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SB 136

Collective Bargaining - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission - Police Officers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill grants collective bargaining rights to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission police officers, potentially increasing state labor costs while improving officer compensation equity.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 65
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Bill Summary · SB 136

Legislative bill overview

SB 136 extends collective bargaining rights to police officers employed by Maryland's Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC). Currently, these officers lack the ability to collectively negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions that other law enforcement and state employees may have. The bill amends state labor law to grant ATCC police officers formal bargaining unit status.

Why is this important

Police officer compensation and working conditions directly affect public safety recruitment, retention, and morale. Excluding a specific class of law enforcement from collective bargaining creates equity issues within the state workforce and may impact the ATCC's ability to attract qualified candidates. This change could also influence labor relations precedent for other specialized state police units.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Collective bargaining typically leads to wage increases and expanded benefits, which could increase the ATCC's operating budget and state expenditures
  • Management flexibility: Employers argue bargaining agreements can constrain operational decisions, scheduling, and disciplinary actions needed for effective law enforcement
  • Consistency concerns: Questions about why ATCC officers specifically warrant this right while other specialized state police units may not have similar protections, or conversely, whether this creates pressure to extend rights broadly

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

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