General Assembly - Employment and Leave Protection for Members

HB 37 protects Maryland General Assembly members who have outside jobs by prohibiting employers from firing, punishing, or coercing them for taking time off to perform legislative duties, including travel time to sessions. It requires employers to grant automatic leave during legislative sessions and prevents them from forcing members to use vacation or sick leave for these duties. The law applies year-round, regardless of whether the Assembly is in session, and ensures members retain job benefits like seniority and promotional rights. Violations carry fines up to $1,000, and the law takes effect October 1, 2026.