Maryland Employment Law

The Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and disability. The Act covers employers with 15 or more employees and complaints must be filed within 300 days (or 6 months for some claims) with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Maryland has progressively expanded its protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave, and employers with 14 or fewer employees to provide unpaid sick and safe leave. Employees earn at least 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Leave may be used for the employee's own illness, to care for a family member, or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The Montgomery County Human Rights Law prohibits employment discrimination and covers all employers with 1 or more employees operating in the county. It provides protections that in some areas exceed Maryland state law, including explicit coverage of immigration status, source of income, and family responsibilities. The law is enforced by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.

Provides a local enforcement mechanism for wage theft claims in Baltimore, with potential for enhanced penalties. Covers all workers performing services within Baltimore City limits.

Baltimore's anti-discrimination ordinance provides comprehensive employment protections including gender identity protections that complement Maryland state law. Covers all employers with 1 or more employees.