October 1 marks the usual effective dates for hundreds of new laws the General Assembly passes each year during their annual legislative session from January to April. Many have a direct impact on small businesses throughout Maryland. Below is a list and brief description of some of these laws:

Senate Bill 1: allows the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to issue a stop work order for an entire public works project after an initial determination is made that a contractor or subcontractor may have violated the State’s prevailing wage law. All business operations at the affected site must cease – even those by subcontractors not in violation.

Senate Bill 259: expands the application of the State’s prevailing wage requirements to “mechanical systems service contracts.” Those contracts include HVAC (including ductwork), refrigeration systems, and certain plumbing, electrical, and elevator systems.

House Bill 78: prohibits an employer from failing or refusing to make a reasonable accommodation for the known disability of a job applicant. An employer is not required if the accommodation would cause undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business.

For a full list of new laws effective October 1, click here.

Please contact state director Mike O’Halloran with any questions.