News
February 2025 Maryland Legislative Update
The 90-Day legislative session is underway with over 1200 bills introduced in the first month, but most attention remains focused on how Governor Moore and legislative leaders will resolve the state’s nearly $3 billion budget deficit. Governor Moore has introduced a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes over $1.3 billion in new revenues, $600 million in fund transfers, and approximately $1 billion in budget reductions. Governor Moore’s proposed budget includes a $200 million cut from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Major DDA cuts include elimination of geographic differential rates ($55 million) and a $14.5 million cut to self-directed services that is contingent on separate legislation modifying provisions of the program.
The House of Delegates, which is expected to consider additional new revenues to alleviate some of Governor Moore’s proposed budget cuts, will finalize its adjustments to the budget in early March. The Senate will present its budget balancing package the following week. Both sides will then meet in a conference committee to resolve their differences.
Following up on Governor Moore’s December executive order aimed at modernizing the state’s procurement system, the governor introduced the Procurement Reform Act of 2025 (HB 500). The anticipated shift of the Preferred Provider Program from the Department of General Services (DGS) to the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs (GOSBA) is included in the legislation. The Senate bill will be heard on February 5th, followed by the House bill on February 18th. Maryland Works is engaged with members of the Moore Administration, DGS, and GOSBA to learn more about the proposed shift and how it will impact the Employment Works Program.
Delegate Ken Kerr is sponsoring a bill supported by Blind Services Industries of Maryland (BISM) to clarify that janitorial products packaged or repacked by BISM be included as part of BISM’s scope within the Preferred Provider Program. House 500, State Procurement Preferences – Blind Industries and Services of Maryland – Packaging and Repackaging (HB 508) will be heard on February 18th.
After a flurry of legislative activity the past few years regarding Maryland Correctional Enterprises, no legislation has been introduced this year. At least another 1000 bills are expected to be introduced before the conclusion of the legislative session, so Maryland Works and its government affairs team will continue to review all bills with an impact on Maryland Works, the Preferred Provider Program, and the disability community generally.
The 2025 session concludes on April 7th.
Source: Manis Canning & Associates