25: $429 million
• FY26: $606.18 million

“These victories are a testament to the power of advocacy and the unwavering commitment of our community,” said Rachel London, chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council. “Together, we’ve not only protected critical services, but expanded them to ensure more Marylanders with developmental disabilities receive the support they need to thrive.”

“Our voices matter,” added Mat Rice, executive director of People on the Go Maryland. “Our community showed up to fight for our rights, and we were able to get the support we need to lead meaningful lives.”

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