MD HB1480

Civil penalties for child labor violations established at up to $16,035 per violation (increasing to $72,876 for willful or repeated violations), with annual inflation adjustments beginning July 15, 2027

Employers prohibited from forming workplace organizations that are exempt from the National Labor Relations Act through federal action occurring on or after January 1, 2026, targeting employer-dominated "company unions"

Private employees may petition Maryland's Public Employee Relations Board to resolve labor disputes if the NLRB loses quorum, faces constitutional challenges, or experiences processing delays exceeding 6-12 months depending on case type

The Board gains authority to conduct union elections, certify exclusive bargaining representatives, order employers to bargain, mandate binding arbitration after 6 months of failed negotiations, and assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per affected employee for unfair labor practices

Executive Branch state agencies prohibited from seeking federal waivers of Fair Labor Standards Act provisions, effective June 1, 2026