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SB 583

Developmental Disabilities Administration - Self-Directed Services Manual - Public Comment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland bill mandates public comment process for developmental disabilities self-directed services policies affecting care autonomy for disabled individuals.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 583

Legislative bill overview

SB 583 proposes to establish a public comment process for the Developmental Disabilities Administration's Self-Directed Services Manual in Maryland. The bill would require the agency to solicit and consider public input before finalizing or significantly revising policies governing how individuals with developmental disabilities can direct their own care and support services.

Why is this important

Self-directed services allow people with developmental disabilities greater autonomy and choice in selecting their caregivers and service providers, fundamentally affecting quality of life for thousands of Marylanders. Adding mandatory public comment requirements ensures that policies affecting this vulnerable population receive input from affected individuals, families, and service providers before implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Requiring formal public comment processes could slow down administrative updates and policy adjustments, potentially delaying needed changes to service delivery
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes changes requiring public comment may be unclear, leading to disputes over when comment periods are necessary
  • Representation concerns: Public comment processes may not adequately capture input from individuals with severe disabilities who face barriers to participation, potentially privileging more vocal stakeholders like advocacy organizations and families over direct beneficiaries

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

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