HB 789 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Military Service Credit Eligibility - Helicopter Pilots

HB 789 amends Maryland's Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System to allow current or former members to receive pension credit for military service under specific conditions. It permits credit only if the member hasn't already received military service credit from another retirement system (with exceptions for Social Security, railroad retirement, or military disability payments). The bill limits total military service credit to a maximum of 5 years, with special provisions: National Guard/reserve members get 4 months per year (max 36 months), and service academy attendees get 4 months per year (max 16 months). This change applies to individuals who haven't met prior pension service requirements and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Veterans

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Military Service Credit Eligibility → Third - Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Military Service Credit Eligibility - Helicopter Pilots · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill expands eligibility for military service credit in the Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System to include members assigned as helicopter pilots in state law enforcement aviation units. Previously, the law did not specifically distinguish this role, but the amendment now explicitly recognizes their service. The bill also adds a new exception allowing helicopter pilots to receive credit even if they already receive credit from another retirement system, provided they meet specific criteria.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to specifically include helicopter pilots in state law enforcement aviation units, whereas the original version applied more generally to all members of the system.

SCOPE

Added a specific provision for helicopter pilots in state law enforcement aviation units to receive military service credit.

ELIGIBILITY

Created a new exception allowing helicopter pilots to receive military service credit even if they already receive credit from another retirement system.

DEFINITION

Updated the bill title and purpose statement to reflect the new inclusion of helicopter pilots.

TECHNICAL

Added a committee report indicating the bill was favorably amended and adopted by the House.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 9, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 28, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 296

executive

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

lower

Mar 9, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (126-0-16)

house of delegates

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

First Reading Appropriations

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors