By Emily Arneson, AVP Government Affairs, and Anthony Gioia, PhD, pediatric neuropsychology fellow
We are currently amid a highly active legislative session in 2024. To date, legislators have introduced over 2,700 bills, and some have already progressed to the opposite chamber for further consideration. There has been significant emphasis on juvenile reform in both the House and Senate as legislators strive to enhance public safety and education, among other priorities. Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) have been actively monitoring more than 350 bills spanning various areas including education, administration, health and finance.
Kennedy Krieger staff members have provided oral testimony, submitted written testimony, attended legislative meetings, and participated in other educational efforts, including Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature. Former Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) staff attorney, Annie Carver, Esq., testified on a legal access bill for special education attorneys, advocates and consultants in the House (HB 903/SB 797). This legislation aims to establish the Access to Attorneys, Advocates, and Consultants Program and Fund, enabling parents to access funds for hiring an attorney, advocate or consultant to assist them throughout the special education process.
Kennedy Krieger and the MCDD remain committed to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Maryland.
