MarylandHB 03472026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Workers' Compensation - Occupational Disease Presumptions - Hypertension

Sponsored By: Andrew C. Pruski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Workers' CompensationClaimsDisabilitiesEmergency Services -see also- Ambul; Emergencies; etc.Fire ProtectionMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesPublic Employees -see also- State EmployeesRescue Squads -see also- Emergency Medical ServRules and Regulations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Hypertension presumption for firefighters and responders

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law treats hypertension as work-related for certain paid public-safety workers. It presumes disability for workers’ compensation if you are a paid firefighter, firefighting instructor, rescue squad member, advanced life support unit member, or sworn State Fire Marshal member. You must have a diagnosis by an authorized provider, be prescribed hypertension medicine for at least 90 straight days, have at least 2 years of service in Maryland, and be currently employed. Your employer must be an airport authority, county, fire control district, municipality, or the State. The presumption is rebuttable by the employer or insurer.

Comp for hypertension limits disability retirement

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you qualify for workers’ compensation under the hypertension presumption, you are not eligible for disability retirement on that same condition. This does not apply if your collective bargaining agreement clearly allows both.

Separate claims and no double recovery

Beginning October 1, 2026, you can file a separate heart or lung disease claim even if you also file a hypertension presumption claim. If you seek benefits for heart or lung disease under the general rule, you must file a separate claim for those conditions. You cannot receive duplicate benefits for the same condition when you file under both tracks.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Andrew C. Pruski
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Diana M. Fennell
Democratic • House
Mike Rogers
Democratic • House
Veronica Turner
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 2 • Other: 11

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 300
4/28/2026
Returned Passed
4/7/2026House
Third Reading Passed (46-0)
4/6/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
3/31/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Finance
3/30/2026Senate
Referred Finance
3/20/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (129-2)
3/19/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {683121/1 Adopted
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
3/19/2026House
Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
2/17/2026House
First Reading Economic Matters
1/19/2026House

Bill Text

Third Reading
3/19/2026
PDF
First Reading
1/19/2026
PDF

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