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HB 825

Brain Health - Guidelines, Grant Fund, and Commemorative Month (Tahjai's Law)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bhandari and 15 co-sponsors

Maryland establishes brain health guidelines, creates state grant funding for brain health programs, and names an official commemorative month to raise awareness.

First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections and Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 825

Legislative bill overview

HB 825 establishes brain health guidelines for Maryland, creates a grant fund to support brain health initiatives, and designates an official commemorative month for brain health awareness. The bill appears designed to promote public health education and funding for neurological and mental health programs across the state.

Why is this important

Brain health encompasses mental health, neurological disorders, and cognitive wellness—conditions affecting millions of Marylanders. Creating dedicated guidelines and funding mechanisms can improve early detection, treatment access, and public awareness of conditions like Alzheimer's, stroke, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Dedicating a commemorative month increases visibility for these often-stigmatized health concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's fiscal impact depends on appropriation levels; unclear whether new revenue or budget reallocation funds the grant program
  • Scope ambiguity: "Brain health guidelines" could be narrowly focused (neurological conditions) or broadly inclusive (mental health), affecting implementation and stakeholder buy-in
  • Grant distribution criteria: How grants will be allocated among competing brain health priorities (research, treatment access, prevention, awareness) remains unspecified in this early stage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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