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MarylandSB 08312026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Labor Law - Child Labor Penalties, Private Sector Employee Labor Relations, and State Employee Labor Standards

Sponsored By: Bill Ferguson

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryAdministrative AgenciesArbitration -see also- MediationCertificationsChildren (4-12)Civil OffensesCollective BargainingCommittees and CommissionsEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsFederal GovernmentLabor, Department ofLabor and Industry, Division ofLegislative Services, Department ofMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPetitionsPrivacyPublic InformationSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best PracticesState EmployeesWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher fines for child labor violations

Beginning June 1, 2026, the Commissioner can fine employers who break child labor rules. The maximum is $16,035 per violation of general prohibitions and $72,876 per willful or repeated violation of stricter under‑16 rules. Beginning July 15, 2027, the Commissioner sets these amounts each year and adjusts them for inflation; changes take effect July 15. Penalties are paid into the State General Fund.

Ban on employer-run workplace groups

Employers in Maryland may not set up or run workplace groups that they start, include supervisors, address working conditions, and that the employer can dissolve. This bar applies when the group is outside the federal labor board’s oversight due to federal action on or after January 1, 2026. The rule protects real, independent worker organizing.

State backup for private worker organizing

If the federal private‑sector labor law ends or the federal labor board gives states control, Maryland provides a backup system. Private employees can ask the State Public Employee Relations Board to hold elections, certify a representative, and order bargaining. The Board can require binding arbitration in some cases, issue injunctions, and fine employers up to $1,000 per affected employee. Fines go to a special fund for enforcement. The Labor Department must confirm the federal change and notify the legislature before this system takes effect.

State agencies cannot waive federal wage rules

Starting June 1, 2026, Maryland Executive Branch units cannot ask the federal government to waive Fair Labor Standards Act rules that apply to them. This keeps federal wage and hour protections for State employees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Ferguson

    Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 36

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 36 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 167

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (99-36)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/8/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/24/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {343824/1 Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

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

    2/12/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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