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Subcommittee unanimously approves two health-related bills allowing assistive-technology codification and FQHC land purchases
Summary
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee voted unanimously to approve HB214, which codifies the Maryland Assistive Technology Program, and HB43, which adds land acquisition to allowable uses under the federally qualified health center grant program.
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee voted unanimously Feb. 13 to advance two departmental bills affecting human services and federally qualified health centers. HB214 would codify the Maryland Assistive Technology Program in the Department of Disabilities; HB43 would add acquisition of land to the allowable uses in the existing grant program for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
Both bills drew no recorded opposition in subcommittee discussion. The chair called for voice votes; the committee signified approval for each bill by saying "Aye." Naomi Kimura, the Department of Legislative Services budget analyst who opened the day's hearings, summarized the bills' backgrounds before the votes.
HB214: The bill would formalize an existing program within the Department of Disabilities that assists Marylanders in obtaining assistive technologies. DLS reported there is no fiscal note for the bill and that the subcommittee previously heard the measure earlier in the week. Delegate Rufe moved HB214 and Vice Chair Jones seconded the motion; the subcommittee approved it by voice vote with no opposition.
HB43: Sponsored by Delegate Jazz Lewis, HB43 would permit FQHCs to apply for existing grant funds to acquire land, adding land purchase as an allowable use but not increasing the overall grant funding. DLS noted the bill was previously discussed on Jan. 28 and that it would not add new funds to the program. The motion to advance HB43 was made by the vice chair and seconded by Delegate McCaskill; the subcommittee approved it by voice vote with no opposition.
Why it matters: HB214 formally places an existing assistive-technology program into statute, which can affect program administration and continuity. HB43 changes allowable uses for an existing grant stream that serves federally qualified health centers; enabling land acquisition could affect how grantees finance facility expansion but does not add money to the program.
Votes at a glance: HB214 (Maryland Assistive Technology Program establishment) — Moved by Delegate Rufe; seconded by Vice Chair Jones; voice vote; outcome: approved unanimously; fiscal note: none reported. HB43 (FQHC Grant Program — Acquisition of Land) — Sponsor: Delegate Jazz Lewis; motion moved by Vice Chair Jones; seconded by Delegate McCaskill; voice vote; outcome: approved unanimously; fiscal impact: no additional funds, only expanded allowable uses.
Provenance: Topic intro: "It's H B 2 14. This is the human services, Maryland Assistive Technology Program establishment..." (transcript segment starting at 242.065 seconds). Topic finish: "Great. The bill passes unanimously. Thank you so much. Okay. So we're gonna gavel out." (transcript segment ending at 352.665 seconds).
