HB 255
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
House Bill 255 (Delegate Hill, et al.)
Appropriations
Department of Aging - Grants for Aging-in-Place Programs - Funding
This bill authorizes grants provided by the Maryland Department of Aging
(MDOA) to nonprofit organizations and area agencies on aging (AAAs) for aging-in-place
programs to also be used to provide seniors the opportunity to live in a “senior village.”
The bill repeals the requirement that funding for such grants be as provided in the
State budget; instead, the Governor must include at least $100,000 in the annual budget for
the purpose of making the grants. At least 20% of funding must be used to support senior
villages. The bill takes effect June 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: No effect in FY 2021. MDOA general fund expenditures increase by at least
$26,900 in FY 2022 to develop the program. Beginning in FY 2023, MDOA general fund
expenditures increase by $100,000 annually to provide grants and for ongoing
administration. This bill establishes a mandated appropriation beginning in FY 2023.
(in dollars) FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
Revenues $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
GF Expenditure 26,900 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
Net Effect ($26,900) ($100,000) ($100,000) ($100,000) ($100,000)
Note:() = decrease; GF = general funds; FF = federal funds; SF = special funds; - = indeterminate increase; (-) = indeterminate decrease
Local Effect: Local governments that operate AAAs as a unit of government may realize
increased revenues as a result of any grants received under the bill. Local government
expenditures increase correspondingly.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Bill Summary: “Senior village” means a local, member-driven, nonprofit organization
that (1) supports community members who choose to age in place by fostering social
connections through activities and events and coordinating volunteer help at a
senior’s home using a neighbor-helping-neighbor model and (2) is exempt from taxation.
Current Law: Aging-in-place programs allow individuals to remain in their home while
participating in their community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of their
age, income, or ability level.
Chapters 308 and 309 of 2019 authorized MDOA to make grants to nonprofit organizations
and AAAs to expand and establish aging-in-place programs. Any nonprofit organization
or AAA may apply to MDOA for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of expanding
or establishing an aging-in-place program that provides to seniors:
assistance with the cost of in-home personal care services for activities of daily
living, including bathing, personal hygiene and grooming, dressing, toileting,
functional mobility, food preparation, laundry, and house cleaning;
psychological, economic, or functional assistance to enable successful health
management, access to medical care, or compliance with treatment recommendations;
awareness of and access to resources, services, and benefits;
support services and care coordination;
affordable transportation; or
assistance making in-home modifications or repairs to improve safety, mobility, and
accessibility.
A nonprofit organization or AAA must demonstrate an equal match for the funds requested.
Funding for the grants is as provided by the Governor in the annual State budget.
State Expenditures: The aging-in-place grant program took effect June 1, 2019; however,
MDOA did not receive funding or additional staff to support the grant program. As the bill
establishes a $100,000 mandated appropriation (which applies to fiscal 2023 and beyond),
MDOA requires staff to administer the grant program. This analysis assumes MDOA
prepares to administer the grant program in fiscal 2022, with one part-time (50%) program
administrator to establish the grant application and award process; beginning in fiscal 2023,
that administrator will evaluate grant applications and make awards. Accordingly, MDOA
general fund expenditures increase by at least $26,886 in fiscal 2022, which reflects a
hiring date of January 1, 2022. This estimate includes a salary, fringe benefits, one-time
start-up costs, and ongoing operating expenses.
HB 255/ Page 2
FY 2022 FY 2023
New Position 0.5 0
Grants $0 $58,024
Salary and Fringe Benefits 21,632 41,648
One-time Start-up Expenses 5,090 0
Ongoing Operating Expenses 164 328
Total State Expenditures $26,886 $100,000
Future year expenditures reflect a half-time salary with annual increases and employee
turnover and ongoing operating expenses, and the provision of grants beginning in
fiscal 2023. Personnel expenditures are assumed to be covered under the mandated
appropriation (which is for the purpose of making grants, not just for the grants themselves)
beginning in fiscal 2023 when MDOA general fund expenditures increase by $100,000
annually. Although discretionary, additional funding could be provided in fiscal 2022 so
that grants could be awarded sooner.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 498 of 2020 was passed by the General Assembly but was
vetoed by the Governor due to concerns regarding the economic challenges resulting from
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Maryland Department of Aging; Department of Budget and
Management; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 12, 2021
rh/jc
Analysis by: Amberly Holcomb Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 255/ Page 3
Statutes affected: Text - First - Department of Aging - Grants for Aging-in-Place Programs - Funding: 10-1201 Human Services