MD HB102

Delays the start of employee and employer contributions to Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program from July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027, with benefit claims beginning no earlier than January 1, 2027 and no later than January 3, 2028

Creates a new "anchor date" definition (the earlier of when a benefits application is complete or leave begins) to establish reference points for calculating average weekly wages and eligibility for benefit increases

Requires the Secretary of Labor to adopt regulations by July 1, 2028 establishing an optional self-employed enrollment program with separate contribution amounts, benefit amounts, and enrollment procedures

Sets weekly benefits at a minimum of $50 and maximum of $1,000 through December 31, 2028, with annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2029

Prohibits the Department of Labor from requiring employers who pool together to purchase insurance from escrowing employer and employee contributions before benefits are issued by the Department