Baltimore, Md. (February 25, 2022) - For many reasons, 2021 felt like déjà vu all over again. The pandemic dragged on, Tom Brady won another Superbowl, and swarms of cicadas greeted us on their 17-year cycle. However, at least for Maryland employers, the more things remained the same, the more they changed. There were several important developments in labor and employment law last year in the State of Maryland, including expansions to the Flexible Leave Act, modifications to COVID-19 workplace safety laws, and amendments to filing deadlines. Below is a summary of the significant changes.

HB290/SB455 Extends SOL in State Agency Discrimination Filings

With the passage of HB290/SB455, the General Assembly amended Maryland's Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) to increase the time for filing a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice (other than harassment) with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Effective October 1, 2021, a complaint must be filed with the Commission within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act. Previously, complainants only had six months to file such a complaint with the Commission. This change brings the state law into conformity with the federal law, which had an existing 300-day deadline for EEOC filings. Claims of harassment are still subject to a two-year limitations period to file a complaint with the Commission.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Laws

Effective May 30, 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed emergency legislation...

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