MD SB225

Maryland Department of Labor must adopt regulations by July 1, 2027 establishing an optional self-employed enrollment program for the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, including contribution amounts, benefit amounts, and enrollment procedures

Removes self-employed individuals from the standard contribution requirements that apply to employees and employers with 15+ employees (capped at 1.2% of wages up to Social Security wage base)

Excludes participating self-employed individuals from the benefit calculation provisions that apply to covered employees, meaning their benefits will be determined by the new regulations rather than the standard wage-based formula

Changes the definition of "application year" from the 12-month period beginning when benefits are approved to the 12-month period beginning the Sunday of the calendar week in which leave begins

Takes effect June 1, 2025