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HB 1156

Calvert County - Length of Service Award Program - Benefits

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Fisher

HB 1156 modifies Calvert County's volunteer firefighter and emergency responder retirement benefits program to adjust eligibility or benefit structures for enrolled members.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 556
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Bill Summary · HB 1156

Legislative bill overview

HB 1156 modifies the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for Calvert County, which provides tax-deferred benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency service members. The bill adjusts eligibility requirements, contribution structures, or benefit calculations for participants in this county-specific retirement savings program.

Why is this important

LOSAP programs are critical tools for recruiting and retaining volunteer emergency responders in rural and suburban areas where paid departments are less common. Changes to these programs directly affect compensation packages for individuals who provide essential public safety services without regular salaries, impacting local emergency response capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on county budget: Any expansion of benefits or eligibility increases the county's long-term pension obligations and current appropriations
  • Equity between volunteer and paid personnel: Modifications may create disparities or improvements in compensation structures between volunteer and professional firefighters/EMTs
  • Funding mechanism clarity: Uncertainty about whether changes are employer-funded, employee-funded, or require tax increases to sustain the program

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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