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MarylandSB 07342026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Retirement and Pension System - Administration and Clarification

Sponsored By: Karen Lewis Young (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Pensions and RetirementAdministrative AgenciesCertificationsComptrollerCorrectional OfficersFormsLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceNoticesRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRetirement -see also- Mandatory RetirementRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesState Documents -see also- Maryland RegisterState EmployeesWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Public safety pensions: enroll and get credit

Units can join the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System only if they offer enrollment to all eligible officers, firefighters, and EMTs; and can join the Correctional Officers’ Retirement System only if they offer it to all eligible detention officers. Employees must return an election form; if you do not, you are enrolled and the appointing authority files an affidavit naming you and the date the form was given. Participation usually starts July 1 of the year after the unit votes to join. If required documents are not in on time, the start date is pushed to July 1 of the second year after that fiscal year. If you join on the unit’s effective date, you receive 100% credit for your prior service with that unit.

Join state pension, get full credit

If you join the Employees’ Pension System on your unit’s effective date, you get 100% credit for your prior service with that unit. You must submit an election to join or opt out; if the Board does not receive your election within the required period, you are enrolled for that job and may have retirement contributions taken. Units that join must offer enrollment to all eligible employees. If a worker does not return the form, the appointing authority must file an affidavit to document it.

Quarterly pension payments and penalties

Each year by December 1, the Board certifies what each local employer owes. Local employers must pay 25% on October 1, January 1, April 16, and June 1. For fiscal year 2026, counties must pay by January 1, 2026; starting in fiscal year 2027, counties pay by each September 1. A grace period of up to 10 days may apply. After that, the Comptroller withholds or sets off delinquent amounts plus 7.75% yearly interest and sends the money to the Board.

Immediate vesting for four state roles

If you take office as the Special Secretary for the Governor’s Office for Children, the State Archivist, the State Prosecutor, or the State Superintendent of Schools, you receive immediate vesting in your State retirement system when you take office.

Help for units that don't meet rules

The Board of Trustees reviews requests from units that do not meet the statutory requirements to join a State retirement system. The Board tells the Joint Committee on Pensions if new legislation is needed so the unit can participate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 217 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 290

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (135-0)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {963624/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/07 at 1:30 p.m.

    4/7/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    4/7/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/07 at 1:15 p.m.

    4/7/2026House

  12. Hearing canceled

    4/7/2026House

  13. Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  14. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  15. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  16. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  17. Favorable with Amendments {223621/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  18. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/19/2026Senate

  19. Hearing 3/05 at 8:30 a.m.

    2/11/2026Senate

  20. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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