{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-7-12a-02","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Health - General § 7–12A–02","heading":"","body":"(a) There is a Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.\n(b) The Council is an independent unit of State government.\n(c) The Council operates and receives funding in accordance with the Act.\n(d) The Council has the authority to:\n(1) Conduct and support advocacy, systems change, and capacity–building efforts to promote inclusive communities and equity in services for individuals with disabilities in the State;\n(2) Research best practices and provide related training and technical assistance to communities in the State; and\n(3) Inform State and local leaders about disability issues.\n(e) The Council shall:\n(1) Develop and implement a 5–year strategic plan in accordance with the Act;\n(2) Monitor, review, and annually evaluate the implementation of the State plan;\n(3) To the extent practicable, review any plan in the State that relates to programs affecting individuals with developmental disabilities;\n(4) On request, submit to the Secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services periodic reports on its activities;\n(5) Serve as an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities;\n(6) Conduct or support programs, projects, and activities that carry out the purpose of the Act;\n(7) Advise the Governor, the General Assembly, State agencies, and other relevant organizations on policies, programs, and issues related to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; and\n(8) Review and make findings and recommendations regarding programs related to the support and services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.\n(f) A State entity may not interfere with the Council’s advocacy, capacity building, systemic change activities, budget, personnel, or State plan development or implementation.","path":["Article - Health - General"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg\u0026section=7-12A-02","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:58:48Z","sha256":"4db30a959558b804537942415bd018e6e981845acbca0f6241b05540c8e9766f","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-7-12a-01","next":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-7-12a-03"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}