Bill > HB1080

This bill establishes guidelines for disaster service leave with pay for employees of county and municipal governmental units in Maryland. The bill allows governmental units to provide paid leave to employees who are certified disaster service volunteers with the American Red Cross during high-level disasters, or who are members of specific emergency response organizations like the Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services, rescue squads, or community emergency response teams. Employees may use up to 30 days of disaster service leave in a 12-month period, which requires approval from their governmental unit. During prolonged or recurrent disasters, the governmental unit has the flexibility to waive typical approval requirements and potentially increase the number of leave days if doing so would best serve the citizens of the county or municipality. The bill expands the previous law by increasing the maximum leave days from 15 to 30 and providing more discretion to local government units in managing disaster service leave. The provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving governmental units time to prepare and implement the new leave policies.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1080?ys=2025RS