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Forbes urges military service credit for LEOPS helicopter pilots in HB 7-89; unions and pilots say credit aids recruitment

House Appropriations Committee · March 19, 2026

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Summary

Delegate Cathy Forbes presented HB 7-89 to extend military service credit to certain law enforcement aviation pilots; AFSCME and current/past aviation leaders testified the credit is a necessary recruitment and retention tool for highly trained pilots.

Delegate Cathy Forbes told the committee HB 7-89 would allow members or vested former members of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS) to earn up to five years of military service credit toward retirement, narrowed in amendment to apply to helicopter pilots in the state law enforcement aviation unit.

“For veterans who serve in these capacities, this legislation will equalize treatment for individuals who served our country,” Forbes said, describing the bill as correcting an unfairness in the retirement system. Denise Gilmore of AFSCME said Maryland relies on experienced military pilots for medevac and other aviation missions and that the credit is a modest incentive to recruit those pilots into state service.

Donald Hawkins, former flight director of flight operations for the Maryland State Police, and Jude Gallagher, chief pilot of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, described the competitive market for trained helicopter pilots and said the five-year military credit has been an effective retention tool. Gallagher said the credit influences his decision to remain in state service and that competition from private employers is strong.

Committee members asked technical questions about how much credit would apply for long military careers; witnesses said the bill would allow up to five years of credit consistent with other veteran credits and would align active-duty retirees with National Guard retirees who already receive credit.

Witnesses urged support for a favorable report; no recorded vote appears in the transcript.