April 14, 2026
The 2026 Maryland legislative session was difficult for the disability community.
Disability services faced large budget cuts for the second year in a row. The Council, along with our partners in the Developmental Disabilities Coalition and advocates from across the state, worked together to reduce the impact of these cuts.
Our collective advocacy made an impact and we cannot thank you enough. You showed up and made a difference!
The General Assembly and Governor restored a total of $59.1 million in general funds: $23.1 million in FY 2027 and $36 million to address a FY 2026 shortfall identified by the Developmental Disabilities Administration in March. This is more than they restored for any other single issue in the whole state budget. Still, cuts went through and they will impact the lives of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the providers and staff they rely on. The legislative session may be over, but our work is never done.
In addition to our budget advocacy, the Council worked on bills during the legislative session. We tracked 134 bills and took action on 77 of them. We supported bills on education, services and supports, housing, criminal justice, voting rights, transportation, and more. All of the bills we supported will create change and improve lives for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Click below to read more in our full legislative overview.