MD HB1253

Establishes the Maryland Department of Social Equity and Economic Mobility as the state's 22nd principal department, headed by a Secretary appointed by the Governor with Senate consent

Consolidates three existing offices into the new department: the Governor's Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs; the Office of Social Equity from the Maryland Cannabis Administration; and the Office of Minority Business Enterprises from the Department of Transportation

Creates the Department of Social and Economic Mobility Special Fund as a nonlapsing fund, funded by cannabis sales tax revenue and Transportation Trust Fund appropriations, to cover operational costs of the Office of Social Equity and Office of Minority Business Enterprises

Requires the department to connect individuals with eligible state, federal, and local programs; maintain an inventory of social equity work across state units; adopt standards for promoting social equity; and submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1

Takes effect October 1, 2025, with transferred employees retaining their merit system status, pay, benefits, and working conditions