Senate Passes Mandatory Paid Leave

The Senate passed its version of a mandatory paid sick leave bill last week; that bill now moves to the House. The House bill has moved over to the Senate Finance Committee. Differences need to be worked out, or one chamber will have to accept the other's version. Calling the legislation bad for business, Governor Hogan promises to veto it, if it passed by the House. As of now, it appears that the proponents have enough votes to override the veto and implement the law statewide. However, both bills differ from existing law in Montgomery County and would not require Montgomery County to comply with state law.

Today is Crossover Day

Today, each chamber of the General Assembly is required to send the other chamber those bills it intends to pass favorably this session. Opposite chamber bills received after this date are subject to referral to the Rules Committees before moving.

Employers May be Barred from Seeking Candidates' Salary History 

Legislation that would prohibit an employer from inquiring into or obtaining an applicant's salary history has been passed by the House. (A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Susan Lee from Montgomery County.) Before passing, the House bill was amended to delete sections that would have required employers to post the salary for an open position in any job announcements or other information.

Non-compete, Conflict of Interest Bill Moving

Legislation, introduced by Montgomery County Delegate Al Carr, would restrict the ability of an employer to enforce non-compete and conflict of interest clauses and to protect client lists or other company information from being shared with competitors by former employees. The bill passed the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on March 29. A companion bill was rejected by this committee previously.

New Bill Would Expand Unemployment Insurance to Contractors 

Montgomery County Senator Roger Manno has introduced a bill that would expand the definition of "employee" such that it could cover some independent contractors, making them eligible to file unemployment insurance claims. Though it was considered a "late-filed" bill because it was submitted after the deadline, it has been scheduled for a public hearing this Thursday because it is co-sponsored by the head of the Senate Finance Committee.