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MarylandSB 08312026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Bill Ferguson (Democratic)

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

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

Worker bargaining rights and employer penalties

Beginning June 1, 2026, covered Maryland private employees have rights to organize, join worker groups, and bargain through chosen representatives. State and local governments can limit these rights only for a compelling state need, using the least restrictive means. A state enforcement process activates only when federal labor law is entirely repealed or invalidated, or the federal labor board expressly gives up jurisdiction. Workers covered by the Railway Labor Act cannot use the repeal-or-invalidation route. Maryland’s Labor Secretary must notify legislative staff within 30 days after determining the trigger is met; board powers start upon receipt. Workers can then petition Maryland’s board, which can handle earlier federal representation petitions, certify representatives, decide unfair labor practice cases, and order bargaining. The board can order binding arbitration after certification, or after voluntary recognition when more than six months pass without a signed agreement. Existing negotiated terms stay in force during bargaining after certification. Employers face fines up to $1,000 per affected private employee; the money funds board enforcement, not direct payments to workers.

Stronger child protections and employer fines

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland’s Labor Commissioner can impose new civil fines to enforce child labor protections. Maximum fines are $16,035 per violation of Labor and Employment § 3-216(a) or (b). Willfully or repeatedly employing a minor in violation of § 3-213 carries a maximum fine of $72,876 per violation. Starting July 15, 2027, these limits increase each July 15 based on the Consumer Price Index, which measures price changes. The money goes to Maryland’s General Fund, not directly to minors or their families.

Limits on employer-controlled workplace groups

Beginning June 1, 2026, Maryland employers cannot allow certain workplace groups that employers can dissolve on their own. The rule covers groups formed by mutual consent, where supervisors and employees address or negotiate working conditions. It applies only when federal action on or after January 1, 2026, removes some or all federal labor-law coverage or board jurisdiction. Federally covered labor groups and certification of an exclusive worker representative remain allowed. Committees and governance structures required for state or national accreditation or designation also remain allowed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Ferguson

    Democratic • 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: 1

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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