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HB 1241

Labor and Employment - Bereavement Leave and Leave for Family Illness - Qualifying Relationships and Type of Leave

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland expands bereavement and family illness leave protections to cover more family relationships, requiring clearer employer obligations for time off.

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Bill Summary · HB 1241

Legislative bill overview

HB 1241 expands Maryland's bereavement and family illness leave protections by broadening the definition of qualifying family relationships and clarifying what types of leave are covered. The bill amends existing labor law to ensure employees have protected time off for both mourning deaths and caring for seriously ill family members across a wider range of familial connections.

Why is this important

Many employees currently lack job protection when dealing with deaths or serious illnesses outside the traditional nuclear family (such as grandparents, in-laws, or close relationships). This bill directly affects workers' ability to balance family emergencies with employment stability, and employers' obligations regarding paid or unpaid leave policies. The amendments suggest legislators refined the scope—potentially affecting how many workers qualify and what financial burden falls on employers.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "qualifying relationships": Debate likely centers on how broadly to define family—whether to include extended family, step-relations, or domestic partners—and whether all relationships should receive equal leave time
  • Paid vs. unpaid leave: The bill's treatment of whether employers must provide paid leave versus unpaid job-protected leave affects business costs, particularly for small employers
  • Leave duration and frequency: Questions remain about how many days qualify for bereavement versus illness care, and whether there are annual caps that could disadvantage workers with multiple losses or chronically ill family members

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

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