MD HB1356

Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees for engaging in political activity, civic activity, or lawful expression, including off-duty activities like campaigning, volunteering, online political communications, and charitable work

Bars employers from coercing employees to make political contributions, attend political events, endorse candidates or causes, or sign political statements as a condition of employment

Limits employer inquiries into job applicants' political or civic activities to only those disclosures related to specific job requirements

Establishes a private right of action in circuit court with mandatory damages of at least three times lost wages plus one year of wages for unlawful discharge, plus potential reinstatement, punitive damages, and attorney's fees; creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 120 days of protected activity

Requires employers with 50 or more employees to post and annually distribute notice of these protections; effective October 1, 2026