Legislative and Policy Priorities 2026
Strengthening Maryland's Future: Legislative and Policy Agenda for Progressive Revenue and Education Reform
MOST, MD4CS, and MENTOR MD|DC are engaged with the legislative process through our participation in the Maryland Education Coalition, the Blueprint Coalition, and directly supporting or opposing legislation throughout the session.
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Our Priorities
HB1278 - Positive Youth Development Fund
As concerns grow about the impact of excessive social media use on young people’s mental health, HB1278 seeks to establish stronger protections for youth online. Research continues to link prolonged social media exposure to increased risks of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and cyberbullying—particularly among adolescents. At the same time, Maryland lacks dedicated, sustainable funding for Positive Youth Development programs that provide safe spaces, mentoring relationships, skill-building, and real-world connections beyond the screen. Afterschool, summer, and mentoring programs are proven protective factors that reduce risk behaviors, strengthen social-emotional skills, and foster belonging and resilience. HB1278 presents an opportunity to pair reasonable guardrails on digital platforms with investments in community-based solutions that support youth thriving in real life.
Community School Rental Assistance Program
Last year, when the Community School Rental Assistance Program opened to applicants across eight counties, more than $ 30 million in requests were received in less than 8 weeks. The program allocation of 10 million dollars (a combination of FY25 and FY 26 funds) met just one-third of that demand. The program helps prevent eviction and homelessness for families that have children attending a Community School. Renters United Maryland has built a coalition to advocate for the CSRAP program to receive an FY27 allocation of $25 Million. Join us in supporting youth-centered solutions by taking action here: bit.ly/FundRentalAssist
Contact Your Representative
Want to demonstrate your support for these necessary youth development initiatives? Contacting your state senator or delegate is an effective way to to hold the assembly accountable to the needs of its constituents. The Maryland General Assembly has created a tool to easily find your representatives and tell them about the bills that matter most to you. Click the button below to find yours!