The United States is experiencing a widespread firefighter shortage — and it’s one of the worst we’ve seen in years. This problem threatens the safety of every community nationwide, including here in Maryland.

Adding to the recruitment challenges in our state is the issue surrounding firefighter work hours. Typically, most Americans work a 40-hour week, and any additional hours they work beyond that count toward overtime pay. But not for firefighters.

Most Maryland firefighters work at least 42 hours per week before they begin earning overtime. However, in areas like Baltimore City or Montgomery County — our largest county — firefighters are forced to work 48 hours per week before they qualify for overtime. This system is unfair to these firefighters and adds to the ongoing recruitment challenges communities face.

Luckily, there’s a solution to this longstanding problem, and it’s House Bill 205. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation establishes a statewide standard for firefighter work hours, ensuring all Maryland firefighters are treated equally in their overtime pay rates.

The bill has overwhelming support in the General Assembly. When it came before the Appropriations Committee in the House of Delegates, the committee approved the bill unanimously.

And when it was brought before the whole House for a vote on the floor, it was approved 134-1. There aren’t many issues that get such widespread support from both sides of the aisle these days. It’s clear that Democrats and Republicans understand the importance of enacting this commonsense reform.

H.B. 205 also has broad support in the Maryland Senate. But with the legislative session coming to an end on April 7, the bill has stalled in the upper chamber. Why, you might ask?

Some senators, including Senate President Bill Ferguson, argue the bill has too high of a cost. Here’s why they’re wrong.

The cost of H.B. 205 to the state of Maryland for Fiscal Year 2026 is zero. You read that right — zero.

During the drafting of the legislation, a provision was included to make the bill prospective, meaning it wouldn’t go into effect until the current collective bargaining agreements firefighters are governed by lapse. In most cases, that would mean the change would occur in one to three years, depending on the jurisdiction.

This not only gives municipalities like Baltimore City and Montgomery, Frederick and Howard Counties time to prepare for the change, but it makes the cost of the bill for the current fiscal year revenue-neutral.

While some senators argue the potential costs down the road are enough to stop H.B. 205 from becoming law this session, it’s tough to agree with their arguments after nearly every single Maryland Delegate — including every single delegate from each of the four jurisdictions — voted for the bill in the House when it was put before them.

They voted YES because fair pay is both good policy and the right thing to do for those who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

H.B. 205 isn’t about a handout or a special advantage. The bill still requires firefighters to work more than the average Marylander does each week. It’s about ensuring that, regardless of which part of the state you serve, firefighters are treated equally. It will go a long way toward addressing our ongoing firefighter shortage — especially in our most populated areas — and boosting the morale of the men and women of our fire service.

To all those who support the firefighters of our state, we’re asking for your help.

With the end of the legislative session near, time is of the essence. The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland is asking the public to contact their state senators and urge them to put H.B. 205 up for a vote.

It’s time to stop letting politics get in the way of meaningful change. Most senators support this bill, and they should have an opportunity to do so on record.

The Senate needs to call a vote on H.B. 205 and ensure fairness for firefighters in our state once and for all.

Jeffrey Buddle is the president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, the labor union representing professional firefighters and emergency medical workers in Maryland.