Bill > HB1487

This bill modifies Maryland state law to require that fiscal notes for proposed legislation include a comprehensive "family impact statement" and prohibit legislative committees from voting on a bill without such a statement. The family impact statement must assess whether a proposed bill might affect families in the state, and if so, specify the type and category of impact, including potential influences on marriage and family stability, marriage promotion, family formation, and family welfare. The bill also provides detailed definitions for key terms like "family" (which includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, legal guardians, and legal wards) and establishes specific requirements for how these family impact assessments should be conducted, including explaining the basis and methodology of the analysis. Practically, this means that before any bill can be voted on in committee, lawmakers will now need to understand and document how the proposed legislation might potentially affect families, adding a new layer of comprehensive review to the legislative process. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for implementing these new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1487?ys=2025RS