Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

HB 718
                                  Department of Legislative Services
                                             Maryland General Assembly
                                                   2021 Session
                                         FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                            Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 718                                  (Delegate Guyton)
Appropriations                                                                                                               Finance
       State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder Group on
                    Autism-Related Needs - Location and Funding
This bill moves the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy from the Department of
Disabilities (MDOD) to the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. Beginning in
fiscal 2023, the Governor must include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to fund
the position of State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and the Advisory Stakeholder Group
on Autism-Related Needs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
                                                      Fiscal Summary
State Effect: General fund expenditures increase by $83,700 in FY 2022 to fund the
position; a portion of this funding is included in the FY 2022 budget and is contingent on
passage of this bill. Future years reflect annualization and ongoing operating costs.
Revenues are not affected.
    (in dollars)               FY 2022                FY 2023               FY 2024                FY 2025               FY 2026
 Revenues                                $0                    $0                    $0                     $0                    $0
 GF Expenditure                      83,700               100,100               103,200                106,800               110,600
 Net Effect                       ($83,700)            ($100,100)            ($103,200)             ($106,800)            ($110,600)
Note:() = decrease; GF = general funds; FF = federal funds; SF = special funds; - = indeterminate increase; (-) = indeterminate decrease
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
                                         Analysis
Current Law: Chapter 341 of 2020 established a State Coordinator for Autism Strategy
in MDOD to (1) identify and evaluate existing services for individuals with autism and
their families; (2) develop a strategic plan for addressing autism-related needs by
July 1, 2021; (3) identify national benchmarks and other performance measures; and
(4) monitor and evaluate the implementation of the strategic plan and the success of the
State in addressing autism-related needs.
By July 1, 2021, and each year thereafter, the coordinator must submit a report to the
Secretary of Disabilities, the Governor, and the General Assembly on the development,
implementation, and effectiveness of the strategic plan.
State Expenditures: Although the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy position was
established under Chapter 341 of 2020, it has not yet been funded. The fiscal 2022 budget
includes a general fund appropriation of $53,330, contingent on passage of legislation
establishing a Coordinator for Autism Strategy within the Governor’s Office of
Community Initiatives. The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives advises that the
amount included in the fiscal 2022 budget will provide a salary only for the coordinator
position for nine months of fiscal 2022. The bill requires that the Governor, beginning in
fiscal 2023, include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to fund the position and the
Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs.
Thus, general fund expenditures increase by $83,720 in fiscal 2022, which accounts for a
90-day start-up delay. This estimate reflects the cost of hiring the coordinator. It includes
a salary, fringe benefits, one-time start-up costs, and ongoing operating expenses. Any
costs associated with the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs are not
reflected in this analysis.
Future year expenditures reflect a full salary with annual increases and employee turnover
and ongoing operating expenses.
                                Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Department of Budget and Management; Maryland Department
of Disabilities; Department of Legislative Services
HB 718/ Page 2
Fiscal Note History:   First Reader - February 15, 2021
rh/jc                  Third Reader – March 19, 2021
                              Revised - Amendment(s) – March 19, 2021
                              Revised - Budget Information - July 14, 2021
Analysis by: Amberly Holcomb                      Direct Inquiries to:
                                                  (410) 946-5510
                                                  (301) 970-5510
HB 718/ Page 3
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs - Mandated Appropriation: 7-111 Human Services, 7-112 Human Services
Text - Third - State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs - Location and Funding: 7-111 Human Services, 7-112 Human Services