Bill > S1347

This bill proposes significant workplace protections against psychological harassment by defining and prohibiting workplace bullying. The legislation introduces precise definitions for "representative employee" (a leadership or management staff member responsible for organizational policies) and "workplace bullying" (severe, degrading conduct that creates a toxic work environment). The bill mandates that employers and representative employees take comprehensive preventive and responsive measures against bullying, including establishing transparent complaint and disciplinary processes, maintaining accurate records, developing anti-bullying policies, and providing employee training. The bill makes workplace bullying an unlawful practice and provides employees with a private right of action to sue for violations. Specifically, complainants who prove bullying can receive remedies including compensatory damages (economic and non-economic), punitive damages, injunctive relief, and restorative measures. The legislation also prohibits employers from using mediation, non-disclosure agreements, or taking adverse employment actions against employees reporting bullying. Employers can face penalties up to $100 per offense, while individual perpetrators might be liable for damages ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per violation. Importantly, the bill allows plaintiffs three years to file a complaint and permits the use of pseudonyms to protect the complainant's identity, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing workplace psychological safety.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1347