Bill > HB1356

This bill, the Maryland Employee Civic Activity and Lawful Expression Protection Act, aims to shield employees from adverse actions by their employers for engaging in certain protected activities outside of work. It defines "adverse action" broadly to include firing, demotion, or any other action that would discourage an employee from participating in protected activities, which encompass "civic activity" (lawful efforts to influence public policy, social conditions, or community welfare) and "lawful expression" (including speech, assembly, and online conduct). Employers can only ask job applicants about their involvement in these activities if it's directly related to specific job requirements, and they are prohibited from taking negative actions against employees for participating in political or civic activities, or for refusing to engage in employer-promoted political activities. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an employer takes adverse action within 120 days of an employee engaging in protected activity, meaning the employer would have to prove the action was not retaliatory. Furthermore, it provides employees with the right to sue for damages and injunctive relief, with specific penalties for wrongful discharge, and prohibits employers with 50 or more employees from waiving or limiting these rights.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1356?ys=2026RS