Employer Mandates in Maryland
Issue Overview: There are several legislative proposals that will seek to impose new and expanded mandates on small business owners.
NFIB Position: NFIB will oppose legislation that imposes new mandates on small business owners, in particular mandates that impose high wages and employee benefits.
Issue Status: HB 40 and SB 344, Flexible Leave Act, would mandate that employers allow employees to use paid sick, vacation and compensatory time to care for immediate family. The House Economic Matters Committee held a hearing on Feb. 14, and the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Feb. 21. NFIB testified in opposition.
HB 70, the Construction Industry Employee Misclassification Act introduced by Delegate Glenn from Baltimore City, would prohibit construction industry employers from failing to classify an individual as an employee with the intent to evade payment of taxes, benefits, etc. The legislation establishes new reporting requirements for employers and grants new oversight authority to the Department of Licensing and Regulations. No hearing has been scheduled. This bill has been withdrawn.
HB 106, Living Wage, introduced by Delegate Davis, would eliminate the two-tier living wage system in Maryland and create one living wage rate of $11.30 per hour. A hearing was held on Feb. 14. NFIB opposed this legislation.
