MarylandSB 04172026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Labor and Employment - Mandatory Meetings on Religious or Political Matters - Employee Attendance and Participation (Maryland Worker Freedom Act)

Sponsored By: Clarence K. Lam (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Private Sector Labor and IndustryCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.ComplaintsElectionsInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPetitionsPolitical PartiesPublic InformationReligion -see also- Places of WorshipSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

How workers enforce these rights

Starting October 1, 2026, you can file a written complaint within 180 days of the violation. The Commissioner investigates and first tries mediation. If a violation is found, the Commissioner can order the employer to stop, reinstate you, pay back pay with interest, restore benefits, and cover your attorney’s fees and costs. The Commissioner can also fine the employer up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $25,000 for later ones. The Commissioner can ask a circuit court to enforce the order.

Employers must post rights in many languages

Beginning October 1, 2026, employers must post the official notice about these rights where workers can see it and give it to every new hire. The Commissioner provides a poster and model notice in English and other common languages. The poster must be available by November 1, 2026. Not posting can count against the employer when relief is awarded.

Workers can refuse political or religious meetings

Beginning October 1, 2026, you cannot be fired, disciplined, or threatened for refusing employer meetings that share opinions on religion or politics. Employers also cannot deny you a job for refusing those meetings. These rights apply statewide, except for the employers the law lists as exempt.

Exempt employers and when meetings are allowed

The law does not cover some employers and settings. It exempts religious groups and some schools, political organizations, colleges for coursework, certain tax‑exempt training programs, legally required trainings, and government new‑hire orientation. Employers may still share legally required info, hold truly voluntary meetings, and give directions needed to do your job. Colleges may teach as part of classes, and government units may explain policies they run. These limits and allowances apply starting October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Clarence K. Lam
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 127 • No: 49

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 37 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/23/2026