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HB 1248

Workgroup for an Inclusive State Workplace - Established

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Wolek

HB 1248 piloted part-time, benefits-eligible state jobs and a workgroup to expand inclusive, flexible employment for caregivers, disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 386
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Bill Summary · HB 1248

Summary of HB 1248 (2026) – Workgroup for an Inclusive State Workplace – Established

Purpose and intent

HB 1248 creates a time-limited program and accompanying workgroup to promote more inclusive employment in Maryland state government. The central objective is to increase the availability of part-time positions with benefits and to study, plan, and implement strategies that expand inclusive, flexible work arrangements for individuals who face barriers to traditional full-time employment (such as caregivers, people with disabilities, older adults, and others).

Key provisions

  • Part-Time State Employment Pilot Program (within the Department of Budget and Management, DBM)

    • The program tasks five executive-branch state agencies to participate and to evaluate whether vacant full-time positions can be converted into two part-time positions with benefits.
    • If a vacant full-time position is eligible, agencies must convert it into two part-time positions and advertise/recruit for those two roles.
    • If a vacancy is not eligible for conversion, agencies must document the reasons.
    • Agencies may also evaluate other full-time positions for potential conversion to two part-time positions.
    • Benefits for part-time employees must be prorated in proportion to hours worked.
    • Supervisors’ duties must not be disproportionately increased due to conversions (no more than one additional direct report per supervisor).

  • Reporting and guidance

    • Beginning December 1, 2026, and semiannual thereafter (July 1 and December 1 each year), the DBM must report to the Governor and the General Assembly on:
    • Eligibility determinations by participating agencies
    • The number of new part-time employees hired by each participating agency
    • By December 31, 2027, DBM must develop and distribute guidance to state agencies on expanding part-time opportunities.

  • Workgroup for an Inclusive State Workplace (established by the bill)

    • Composition includes DBM Secretary, Comptroller, IT Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Aging Secretary, Maryland Commission for Women, Health Secretary, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland Department of Health, Transportation, University System of Maryland, a state employees union representative, and legislators (Senate and House).
    • The Governor may appoint additional representatives from caregiving, disabilities, healthcare, older adult communities, and an economist with labor economics expertise; the Governor designates the chair.
    • DBM provides support staff; members are not paid, but may be reimbursed for expenses.
    • The Workgroup must begin meeting before October 1, 2026.

  • Workgroup duties and deliverables

    • Outline steps to offer more inclusive employment for caregivers, people with disabilities or other medical conditions, older adults, and others affected by traditional full-time structures.
    • Develop guidance for creating part-time jobs with benefits.
    • Set annual inclusion goals for the next five years and identify necessary statutory changes.
    • Identify and quantify long-term economic benefits to the State from increased labor force participation.

  • Implementation timeline and final reporting

    • By September 15, 2027, the Workgroup must deliver a report outlining an inclusive workplace implementation strategy and workplan, plus findings and recommendations.
    • By December 31, 2027, DBM must publish guidance to state agencies reflecting the Workgroup’s findings.

Affected entities

  • State government agencies participating in the pilot (5 agencies initially selected by DBM).
  • State employees eligible for part-time positions with benefits.
  • Broader state workforce through updated guidance and potential statutory changes.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Duration: Act remains in effect for 3 years (through June 30, 2029) and then abrogates unless extended by further action.
  • Annual/biannual reporting milestones begin in 2026–2027.
  • Provides for a structured, time-bound study and implementation plan, culminating in a formal report to the General Assembly and formal guidance from DBM.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • DBM can staff and support the workgroup within existing resources; travel reimbursements for members are allowed but expected to be modest.
  • No anticipated direct revenue impact; primarily a policy and workforce planning initiative with potential long-term economic benefits by expanding labor force participation.

Overall, HB 1248 seeks to advance inclusive employment in Maryland state government by pilot-testing part-time, benefits-eligible roles, studying implementation, and providing a clear path for expansion if successful.

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

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