MD HB724

Adds "caregiver status" as a protected class under Maryland's employment discrimination laws, alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and military status

Defines "caregiver status" as providing direct and ongoing care for a minor child or an individual with a disability who relies on the caregiver for medical care or daily needs and is either in a familial relationship with the caregiver or resides in the caregiver's household

Familial relationships covered include child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, in-laws, or other relationships recognized by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Prohibits employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from discriminating based on caregiver status in hiring, firing, compensation, job referrals, union membership, apprenticeship programs, and job advertisements

Takes effect October 1, 2026