🏛️ Legislative Update — March 2–6, 2026

Tuesday, March 3 – 1:00 PM

🔹 Budget Hearing – Department of Budget and Management – Personnel
Hear about state spending and workforce impacts. Public employees are not the only ones impacted by budget hearings.

🟡 HB 831 — Collective Bargaining – Local Government Employees and Public Employee Relations Act
Summary: Changes to the state’s collective bargaining framework for public employees; allows for binding arbitration in the event of impasse.
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🔴 HB 895 — Protection from Predatory Pricing Act
Summary: Places limits on dynamic pricing and surveillance-driven pricing practices for food retailers; includes provisions involving collective bargaining and data protections.
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🟡 HB 1037 — Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act
Summary: Expands oversight of broadband and VoIP services by the Public Service Commission to improve accountability and coverage; unfortunately exempts small providers, a loophole that could hurt the folks that this bill is designed to help.
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🟡 SB 663 — Nursing Homes: Direct Care Wages and Benefits and Cost Reports
Summary: Requires nursing homes to spend at least 75% of revenues on direct care wages/benefits and to file annual cost reports with the Maryland Department of Health.
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🟡 SB 764 — Minimum Wage for Education Support Professionals
Summary: Increases wage protections for education support professionals (paraprofessionals, aides, custodians); sets a standard wage floor in public education.
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🟡 HB 932 — Maryland Transit Administration – Fifth Bus Division Facility – Construction
Summary: Authorizes construction of a new bus division facility for the MTA to support transit operations and maintenance.
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Wednesday, March 4 – 1:00 PM

🔵 SB 284 — Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026
Summary: Major fiscal package adjusting appropriations, revenue distributions, tax provisions, and fund usage across state programs.
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🟡 HB 1057 — Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act
Summary: Establishes guidelines and professional development around AI use in public schools to ensure safe, effective implementation.
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🟡 SB 904 — Education: Public Schools Service Contracts & Professional Development
Summary: Sets standards for educational service contracts and reinforces professional development requirements.
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🔴 SB 909 — Vehicle Laws: Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Summary: Updates vehicle code to allow and regulate fully autonomous vehicles on Maryland roads.
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Thursday, March 5 – 1:00 PM

Labor & Worker Protections

🔴 HB 1539 — Maryland Labor Relations Act
Summary: Overhauls state labor relations framework; potential impacts on union rights and bargaining. Hugely important to union members and potential union members in the event of shifts in federal labor law.
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🔹 HB 1480 — Labor Law Reform
Summary: Comprehensive labor law reform, including child labor penalties, private-sector labor relations, and state employee standards.
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🟡 HB 1356 — Maryland Employee Civic Activity and Lawful Expression Protection Act
Summary: Protects employees from retaliation when engaging in civic and related lawful activities; shifts burden to employers in retaliation claims.
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🟡 HB 1515 — Noncompete and Conflict of Interest Clauses – Employer Relocation
Summary: Limits enforceability of noncompetes and related clauses tied to employer-mandated relocations.
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🟡 HB 1414 — Nursing Homes: Direct Care Wages & Benefits
Summary: Mirrors SB 663 in the House; requires cost reporting and direct care expenditure minimums from nursing homes.
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Gaming & Economic Development

🔴 HB 1240, HB 1255 & HB 1343 — Sports Wagering & Internet Gaming Expansion
Summary: Authorizes wagering on historical horse races and expands commercial gaming, including internet gaming.
HB 1240 | HB 1255 | HB 1343

🔵 SB 869 — Maryland Workforce Launch Pilot Program
Summary: Establishes a pilot to expand workforce training and economic development opportunities.
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Friday, March 6 – 1:00 PM

🔴 HB 1173 — State Procurement: Contractor & Vendor Restrictions
Summary: Limits use of state funds/resources for entities engaging in specific prohibited actions.
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🟡 HB 1307 — State Finance & Procurement: Unfair Labor Practices
Summary: Prevents employers with unfair labor practices from receiving state funds.
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🟡 HB 1352 — Worker Residency Requirements
Summary: Requires certain contractors to hire a defined share of local resident workers.
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🟡 SB 947 — Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act
Summary: Broad reforms to MTA operations, accountability, and service delivery.
View bill

How to Submit Testimony

Planning to testify on upcoming legislation? Great. To ensure that your testimony counts, follow the rules and use the tools available.

Step-by-step instructions:
How to testify before the Maryland General Assembly

Testimony Guidelines to Know

• All testimony submissions (oral sign-up and written testimony) must be completed through the MyMGA portal.
• Testimony opens 2 business days before the hearing date. Testimony is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• The bill orders are usually posted by noon on the day of the hearing.
• All testimony becomes public record and is searchable online.
• No late submissions.

Need help? Reach out to Elizabeth Bobo at ebobo@mddclabor.org.