Legislation Affecting People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families

The Legislative Overview highlights some of the many important budgets and bills that were critical to people with developmental disabilities and their families during the 2020 legislative session.

The 2020 legislative session adjourned early on March 18th – the first time since the Civil War. The shortened schedule led legislative leaders to focus on their constitutional responsibility to pass a state budget and to provide a free and appropriate education. As a result, many legislative efforts failed.

The state’s FY2021 budget will expand support to more individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and while numerous bills did not pass, others will address issues of importance to people with developmental disabilities and their families.

These outcomes occurred because Governor Hogan committed funding in the state budget for developmental disability services, champions in the legislature worked for our priorities, and countless stakeholders took action. This includes the many individuals, organizations, and providers that educated and advocated, and people with disabilities and their families who shared their stories through testimony and personal conversations with legislators. The 1,900 people who participated in DD Day at the Legislature this year in person and remotely are a testament to the dedication of our community to come together in support of issues that make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Download a copy of the 2020 Legislative Overview by clicking here.