Bill > S1322

This bill provides protections and additional compensation for essential workers during a public health state of emergency. The bill first defines key terms such as "essential services" (critical work needed to support public health and welfare), "essential business" (private-sector employers providing these services with 11 or more employees), and "essential workers" (individuals employed by such businesses). During a declared public health emergency with stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, the bill requires essential businesses to pay workers hazard pay at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular wage. The legislation also establishes worker protections, allowing essential workers to refuse work under specific conditions, such as believing the workplace threatens their health, having a high-risk health condition, living with a high-risk person, or needing to care for children when schools or daycare are unavailable. Employers cannot discriminate against or penalize workers who invoke these protections, though they are not required to provide paid time off. Additionally, employers must provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the employee, as recommended by various health and safety organizations. The bill will be enforced by the attorney general's office, and it does not limit workers' existing rights under other wage and employment statutes.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1322