Summary of Key 2024 Maryland Employment Law Updates
Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program:
Effective Date: October 1, 2024
Updates: Alters deadlines, definitions, and administrative components. Employers and employees contribute to the program. Employers with 14 or fewer employees are exempt from contributing, but their employees must contribute.
Contribution & Benefit Dates: Contributions start July 1, 2025; benefit payments begin July 1, 2026.
Private Plans: Employers can opt for state-approved private plans but must get approval and potentially pay fees.
Pay Transparency Law:
Effective Date: October 1, 2024
Requirements: Employers must disclose wage ranges, benefits, and compensation details in job postings. Applies to public and internal postings.
Record Retention: Employers must keep compliance records for three years.
Pay Stub Requirements:
Details to Include: Employer’s name, address, phone number, payment date, pay period dates, hours worked, pay rate, gross and net earnings, deductions, and additional pay bases.
Template: The Maryland Department of Labor will provide a template.
Penalties: Up to $500 per employee for non-compliance.
Non-Compete Provisions for Veterinary and Health Care Professionals:
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
Ban: Non-compete agreements are banned for employees earning less than 150% of the minimum wage.
Recommendations for Employers
Review FAMLI program regulations and private employer plan requirements.
Update hiring and pay practices to include wage range disclosures and detailed pay stubs.
Ensure veterinary and healthcare employee agreements comply with the new non-compete law.