Bill > SB90

This bill amends Maryland's Workers' Compensation law to create a presumption that hypertension is an occupational disease for certain public safety personnel, specifically paid firefighters, fire fighting instructors, rescue squad members, advanced life support unit members, and sworn members of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, as well as their volunteer counterparts. Under the proposed changes, these individuals are presumed to have an occupational disease that was suffered in the line of duty and is compensable if they have been diagnosed with hypertension, prescribed medication for it for at least 90 consecutive days, have at least two years of cumulative service in one of these roles, and are still employed in such a capacity at the time of their claim. This presumption simplifies the process for these workers to receive workers' compensation benefits for hypertension-related disability or death, although it clarifies that individuals qualifying under this new presumption for hypertension cannot receive disability retirement benefits for the same condition, and separate claims are still required for heart or lung disease.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0090?ys=2026RS