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SB 6

State Personnel - Collective Bargaining - Nontenure Track Faculty

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Kramer and 1 co-sponsor

SB 6 extends collective bargaining rights to nontenure track faculty at Maryland public universities, covering contingent and adjunct positions currently excluded from labor protections.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 695
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Bill Summary · SB 6

Legislative bill overview

SB 6 would extend collective bargaining rights to nontenure track faculty at Maryland public universities and colleges. Currently, only tenured and tenure-track faculty can engage in collective bargaining; this bill would expand those protections to include contingent faculty, adjuncts, and other non-tenure-eligible positions.

Why is this important

Nontenure track faculty represent a growing share of higher education workforces nationwide and often lack job security, benefits, and input into workplace conditions. This bill directly affects working conditions, compensation, and job stability for a significant portion of Maryland's academic workforce while potentially increasing institutional labor costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost concerns: Collective bargaining agreements typically result in higher labor expenses; institutions may argue this increases tuition or reduces resources for other priorities
  • Administrative complexity: Expanding bargaining units could complicate university operations and budget planning, particularly for smaller institutions
  • Definition disputes: Disagreement over which faculty positions qualify as "nontenure track" and therefore eligible for bargaining coverage
  • Competing interests: Debate between faculty advocates seeking worker protections and administration concerns about operational flexibility and budget constraints

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

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