Senate committee hears bill to require overtime pay for firefighters after 42 hours
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Summary
Senate Finance heard testimony on SB445, a bill to establish a statewide 42‑hour overtime threshold for firefighters. Supporters framed it as equity for public safety workers; county officials warned it would undermine local bargaining and carry significant fiscal and staffing costs.
Senator Ben Kramer told the Senate Finance Committee that Senate Bill 445 would "simply provide[] that firefighters deserve the same respect and dignity under our wage laws as everyone else." He asked the committee for a favorable report on the proposal to require overtime pay for firefighters after an average of 42 hours per week.
The sponsor, together with union leaders, argued the measure brings firefighters in line with the Maryland Wage and Hour Law and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act standards that typically start overtime at 40 hours. Jeff Buttle, president of the Professional Firefighters of Maryland, said the bill "simply establishes the threshold statewide" and cited a statewide poll of 808 likely voters showing 81.8% support for a 42‑hour overtime baseline.
Supporters stressed recruitment, retention and fairness. Josh Fannin, president of IFF Local 964 Baltimore fire officers, told the committee the House passed a similar measure last year 134–1 and that a uniform standard would reduce disparities that vary by jurisdiction.
Opponents focused on local operational and fiscal consequences. John Peterson, Chief Administrative Officer for Frederick County, said the county negotiates schedules and wages locally and estimated moving to a 24/72 schedule or paying overtime at the proposed threshold could require significant staffing changes and cost "upwards of $20,000,000 annually." Carrington Anderson with the Maryland Association of Counties warned the bill could interfere with binding collective bargaining and leave counties with a choice to either pay overtime every week or create new shifts—which he said is often infeasible because of recruitment and training timelines.
Committee members pressed for clarity about the fiscal note and how many hires counties would need. Senator Kramer referenced past county estimates that moved from 94 to 150 additional positions in Frederick County in successive fiscal projections, noting the number of required hires reported by counties has risen over time.
The hearing captured the core tension lawmakers must weigh: a statewide labor standard proponents say corrects an inequity for firefighters, versus the legal and budgetary implications local governments and associations say would follow from a mandate that bypasses local bargaining. The committee closed the SB445 panel after extended questioning and testimony.