House passes HB 170 to extend maternal and child health fund to end of 2027

The Maryland House of Representatives on Thursday approved House Bill 170, extending the sunset date for the Maternal and Child Health Population Health Improvement Fund from Dec. 31, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027.

The bill is a departmental sunset-extension measure for a special fund created from a one-time hospital assessment fee that supports maternal and child health improvements statewide. Floor leader explained the measure and members completed a roll call on final passage.

Discussion on the floor was brief. A member of the minority caucus said they had not seen the bill before the session and asked for clarification. The floor leader replied, “It extends from 12/31/2025 to 12/31/2027, the date through which the maternal and child health population health improvement fund may be used for maternal and child health population health improvements. Essentially, it's a sunset extension for an existing program for funds that were created through a special fund from a 1 time hospital assessment fee.” The floor leader also told the chamber the committee vote had been unanimous.

After limited debate, the clerk called the roll and announced, “There will be 122 votes in the affirmative.” The clerk then recorded final passage of House Bill 170 on third reading.

The bill extends the statutory sunset date by two years for the fund’s authorized uses; the transcript notes the fund was formed from a one-time hospital assessment fee. The transcript did not specify any implementing regulations, new appropriations tied to the extension, or the effective date beyond the new sunset. The committee report and bill text were referred to committees earlier in the day; committee action on the measure was reported as unanimous.

For now, the House’s action keeps the existing fund authority in place through Dec. 31, 2027. The transcript did not specify any subsequent steps for gubernatorial consideration or administrative implementation timelines.