Department of Social and Economic Mobility - Established

HB 1253 establishes Maryland's new Department of Social Equity as a principal state department, headed by a Governor-appointed Secretary. The bill requires all other state agencies to refer individuals interacting with their social equity programs to this department (Section 9-4104) and mandates the Department to coordinate statewide efforts, monitor equity programs, and provide technical assistance (Section 9-4103). It also requires the Department to submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature by December 1 each year, detailing its work and recommending policy changes (Section 9-4105). This bill directly affects state agencies managing social equity programs and individuals seeking eligibility for such programs.