Debate over tips tax explodes as Maryland hearing draws servers, owners and advocates

House Economic Matters Committee — HB 14‑00, a wide‑ranging measure touching tipped wages, taxes and workplace training, drew one of the largest and most emotional hearings on March 4 as restaurant workers, business owners and labor advocates packed the room.

Sponsor Delegate Adrian Buwaffe said the bill aims to reduce tax burdens on tipped workers, strengthen harassment prevention training and require clear disclosure of service fees. "This bill allows us to cut taxes for working families by allowing a subtraction under state income tax for tips received by individuals during the course of employment," Buwaffe told the committee, adding the measure also directs a study of the full minimum wage and the impact of removing a subminimum tipped wage.

Workers and labor…