2026 Legislative Synopsis

The Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO's 2026 Legislative Synopsis details another year of strong advocacy and meaningful progress for working people across Maryland. Despite a challenging fiscal environment marked by a growing state budget deficit and uncertainty stemming from federal actions, the labor movement remained united in advancing policies that protect workers, strengthen unions, and improve workplace standards.

During the 2026 General Assembly session, the State Federation tracked more than 300 bills, submitted testimony on over 90 pieces of legislation, and helped secure passage of 27 labor-backed measures. Major victories included expanding collective bargaining rights to thousands of workers, passing the Maryland Worker Freedom Act to protect employees from mandatory captive-audience meetings (with fines for violations), establishing Maryland's "Little NLRA" to safeguard labor rights at the state level, strengthening apprenticeships, and winning the Safe Staffing Act of 2026 for healthcare workers and patients.

The labor movement also successfully defeated legislation that threatened workers' jobs and protections, including proposals to expand online gaming, weaken Maryland's heat-stress standards, and allow largely unregulated autonomous vehicles on public roads. 

This synopsis provides a comprehensive review of the legislation that passed, the battles that remain ahead, and the collective efforts of union members, leaders, and allies who stood together throughout the session to ensure working people had a voice in Annapolis. As the Maryland labor movement looks toward 2027, the message is clear: when workers stand united, progress is possible.