The 2026 legislative session started Wednesday, January 14. The Council is ready to lead, advocate, and take action to improve lives. Throughout the session, we work to make sure legislators and leaders in state government understand how proposed bills and budgets affect people with developmental disabilities and their families.
During the legislative session, we:
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Lead with bold ideas
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Partner with self-advocates, families, and organizations across Maryland
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Advise leaders and legislators on how to strengthen laws, policies, programs and services
Together, we create change so Marylanders with developmental disabilities can live the lives they want with the support they need.
2025 Public Policy Priorities
The Council works to improve laws, policies, programs, and services. We work with many people to create the change we want. This includes the Governor, leaders in state government, and state legislators. There are many issues that affect people with developmental disabilities.
Click below to view our top policy priorities for 2026.
Legislative Resources and Reports
The Council has resources to help you understand how laws are made in Maryland. These resources will help you advocate for issues you think are important. Click below to learn more about the Maryland General Assembly, how a bill becomes a law, and how to contact your legislators.
Legislative Advocacy Resources.
Every Friday, the Council posts two legislative reports. These reports list all of the priority bills that we will take action on, and the bills we are following. We will post the first reports Friday, January 23.
Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
Every year the Council co-sponsors Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) at the Legislature. We do this with the Developmental Disabilities Coalition. Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, and service providers come together in Annapolis. Together we educate legislators about issues that are important to people with developmental disabilities and their families. This is a great way to meet your legislators and advocate about the issues important to you.
Join us at this year’s DD Day at the Legislature on Wednesday, February 18 in Annapolis! Register now at the link below.