General Assembly - Fiscal Notes - Family Impact Statement

HB 1487 requires the Maryland Department of Legislative Services to include a family impact statement in every bill's fiscal note, explaining whether the legislation affects families and detailing specific impacts on family stability, formation, or welfare. Committees cannot vote on a bill without this statement attached to the fiscal note. The bill defines "family" broadly to include spouses, children, guardians, and other related relationships, and specifies that the analysis must identify the basis and methodology for assessing impacts. This policy change ensures legislative proposals undergo systematic family impact review before committee consideration.