Bill > H1677

This bill aims to protect employees by invalidating certain contract provisions that attempt to waive workers' rights. Specifically, the bill declares that any contract clause waiving substantive or procedural rights related to employment discrimination, wage disputes, retaliation, harassment, or violations of public policy will be considered unconscionable and unenforceable. The legislation prohibits employers from prospectively waiving any rights or remedies, and it prevents employers from taking retaliatory actions against employees who refuse to sign contracts with such waiver provisions. If an employer attempts to enforce an unconscionable waiver, they can be held liable for reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Employees who believe their rights have been violated can file a civil action within three years of the violation, seeking tort remedies, injunctive relief, litigation costs, and attorney's fees. The bill explicitly excludes collective bargaining agreements from these restrictions and emphasizes that the new provisions do not replace existing legal protections but rather supplement them. The law would take effect immediately and apply to all contracts entered into, renewed, modified, or amended after its passage.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1677