MD HB45

Employers cannot discharge, discipline, or refuse to hire employees or applicants who decline to attend employer-sponsored meetings where the employer communicates opinions on religious or political matters, including elections, political parties, legislation, regulations, or decisions to join labor organizations

Exemptions apply to religious organizations, political organizations communicating their tenets, educational institutions for coursework, nonprofit training programs, employers conducting legally-required training, and government new employee orientations

Employees may file complaints with the Commissioner of Labor and Industry within 180 days of alleged violations; penalties include up to $10,000 for initial violations and up to $25,000 for subsequent violations

Commissioner may award remedies including cease and desist orders, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, reinstatement, back pay, restoration of benefits, and attorney's fees

Employers must post notices and provide written notice to new hires; the Commissioner must develop multilingual posters by November 1, 2026, with the law taking effect October 1, 2026