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HB 789

Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Military Service Credit Eligibility - Helicopter Pilots

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cathi Forbes and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland law authorizes law enforcement officers to count military service toward police pension eligibility, accelerating retirement benefits for veterans.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 296
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Bill Summary · HB 789

Legislative bill overview

HB 789 modifies Maryland's law enforcement pension system to expand eligibility for military service credit. The bill allows police officers and other law enforcement personnel to receive enhanced pension benefits by counting their prior military service toward their years of service for retirement calculations. This effectively reduces the time officers need to work before becoming eligible for full pension benefits.

Why is this important

Law enforcement agencies frequently struggle with recruitment and retention, particularly in competitive job markets. By allowing military service to count toward pension eligibility, Maryland could make police careers more attractive to veterans and reduce the financial burden on departments trying to fill positions. However, this also increases long-term pension liabilities for the state and municipalities that fund these systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanded pension credits increase unfunded liabilities and long-term costs to taxpayers and municipal budgets, potentially requiring higher contributions or affecting other budget priorities
  • Equity concerns: Officers without military backgrounds receive no comparable benefit, raising fairness questions about differential treatment based on prior service
  • Actuarial sustainability: The bill may not include sufficient funding mechanisms to cover the enhanced benefits without destabilizing the pension fund's financial health

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

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