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HB 106

State Personnel - Collective Bargaining - Nontenure Track Faculty

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Foley and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland bill grants nontenure track faculty at public universities collective bargaining rights, expanding labor protections for contingent academic workers in the state's higher education system.

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Bill Summary · HB 106

Legislative bill overview

HB 106 would establish collective bargaining rights for nontenure track faculty at Maryland's public institutions of higher education. The bill addresses the employment status and workplace protections for a growing segment of academic staff who currently lack formal bargaining representation.

Why is this important

Nontenure track faculty comprise a significant and often precarious portion of the academic workforce, frequently earning less and receiving fewer benefits than tenure-track counterparts despite teaching similar courses. This legislation directly affects working conditions, compensation, and job security for thousands of educators across Maryland's university system while potentially influencing labor standards in higher education nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional autonomy and costs: Universities may argue that mandatory collective bargaining increases administrative expenses and constrains budget flexibility, particularly for smaller or financially stressed institutions
  • Definition and scope: Disagreement likely exists over which nontenure track positions qualify (adjuncts, lecturers, research faculty, etc.) and whether broad inclusion creates unwieldy bargaining units
  • Tenure track implications: Concerns that expanded bargaining rights for nontenure faculty could blur distinctions with tenure-track positions or create competitive dynamics affecting traditional faculty governance structures

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

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