Maryland General Assembly Passes Uniform Anti-Retaliation Provisions to Protect Wage Whistleblowers

    The Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1036.   It provides that employers cannot retaliate against employees who complain about violations of Maryland's child labor, equal pay, wage and hour, wage collection, workplace fraud, and living wage laws.  The new Law establishes a uniform enforcement procedure.  Whistleblowers who are retaliated against for making complaints may file with the Maryland Department of Labor.  The Department then has the ability to investigate the claims, collect back pay, and assess fines on a violating employer.  If a violating employer does not comply, the Department can sue the employer in Court and seek a broader array of damages, including triple damages, punitive damages and attorney's fees.  If signed by Governor Moore, the new law will take effect on July 1, 2024.