MD SB857

Prohibits employers from taking adverse action (discharge, demotion, discipline, failure to promote, pay reduction) against employees for engaging in political activity, civic activity, or lawful expression, including off-duty activities conducted outside work hours and premises

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; also prohibits retaliation for refusing to participate in employer-favored political activities or captive-audience meetings

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

Creates a private right of action in circuit court with mandatory minimum damages of three times lost wages plus one year of wages for unlawful discharge; allows treble damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and reinstatement; establishes a 120-day rebuttable presumption of retaliation

Requires employers with 50 or more employees to post notice of these protections and provide annual electronic notice to all employees; effective October 1, 2026