Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 303

Bill Title: Labor and Employment - Exemption from Covered Employment - Home Care Workers

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Kittleman

Subject: Unemployment Insurance

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This bill would exempt Home Care Workers from covered employment for Unemployment Insurance if the worker and home care agency enter into a written agreement that is effective; the worker isn’t restricted to the number of agencies he/she works for or the worker is permitted to negotiate the rate of payment.

History: In 2010 this bill died in the Senate Finance Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber opposes the exemption of specific categories of employment from covered employment to avoid payment of unemployment insurance taxes. The Maryland Chamber understands why an employer would not desire to pay these taxes on an employee; however, the ability for an employer to exempt certain employees will result in no payroll tax being paid on these individuals, which ultimately weakens the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. This causes an undesired cyclical effect that would have negative consequences on businesses and the Trust Fund. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposes this legislation.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.