On March 11, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony to the Finance Committee in support of SB 804 – Labor and Employment – Occupational Safety and Health – Revisions to Heat Stress Standards with amendments. 

This bill codifies and clarifies requirements governing workplace heat stress protections that were previously adopted through Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations. SB 804 requires employers, including counties, to develop heat stress prevention plans, acclimatization plans, high-heat procedures, and emergency response protocols. In doing so, it provides needed and additional statutory direction for heat stress protections. 

Counties have recommended targeted amendments to clarify training requirements, streamline reporting expectations, and preserve flexibility for employers while maintaining strong protections for workers.

From MACo Testimony: 

Counties strongly support policies that protect the health and safety of public employees. Counties made substantial investments to comply with Maryland’s Heat Stress Standards. The bill provides needed and additional statutory direction for heat stress protections. However, several provisions in SB 804 unintentionally create operational challenges without improving worker safety outcomes.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog