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Bill

SB 90

Workers' Compensation - Occupational Disease Presumptions - Hypertension

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Beidle and 9 co-sponsors

SB 90 presumes hypertension is work-caused for specified Maryland occupations, shifting burden to employers to prove otherwise in workers' compensation claims.

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Bill Summary · SB 90

Legislative bill overview

SB 90 establishes a presumption that hypertension (high blood pressure) is an occupational disease for certain workers in Maryland, meaning workers diagnosed with hypertension would be presumed to have developed it due to job-related stress or conditions unless the employer proves otherwise. This shifts the burden of proof in workers' compensation claims from employees having to prove workplace causation to employers having to disprove it. The bill likely applies to specific high-stress occupations such as law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency services.

Why is this important

Hypertension is a leading cause of disability and death among workers in high-stress professions, yet workers typically struggle to establish the workplace connection needed for compensation. This presumption would streamline access to workers' compensation benefits for affected employees, potentially reducing out-of-pocket medical costs and lost wages. However, it also affects employer insurance costs and workplace safety classifications across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Causation vs. presumption: Critics may argue that hypertension has multiple causes (genetics, diet, lifestyle) and creating a presumption based solely on occupation oversimplifies medical causation and could incentivize fraudulent claims
  • Employer cost burden: Businesses and insurance companies would face increased workers' compensation claims and premiums, potentially affecting small businesses and hiring decisions in specified occupations
  • Scope definition: Disagreement may exist over which occupations qualify for the presumption—too broad could be expensive; too narrow may exclude legitimately affected workers

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

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