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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland Bill Allows Nondependent Children to File Wrongful Death Lawsuits Despite Workers' Compensation Limits
Last action · February 19, 2026: First Reading Senate RulesSponsor: Carl Jackson
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland Senate Bill 993 clarifies that the state's Workers' Compensation Act does not prevent a worker's child who is determined not to be a legal dependent from filing a wrongful death action for damages. The measure applies prospectively and takes effect on October 1, 2026.
The change alters legal rights for families by ensuring that non-dependent children retain the ability to seek court damages after a workplace fatality, bypassing standard employer immunity protections under workers' compensation laws.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
nondependent children of covered employees
Nondependent children gain explicit legal standing to file actions for damages related to the wrongful death of a covered employee.
employers
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill affect workers' compensation claims already filed before October 1, 2026?
Who is eligible to file a wrongful death action under this change?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
1 action- Feb 19, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Senate Rules
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy30Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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