EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
*hb0185*
HOUSE BILL 185
O4, F5 5lr0900
HB 377/24 – W&M & APP (PRE–FILED) CF 5lr0864
By: Delegates Mireku–North, Atterbeary, Foley, Kaufman, Miller, Solomon,
Terrasa, and Vogel
Requested: September 19, 2024
Introduced and read first time: January 8, 2025
Assigned to: Ways and Means and Appropriations
A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning 1
Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program – Funding – Alterations 2
FOR the purpose of altering the fiscal years during which the Governor is required to 3
include in the annual budget bill a certain appropriation to the Therapeutic Child 4
Care Grant Program; and generally relating to funding for the Therapeutic Child 5
Care Grant Program. 6
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 7
Article – Education 8
Section 8–420(a) through (c) 9
Annotated Code of Maryland 10
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 11
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 12
Article – Education 13
Section 8–420(d) 14
Annotated Code of Maryland 15
(2022 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement) 16
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 17
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 18
Article – Education 19
8–420. 20
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 21
2 HOUSE BILL 185
(2) “Developmental delays, physical disabilities, or delays in social, 1
emotional, or behavioral functioning” means: 2
(i) A significant developmental delay or atypical development, as 3
identified by a health professional, in: 4
1. Cognitive development; 5
2. Physical development; 6
3. Language and speech development; 7
4. Psychosocial development; or 8
5. Self–help skills; 9
(ii) Psychological trauma, as identified through an evaluation by a 10
mental health professional; or 11
(iii) A diagnosed physical, developmental, or mental health condition 12
that impacts daily living and limits participation in typical early childhood education or 13
child care settings. 14
(3) “Program” means the Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program. 15
(b) There is a Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program in the State. 16
(c) (1) The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to providers that 17
specialize in providing child care and early childhood education to children under the age 18
of 6 years who have developmental delays, physical disabilities, or delays in social, 19
emotional, or behavioral functioning. 20
(2) The Department shall administer the Program. 21
(3) On or before August 15 each year, the Department shall award grants 22
under this section. 23
(d) (1) For each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025, AND FOR FISCAL YEAR 24
2027 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , the Governor shall include in the annual 25
budget bill an appropriation of $3,700,000 to the Program. 26
(2) In awarding grants under the Program, the Department shall 27
distribute: 28
(i) $1,283,000 to existing providers in the same amount as was 29
provided in fiscal year 2022; 30
HOUSE BILL 185 3
(ii) $1,917,000 to existing providers in the same proportion as was 1
provided in fiscal year 2022 to provide additional services; and 2
(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, $500,000 3
to new providers or existing providers to enroll additional children. 4
(3) If funds are remaining after the distribution required under paragraph 5
(2)(iii) of this subsection, then the remainder shall be distributed as provided under 6
paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection. 7
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 8
1, 2025. 9