Maryland2026Active
HB0037
HB0037: Employment and Leave Protection for General Assembly Members
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law stops employers from firing or punishing employees who are members of the Maryland General Assembly because they miss work to do their legislative duties.
What it does
- Prohibits employers from firing, threatening, intimidating, or coercing an employee who is a member of the General Assembly for missing work time due to official responsibilities.
- Bans requiring employees with at least four hours of assembly duties (including travel) to start their next shift before 3:00 a.m. on the following day or after 5:00 p.m. on the same day.
- Stops employers from forcing General Assembly members to use annual, sick, or vacation leave time for performing official legislative responsibilities.
- Sets a fine of up to $1,000 for any employer who breaks these rules.
- Grants automatic leave of absence to state employees serving in the General Assembly while it is in session without losing seniority or other job benefits.
Who it affects
- Employers with staff members who serve in the Maryland General Assembly
- Employees who are also elected members of the Maryland General Assembly
- State employees and political subdivision workers serving as General Assembly members
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not protect employees who miss work to campaign for themselves or other candidates.
- State employee protections regarding job incidents apply only while the General Assembly is in session.
- Protections against firing and scheduling restrictions apply regardless of whether the General Assembly is in session.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Responsibilities as a member of the General Assembly
- Official duties required by the job, which does not include campaigning for elected office.
- Incident of employment
- Job benefits and rights such as tenure, seniority, leave time, promotion chances, or salary increases.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Prohibiting an employer from depriving of employment or taking certain other actions against an employee who is a member of the General Assembly and who loses employment time to performing responsibilities as a member of the General Assembly; and establishing a penalty of a fine not exceeding $1,000 for a violation of the Act.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.