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Chapter 442
(Senate Bill 1084)
AN ACT concerning
State Government – Commission Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard
of Hearing – Established
FOR the purpose of establishing the Commission Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and
Hard of Hearing as an independent unit of State government to provide and advocate
for accessible and comprehensive services, and foster inclusivity, equal
opportunities, and improved quality of life, for to study and make recommendations
regarding certain services, programs, advocacy, outreach efforts, and other items to
improve the quality of life of individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing;
and generally relating to the Commission Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and
Hard of Hearing.
BY adding to
Article – State Government
Section 9–3801 through 9–3806 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 38.
Commission for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing”
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – State Government
SUBTITLE 38. COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING.
9–3801.
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.
(B) “COMMISSION” MEANS THE COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND,
AND HARD OF HEARING.
(C) (1) “DEAF AND HARD OF HEAR ING INDIVIDUALS ” MEANS
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE WHO HAVE PARTIA L OR
COMPLETE LOSS OF HEA RING.
(2) “DEAF AND HARD OF HEAR ING INDIVIDUALS ” INCLUDES
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE : Ch. 442 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(I) DEAF;
(II) DEAFBLIND;
(III) HARD OF HEARING ; AND
(IV) LATE–DEAFENED.
(D) “DEAF COMMUNITY ” MEANS A CULTURAL MIN ORITY WITH DISTINCT
MODES OF VISUAL OR T ACTILE COMMUNICATION , LANGUAGES , OR SOCIAL MORES .
(E) “DEAF INDIVIDUAL” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH SEVERE, PROFOUND,
OR COMPLETE ABSENCE OF LEVELS OF RESIDUA L HEARING, WHERE THE PRIMARY
EFFECTIVE RECEPTIVE COMMUNICATION OR LAN GUAGE MODE IS VISUAL , TACTILE,
OR BOTH.
(F) “DEAFBLIND INDIVIDUAL ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS A
CONCOMITANT ABSENCE OF OR LIMITED LEVEL OF VISION AND HEARIN G.
(G) “HARD OF HEARING INDIV IDUAL” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A
LIMITED RESIDUAL HEA RING LEVEL AND A HEA RING LOSS IN AN INDI VIDUAL THAT
RESULTS IN A FUNCTIO NAL HEARING LOSS , BUT NOT TO THE EXTEN T THAT THE
INDIVIDUAL MUST DEPE ND PRIMARILY ON VISU AL COMMUNICATION .
(H) “LATE–DEAFENED INDIVIDUAL ” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO SE ONSET
OF HEARING LOSS OCCU RS AFTER THE DEVELOP MENT OF SPEECH AND L ANGUAGE
AND MAY BE DEPENDENT ON VISUAL OR AUDITOR Y ENHANCEMENT MODES FOR
COMMUNICATION .
9–3802.
(A) THERE IS A COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF
HEARING.
(B) THE COMMISSION IS AN INDE PENDENT UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT .
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION IS TO PROV IDE AND ADVOCATE FOR
ACCESSIBLE AND COMPR EHENSIVE SERVICES , AND TO FOSTER INCLUS IVITY, EQUAL
OPPORTUNITIES , AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE, FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE
DEAF, DEAFBLIND, OR HARD OF HEARING .
9–3803.
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(A) THE COMMISSION CONSISTS O F:
(1) 1 MEMBER OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;
(2) 1 MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; AND
(3) 10 COMMUNITY REPRESENTA TIVES OF STATE OR LOCAL
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ONS FOR DEAF INDIVID UALS IN THE STATE OR THE
WASHINGTON, D.C. METROPOLITAN AREA , APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
(B) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, WHEN APPOINTING MEMB ERS TO THE
COMMISSION, THE GOVERNOR SHALL ENSURE GEOGRAPHIC BALANCE A ND
PROMOTE RACIAL AND G ENDER DIVERSITY IN T HE COMMISSION’S MEMBERSHIP .
(C) EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE A RESIDENT OF THE
STATE.
(D) BEFORE SERVING ON THE COMMISSION, EACH MEMBER OF THE
COMMISSION SHALL TAKE THE OATH REQUIRED BY ARTICLE I, § 9 OF THE
MARYLAND CONSTITUTION.
(E) (1) THE TERM OF A MEMBER IS 2 YEARS.
(2) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER CONTINUES T O SERVE UNTIL
A SUCCESSOR IS APPOI NTED AND QUALIFIES .
(3) A MEMBER MAY NOT SERVE FOR MORE THAN THREE
CONSECUTIVE FULL TER MS.
(F) A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION:
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMP ENSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE
COMMISSION; BUT
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMB URSEMENT FOR EXPENSE S UNDER THE
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
(G) THE COMMISSION SHALL MEET AT LEAST SIX TIMES A YEAR, AT THE
TIMES AND PLACES THA T IT DETERMINES .
9–3804.
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(A) THE HEAD OF THE COMMISSION IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
(B) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR
WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE.
(C) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL BE :
(1) A DEAF OR HARD OF HE ARING INDIVIDUAL ; AND
(2) KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EX PERIENCED WITH ISSUE S AFFECTING
DEAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS.
(D) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL :
(1) MANAGE THE OPERATION OF THE COMMISSION; AND
(2) ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES TO PR OMOTE THE
ORDERLY AND EFFICIEN T OPERATION OF THE COMMISSION.
(E) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS ENTITLED TO:
(1) COMPENSATION IN ACCO RDANCE WITH THE STATE BUDGET ; AND
(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR EX PENSES UNDER THE STANDARD STATE
TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
(F) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY HIRE ANY STAFF NECESSARY TO
CARRY OUT THE PROVIS IONS OF THIS SUBTITLE.
9–3805.
(A) THE COMMISSION SHALL :
(1) PROVIDE DIRECT AND S PECIALIZED CASE MANA GEMENT
SERVICES FOR DEAF , DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS;
(2) DEVELOP AND ADMINIST ER PROGRAMS THAT SUP PORT
EDUCATIONAL , EMPLOYMENT , HEALTH, AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNI TIES FOR DEAF ,
DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS;
(3) ADVOCATE FOR POLICIE S, PROGRAMS, AND LEGISLATIVE
INITIATIVES THAT ADD RESS THE NEEDS OF , AND ISSUES AFFECTING , DEAF,
DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS;
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(4) RAISE PUBLIC AWARENE SS AND FOSTER UNDERS TANDING OF THE
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTER ED BY THE DEAF COMMU NITY;
(5) COORDINATE WITH OTHE R STATE AGENCIES AND OT HERWISE USE
THE RESOURCES OF THE STATE TO PROVIDE SPEC IALIZED CASE MANAGEM ENT
SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DEAF , DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING
INDIVIDUALS;
(6) IDENTIFY BARRIERS AN D GAPS IN COMMUNICAT ION ACCESS AND
DEVELOP SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE DEAF
COMMUNITY ;
(7) ENCOURAGE THE DEVELO PMENT OF ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN D EAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING
INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY ; AND
(8) ADOPT REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVIS IONS OF THIS
SUBTITLE.
(B) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2026, AND EACH JULY 1 THEREAFTER , THE
COMMISSION SHALL SUBM IT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH §
2–1257 OF THIS ARTICLE , THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, A REPORT ON THE
COMMISSION THAT INCLU DES:
(1) DATA RELATED TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE
COMMISSION; AND
(2) ANY OTHER POLICY REC OMMENDATIONS THAT TH E COMMISSION
CONSIDERS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS ACCESSIBI LITY OF SERVICES FOR DEAF,
DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS.
9–3806.
(A) (1) THE COMMISSION MAY SEEK M ONEY FROM THE FEDERA L
GOVERNMENT , FOUNDATIONS , AND PRIVATE SOURCES , IN ADDITION TO STATE
FINANCING.
(2) THE COMMISSION MAY ACCEPT GIFTS, GRANTS, DONATIONS,
BEQUESTS, OR ENDOWMENTS FOR AN Y OF ITS PURPOSES .
(B) MONEY RECEIVED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION AND
INCOME AND FEES DERI VED FROM ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.
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(C) MONEY MAINTAINED BY T HE COMMISSION UNDER THIS SECTION IS
SUBJECT TO AUDIT BY THE STATE, INCLUDING THE LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR.
(a) There is a Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing.
(b) (1) The Workgroup consists of the following members:
(i) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the
President of the Senate;
(ii) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker
of the House;
(iii) the Director of the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or the
Director’s designee; and
(iv) 10 community representatives of State or local nonprofit
organizations for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals in the State or the
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, appointed by the Governor.
(2) To the extent practicable, when appointing members to the Workgroup,
the Governor shall ensure geographic balance and promote racial and gender diversity in
the Workgroup’s membership.
(c) The members of the Workgroup shall elect a chair from among the members
of the Workgroup.
(d) The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing shall provide staff for the
Workgroup.
(e) The Workgroup shall:
(1) establish subcommittees as necessary to fulfill its duties; and
(2) assign members as necessary to assist in the research and preparation
of the report submitted under subsection (h) of this section.
(f) A member of the Workgroup:
(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Workgroup; but
(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State
Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(g) The Workgroup shall study, assess, and make recommendations regarding:
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(1) providing direct and specialized case management services for deaf,
deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals;
(2) the development and administration of programs that support
educational, employment, health, and social opportunities for deaf, deafblind, and hard of
hearing individuals;
(3) advocacy for policies, programs, and legislative initiatives that address
the needs of and issues affecting deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals;
(4) outreach efforts to raise public awareness and foster understanding of
the challenges encountered by deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals;
(5) coordination with State agencies and utilization of State resources to
provide specialized case management services to meet the needs of deaf, deafblind, and
hard of hearing individuals;
(6) identification of barriers and gaps in communication access and
development of solutions to improve the quality of life of deaf, deafblind, and hard of
hearing individuals; and
(7) development of activities to enhance civic engagement between deaf,
deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals and the community.
(h) On or before June 1, 2025, the Workgroup shall submit a report of its findings
and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State
Government Article, the General Assembly.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October July 1, 2024. It shall remain effective for a period of 2 years and, at the end of June
30, 2026, this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall be
abrogated and of no further force and effect.
Approved by the Governor, May 9, 2024.