|
Brothers and Sisters,
The 2026 Maryland Legislative Session delivered significant victories for Professional Fire Fighters across our state. Through the advocacy of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, and with the support of legislators who understand the mission of the fire service, all five priority bills supported by PFFMD passed this session.
These victories strengthen protections for active members, support retirees, improve benefits for our families, and recognize the long-term occupational risks associated with this profession.
1. SB 445 / HB 532 – 42-Hour Workweek and Overtime Protections
Sponsored by:
- Ben Kramer(D)
- Andrew Pruski(D)
This legislation establishes overtime protections tied to the 168-hour/28-day standard, reinforces the 42-hour workweek framework, strengthens payroll transparency, and creates enforcement mechanisms for wage violations. This is a major labor victory that protects fair compensation and supports firefighter scheduling protections.
Why it matters:
This bill advances long-fought protections tied to workload, fatigue reduction, and fair pay.
2. SB 90 / HB 347 – Hypertension Presumption
Sponsored by:
- Clarence Lam(D)
- Andrew Pruski(D)
This legislation strengthens workers’ compensation protections by recognizing hypertension as a presumed occupational disease for qualifying firefighters.
Why it matters:
It reduces barriers for members seeking benefits when suffering from job-related illness and recognizes the health impacts of this profession.
3. HB 653 / SB 607 – Public Safety Retirement Income Tax Relief
Sponsored by:
- Dylan Behler(D)
- Justin Ready(R)
This bill increases tax relief on retirement income for eligible public safety retirees.
Why it matters:
This is meaningful pension relief for those who dedicated a career to this profession and reflects a commitment to supporting firefighters after retirement.
4. HB 3 / SB 212 – Maryland Fallen Heroes Tuition Benefits Act
Sponsored by:
- Matthew Schindler(D)
- William Folden(R)
This legislation provides tuition assistance for dependents of public safety members killed in the line of duty.
Why it matters:
This is a profound commitment to the families of fallen firefighters and ensures support extends beyond the line of duty.
5. SB 439 / HB 797 – Medical Cannabis Employment Protections for Fire and Rescue Employees
Sponsored by:
This legislation provides employment protections for fire and rescue public safety employees who are registered medical cannabis patients, prohibiting discipline or discrimination based solely on lawful off-duty use or a positive test for THC metabolites, while preserving employer authority to prohibit impairment on duty and including a 12-hour off-duty use restriction before reporting to work.
Taken together, these five bills represent victories in:
- Wages and working conditions
- Occupational health protections
- Workers’ compensation protections
- Retiree support
- Employment Protection for Medical Cannabis Use
This package did not happen by accident. It happened because Fire Fighters showed up, relationships were built, and elected officials who support our mission were held accountable and supported in return.
We especially recognize the leadership of Delegates Pruski and Behler, Senators Beidle, Kramer, Lam, and Ready, and the many legislators who stood with the fire service this session.
As members of Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1563, we should view these wins as proof that advocacy matters. Legislative engagement matters. Supporting those who support Fire Fighters matters.
These are real gains for our members, our retirees, and our families and they are worth recognizing.
In Solidarity,
The Executive Board
|
