On March 10, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted a letter of information to the Finance Committee on SB 579 – Counties - No-Cost Preventive Cancer Screenings for Volunteer Firefighters. This bill mandates that counties provide no-cost preventive cancer screenings to each firefighter who volunteers with a volunteer fire company. Screenings must align with the latest guidelines issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Counties may satisfy this requirement by either providing a…

On March 3, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in opposition to HB 831 - Collective Bargaining - Local Government Employees and Public Employee Relations Act.  This bill mandates collective bargaining rights for local government employees statewide and significantly alters local government labor relations. HB 831 raises concerns about a sweeping, state-mandated collective bargaining framework that would apply uniformly to every county, regardless of size, structure, or existing…

On February 19, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Finance Committee in opposition to SB 439 - Employment Discrimination - Fire and Rescue Public Safety Employees - Use of Medical Cannabis.  This bill prohibits an employer from disciplining or discharging a fire and rescue public safety employee for the use of cannabis if the employee possesses a written certification. While counties recognize evolving state law regarding cannabis and support clear workplace standards, SB…

On February 18, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in opposition to SB 445 - Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information.  This bill would eliminate local bargaining authority over firefighter overtime policies and instead establish a statewide standard, resulting in a massive new unfunded mandate. SB 445 is a one-size-fits-all approach that threatens to undermine local operations, place an undue financial burden on county governments, and…

On February 18, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony in support of SB 417 - Labor and Employment - Mandatory Meetings on Religious or Political Matters - Employee Attendance and Participation (Maryland Worker Freedom Act) with amendments.  This bill prohibits an employer from disciplining, discharging, refusing to hire, or otherwise penalizing an employee or applicant who declines to attend, participate in, or listen to employer communications expressing opinions on religious or political matters.…