News & Events:
BREAKING NEWS: SB445 Passes and Is Heading To Governors Desk
Maryland Legislature Passes SB445, 42-Hour Firefighter Work Week Bill Heads to Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland General Assembly has officially passed Senate Bill 445, landmark legislation establishing a statewide overtime standard for firefighters, and the bill is now headed to the governor’s desk for final approval.
SB445 requires that firefighters receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond 168 hours in a 28-day period, effectively aligning with a 42-hour average work week standard. The bill passed both chambers with strong support, including a 42–3 vote in the Senate and a 124–5 vote in the House.
Supporters of the legislation have long argued that the measure is a critical step toward improving firefighter health, safety, and work-life balance, while also helping with recruitment and retention across the state. The change brings Maryland closer to national best practices for firefighter scheduling and compensation.
The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. If signed into law, it will mark a significant milestone for firefighters across Maryland and represent one of the most impactful labor reforms for the fire service in recent years.
BREAKING NEWS: SB439 Passes and Is Heading To Governors Desk
Maryland Legislature Passes SB439, Medical Cannabis Protections Bill Heads to Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 439, legislation providing critical protections for firefighters and other public safety employees who use medical cannabis, and the bill now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.
SB439 prohibits employers from taking disciplinary or discriminatory action against firefighters solely for legally using medical cannabis while off duty. The bill ensures that a positive drug test for cannabis metabolites alone cannot be used as grounds for punishment, recognizing that such results do not necessarily indicate impairment.
Importantly, the legislation maintains strict safety standards by allowing departments to enforce zero-tolerance policies for on-duty impairment, ensuring firefighters remain fit for duty while protecting their access to medically prescribed treatment.
Supporters of the bill have emphasized that it provides a safer alternative to traditional medications and addresses issues such as chronic pain, PTSD, and other job-related conditions commonly faced by firefighters.
With passage in both chambers, SB439 now awaits the governor’s signature, marking a significant step forward in protecting firefighter health, wellness, and employment rights across Maryland.