Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB880

Introduced
2/2/24  
Refer
2/2/24  
Report Pass
3/14/24  
Engrossed
3/15/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
3/29/24  
Enrolled
4/3/24  
Chaptered
5/9/24  

Caption

State Retirement and Pension System - Average Final Compensation - Compensation Adjustments

Impact

This legislation will have a significant impact on the calculation of average final compensation for members of the State Retirement and Pension System. By specifying that salary increases due to promotions or adjustments for equity purposes are excluded from the extraordinary salary increase classification, SB880 aims to protect employees from potential negative impacts on their retirement benefits. Consequently, employees will have a clearer understanding of how their salaries affect their retirement calculations, thus promoting fairer compensation practices across state employment.

Summary

Senate Bill 880 addresses the provisions related to salary adjustments in the context of the State Retirement and Pension System. The bill stipulates that certain adjustments to a member's salary shall not be deemed extraordinary salary increases for the calculation of average final compensation. This includes salary increases related to promotions or those implemented as part of adjustments meant to rectify compensation inequities among employees in the same classification. These changes aim to create a more equitable salary structure within state employment and ensure that salary adjustments align with market compensation rates.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB880 appears to be supportive among lawmakers, particularly those prioritizing fair compensation practices and retirement benefits for state employees. Many proponents view this bill as a positive step toward ensuring equity within state retirement plans. However, there may be concerns about potential loopholes or the administration of the new regulations, which could impact the overall effectiveness of the bill. Overall, the bill reflects an intention to balance compensation equity with the integrity of the retirement system.

Contention

Despite the overall support, there could be points of contention regarding the bill's implementation and the specifics of what constitutes an extraordinary salary increase. Discussions could arise around the definitions and criteria used to determine salary adjustments and their implications on different employee classifications. As the bill will influence existing structures in the state retirement system, stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring transparency and fairness in its application.

Companion Bills

MD HB1004

Crossfiled State Retirement and Pension System - Average Final Compensation - Compensation Adjustments

Previously Filed As

MD SB274

State Retirement and Pension System - Earnable Compensation, Nonvested Former Members, and Immediate Vesting

MD HB541

State Retirement and Pension System - Earnable Compensation, Nonvested Former Members, and Immediate Vesting

MD SB204

State Retirement and Pension System - Vesting and Retirement Allowance - Clerk of the Court and Register of Wills

MD SB695

State Retirement and Pension System - Military Service Credit

MD HB601

State Police Retirement System, Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System, and Judges’ Retirement System – Surviving Spouse Benefit – Same–Sex Spouses

MD SB454

State Police Retirement System, Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System, and Judges' Retirement System - Surviving Spouse Benefit - Same-Sex Spouses

MD SB139

State Police Retirement System and Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Deferred Retirement Option Program - Alterations

MD HB298

State Police Retirement System and Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Deferred Retirement Option Program - Alterations

MD HB1236

State Retirement and Pension System - Vesting and Retirement Allowance - Clerk of the Court and Register of Wills

MD HB790

State Retirement and Pension System - Forfeiture of Benefits

Similar Bills

NJ A1092

Requires county to provide extraordinary special education aid to school districts located in county for students with costs over $55,000 and State to reimburse county.

NJ A3015

Requires county to provide extraordinary special education aid to school districts located in county for students with costs over $55,000 and State to reimburse county.

NJ A2289

Provides three-year phase-in of full funding of extraordinary special education State aid.

NJ S1568

Provides three-year phase-in of full funding of extraordinary special education State aid.

NJ A4526

Provides for full funding of extraordinary special education State aid.

NJ A1282

Provides for full funding of extraordinary special education State aid.

CA AB353

Oil revenue: Oil Trust Fund.

CA AB2687

Oil revenue: Oil Trust Fund.