State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Refugees and Asylees - Establishment
Summary
HB1458 is a proposed constitutional amendment to Maryland’s Declaration of Rights that would recognize a fundamental right for tipped workers to be paid at least the State minimum wage, regardless of tips received. The bill frames this right as part of an individual’s liberty and equality, and it would prohibit the State from denying, burdening, or abridging that right unless the restriction satisfies strict scrutiny: a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means.
If adopted, the amendment would effectively constitutionalize a minimum-wage guarantee for employees in occupations where tipping is customary, such as restaurant and hospitality workers. It would require that tipped employees receive the full state minimum wage directly from their employer, rather than relying on tips to make up the difference. The measure would be submitted to voters at the November 2026 general election, and it would amend the Maryland Constitution rather than merely changing ordinary statute.
Impact
The bill would add a new Article 49 to the Maryland Declaration of Rights, creating a constitutional floor for wages in tipped employment and limiting future legislative or administrative changes that would reduce or condition that right. It would affect employers in tipped industries, wage-and-hour enforcement, and any existing state laws that currently allow a tip credit or otherwise permit tipped wages below the full minimum wage when tips are counted toward compensation. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would have broader and more durable legal effect than a standard statutory wage bill.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was introduced by a group of delegates and then withdrawn by the sponsor, with no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided. Based on the text alone, the measure appears aligned with worker-protection and wage-equality goals, and its constitutional framing suggests strong support among its sponsors for eliminating reliance on tips to meet minimum wage obligations. However, the absence of recorded debate or votes means there is no documented committee-level sentiment in the provided materials.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the policy choice to require employers to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage directly, which could raise labor costs for restaurants, bars, and other service-sector businesses that currently rely on a tip credit model. Supporters would view the amendment as a fairness and wage-security measure for tipped employees, while opponents may argue it could increase operating costs, affect pricing, and alter the economics of tipped service work. Because the bill was withdrawn by the sponsor, the provided record does not show how these competing views were resolved in committee or on the floor.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.