MarylandHB 06782026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Correctional Officers' Retirement System - Membership - Clarifications

Sponsored By: Catherine M. Forbes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Pensions and RetirementCorrectional OfficersHealth, Department ofRetirement -see also- Mandatory RetirementSunsetWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More CORS members qualify for normal retirement

Effective July 11, 2026, members in the positions that became CORS‑eligible by June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026 can qualify for a normal service retirement under the same rules as others. You can use the combined‑service and age rules, such as at least 20 years of eligibility service.

Unused sick leave counts toward pension

Beginning July 11, 2026, unused sick leave counts toward your retirement service. If you moved from the Employees’ Retirement or Pension System into CORS and did not transfer service, you get credit for all unused sick leave at retirement. If you have service in two State systems, the law splits your sick-leave credit between them by each system’s share of your career service. Your EPS/ERS pension is also adjusted to include unused sick leave you earned there before you joined CORS, including for positions added on July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. Unused sick leave means time you had available but did not use before you retire.

Prior state service moves to CORS

Starting July 11, 2026, prior State service is moved into the Correctional Officers’ Retirement System under set rules. If you were in an affected job on July 1, 2026 and have no EPS service before July 1, 2008, your EPS service is transferred and combined with CORS. If you have EPS service before July 1, 2008, the Board transfers it on June 30, 2027 unless you file the opt‑out form by June 1, 2027. If you apply to retire before June 30, 2027, the Board completes the transfer before your retirement unless you opted out. If you are granted an ordinary disability benefit, the Board calculates both allowed formulas and pays the larger amount.

CAMH Specialist jobs join CORS in 2026

On or after July 1, 2026, CAMH Specialist I – CI and CAMH Specialist II – CI jobs at the listed Maryland Department of Health facilities are part of CORS. Employees in these roles become CORS members and earn CORS retirement benefits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Catherine M. Forbes
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/21/2026