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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.

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

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 300

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/20/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (129-2)

    3/19/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {683121/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/19/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/17/2026House

  12. 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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