All Roll Calls
Yes: 141 • No: 36
MarylandSB 08312026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Labor Law - Child Labor Penalties, Private Sector Employee Labor Relations, and State Employee Labor Standards
Sponsored By: Bill Ferguson
Signed by Governor
Private Sector Labor and IndustryAdministrative AgenciesArbitration -see also- MediationCertificationsChildren (4-12)Civil OffensesCollective BargainingCommittees and CommissionsEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsFederal GovernmentLabor, Department ofLabor and Industry, Division ofLegislative Services, Department ofMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPetitionsPrivacyPublic InformationSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best PracticesState EmployeesWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher fines for child labor violations
Beginning June 1, 2026, the Commissioner can fine employers who break child labor rules. The maximum is $16,035 per violation of general prohibitions and $72,876 per willful or repeated violation of stricter under‑16 rules. Beginning July 15, 2027, the Commissioner sets these amounts each year and adjusts them for inflation; changes take effect July 15. Penalties are paid into the State General Fund.
Ban on employer-run workplace groups
Employers in Maryland may not set up or run workplace groups that they start, include supervisors, address working conditions, and that the employer can dissolve. This bar applies when the group is outside the federal labor board’s oversight due to federal action on or after January 1, 2026. The rule protects real, independent worker organizing.
State backup for private worker organizing
If the federal private‑sector labor law ends or the federal labor board gives states control, Maryland provides a backup system. Private employees can ask the State Public Employee Relations Board to hold elections, certify a representative, and order bargaining. The Board can require binding arbitration in some cases, issue injunctions, and fine employers up to $1,000 per affected employee. Fines go to a special fund for enforcement. The Labor Department must confirm the federal change and notify the legislature before this system takes effect.
State agencies cannot waive federal wage rules
Starting June 1, 2026, Maryland Executive Branch units cannot ask the federal government to waive Fair Labor Standards Act rules that apply to them. This keeps federal wage and hour protections for State employees.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bill Ferguson
Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 99 • No: 36 • Other: 6
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 167
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (99-36)
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
4/8/2026HouseHearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
3/26/2026HouseReferred Government, Labor, and Elections
3/24/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (42-0)
3/23/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/23/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {343824/1 Adopted
3/23/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Finance
3/23/2026SenateHearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
2/12/2026SenateFirst Reading Finance
2/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/23/2026
First Reading
2/6/2026
Related Bills
SB 1007 — Prior Authorizations of State Debt - Alterations
SB 0940 — Environment - Water Quality Testing - Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels Action Plan
SB 0915 — State Board of Physicians - Delegation of Duties - Alterations
SB 0777 — Labor and Employment - Workforce Development - Hospital Employee Retraining and Placement Program and Workforce Development and Local Workforce Development Boards (Local Workforce Solutions Investment Act)
SB 0772 — Maryland Department of Health - Employment Training and Opportunity Database
SB 0742 — Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Developmental Disabilities Administration - Home- and Community-Based Services Eligibility Determinations (Maryland Protecting People With Disabilities Act)
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in