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HB 1369

Education - Minimum Wage for Education Support Professionals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Wims

Maryland bill HB 1369 mandates a minimum wage for school support staff, addressing low pay for education workers but raising questions about school funding and implementation costs.

Hearing 3/05 at 1:30 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1369

Legislative bill overview

HB 1369 establishes a minimum wage requirement specifically for education support professionals (such as paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and school support staff) in Maryland. The bill aims to ensure these workers earn at least a baseline wage, separate from general state minimum wage requirements. The measure underwent schedule changes in early March 2025, with its hearing ultimately being canceled.

Why is this important

Education support professionals are often among the lowest-paid school employees despite playing critical roles in student instruction and school operations. This targeted minimum wage could address workforce retention issues in schools and reduce reliance on public assistance for these workers. However, the canceled hearing suggests the bill may face obstacles or lack sufficient legislative momentum in the current session.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source: Schools would bear increased labor costs; unclear whether the state provides funding or shifts burden to local budgets already under financial strain
  • Scope and definition: Questions about which positions qualify as "education support professionals" and whether wage increases apply uniformly across rural and urban districts with different economies
  • Implementation feasibility: Concerns about whether schools can absorb costs without reducing positions, programs, or services elsewhere in their budgets

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

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