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MarylandHB 05322026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information

Sponsored By: Jared Solomon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Fire ProtectionMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesTimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pay notices and damages for firefighters

Counties and cities must give firefighters a written pay notice at hire and when pay changes. Each pay period, they must give a pay stub with hours, gross pay, and deductions. If payroll info is missing or wages are not paid in full, the firefighter or union may file a grievance. When the short pay is not a bona fide dispute and a grievance is filed, the firefighter gets the missing wages plus damages. Damages start no sooner than one regular pay period after the short pay. If the grievance is filed in the first 3 business days of a pay period, damages start the next regular pay period; otherwise, they start in the second regular pay period after the shortfall. Damages add 30% of the missing wage each pay period until paid, capped at three times the wage due. These rules take effect October 1, 2028.

Overtime rules for government firefighters

Overtime for government firefighters starts after 168 hours in any 28‑day period. Employers must count all scheduled hours, but may exclude earned leave over 42 hours per week. A government is not in violation if it uses an average of up to 42 hours per week over a 7–28 day period or follows a union contract that sets a 42‑hour week. Government units are treated as employers under this law. These rules take effect October 1, 2028.

Existing firefighter union contracts protected

This law applies prospectively. It does not change union contracts (collective bargaining agreements) that were in place before October 1, 2028. Those contracts stay the same.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 153 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 0 • Other: 13

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 119 • No: 8 • Other: 14

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 182

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (119-8)

    3/21/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {523723/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  13. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

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