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MarylandHB 11392026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Retirement and Pension System - Administration and Clarification

Sponsored By: Catherine M. Forbes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Pensions and RetirementAdministrative AgenciesCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsComptrollerCorrectional OfficersCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.FormsInterestLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRetirement -see also- Mandatory RetirementRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Salaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesState Documents -see also- Maryland RegisterState EmployeesWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Full pension credit for past service

If you join on the set start date, you get 100% pension credit for your past work with your unit. For law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, this applies on the law’s effective date. For local detention officers, it also applies on the law’s effective date. For other employees joining the Employees’ Pension System, it applies on your unit’s effective participation date.

Automatic pension enrollment for local workers

When a local unit joins a State pension plan, it must offer enrollment to all eligible employees. The unit must give each eligible worker the election forms and certify this to the State Retirement Agency. If you do not return the forms on time, you are treated as having chosen to join. The appointing authority must file an affidavit naming non‑responders and the date forms were given. These rules apply to the Employees’ Pension System and also to law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and local detention officers in their systems.

Baltimore Council staff repay for past credit

If you work for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and elect to join the State system, you must repay the member contributions you would have made from July 1, 1992 to the law’s effective date, plus regular interest, to get that past service credit. If you do not pay, you do not receive that retroactive credit.

Late pension election barred for some officials

If you are a fixed‑term official, Governor’s office staff, legislative staff, or certain county or Dorchester County officials, your election to join must arrive on time. If the Board does not receive your election within the set window, you cannot later elect to join while you hold that job.

Deadlines and interest on local pension payments

Local employers must pay 25% of their certified pension charges by Oct 1, Jan 1, Apr 16, and Jun 1 each year. A grace period of up to 10 days is allowed. Late payments accrue 7.75% annual interest, and the State Comptroller withholds what is owed from General State School Fund payments. Counties must pay by Jan 1, 2026 for FY2026 and by Sept 1 each year starting in FY2027, with the same 7.75% interest and setoff against county funds. Withheld money is paid to the Board and credited to the proper pension funds.

Who counts as an employee for pensions

The law defines who is an “employee” for State pension membership. Regular employees and officers of eligible units are included. Contractual, emergency, and temporary extra workers are excluded. This decides who can enroll in the State employees’ retirement systems.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Catherine M. Forbes

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 305 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 291

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {523421/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (130-0)

    3/21/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {413120/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    3/20/2026House

  14. Hearing 3/18 at 12:45 p.m.

    3/18/2026House

  15. Hearing canceled

    3/18/2026House

  16. Hearing 3/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/17/2026House

  17. First Reading Appropriations

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

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