Bill > SB124

This bill establishes new employment standards for firefighters employed by governmental units, specifically addressing overtime calculations and payroll information reporting. The bill modifies existing labor laws to calculate firefighter overtime based on hours worked over 168 hours in a 28-day work period, and requires that all regularly scheduled hours, including those covered by leave, be included in overtime calculations. Counties and municipalities must now provide firefighters with detailed payroll information at hiring and with each pay rate change, including their rate of pay, pay periods, and overtime rate. If a governmental unit fails to provide this information or full wages, firefighters or their representatives can initiate a grievance process. If a grievance is successful, the firefighter is entitled to damages that increase by 30% per pay period, with a maximum of three times the amount of the missing wages or unpaid information. The bill explicitly states that it applies only to future agreements and will not retroactively affect existing collective bargaining agreements, with an implementation date of October 1, 2025. The legislation aims to provide more transparency and financial protection for firefighters by ensuring clear communication about their compensation and establishing a mechanism for addressing payroll discrepancies.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0124?ys=2025RS