This law expanded upon existing law (Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act) to extend protections against all forms of harassment (but not other forms of discrimination) to all employers, regardless of size; extend harassment and discrimination protections to independent contractors and the personal staff of elected officials; extend the statute of limitations for filing workplace harassment claims with the Maryland Commission on Human Relations from six months to two years, and from two years to three years for filing workplace harassment claims in court. The law also provides that an employer is liable for harassment by an individual who “directs, supervises, or evaluates the work activities of the employee,” taking a more expansive view of individuals whose actions may trigger liability for harassment. Finally, the law adds training requirements for state employees only.
STATUS: Enacted
Expanded on existing law prohibiting workplace discrimination and harassment to cover more workers, extend the statute of limitations, and expand employer liability for supervisor harassment.