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Gov. Martin O'Malley has submitted regulations that would extend health benefits to state employees in same-sex relationships, an O'Malley spokesman said Monday.

The couples' dependent children would also be covered, said the spokesman, Shaun Adamec.

The regulations have been submitted to the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee, a panel comprising 10 senators and 10 delegates. It reviews state regulations with regard to the legislative prerogative and procedural due process.

"It's consistent with the governor's goal to extend affordable health care to more Marylanders," Adamec said. "And it is consistent with what a number of Maryland counties and private companies already do."

Adamec said the state estimates the extension of benefits would cost between $1 million and $3 million. Seventy-five to 300 people are expected to take advantage with the change, he said.

The change was announced at a rally of hundreds of people conducted by Equality Maryland, a gay rights advocacy group.