Employment - Wages - Deductions for Public Employees

HB 1491 clarifies that Maryland public employers (like state and local government agencies) may only deduct money from public employees' wages if explicitly authorized in a written compensation or benefit plan, such as a retirement plan. The bill amends Maryland's Wage Payment and Collection Law to add this specific exception, ensuring deductions cannot be made arbitrarily. It maintains existing rules allowing deductions for court orders or employee consent but restricts public employers to plan-authorized deductions only. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.