Human Resources Archives

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Programs and Policy Discussions Continue Across Maryland

US Supreme Court cases, executive orders, and new federal policies have increasingly been putting more pressure on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within state and local jurisdictions, sparking meaningful conversations within governments and communities. The last decade has seen a massive shift both toward and away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In multiple years, DEI leaders and programs were the fastest growing new role and component of many businesses and organizations. While…

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July 8, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference

Navigating Cannabis, Safety, and Compliance in the Workplace

As cannabis laws evolve, employers are facing new challenges in balancing safety, federal obligations, and employee rights. Minnesota’s latest law raises the stakes by requiring greater legal justification before taking employment action. According to a Forbes article, Minnesota passed a bill that recently went into effect, strengthening protections for registered medical cannabis patients in the workplace. Employers must now give these employees 14 days’ written notice before taking any adverse action based on a positive…

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July 7, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Information Technology / Labor

CalHeatScore: California’s New Tool for Beating the Heat

Extreme heat is more than a summer nuisance. California’s new tool helps residents identify potential dangers early and take action to stay safe. In a recent Government Technology article, California introduced CalHeatScore, a new tool that forecasts and ranks the risk of heat-related illness on a daily basis. Using a 0-to-4 scale, the system helps residents understand when conditions are most hazardous, with a score of 4 indicating a severe risk. The platform also provides…

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June 12, 2025

Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources

Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention

Baltimore City is pressing for a long-term investment in recovery, prevention, and public health to repair the damage done by the opioid crisis. According to a Baltimore Banner article, Baltimore City is seeking $5.2 billion from the court to fund a 15-year abatement plan. The City recently won a $266 million judgment against two major drug distributors. This second phase of the trial focuses on future solutions, not past harm. The plan outlines funding for…

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June 11, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources

Montgomery County Govt National Leader in Workplace Mental Health

Montgomery County Government has been recognized as a national leader in employee mental health and well-being, earning the 2025 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America (MHA). This marks the third consecutive year the County has received this prestigious certification. The Bell Seal is a national certification program that annually recognizes a select group of employers committed to fostering mentally healthy work environments. The Gold Bell Seal is the second-highest designation…

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May 29, 2025

Cyber / Human Resources / Information Technology / Labor

How Pennsylvania Is Shrinking Time-to-Hire

In Pennsylvania, state leaders are using AI and data to speed up hiring to compete with the private sector's faster timelines. To tackle workforce shortages and fill government positions faster, Pennsylvania has launched a multifaceted effort to modernize its hiring process. The state’s Office of Administration is combining data analytics, applicant tracking dashboards, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT Enterprise to streamline key hiring steps. Since Governor Josh Shapiro took office in 2023, the average…

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May 20, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Labor

Workplace Heat Protections Aim to Prevent Tragedies in Maryland’s Hottest Months

After a deadly 2024 heat season, Maryland is heading into summer with new heat safety protections designed to prevent on-the-job illnesses and fatalities due to extreme heat. As reported by Maryland Matters, last year, 27 Marylanders died from heat-related illnesses. In response, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division finalized new regulations last fall that require employers to take proactive steps when temperatures climb. Maryland's Heat Illness Prevention Standards require employers to protect workers…

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May 14, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Policy Deep Dive

FAMLI Freeze: What the Latest Delay Means for Local Governments

Maryland’s paid family leave program was delayed once more as counties secured key changes, but the path forward still depends on upcoming actions from the State. Three takeaways The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill in the 2025 legislative session to delay the Time to Care Act / Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. The bill did include a provision requested by MACo and the Collaborative to exclude local government employers from having to…

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May 7, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Family Leave Updates — Webinar May 5, Register Today

As the State delays its Family Leave program, MACo and its partners will host a webinar to discuss the process ahead, both generally and for those counties joining a Collaborative to meet these needs through a joint private alternative option. As reported earlier on Conduit Street, the Maryland Department of Labor (DOL) is delaying the implementation of Maryland’s Time to Care Act (TCA) for 18 months. The General Assembly passed HB 102, which included the delay.…

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April 28, 2025

Human Resources / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

How Federal Workforce Cuts Threaten Stability in MD’s Communities

Counties that rely heavily on federal employment are starting to feel the strain of recent workforce reductions and uncertainty about decisions that may lie ahead. When state or federal policymakers make sweeping decisions, the effects often exceed the headlines and partisan talking points. This is evident in Charles and Prince George’s Counties, where recent federal workforce reductions are rattling local economic stability. Charles and Prince George’s counties are widely recognized as pillars of Maryland’s economic…

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April 23, 2025