Bill > HB106

This bill expands the legal definition of "first responder" in Maryland's Public Safety code to include additional Department of Transportation employees who play critical roles in emergency response and infrastructure maintenance. Specifically, the bill adds three new categories of workers to the existing list of first responders: emergency response technicians, facility maintenance technicians, and vehicle services and recovery technicians employed by the Department of Transportation. The bill also renumbers the existing list of first responders, which previously included firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, rescue squad members, members of the State Fire Marshal's office, volunteer fire and rescue company members, certain licensed or certified individuals, and 9-1-1 specialists. The expanded definition acknowledges the important emergency-related work performed by these Department of Transportation employees, recognizing their contributions to public safety. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the updated definition.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0106?ys=2025RS