Department of Social and Economic Mobility - Individuals With Disabilities

SB 975 renames Maryland's Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs to include "Disability" and updates the title of its leadership position to reflect this expansion. The bill specifically requires the Special Secretary to now address matters concerning individuals with disabilities and amends procurement laws to mandate that state agencies prioritize purchasing from disability-owned businesses and community service providers. Key provisions include updating committee membership to include the new Special Secretary role and requiring the Pricing and Selection Committee to establish procedures for procuring goods and services from disability-focused businesses. This bill directly affects disability-owned businesses and community service providers seeking state contracts by creating clearer procurement pathways. The changes aim to integrate disability business inclusion into existing state procurement frameworks without creating new funding streams.