As Maryland prepares for the 2026 Legislative Session, lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates across the state are gearing up for months of debate and decision-making that will shape Maryland’s future.
Each year, thousands of bills are introduced that influence how our state allocates resources, funds services, and sets priorities. The bills that will (and won’t) be passed this year will have major impacts on individual people, families, and businesses statewide.
As the session approaches, here’s what people with disabilities, their advocates, and allies need to know.
2026 Legislative Session: What to Expect
Maryland’s 448th Legislative Session convenes on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and will run for 90 days, adjourning at midnight on Monday, April 13, 2026.
During this time, state lawmakers will gather in Annapolis to review proposed laws and budget decisions tied to some of the state’s most pressing challenges. Key issues this year are expected to include Maryland’s budget deficit, energy spending, rising costs of healthcare and education, as well as funding for the Maryland Department of Health.
These conversations will directly impact Marylanders with disabilities. As we prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, our advocacy is guided by the real experiences, priorities, and voices of the people we support.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
Fello’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, is made up of people we support who meet regularly to strengthen their own quality of life and advocate for change statewide.
As the 2026 session approaches, Living Boldly is preparing for a range of advocacy efforts—from learning about lawmakers and proposed bills to deciding how they want their voices heard this year.
“Our recent meetings have focused on understanding who represents us, what issues are coming forward, and what meaningful advocacy looks like for our group,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations at Fello.
Fello’s philosophy of advocacy is grounded in the belief that people with disabilities know what they need to thrive. Everything we advocate is aligned with what people tell us matters most to them: choice, access, stability, and opportunity.
Bills We’re Watching
This year’s legislative session is expected to focus heavily on funding, particularly in light of Maryland’s budget deficit. Fello is closely monitoring conversations related to the Maryland Department of Health’s budget, including funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) that falls under it.
The DDA oversees the approval of waiver services and how people with disabilities and their advocates navigate Maryland’s disability services. As budget decisions unfold, Fello will be paying close attention to any proposed cuts or changes that could impact services.
“There have been proactive steps taken by the provider community and the DDA over the last several months in anticipation of increased budget scrutiny,” said Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “We are prepared to offer thoughtful recommendations that address fiscal realities while protecting services people rely on.”
Fello is also watching legislation related to housing and community development.
“There are almost a dozen bills related to affordable housing, new construction, and community development already being drafted that our teams are aware of,” said Rylie. “Fello consistently supports bills that expand access to affordable housing and strengthen inclusive communities, and we will be tracking these bills closely.”
Will You Be an Advocate? Sign Up for Action Alerts
The success of Maryland’s 2026 Legislative Session is up to us—all of us.
“Last year, the people we support, our employees, and Fello’s community of advocates came together and were incredibly powerful in shaping the outcomes of the 2025 Legislative Session,” said Rylie. “Lawmakers commended our community on how many calls, emails, and letters were sent—it really influenced the issues being discussed.”
Will you join us in advocating for the services, funding, and opportunities people with disabilities across Maryland deserve? Sign up for Fello’s Action Alerts to stay informed and take action when it matters most.