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MarylandHB 08222026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Circuit Court Clerks and Registers of Wills - Maximum Salary

Sponsored By: J. Sandy Bartlett (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Estates and TrustsCourts and Court Personnel - StatewideBaltimore CityCircuit CourtsClerks of CourtEstates and Trusts -see also- BeneficiariesPublic Works -see also- Brg&Tun; Hwys; PublBlgFac; etc.Public Works, Board ofRegisters of WillsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. Rates

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New pay and funding for registers of wills

Beginning October 1, 2026, the maximum register salary equals State Grade 26, Step 20 pay in effect the day before a new term starts. The Board of Public Works sets each register’s pay, within that cap, using county population, the last five years of fees and taxes, and other data. Pay-scale changes during a term do not apply until the next term. Salaries are paid twice a month from office fees after expenses like staff pay, books, and supplies. If fees fall short, the Comptroller can use that office’s remitted taxes, and if needed, excess fees from other registers, to cover the deficit with written approval.

New pay rules for circuit court clerks

Beginning October 1, 2026, the maximum clerk salary equals State Grade 26, Step 20 pay in effect the day before a new term starts. The Board of Public Works sets each clerk’s salary, within that cap, based on the office’s workload and receipts. Pay-scale changes during a term do not apply until the next term. Clerks must work full time in the job. Salaries are paid every two weeks.

New salary rules start next terms

Starting October 1, 2026, these salary rules do not change pay during a term that began before that date. They take effect for the office at the start of the next term. If someone is appointed or elected after October 1, 2026 to finish an unexpired term, the new rules apply to that person.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • J. Sandy Bartlett

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 158 • No: 18

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 18 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 565

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/12/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (115-18)

    3/11/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/9/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  12. First Reading Judiciary

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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