Bill > SB166

This bill modifies Maryland's state personnel and collective bargaining laws to explicitly include graduate assistants and postdoctoral associates as eligible for collective bargaining. The bill defines "graduate assistants" as graduate students at system institutions, Morgan State University, or St. Mary's College who serve in teaching, administrative, research, or fellowship roles, and "postdoctoral associates" as doctoral degree holders primarily engaged in research at these same institutions. The legislation creates separate bargaining units for graduate assistants and postdoctoral associates, removing previous exemptions that categorically excluded these workers from collective bargaining rights. Specifically, the bill amends existing law to allow graduate assistants and postdoctoral associates to form bargaining units and negotiate wages, hours, and employment conditions, even if they were previously considered contingent, contractual, or temporary employees. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing these academic workers with new opportunities to collectively represent their professional interests and working conditions. This legislation represents a significant expansion of labor rights for graduate students and early-career researchers in Maryland's higher education system.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0166?ys=2025RS