Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. § 3-715
Disclosing sexual harassment in the workplace
Effective Oct 1, 2018Added by Acts 2018, c. 738, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2018; Acts 2018, c. 739, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2018.State of Maryland
- (a) Except as prohibited by federal law, a provision in an employment contract, policy, or agreement that waives any substantive or procedural right or remedy to a claim that accrues in the future of sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting or asserting a right or remedy based on sexual harassment is null and void as being against the public policy of the State.
(b)
- (1) An employer may not take adverse action against an employee because the employee fails or refuses to enter into an agreement that contains a waiver that is void under subsection (a) of this section.
(2) Adverse action prohibited under this subsection includes:
- (i) discharge;
- (ii) suspension;
- (iii) demotion;
- (iv) discrimination in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; or
- (v) any other retaliatory action that results in a change to the terms or conditions of employment that would dissuade a reasonable employee from making a complaint, bringing an action, or testifying in an action regarding a violation of this section.
- (c) An employer who enforces or attempts to enforce a provision that violates subsection (a) of this section shall be liable for the employee's reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
Added by Acts 2018, c. 738, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2018; Acts 2018, c. 739, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2018.