Bill > SB831

This bill significantly revises Maryland's labor laws by increasing penalties for child labor violations, establishing new rules for private sector employee labor relations, and setting standards for state employees. Specifically, it introduces substantial civil penalties for employers who violate child labor laws, with fines potentially reaching over $70,000 per violation, and these penalties will be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also prohibits employers from forming certain types of workplace organizations that are employer-initiated, involve supervisors and employees in addressing working conditions, can be unilaterally dissolved by the employer, and are exempt from federal labor laws like the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Furthermore, it empowers private employees to petition the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to resolve labor disputes if the NLRA is repealed or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) cedes jurisdiction, allowing PERB to handle representation petitions, unfair labor practice cases, and certify employee organizations. Finally, the bill prevents Executive Branch units from seeking waivers from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ensuring state employees are protected by its provisions.