Bill > HB205

This bill modifies employment standards for firefighters in Maryland by changing how overtime is calculated and requiring enhanced payroll transparency. Specifically, the bill mandates that governmental units compute overtime for firefighters based on hours worked beyond 168 hours in a 28-day work period, instead of the traditional 40-hour workweek standard. When calculating these hours, employers must include all regularly scheduled hours and can only exclude earned or accrued leave beyond 42 hours per week. The bill also requires counties and municipalities to provide firefighters with detailed payroll information at hiring and during employment, including their pay rate, pay periods, and overtime rate. Additionally, the bill establishes a grievance procedure that allows firefighters or their representatives to initiate a complaint if payroll information is not provided, with potential damages that can increase by 30% per pay period and not exceed three times the missing wages. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will not apply retroactively to existing collective bargaining agreements, providing a clear framework for future firefighter compensation and transparency.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0205?ys=2025RS