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HB 1462

Department of Social and Economic Mobility – Individuals With Disabilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Kerr

Maryland HB 1462 would create a dedicated Department of Social and Economic Mobility to consolidate disability services currently scattered across multiple state agencies, improving coordination but requiring significant reorganization costs and careful transition planning.

Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1462

Legislative bill overview

HB 1462 would establish a new Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility focused specifically on serving individuals with disabilities. The bill represents a significant structural reorganization, consolidating disability-related services and programs under a dedicated executive department rather than distributing them across multiple agencies.

Why is this important

Currently, disability services in Maryland are fragmented across multiple state departments, which can create coordination challenges, administrative redundancy, and gaps in service delivery. Consolidating these functions into a single department could improve service accessibility, reduce bureaucratic complexity for disabled individuals and their families, and potentially increase political priority for disability issues at the cabinet level. However, the fiscal and operational implications of such a reorganization are substantial.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and feasibility: Creating a new department involves significant startup costs, restructuring expenses, and questions about whether consolidation actually improves efficiency or simply replicates existing bureaucracy
  • Service continuity: Reorganizing existing programs risks disrupting current services, creating administrative confusion during transition, and potentially harming vulnerable individuals dependent on continuous support
  • Scope and mandate clarity: The bill's specific responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and relationship to existing agencies (DVR, DHMH, etc.) require careful definition to avoid turf battles and service gaps

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

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