SB 731 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Human Services - Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council - Legal Status

SB 731 clarifies that the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (MSILC) is a tax-exempt organization recognized by the state, explicitly defining it as a "tax-exempt body politic and corporate." This bill directly affects the MSILC itself, which supports individuals with disabilities through services aligned with federal rehabilitation programs. The key mechanism is amending state law to formally establish the council’s legal status under Maryland’s Human Services code, removing ambiguity about its authority. The bill does not change services, funding, or program requirements but ensures the council operates under clear legal standing. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Human Services - Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council - Legal Status Third - Human Services - Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council - Legal Status · 2 edits
MINOR
The bill text was reorganized to insert the Council's creation history and duties in a new order, but the substantive legal requirements, effective date, and operational scope remain unchanged. The addition of signature lines indicates the bill has been approved and is ready for final enactment.
TECHNICAL

The order of clauses regarding the Council's creation history and its duties was swapped to align with a new explanatory note about formatting.

Signature lines for the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House were added to indicate the bill has been approved.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 22, 2026

How they voted

470
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 49
Mar 3, 2026
D Democratic36
34 Yea 2
94% Yea
R Republican13
13 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 28, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 228
executive
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Returned Passed
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Ways and Means
lower
Mar 22, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (135-0-8)
house of delegates
Mar 20, 2026
Committee
Referred Ways and Means
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Finance
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)
senate
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
First Reading Finance
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mary Washington
Mary Washington
DDemocratic
MD
43