Legislature places few significant new burdens on Maryland employers

As most Maryland employers already know, whenever the legislature is in session, you need to be concerned about what new laws and/or regulations the ever well-meaning lawmakers may place on you. Fortunately, the most recent legislative term (which ended on April 12, 2021) resulted in few significant new burdens being place on your business, which, to quote Martha Stewart, is a “good thing.” Let’s first look at the legislation passed by both houses, subject to veto by Governor Larry Hogan, then we’ll review the bills that never made it to the finish line.

Bills that passed

House Bill (H.B.) 581/Senate Bill (S.B.) 486: Maryland Essential Worker’s Protection Act. A much-weakened version of this legislation, passed on the last day of the Maryland Legislative Assembly, requires employers that employ “essential workers” to provide specific additional benefits and protections throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and during any future emergencies. The legislation, as initially proposed, included a number of new costly and onerous requirements such as: