HB 130
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Enrolled - Revised
House Bill 130 (Delegate Qi)
Health and Government Operations Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Commission on LGBTQ Affairs – Established
This bill establishes the Commission on LGBTQ Affairs in the Governor’s Office of
Community Initiatives (GOCI).
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: General fund expenditures increase by $54,200 in FY 2022. Future years
reflect annualization. No anticipated material effect on revenues.
(in dollars) FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
Revenues $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
GF Expenditure 54,200 89,400 91,900 95,100 98,300
Net Effect ($54,200) ($89,400) ($91,900) ($95,100) ($98,300)
Note:() = decrease; GF = general funds; FF = federal funds; SF = special funds; - = indeterminate increase; (-) = indeterminate decrease
Local Effect: The bill does not directly affect local government finances or operations.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Bill Summary: The commission must (1) assess the challenges facing lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities; (2) collect data across State
agencies on the implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and complaints alleging
discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; (3) study and establish best
practices for inclusion of LGBTQ individuals and communities; (4) inform the executive
and legislative branches of State government of issues concerning women and LGBTQ
persons; (5) offer testimony on issues concerning women and LGBTQ persons before
legislative and administrative bodies; (6) act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid
duplication of efforts; (7) create surveys and appoint advisory committees in several
specified fields; and (8) publish an annual report, and any other material the commission
considers necessary, that includes recommendations on policies for LGBTQ adults and
youth that work to end discriminatory practices in the State.
The commission consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and
consent of the Senate. The members must (1) to the extent practicable, be members of the
LGBTQ community; (2) include at least two transgender individuals; (3) to the extent
practicable, reflect the gender, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State;
(4) know about issues facing LGBTQ communities and be sensitive to the problems of
these communities; (5) be representatives of the State’s LGBTQ communities or have an
interest in the success of these communities; and (6) provide value to the work of the
commission. Members serve four-year terms, as specified.
The commission must annually elect a chair and vice chair from among its members.
Members of the commission may not receive compensation but are entitled to
reimbursement for expenses under the standard State travel regulations, as provided in the
State budget.
With the approval of the Governor, the commission must appoint a director, who may not
be a member of the commission. The director serves at the pleasure of the commission,
subject to the concurrence of the Governor, and is a special appointment in the State
Personnel Management System. Subject to the rules and policies adopted by the
commission and the administrative supervision of the Governor, the director must
(1) administer the activities of the commission and (2) supervise the appointment and
removal of commission personnel.
The commission may seek money from the federal government, foundations, and private
sources in addition to State financing. The commission may accept gifts, grants, donations,
bequests, or endowments for any of its purposes. Any funding received from these sources
is subject to audit by the State, including the Legislative Auditor.
Current Law: Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited
under specified State laws, including those regarding employment, housing, and places of
public accommodation.
State Expenditures: General fund expenditures increase by $54,243 in fiscal 2022. This
estimate assumes a January 1, 2022 start date for the director appointed by the commission.
It includes a salary, fringe benefits, one-time start-up costs, and ongoing travel and
operating expenses.
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Salary and Fringe Benefits $44,025
Travel and Operating Expenses 10,218
Total FY 2022 State Expenditures $54,243
Future year expenditures reflect a full salary with an annual increase and employee
turnover and ongoing operating expenses, including travel costs for an estimated
six meetings per year. Otherwise, it is generally assumed that GOCI can use existing
resources to handle any additional administrative work anticipated under the bill. However,
additional staff may be required in future years, depending on the extent of the
commission’s activities.
Any additional expense reimbursements for commission members are assumed to be
minimal and absorbable within existing budgeted resources. It is also assumed that State
agencies can use existing resources to provide any available data to the commission.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 706 of 2020, a similar bill, passed the House and was referred
to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, but no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Governor’s Office; Department of Legislative Services – Office
of Legislative Audits; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 11, 2021
rh/jkb Third Reader - February 17, 2021
Enrolled - April 26, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - April 26, 2021
Analysis by: Tyler Allard Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
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