State Personnel and Pensions (GSP) — Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-101 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 9–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all employees in the State Personnel Management System.
(b)
Subject to the requirements of this title, the Secretary shall adopt regulations, policies, and guidelines that:
(1)
govern all aspects of leave and the keeping of time records for all employees subject to this section;
(2)
require each unit subject to the regulations to submit to the Secretary an annual report that includes:
(i)
the total number of employees in the unit; and
(ii)
the aggregate amounts of annual, personal, and sick leave taken by the employees in the unit;
(3)
provide for computations in a pay period of:
(i)
accruals of annual and sick leave; and
(ii)
deductions for unpaid leave used; and
(4)
provide for conversions of leave time and holiday time for employees who do not have an 8-hour daily work schedule.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-102 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 9–102LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary shall compile all leave reports received under § 9-101 of this subtitle and maintain a central database on those reports.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-103 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 9–103LinkCopy Citation
While using leave with pay under this title, an employee:
(1)
does not lose any health insurance benefits with the subsidy allowed in Title 2, Subtitle 5 of this article solely because of use of the paid leave;
(2)
continues seniority and leave accruals based on the employee's regular hours; and
(3)
except as provided in § 9-704 of this title, is entitled to pay for the leave at the employee's regular hourly rate for the hours of leave.
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-201 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
§ 9–201LinkCopy Citation
In this title, “employee holiday” includes:
(1)
January 1, for New Year’s Day;
(2)
January 15, for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, unless the United States Congress designates another day for observance of that legal holiday, in which case, the day designated by the United States Congress;
(3)
the third Monday in February, for Presidents’ Day;
(4)
May 30, for Memorial Day, unless the United States Congress designates another day for observance of that legal holiday, in which case, the day designated by the United States Congress;
(5)
June 19, for Juneteenth National Independence Day;
(6)
July 4, for Independence Day;
(7)
the first Monday in September, for Labor Day;
(8)
October 12, for Columbus Day, unless the United States Congress designates another day for observance of that legal holiday, in which case, the day designated by the United States Congress;
(9)
November 11, for Veterans’ Day;
(10)
the fourth Thursday in November, for Thanksgiving Day;
(11)
the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, for American Indian Heritage Day;
(12)
December 25, for Christmas Day;
(13)
each statewide general election day in this State; and
(14)
each other day that the President of the United States or the Governor designates for general cessation of business.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-202 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
§ 9–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to all employees of all units in the Executive Branch of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(b)
This subtitle does not apply to:
(1)
temporary employees;
(2)
employees of any unit that is authorized or required by law to establish holiday schedules different from those provided in this subtitle; or
(3)
employees of the State Department of Transportation.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-203 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
§ 9–203LinkCopy Citation
Each employee subject to this subtitle is entitled to holiday leave with pay for each employee holiday specified in § 9-201 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-204 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
§ 9–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an employee shall use holiday leave on the day the employee holiday occurs.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle:
(1)
if the employee holiday occurs on a Saturday, an employee shall use holiday leave on the Friday immediately before the employee holiday; and
(2)
if the employee holiday occurs on a Sunday, an employee shall use holiday leave on the Monday immediately following the employee holiday.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-205 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 2. Holiday Leave
§ 9–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection or in any other law, an employee, who because of the nature of the employee’s duties, is required to work on any part of an employee holiday shall receive compensatory time for that work.
(2)
An employee, including an employee in a 24-hour facility, shall receive payment for the number of holiday hours scheduled, at the employee’s regular hourly rate of pay, and time and one-half payment for the number of hours actually worked, if the employee:
(i)
is eligible to receive cash overtime;
(ii)
has holidays prescheduled by the employer; and
(iii)
is required by the employer to work a holiday that was designated as a prescheduled holiday for the employee.
(3)
An employee who is included in the Executive Pay Plan at a pay grade of (ES) 6 or above may receive compensatory time for work on an employee holiday only if the employee works 5 or more hours on the holiday. The employee shall receive 1 day of compensatory time for each employee holiday on which the employee works 5 hours or more.
(b)
An employee must use any compensatory time accrued under this section within 1 year after having accrued that time.
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-301 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This subtitle does not apply to:
(1)
a temporary employee; or
(2)
an employee of the Maryland School for the Deaf who works 11 months or less in a calendar year.
(b)
Each employee in the State Personnel Management System is entitled to annual leave with pay as provided in this subtitle.
(c)
Annual leave may be used for any purpose.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-302 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “total State service” includes any previous State service.
(b)
Annual leave accrues as follows, on a pro rata basis:
(1)
for an employee whose total State service is less than 5 years, at the rate of 10 workdays not to exceed 80 hours, a year;
(2)
for an employee whose total State service is at least 5 years but less than 10 years, at the rate of 15 workdays not to exceed 120 hours, a year;
(3)
for an employee whose total State service is at least 10 years but less than 20 years, at the rate of 20 workdays not to exceed 160 hours, a year; and
(4)
for an employee whose total State service is 20 years or more, at the rate of 25 workdays not to exceed 200 hours, a year.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-303 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an employee may use annual leave at any time after obtaining approval from the employee’s supervisor.
(b)
An employee may not use annual leave until the employee has completed 6 months of State service.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-304 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
An employee may accumulate unused annual leave and may carry over from 1 year to the next year up to 75 days or 600 hours of that unused annual leave.
(2)
Any accumulated and unused annual leave in excess of 75 days or 600 hours shall be forfeited at the beginning of the first full pay period of the next calendar year.
(b)
(1)
If an employee is denied the opportunity in 1 calendar year to use annual leave days in excess of the 75 days or 600 hours allowed to be carried over to the next year, the head of the employee’s principal unit may allow the employee compensation, at the employee’s regular rate of pay, for those excess leave days.
(2)
The head of a principal unit may approve a request for compensation under this subsection only if:
(i)
the appointing authority documents the unusual administrative reasons for having denied the employee the use of annual leave; and
(ii)
funds are available for that purpose.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-305 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement and except as provided in § 9–306 of this subtitle, an employee is entitled, on termination of State employment, to compensation for unused annual leave.
(b)
The amount of compensation to be paid under this section shall equal one–tenth of the employee’s established biweekly compensation at the time of termination of State employment, multiplied by:
(1)
the number of days of annual leave, not exceeding 50 days or 400 hours of the total that were accrued at the end of the previous calendar year and that remain unused; and
(2)
the number of days of annual leave that accrued during the calendar year in which the employee’s State employment terminates and that remain unused.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-306 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee whose State employment is terminated for a cause involving moral turpitude forfeits all unused annual leave and all compensation for unused annual leave.
(b)
An employee whose State employment terminates within 6 months after the employee's original appointment is not eligible for annual leave or compensation for annual leave.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-307 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–307LinkCopy Citation
Annual leave that is forfeited under §§ 9-304 and 9-306 of this subtitle is placed, unless the employee objects, in the State Employees' Leave Bank established by § 9-602(a)(1) of this title.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-308 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 3. Annual Leave
§ 9–308LinkCopy Citation
An employee may voluntarily donate any amount of the employee's annual leave to the State Employees' Leave Bank or to another State employee under the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program under Subtitle 6 of this title.
Subtitle 4. Personal Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-401 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 4. Personal Leave
§ 9–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, or otherwise provided by law, each employee in the State Personnel Management System, except a temporary employee, is entitled to 6 days, not to exceed 48 hours, of personal leave with pay at the beginning of the first full pay period of the calendar year.
(2)
For the calendar year in which an employee begins employment, the employee is entitled only to the following personal leave with pay:
(i)
6 days, not to exceed 48 hours, if employment begins on or after January 1 and on or before the last day in February;
(ii)
5 days, not to exceed 40 hours, if employment begins on or after March 1 and on or before April 30;
(iii)
4 days, not to exceed 32 hours, if employment begins on or after May 1 and on or before June 30; or
(iv)
3 days, not to exceed 24 hours, if employment begins on or after July 1.
(3)
For each calendar year that is a leap year, each employee in the State Personnel Management System, except a temporary employee, is entitled to 7 days, not to exceed 56 hours, of personal leave with pay at the beginning of the first full pay period of the calendar year.
(4)
For each calendar year, an employee of the Maryland School for the Deaf who works 11 months or less in a calendar year is entitled to 3 days, not to exceed 24 hours, of personal leave with pay at the beginning of the first full pay period of the calendar year.
(b)
Personal leave may be used for any purpose.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-402 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 4. Personal Leave
§ 9–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an employee may use personal leave after notice to the employee's immediate supervisor.
(b)
(1)
If an employee is scheduled to work on a holiday or is employed in a unit that provides a service continuously on a 7-day-a-week basis, the employee may use personal leave only after obtaining approval from the employee's appointing authority.
(2)
If the request is made to observe a religious holiday, the appointing authority may deny the request only if:
(i)
the employee's unit provides a service continuously on a 7-day-a-week basis;
(ii)
the denial is necessary because of a critical shortage of staff in the unit; and
(iii)
no reasonable accommodation to the employee's request can be made.
(3)
If the request is made for any other reason, the appointing authority may deny the request only if the denial is necessary because of a critical shortage of staff in the employee's unit.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-403 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 4. Personal Leave
§ 9–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
An employee may not accumulate unused personal leave.
(2)
Any unused personal leave shall be forfeited at the beginning of the first full pay period of the next calendar year.
(b)
Personal leave that is forfeited is placed, unless the employee objects, in the State Employees' Leave Bank established by § 9-602(a)(1) of this title.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-404 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 4. Personal Leave
§ 9–404LinkCopy Citation
An employee may voluntarily donate any amount of the employee's personal leave to the State Employees' Leave Bank or to another State employee under the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program under Subtitle 6 of this title.
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-501 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–501LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each employee in the State Personnel Management System, except a temporary employee, is entitled to sick leave with pay as provided in this subtitle.
(b)
Sick leave may be used:
(1)
for illness or disability of the employee;
(2)
for death, illness, or disability of a member of the employee's immediate family;
(3)
following the birth of the employee's child;
(4)
when a child is placed with the employee for adoption; or
(5)
for a medical appointment of the employee or a member of the employee's immediate family.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-502 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–502LinkCopy Citation
Fifteen days, not to exceed 120 hours, of sick leave accrue to an employee each year, on a pro rata basis, from the beginning of the employee's State service.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-503 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Payment for sick leave taken under this subtitle for personal illness or disability constitutes a separate benefit on account of sickness and is not a continuation of salary.
(b)
Payment for sick leave taken under this subtitle for any reason not specified in subsection (a) of this section is a continuation of salary.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-504 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee who uses sick leave for 5 or more consecutive workdays for personal illness or disability or the illness or disability of a member of the employee's immediate family may not receive payment under this subtitle unless the employee gives the employee's immediate supervisor an original certificate of illness or disability.
(b)
The certificate required under subsection (a) of this section shall be signed by one of the following:
(1)
a medical doctor who is authorized to practice medicine or surgery by the state in which the doctor practices;
(2)
if authorized to practice in a state and performing within the scope of that authority:
(i)
a chiropractor;
(ii)
a clinical psychologist;
(iii)
a dentist;
(iv)
a licensed certified social worker – clinical;
(v)
a nurse midwife;
(vi)
a nurse practitioner;
(vii)
an oral surgeon;
(viii)
an optometrist;
(ix)
a physical therapist;
(x)
a physician assistant;
(xi)
a podiatrist; or
(xii)
a licensed professional counselor – clinical;
(3)
an accredited Christian Science practitioner; or
(4)
a health care provider as defined by the federal Family Medical Leave Act.
(c)
The certificate required under subsection (a) of this section due to an employee's illness or disability shall include a prognosis about the employee's ability to return to work.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-505 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee who is responsible for the care and nurturing of a child may use, without certification of illness or disability, up to 30 days of accrued sick leave to care for the child during the period immediately following:
(1)
the birth of the employee’s child; or
(2)
the placement of the child with the employee for adoption.
(b)
If two employees are responsible for the care and nurturing of a child, each employee may use, without certification of illness or disability, up to 30 days of accrued sick leave to care for the child during the period immediately following:
(1)
the birth of the employees’ child; or
(2)
the placement of the child with the employees for adoption.
(c)
(1)
An employee who uses accrued sick leave following the birth of the employee’s child may not receive payment under this subtitle unless the employee gives the employee’s immediate supervisor information required by guidelines issued by the Secretary about the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.
(2)
An employee who uses accrued sick leave for adoption purposes may not receive payment under this subtitle unless the employee gives the employee’s immediate supervisor the certificate required by guidelines issued by the Secretary about the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-506 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee may accumulate unused sick leave and use as permitted by § 9-501(b) of this subtitle.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided by law, an employee whose State employment terminates for any reason forfeits all unused sick leave.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-507 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–507LinkCopy Citation
Sick leave that is forfeited is placed, unless the employee objects, in the State Employees' Leave Bank established by § 9-602(a)(1) of this title.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-508 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 5. Sick Leave
§ 9–508LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, an employee may voluntarily donate the employee's unused sick leave to the State Employees' Leave Bank or to another State employee under the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program under Subtitle 6 of this title.
(b)
An employee may donate sick leave under this section only to the extent that the employee has a sick leave balance of at least 240 hours after the donation.
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-601 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Catastrophic illness or injury” means a condition that is incapacitating or life threatening as certified by a health care provider, as defined in the federal Family Medical Leave Act.
(c)
“Immediate family” means:
(1)
the spouse of the employee;
(2)
children, including foster and stepchildren of the employee;
(3)
parents, stepparents, or foster parents of the employee;
(4)
brothers and sisters of the employee; and
(5)
grandparents and grandchildren of the employee.
(d)
“Leave Bank” means the State Employees’ Leave Bank.
(e)
“Leave Donation Program” means the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-602 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
There is a State Employees' Leave Bank.
(2)
There is an Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program.
(b)
The Secretary shall administer the State Employees' Leave Bank and the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program.
(c)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations that:
(1)
govern donations to and grants of leave from the Leave Bank;
(2)
govern donations and receipts of leave under the Leave Donation Program; and
(3)
provide for participation in the Leave Bank and the Leave Donation Program by employees in units of State government with independent personnel systems that elect to participate in the State Employees' Leave Bank in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.
(d)
Each employee, except a temporary employee, in the State Personnel Management System may voluntarily participate in the Leave Bank and the Leave Donation Program in accordance with this subtitle.
(e)
(1)
A principal unit in the Executive, Judicial, or Legislative branches of State government with an independent personnel system may allow its employees to voluntarily participate in the Leave Bank and the Leave Donation Program in accordance with this subtitle.
(2)
A unit that elects to participate under this subsection shall:
(i)
keep a record of the employee leave donated; and
(ii)
at the end of each fiscal year, submit to the Secretary a report containing the following information:
(1)
the number of employees who donated leave;
(2)
the kind of leave and number of hours donated by each employee;
(3)
the number of employees who received donated leave; and
(4)
the number of hours of donated leave used by each employee to whom leave was donated.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-603 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Leave Bank consists of donated leave and forfeited annual, personal, and sick leave.
(b)
An employee is a member of the Leave Bank for 2 years from the date on which the employee:
(1)
voluntarily donates at least 8 hours of annual, personal, or sick leave to the Leave Bank in accordance with this title; or
(2)
has at least 8 hours of annual or personal leave placed in the Leave Bank as a result of a forfeiture under § 9-307, § 9-403, or § 9-507 of this title.
(c)
The Secretary may grant leave from the State Employees' Leave Bank to an employee who:
(1)
has exhausted all forms of annual, personal, sick, and compensatory leave because of a serious and prolonged medical condition;
(2)
provides a certificate of illness or disability; and
(3)
(i)
is a member of the State Employees' Leave Bank; or
(ii)
is granted an exemption by the Secretary from the membership requirement for good cause.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-604 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to the limitations in this title or in any other law, an employee may voluntarily donate unused annual, sick, or personal leave to another employee who has exhausted all available annual, personal, sick, and compensatory leave because of a serious and prolonged medical condition of the employee or a catastrophic illness or injury of a member of the employee’s immediate family.
(2)
The employee who donates leave shall designate the recipient of the leave.
(b)
An employee who receives leave through the Leave Donation Program may only use the leave for:
(1)
an illness or disability of the employee due to the medical condition that existed at the time of the donation; or
(2)
a catastrophic illness or injury of a member of the employee’s immediate family for whom the employee is needed to provide direct care.
(c)
(1)
An employee may use leave received through the Leave Donation Program for a catastrophic illness or injury of a member of the employee’s immediate family only after obtaining approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
(2)
Approval by the employee’s appointing authority is discretionary, and denial may be based on any reason which is consistently applied and that is not illegal or unconstitutional.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-605 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–605LinkCopy Citation
An employee may not:
(1)
receive more than a total of 2,080 hours of leave from the Leave Bank and the Leave Donation Program; or
(2)
use leave from the Leave Bank, the Leave Donation Program, or both for any continuous period that, when combined with all other forms of paid leave, exceeds 16 months.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-606 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–606LinkCopy Citation
An employee who is denied use of leave from the Leave Bank or Leave Donation Program may appeal the denial in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-607 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 6. State Employees' Leave Bank and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program
§ 9–607LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee may not, through intimidation, threat, or coercion, interfere with any right that another employee may have with respect to contributing, receiving, or using leave under this subtitle, including any promise to confer or conferring any appointment, promotion, compensation, or other benefit, or effecting or threatening to effect any reprisal, including the deprivation of appointment, promotion, compensation, or other benefit.
(b)
An employee who violates subsection (a) of this section is subject to disciplinary action, including the termination of State employment.
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-701 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
§ 9–701LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each employee in the State Personnel Management System, except a temporary employee, is entitled to work-related accident leave with sick pay if:
(1)
the employee sustains a disabling personal injury that would be compensable under the Maryland Workers' Compensation Act; and
(2)
a physician examines the employee and certifies that the employee is disabled because of the injury.
(b)
The appointing authority of an employee entitled to work-related accident leave shall notify the employee of the employee's right to file a claim with the Workers' Compensation Commission.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-702 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
§ 9–702LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee may use work-related accident leave:
(1)
beginning on the first day of disability; and
(2)
continuing until the earlier of:
(i)
the day that the employee is able to return to work, as certified by a physician; or
(ii)
6 months from the day of disability.
(b)
After an employee returns to work, work-related accident leave may be granted for continuing treatment as certified by a physician selected by the appointing authority up to 6 months from the day of the original disability.
(c)
Work-related accident leave may be granted for up to an additional 6 months if:
(1)
the employee is certified by a physician selected or accepted by the appointing authority; and
(2)
no decision has been reached by the Workers' Compensation Commission on the employee's claim.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-703 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
§ 9–703LinkCopy Citation
The appointing authority may require an employee on work-related accident leave to be examined periodically by a physician selected or accepted by the appointing authority to determine the employee's progress and the length of time necessary for the employee's recovery.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-704 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
§ 9–704LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Payment to an employee for work-related accident leave taken under this subtitle shall be based on two-thirds of the employee's regular pay.
(b)
Payment for work-related accident leave taken under this subtitle constitutes a separate benefit on account of accidental disability and is not a continuation of salary.
(c)
Notwithstanding the reduced rate that an employee is paid while using work-related accident leave, the employee:
(1)
continues seniority and leave accruals based on the employee's regular pay; and
(2)
does not lose health care benefits with the subsidy allowed in Title 2, Subtitle 6 of this article solely because of use of the work-related accident leave.
(d)
An employee may not receive temporary total disability benefits under the Maryland Workers' Compensation Act while the employee is receiving payment under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-705 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 7. Work-Related Accident Leave
§ 9–705LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If someone other than the employee or the State causes an injury for which work-related accident leave is taken under this subtitle, the State, as employer, after giving written notice to the employee, is subrogated to the rights of the employee to the extent of any compensation paid or owed under this subtitle.
(b)
The State, in its own name and for its own benefit, may bring an action or join in an action if:
(1)
within 90 days after the employee receives notice from the State under subsection (a) of this section, the employee fails to:
(i)
enforce the claim against the person causing the injury; or
(ii)
give written notice to the State of an intent to do so; or
(2)
within a reasonable time after giving the State notice of an intent to enforce the claim against the person causing the injury, the employee fails to take action to enforce the claim.
(c)
An action brought by the State under this section is not a bar to any other claim related to the injury.
Subtitle 8. Religious Observances
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-801 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 8. Religious Observances
§ 9–801LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to all employees, including temporary employees, of all units in the Executive Branch of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(b)
This subtitle does not apply to employees of a unit that must provide a service continuously on a 7-day-a-week basis.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-802 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 8. Religious Observances
§ 9–802LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary shall adopt regulations that provide for work schedules to allow an employee whose religious beliefs require absence from work to perform optional, compensatory work outside of the employee's regular work hours to offset the absence.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-803 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 8. Religious Observances
§ 9–803LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If an employee who is entitled to overtime pay elects to perform compensatory work under this section:
(1)
for any workweek in which the employee works 40 hours or less, each hour of compensatory work offsets 1 hour of absence for religious observance; and
(2)
for any workweek in which the employee works more than 40 hours, each hour of compensatory work over 40 hours offsets 1.5 hours of absence for religious observance.
(b)
If an employee who is exempt from overtime pay elects to perform compensatory work under this section, each hour of compensatory work offsets 1 hour of absence for religious observance.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-804 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 8. Religious Observances
§ 9–804LinkCopy Citation
A unit may adopt written policies that provide exceptions to this subtitle for the efficient operation of the unit.
Subtitle 9. Compensatory Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-901 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 9. Compensatory Leave
§ 9–901LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in § 8-307 of this article, each employee in the State Personnel Management System, except a temporary employee, is entitled, on termination of State employment, to compensation for no more than 2 days of unused compensatory leave earned during the calendar year in which the employee’s State employment terminates.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or as otherwise required by federal law.
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1001 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1001LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall adopt regulations, guidelines, or policies implementing the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
(b)
The regulations adopted by the Secretary:
(1)
may require an eligible employee to use other available accrued leave concurrently with family and medical leave; and
(2)
may not limit, to less than 24 weeks, the aggregate number of weeks of family and medical leave that two employees who are married to one another may use during a 12–month period for:
(i)
the birth of the employees’ child;
(ii)
the placement of a child with the employees for adoption or foster care;
(iii)
the serious health condition of the employees’ child, if the child is a minor; or
(iv)
the care of the employees’ adult child, if the adult child is incapable of self–care.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1002 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1002LinkCopy Citation
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1003 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1003LinkCopy Citation
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1004 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1004LinkCopy Citation
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1005 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1005LinkCopy Citation
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1006 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 10. Family and Medical Leave
§ 9–1006LinkCopy Citation
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1101 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1101LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, this subtitle applies to all employees in the State Personnel Management System, except temporary employees.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1102 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all employees, including temporary employees, of all units in the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(b)
On request, an employee subject to this section may be entitled to disaster service leave with pay if:
(1)
(i)
the employee is certified by the American Red Cross as a disaster service volunteer; and
(ii)
the American Red Cross requests the services of the employee during a disaster that is designated at Level II or above in the regulations and procedures of the National Office of the American Red Cross; or
(2)
the employee is a member of:
(i)
the Civil Air Patrol;
(ii)
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary;
(iii)
Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster;
(iv)
a volunteer emergency medical services department;
(v)
a volunteer fire department;
(vi)
a volunteer rescue company or volunteer rescue squad; or
(vii)
a Community Emergency Response Team.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee may use up to 15 days of disaster service leave in any 12–month period only after obtaining approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
(2)
An employee in the Executive Branch of State government may use up to 30 days of disaster service leave in any 12–month period only after obtaining approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
(d)
During a prolonged or recurrent disaster, the employee’s appointing authority may:
(1)
waive the requirements under subsections (b) and (c) of this section that an employee must request and obtain approval before the employee may use disaster service leave, if waiving the requirement would be in the best interest of the citizens of the State; and
(2)
increase the number of days of disaster service leave under subsection (c) of this section that an employee may use, if an increase would be in the best interest of the citizens of the State.
(e)
For purposes of workers’ compensation and the Maryland Tort Claims Act, while an employee is using disaster service leave, the employee is deemed not to be a State employee.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1103 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An employee is entitled to receive appropriate health care to be provided by the appointing authority and leave with pay in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, if:
(1)
the employee has a positive tuberculin skin test result on a test taken by the employee at the direction of the employee’s appointing authority; and
(2)
the Secretary of Health determines that, for public health reasons, the employee should not work for a given period of time.
(b)
Leave granted to an employee under this subsection for public health reasons may not exceed 90 days. If it is determined that a longer absence is medically required, the employee may use other forms of leave to the extent authorized under this title.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1104 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “uniformed services” has the meaning stated in 38 U.S.C. § 4303 and 20 C.F.R. § 1002.5(o).
(b)
The Secretary may provide by regulation for leave with pay:
(1)
for jury service;
(2)
to attend employee organization events approved for this purpose by the Secretary;
(3)
up to 30 days for uniformed services training or active uniformed services duty in a reserve component or in the organized militia;
(4)
unless the employee is a party to the action or a paid witness, to appear in compliance with a subpoena:
(i)
in court;
(ii)
before a grand jury;
(iii)
before an administrative unit; or
(iv)
for a deposition;
(5)
for administrative leave for the purpose of immediately removing an employee from the work site, if the employee:
(i)
poses a threat to self, another individual, or State property; or
(ii)
is incapable of properly performing the employee’s duties because of extraordinary circumstances; and
(6)
any other paid leave the Secretary deems necessary.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1105 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1105LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary may provide by regulation for leaves of absence without pay for up to 2 years.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1106 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all employees, including temporary employees, of all units in the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(b)
On request, an employee subject to this section may be entitled to organ donation leave with pay.
(c)
(1)
An employee may use:
(i)
up to 7 days of organ donation leave in any 12–month period to serve as a bone marrow donor; and
(ii)
up to 30 days of organ donation leave in any 12–month period to serve as an organ donor.
(2)
An employee may use organ donation leave only after obtaining approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
(d)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations governing organ donation leave, including regulations that establish conditions and procedures for requesting and approving leave and that require medical documentation of the proposed organ or bone marrow donation before leave is approved.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1107 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1107LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “uniformed services” has the meaning stated in 38 U.S.C. § 4303 and 20 C.F.R. § 1002.5(o).
(b)
This section applies to all employees, except temporary employees, of all units in the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(c)
Uniformed services administrative leave may be provided to an employee subject to this section who:
(1)
is on active uniformed services duty on July 1, 2003; or
(2)
is activated for uniformed services duty on or after July 1, 2003.
(d)
(1)
An employee who is eligible to receive uniformed services administrative leave under this section is entitled to leave in an amount sufficient to compensate the employee, during each pay period for which the employee is eligible to receive uniformed services administrative leave under this section, for the difference between the employee’s active duty base salary paid by the federal government and the employee’s State base salary or direct wages.
(2)
Compensation provided under this subsection may not exceed an employee’s State base salary or direct wages.
(e)
An employee eligible to receive uniformed services administrative leave under this section who is activated for uniformed services duty on or after July 1, 2003, shall elect to use either uniformed services administrative leave or paid leave as provided in § 9–1104(b)(3) of this subtitle.
(f)
The Department shall keep a record of the use of uniformed services administrative leave under this section.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1108 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1108LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all employees in the executive branch of State government.
(b)
On request, an employee subject to this section may be entitled to parental leave with pay.
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee who is the primary caregiver responsible for the care and nurturing of a child may use up to 60 days of parental leave to care for the child during the period immediately following:
(i)
the birth of the employee’s child; or
(ii)
the placement of the child under 6 years of age with the employee for adoption.
(2)
(i)
An employee entitled to parental leave authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection may use accrued annual leave and personal leave available to the employee.
(ii)
If the amount of leave specified under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is less than 60 days, the State agency that employs the employee shall provide the employee with additional paid leave to attain 60 days of parental leave.
(d)
An employee may use parental leave only after obtaining approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
(e)
(1)
An employee who uses parental leave following the birth of the employee’s child may not receive payment under this section unless the employee gives the employee’s immediate supervisor information required by guidelines issued by the Secretary on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
(2)
An employee who uses parental leave for adoption purposes may not receive payment under this subtitle unless the employee gives the employee’s immediate supervisor the certificate required by guidelines issued by the Secretary on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
(f)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations governing parental leave, including regulations that establish conditions and procedures for requesting and approving parental leave.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1109 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 11. Other Leaves
§ 9–1109LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Child” means an adopted, biological, or foster child, a stepchild, or a legal ward, who is at least 6 months old and under the age of 27 years.
(3)
“Infant” means an adopted, biological, or foster child, a stepchild, or a legal ward, who is under the age of 6 months.
(b)
This section applies to all employees, including temporary employees, in the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of State government, including any unit with an independent personnel system.
(c)
An employee subject to this section is entitled to parental bereavement leave with pay.
(d)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, an employee may use up to 10 days of parental bereavement leave within 60 days after the death of the employee’s child.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, an employee may use up to 60 days of parental bereavement leave within 60 days after:
(i)
the employee experiences a stillbirth; or
(ii)
the death of the employee’s infant.
(3)
An employee may use parental bereavement leave only after notifying the employee’s appointing authority of the employee’s intention to use parental bereavement leave.
(4)
An employee’s appointing authority may not require an employee entitled to parental bereavement leave under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection to use any other paid leave available to the employee.
(e)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations governing parental bereavement leave.
Subtitle 12. Sick Leave Incentive Program
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1201 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 12. Sick Leave Incentive Program
§ 9–1201LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided, this subtitle applies to employees in the State Personnel Management System and employees in the Transportation Service Human Resources Management System.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1202 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 12. Sick Leave Incentive Program
§ 9–1202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Sick Leave Incentive Program for State employees that allows for the payment for unused sick leave.
(b)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations to administer the Program.
(c)
A unit that participates in this Program shall submit to the Secretary at the end of each calendar year a report that includes:
(1)
the number of employees receiving payment for unused sick leave;
(2)
the total payment received by employees;
(3)
the number of unused sick leave hours exchanged for payment;
(4)
the total sick leave hours used during the calendar year; and
(5)
any estimated overtime savings as a result of this Program.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1203 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 12. Sick Leave Incentive Program
§ 9–1203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Sick Leave Incentive Program consists of the following two incentives:
(1)
payment for up to 40 hours of unused sick leave per calendar year if an employee has used no more than 40 hours of sick leave during the calendar year and has a sick leave balance of at least 240 hours on December 31 of that calendar year; and
(2)
payment for up to 56 hours of unused sick leave per calendar year if an employee has used no more than 24 hours of sick leave during the calendar year and has a sick leave balance of at least 240 hours on December 31 of that calendar year.
(b)
To be eligible for the Program, an employee shall maintain a sick leave balance of at least 240 hours after payment is received for leave.
(c)
(1)
For the purpose of determining eligibility for the Program, the following use of leave does not qualify as sick leave usage:
(i)
sick leave that is used for a death in the immediate family;
(ii)
sick leave that is donated to another employee in accordance with the provisions of the Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation Program;
(iii)
sick leave that is donated to the State Employees’ Leave Bank; and
(iv)
sick leave that is taken in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
(2)
Leave used for the purpose stated in paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection shall not be used to determine an employee’s leave balance under subsection (b) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., State Pers. & Pens. § 9-1204 (2026)
Title 9. Leave Time and Holidays
Subtitle 12. Sick Leave Incentive Program
§ 9–1204LinkCopy Citation
The payment, sick leave usage rate, and sick leave balance for a part-time employee will be prorated based on the employee’s percentage of employment.