Bill > HB1015

This bill, known as Ralph's Act, aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities who relocate to Maryland can continue receiving essential services. Specifically, it establishes eligibility for these services if an individual has received similar home and community-based waiver services in another state for the past 10 years, moves to Maryland to live with an immediate family member due to the death or incapacitation of their previous caretaker, and that immediate family member has resided in Maryland for at least two years. The bill mandates that the Department of Health (the state agency responsible for these services) create an expedited review process, requiring eligibility determinations to be completed within 30 days, and allows the Department to begin this determination process even before the individual officially establishes residency in the state, ensuring a smoother transition and continued access to necessary support.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1015?ys=2026RS