Labor and Employment - Civic and Related Activities - Protection (Maryland Employee Civic Activity and Lawful Expression Protection Act)

SB 857, the Maryland Employee Civic Activity and Lawful Expression Protection Act, protects employees from employer retaliation for off-duty civic and political activities. It prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or punishing workers for engaging in protected activities like volunteering for causes, speaking publicly about issues, campaigning, or donating to political causes - unless the activity directly interferes with job duties. The law also bans employers from requiring political disclosures during hiring unless directly job-related or forcing employees to attend political events. Employees who face violations can sue directly in court for triple damages plus up to one year’s wages for wrongful termination. The law applies to all employees, including interns and part-timers, and covers both in-person and online expression.