In Session – Labor

Repealing and establishing the methodology used to calculate the weekly benefit amount; altering the taxable wage base used to determine employer contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, the dependent allowance, and the amount of earned wages subtracted from a weekly benefit amount; requiring the Secretary of Labor to set the taxable wage base and the maximum weekly benefit amount in a certain manner beginning in calendar year 2027 and each calendar year thereafter; etc.

Altering the Law Enforcement Cadet Apprenticeship Program in the Maryland Department of Labor to be the Public Safety Apprenticeship Program; expanding the purpose and scope of the Program to promote careers with certain public safety agencies; requiring the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to develop certain mental health wellness policies to be implemented in certain law enforcement agencies; establishing the Workgroup on Growing Engagement in the Law Enforcement Workforce; etc.

Establishing certain requirements on food service establishments, hospitality establishments, and retail establishments regarding work schedules for employees, including requirements related to the provision of work schedules to employees, notifications regarding changes to the schedules, and payment of wages to employees whose work schedules are changed by the employer; authorizing certain employees to request an adjustment in a work schedule before beginning a shift; etc.

Requiring certain businesses that use a point-of-sale system that automatically prompts a customer to leave a tip to disclose to whom the tip will be allocated.

Establishing the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Program in the Maryland Department of Health; requiring the Secretary to establish a pilot program at community colleges in at least two geographically diverse areas in the State that offer licensed practical nursing programs before implementing the Program statewide; requiring an annual report by to the Governor and the General Assembly on implementation of the Program; and establishing the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Advisory Committee to assist in the development of the Program.

Establishing the Leasing Training Program in the Maryland Department of Labor to train, prepare, and connect job seekers with careers in the residential rental housing industry; requiring the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning to administer the Program and award $250,000 annually in grants to eligible designated partnerships; requiring the Governor to include $250,000 in the annual budget bill for each of fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 for the program; requiring a certain report by January 1 each year; etc.