Bethany Causey

The meeting commenced with introductions, noting the absence of Paul Griffin who was scheduled to present on the correlation between child maltreatment and domestic violence. Key discussions focused on legislative priorities for the upcoming 2026 session, sourced primarily from the Maryland Coalition to Protect Maryland's Children. Specific legislative topics included requiring training for child custody evaluators in areas like domestic violence impact, reinstating monthly data sharing reports from DHS which were discontinued, and strengthening background checks for child-serving agencies, referencing previous bills HB 770 and HB 1105. The group also discussed the conflict between mandated school construction guidelines (e.g., clear windows for visibility) aimed at preventing sexual abuse and guidelines aimed at preventing active shooter incidents (e.g., more hiding places). Further legislative priorities involved supporting bills to facilitate unaccompanied youth in the foster care system obtaining state IDs and allowing foster youth attending college to retain their foster home placement during breaks. A statewide newborn home visiting program was also mentioned as an area for study.

The March meeting focused on soliciting participant input regarding key discussion topics for the 2026 work, shifting focus from drafting the initial report to more expansive recommendations. Key discussion points included operationalizing coverage at the point of sale, ensuring easy claim processing for pharmacists, and developing consumer awareness/signage for OTC coverage. There was significant discussion regarding the accessibility and cost of over-the-counter birth control (OTCBC), including concerns over high pricing at vending machines ($40 for Opill) and ensuring equitable access for non-college populations and men, as well as ensuring Medicaid recipients do not pay twice. Presenters also provided updates on the recent health committee briefing concerning the history of OTC work in higher education institutions and support for House Bill 1076, which aims to streamline OTC access programs across four-year and two-year schools. The group prioritized discussing actionable items that do not require legislative changes for immediate implementation, while legislative matters are tracked.

The collaborative meeting focused on advancing the 2026 work plan, primarily addressing barriers to accessing over-the-counter (OTC) birth control in Maryland. Key discussion points included identifying solutions for operationalizing coverage at the point of sale, ensuring easy claims processing for pharmacists, and increasing consumer awareness. An update on the Health Committee briefing highlighted concerns regarding OTC contraception availability for non-college populations and retail coverage. The group proposed forming a small working group to address the NPI billing issue immediately and another to focus on public education and marketing, leveraging existing resources. Potential final recommendations reviewed included expanding coverage to condoms and devices.

The meeting commenced with introductions and proceeded to discuss potential legislation for 2026, including requirements for the "Know Before They Knock" initiative, proposed qualifications for Child Custody Evaluators, expanding CPS background checks, and expanding ID access for children. Workgroup updates covered the CJAC awarding grants and forming a training alliance, the Healthcare workgroup addressing data concerns, minimal engagement in the Achieving Racial Equity workgroup prompting a survey, continued primary prevention work by Essentials for Childhood, and initial meetings for the Pediatric Overstays group. The council also noted that three membership vacancies remain and reported on a clinic hosted by Maryland Legal Aid to assist seniors with writing wills.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the September minutes. Key presentations included an overview from the National Women's Law Center regarding federal gender justice attacks and state responses, and a presentation from the Maryland Family Network detailing challenges related to the Child Care Scholarship Waitlist and the impact of the federal landscape on Maryland's child care policy. The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence presented on their 2026 Legislative Agenda, focusing on bills aimed at strengthening survivor safety and financial stability. The Research, Policy & Legislation Committee reported on a successful vote to adopt three legislative recommendations: Stop Silencing Survivors, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act (Gun Bill), and Protection of Students from Sexual Exploitation in Schools. Updates were also provided on the OTC Collaborative and the Policy Committee's focus on women's economic security. The Outreach & Awards Committee reported on outreach efforts for Women's History/Hall of Fame nominations and provided an update on local commissions. Finally, the Foundation provided an update on a successful fundraiser and details for a joint holiday party.