MD HB176

Establishes the Public Employees' Safety and Health Unit within the Division of Labor and Industry to administer and enforce workplace safety regulations for public body employees, with a dedicated Assistant Commissioner appointed to lead the unit.

Repeals the prior exemption that shielded public bodies from civil penalties under occupational safety and health laws, allowing fines to now be assessed against government employers for violations.

Requires the Correctional Training Commission to adopt body-worn camera regulations for correctional officers by January 1, 2026, covering training, use, recording requirements, data storage, and privacy protections.

Mandates that the Commissioner adopt workplace violence prevention standards for public employees by October 1, 2026, after consulting with the Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board and holding public input meetings across the state.

Directs civil penalty revenues collected from public bodies to be deposited into a special fund for the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program rather than the General Fund.