Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing - Extension
HB 866 requires Maryland's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to hire at least three specialized case managers who directly assist deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing residents. The bill amends existing law to mandate these positions, ensuring the office provides dedicated case management services to help individuals navigate support systems. It specifies that these case managers must focus on the unique needs of the three target populations, including coordination with state agencies and emergency services. This policy change formally expands the office's service capacity under Section 9-2403(b)(15) of Maryland law.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
Signed May 26, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
First - Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Case Management Services
→
Third - Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing - Extension
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding a new title regarding the extension of the Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. This addition clarifies that the legislation also addresses extending the reporting deadline and the termination date for this specific workgroup, alongside the existing provisions for case management services.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include the Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing, specifically addressing the extension of its reporting requirements and termination date.
SCOPE
Added a new title to the bill to explicitly cover the Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing.
Updated the bill's purpose statement to reflect the inclusion of Workgroup extensions alongside case management services.
REQUIREMENT
Added provisions requiring the extension of the reporting deadline and termination date for the Workgroup.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 27, 2026 · House of Delegates Feb 27, 2026
How they voted
44–0
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 49
Mar 27, 2026
D
Democratic36
86% Yea
R
Republican13
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 26, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 656
executive
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Returned Passed
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
Mar 27, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (44-0-5)
senate
Mar 12, 2026
Committee
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
lower
Feb 27, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (135-1-6)
house of delegates
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
First Reading Health
lower
16 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Aaron Kaufman
DDemocratic
P
Bonnie Cullison
DDemocratic
P
Deni Taveras
DDemocratic
P
Heather Bagnall Tudball
DDemocratic
P
Jennifer White Holland
DDemocratic
P
Kim Ross
DDemocratic
P
Lesley Lopez
DDemocratic
P
Nic Kipke
RRepublican
P
Pam Guzzone
DDemocratic
P
Sandy Rosenberg
DDemocratic
P
Steve Johnson
DDemocratic
P
Teresa Reilly
RRepublican
P
Teresa Woorman
DDemocratic
P
Terri Hill
DDemocratic
P
Tiffany Alston
DDemocratic
P
Tom Hutchinson
RRepublican
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