WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1486

Workers' Compensation - Average Weekly Wage - Multiple Employers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Arentz and 4 co-sponsors

HB 1486 revises Maryland workers' compensation average weekly wage calculations for employees working multiple simultaneous jobs, affecting injury benefit determinations.

First Reading Economic Matters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1486

Legislative bill overview

HB 1486 modifies Maryland's workers' compensation system to address how average weekly wages are calculated for employees who work for multiple employers simultaneously. The bill updates the methodology used to determine benefit payments when a worker is injured while employed by more than one employer at the time of injury.

Why is this important

Workers' compensation benefits are typically based on average weekly wages, which directly determines the income replacement an injured worker receives. How this calculation is performed for multiple-employer situations affects both worker financial security and employer liability exposure. This is particularly relevant in the modern gig economy and among workers juggling multiple part-time positions.

Potential points of contention

  • Calculation methodology disputes: Different approaches to averaging wages across multiple employers could significantly increase or decrease benefits, creating winners and losers among injured workers and employers
  • Employer cost implications: Changes could shift costs between employers, particularly affecting industries with higher rates of multiple-employer workers (hospitality, retail, gig work)
  • Retroactivity questions: Whether the new calculation method applies only to future claims or to pending/existing cases, with substantial financial consequences either way

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

Sign in to ask a question.