General Assembly - Fiscal Notes - Family Impact Statements
Impact
This bill will specifically affect the procedures of the General Assembly concerning the assessment of fiscal impacts. By requiring family impact statements, it emphasizes the need for legislators to evaluate how new laws may influence family structures, economic stability, and societal wellness. This emphasis could lead to more thoughtful legislative priorities that are aligned with the needs of Maryland families, possibly enhancing public trust in the legislative process. Additionally, it aims to inform better decision-making in funding allocations and resource distribution in state programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 867 aims to enhance transparency and assessment of how proposed legislation impacts families within the state of Maryland. The bill mandates that any fiscal note prepared for a piece of legislation must include a family impact statement. This addition is significant for legislative processes, as it requires lawmakers to consider the implications of their proposals on families before voting on them. The bill stipulates that a committee cannot vote on any bill unless a family impact statement is attached to the fiscal note, which would denote a new standard of accountability in lawmaking.
Contention
The introduction of family impact statements could provoke varying reactions among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that the needs of families are considered, thereby promoting wellbeing and stability at the community level. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy in legislative processes or question the effectiveness of impact statements. The requirement for such analyses could also lead to debates over what constitutes a significant impact on families, and who determines those metrics, thus sparking discussions about the interpretation and application of the statements.