Maryland House Bill HB1103

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Report Pass: 3/4/24
• Engrossed: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Enrolled: 4/4/24
• Chaptered: 4/25/24
• Passed: 4/25/24

Caption

Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program

Impact

The legislation, if enacted, will significantly impact the delivery of services to seniors in Maryland, particularly in Montgomery County. By allocating funds and focusing on best practices in village administration, the pilot program is expected to improve collaboration among community organizations. This collaborative approach will address social isolation among seniors and optimize resource allocation, thereby enriching the quality of life for the aging population. The state will oversee the program, which also includes provisions for annual reporting to assess progress and efficacy over its three-year implementation period.

Summary

House Bill 1103, also known as the Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program, seeks to establish a structured approach for community organizations focused on supporting seniors. This initiative aims to create a hub-and-spoke model where local village organizations can foster social connections and provide assistance to seniors, helping them to age in place. The program emphasizes the importance of centralized administration to reduce the burden on volunteers and enhance operational efficiencies in delivering services to older adults within the community.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB1103 appears positive, with many stakeholders recognizing the need for comprehensive support structures for seniors. Legislators and community advocates see the potential benefits of strengthened social networks and improved access to services. However, there may also be concerns regarding the execution and scalability of the hub-and-spoke model, as it requires effective coordination and sustained engagement from local organizations to be successful.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for enhancing senior services, contention may arise regarding the allocation of state funds and the oversight of program implementation. Some stakeholders might question whether the proposed budget of $80,000 for administrative and operational funding over three years is sufficient to cover the costs of establishing and maintaining the pilot program effectively. Additionally, ensuring that diverse and underserved communities can access the services remains a critical aspect that could lead to further discussions and need for adjustments as the program progresses.