Maryland House Bill HB914

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

State Employees - Cancer Screening - Paid Leave

Impact

If enacted, HB 914 will amend the Maryland Annotated Code under Article – State Personnel and Pensions, adding a new section that specifically outlines the terms and conditions under which state employees may take cancer screening leave. Employees will be entitled to use up to four hours of paid leave for cancer screening in a 12-month period, making it easier for them to prioritize their health without the risk of losing income. This bill could serve as a crucial step towards improving employee wellness and ensuring that state employees have access to necessary health screenings.

Summary

House Bill 914 seeks to establish a framework for cancer screening leave for state employees in Maryland. The proposed legislation will grant all state employees, including part-time and temporary workers, the right to request paid leave for cancer screening purposes. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare measures and aims to foster a healthier workforce within state government. By providing employees with time off for screening without financial penalty, the bill addresses a significant barrier to early cancer detection.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support due to its positive implications for employee health and workplace wellness, there may be discussions regarding its implementation and the regulations that the Secretary would need to adopt to manage requests and approvals for cancer screening leave. Questions might arise about the potential administrative burden this poses on state agencies and the financial implications for state budgets, especially if widespread utilization of this leave occurs. Advocates argue that the long-term benefits of early cancer detection and improved employee health will outweigh these initial concerns, promoting overall public health within the state.