On February 18, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony in support of SB 417 – Labor and Employment – Mandatory Meetings on Religious or Political Matters – Employee Attendance and Participation (Maryland Worker Freedom Act) with amendments.
This bill prohibits an employer from disciplining, discharging, refusing to hire, or otherwise penalizing an employee or applicant who declines to attend, participate in, or listen to employer communications expressing opinions on religious or political matters.
Counties are committed to maintaining professional, respectful workplaces and upholding employee protections. However, SB 417’s broad definitions and significant penalties could create operational uncertainty and unintended liability risks for public sector workplaces engaged in routine legislative, policy, and administrative discussions.
From MACo Testimony:
MACo supports the goal of protecting employees from being
compelled to participate in ideological discussions unrelated to their work. However, absent clear exemptions or clarifications for governmental entities, SB 417 could create unintended consequences for counties, as public employers charged with implementing, administering, and at times advocating for public policy.
SB 417’s cross-file, HB 45, was heard in the Government, Labor, and Operations Committee on February 19. Karrington Anderson also submitted written testimony in support of this bill with amendments.
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