Update: HB 1051 received an Unfavorable Report vote, 20-0 with two excused absences, in the House Economic Matters Committee. SB 424, has yet to receive a committee vote.
The “Equal Pay for Equal Work” Bill, HB 1051 / SB 424, would ultimately impose enormous burdens and risks on employers; devalue important factors in establishing wages, such as training, education, and skill; and expand litigation opportunities for plaintiffs’ lawyers seeking millions of dollars from employers without even having to prove that a business intentionally discriminated against women.
NFIB and our members support equal pay, in that we agree with the principle that an equal day’s work deserves an equal day’s pay. The existing legal framework already protects employees from wage discrimination based on gender. This legislation would duplicate federal law, which already allows employees who feel they have been discriminated against through compensation to file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Outcome: This bill failed to pass
Position: Oppose
Media
Maryland Reporter | Advocates of equal pay for women want wage disclosures