Maryland furlough laws Termination Pay - The Maryland Guide to Wage Payment and Employment Standards. OPM guidance specifically states that reductions in force (RIF) furlough regulations and SES competitive furlough requirements are not applicable to emergency shutdown furloughs because the ultimate duration of an emergency shutdown furlough is unknown at the outset and is dependent entirely on Congressional action, rather than agency action. Wrongful discharge is an exception to the common law rule of at-will employment. An employee whose furlough time is revoked due to an emergency shall be required to take the furlough time on another day. 31, 43 (1981). But state law did not mandate such notice. R. For individuals in landscaping and construction , please refer to the Workplace Fraud Act . These protections apply even if the employee is required to report to work during the furlough. Specifically, an employer may not: 8. What is the WARN Act in Maryland? The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law that mandates employers to provide a 60-day notice in advance of mass layoffs or plant closures. 1 day ago · ANNAPOLIS, Md. American Standard Corp. Moore’s proposed FY 2026 budget includes more than $750 million in operating and capital funding for economic and workforce development, for which $128. Furloughed employees have an expectation that they will return to work upon a certain date or a certain condition being met. G. Nov 30, 2024 · Flood Law can help employers understand the nuances of the Maryland WARN Act and advise on exemptions. Phone: 410-266-9500 Fax: 410-266-7699 revoke furlough time and the employee shall be paid for that time. Wage Payment at Termination—When Final Paycheck is Due Each employer shall pay an employee, or the authorized representative of an employee, all wages due for work that the employee performed before the termination of employment, on or before the day on which the employee would have been paid the wages if the Maryland Department of Labor 100 S. Jan 25, 2025 · Interaction with Federal Laws. When a layoff occurs, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance (Division) requests that employers provide relevant information and comply with other obligations. Employees of the federal government, Maryland State government, and a local government in Maryland have certain protections during a government shutdown where the employee is involuntarily furloughed from work. Maryland lost 3,500 public sector jobs, added 2,300 private sector jobs in March 2025. OVERVIEW. Apr 12, 2024 · 200 St. However, the General Assembly enacted new legislation requiring mandatory notice of mass layoffs and plant closings, among other things. Jan 16, 2025 · Covered employers are slated to begin making contributions in July 2025, with the Maryland Secretary of Labor expected to announce the contribution rates by February 2025. Title: 2024 Regular Session - Senate Bill 234 Third Reader Author: Maryland General Assembly Created Date: 3/12/2024 1:30:16 PM Mar 30, 2020 · Non-exempt employees: Generally, employers can furlough non-exempt employees by reducing hours, days, or weeks worked without violating wage and hours laws. If a furlough goes too long, an employee may quit and look for another job. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay 9. BALTIMORE 10075 Red Run Boulevard Suite 401 Owings Mills, MD 21117 (443) 738-4900 FREDERICK 10 North Jefferson Street Suite 200 Frederick, MD 21701 (240) 220-2415 If you move from Maryland to another state or U. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay Apr 16, 2015 · The Prevailing Wage Law regulates the hours of labor, rates of pay, conditions of employment, obligations of employers, and the powers and duties of certain public officials under contracts and subcontracts for public works in Maryland. NOTE: The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance (Division) explores each claimant’s circumstances to determine whether they are eligible for UI benefits or if any penalties apply. 102 2024 laws of maryland – 2 – section during a period in which the civilian employee is furloughed due to a full or partial federal government shutdown caused by a lapse in federal appropriations if, during the furlough, the civilian employee remains able to work and available for work in accordance If my employer is open, but furloughs me on or after April 1, 2020 (the effective date of the FFCRA), can I receive paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave? If my employer closes my worksite on or after April 1, 2020 (the effective date of the FFCRA), but tells me that it will reopen at some time in the future, can I receive paid Most laws connected to furloughed employees are controlled by local labor laws, not federal law. S. susquehanna 11. While the MHWFA provides paid leave for certain conditions, the FMLA offers unpaid leave for more extended periods, covering serious health conditions, childbirth, or adoption. 541. Apr 8, 2025 · The Maryland General Assembly is preparing for a fall special session to address federal funding freezes and workforce purges. At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the combination of lower state appropriations and reductions in grant and contract funding translates into a $33. Due to potential furlough affects on staffing levels, the resolution does not rule out certain institutional closures on a limited basis. Contact us for guidance on complying with Maryland layoff notice requirements or to address any specific 2024 WARN Act-related concerns. California, for example, requires that if a furlough is going to continue beyond the current pay period, that the employee be terminated, given a final Maryland Department of Labor Work Sharing - Español. insurance. Wes Moore held his first bill-signing The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave for certain employees. Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation Tony Salazar elected chair of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors Board of Directors. In Maryland, employees work "at the will" of their employers. Dec 10, 2024 · Maryland has its own layoff law, but it takes a different approach: It is voluntary for employers. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay The Maryland Healthy Working Fam ilies Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave for certain employees. Jun 21, 2024 · Each state has its own laws about furlough. Unless authorized in writing by the employee’s supervisor during a work week in which furlough time is scheduled, an Jul 22, 2020 · Hard on the heels of a disastrous spring that saw employers of all sizes laying off or furloughing employees in record numbers, a new law quietly passed in Maryland, which will impose heavy penalties on employers with 50 or more employees who fail to give sixty days’ advance notice of covered relocations and layoffs to affected employees. Kentucky Apr 3, 2023 · Annapolis Corporate Park 181 Harry S. Furloughed employees are not paid during this period for time not worked, but are otherwise compensated for actual work performed (including overtime, if applicable). This means, in the absence of an express contract, agreement or policy to the contrary, an employee may be hired or fired for almost any reason -- whether fair or not -- or for no reason at all. Furloughs should also be implemented as fairly as possible. Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. 3. Security Guard Employer Designation Businesses employing individuals for security services or loss prevention must comply with new licensing requirements […] 4 days ago · New caps on financial payouts for abuse lawsuits in Maryland go into effect on Sunday. western maryland 13. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. These measures address issues ranging from workplace safety and healthcare access to regulations for security services. Employers must notify the Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) of certain layoff and closure events, and if you are an employer facing the prospect of laying off even a single worker, MD Labor and local partners are here to help support you and your impacted employees. Here, we provide an overview of its components and enforcement, ensuring compliance and employee rights . Maryland wage and employment laws do not apply to "Independent Contractors". And a furlough that doesn’t fairly apply to all workers might create resentment in the workforce. Work Sharing is a voluntary program that provides an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a temporary, non-cyclical decline in business due to lower Jan 3, 2025 · I would like to thank representatives from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the Maryland Professional Employees Council; the American Federation of Teachers; the State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Alliance; the International Association of Fire Fighters; and the Fraternal Order of Police for their partnership 6 days ago · The Maryland General Assembly passed a sweeping package of tax changes during the 2025 legislative session, impacting individuals and businesses across the state. Before October 1, 2020, Maryland did not require notice to employees slated for layoffs. Provide the Division with Requested Information The Division will send a Request for Separation Information form to: notify an employer that a former Feb 10, 2025 · The Maryland Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act safeguards workers, families, and communities during workforce changes, such as plant closings and mass layoffs. Unemployment laws can change during times of national emergency and economic hardship. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), furloughed employees must not perform any work for the employer during the furlough period May 20, 2025 · Dive Insight: Colleges within USM — which houses 12 institutions — are already making cuts as they contend with significant funding uncertainty and reductions. A furlough is a mandatory, albeit temporary leave of absence or reduction of hours for a set period of time from which an employee is expected to return to full-time, regular work. Employment-based benefits will be reduced only to the extent required by law. Maryland law suggested and even encouraged employers to provide notice. 1. It’s one of many new laws passed by the General Assembly this year that hit the books June 1. 5 million is targeted, strategic investments to strengthen Maryland’s business climate, grow key industries and sectors, and expand the state’s talent ecosystem. The Guide is meant to be used by employees and employers as a general reference source on wages and employment in Maryland. That said, given the program’s history of delays, the Maryland General Assembly may alter the implementation schedule once again. B. Maryland law does not require the award of certain benefits. The federal government sometimes steps in to enable furloughed employees to receive unemployment benefits. based in Maryland and self-employed Maryland residents who opt into the program. Salaried employees, who fit the description of "Executive," "Administrative" or "Professional," are generally exempt under the law from receiving overtime, regardless of the number of hours they are required to work in a week. The Governor signed the legislation yesterday, April 24, 2008, and, by its terms, it immediately becomes effective on that date. Kansas does not have specific state furlough laws, but employers must adhere to federal regulations, including the FLSA and WARN Act. • A Furlough is a forced, unpaid leave of absence where an individual remains an employee. Mar 20, 2024 · No. Maryland Legislature. Adler v. Truman Parkway Suite 200 Annapolis, MD 21401. gov Bulletin 24-8 Date: April 12, 2024 To: Re: All Motor Vehicle Insurance Companies, Rating Organizations, Producers, Agents, and the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund Dec 5, 2022 · Exempt or nonexempt employees, wage and hour laws, collective bargaining obligations, contract claims, discrimination or retaliation issues, workers’ compensation, loss of benefits, and issues related to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act are just a few of the issues that can arise when a furlough or layoff is implemented. Notice, severance, and benefits continuation are all encouraged, but not legally required. You may be determined to be eligible for benefits if the circumstances of your job separation are allowable under the ARPA COVID-19 related reasons or Maryland’s provisions for good cause and/or just circumstances for voluntarily leaving work, as described in Section 8-1001 of Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law. upper shore 12. Be aware of state and federal laws under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. , 291 Md. Sep 17, 2020 · First, employers must take care not to rely too much on furloughs. Read More News. In 2023, lawmakers passed the Child Victims Act, which removed the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for abuse in Maryland. southern maryland 10. Maryland’s PTO laws intersect with federal regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In 1984, the Maryland General Assembly enacted legislation establishing the Work Sharing Unemployment Insurance Program. Are the rules for paying furloughed employees different for State and local governments? For non-exempt public employees, see FAQ #2. The only federal law that directly regulates furloughed employees is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Laws, Codes & Statutes. On Tuesday, Maryland Gov. These changes aim to address a projected budget shortfall of over $3 billion and will take effect as early as July 1, 2025. How will an employee qualify for benefits? Any employee with a qualifying event who works at least 680 hours in a position based in Maryland in the 12 months before they need to take leave will be eligible for benefits. For this exception to apply, the terminated employee must prove: 1) they were terminated; 2) the Jan 14, 2021 · Expansion of Maryland’s Equal Pay Law. BENEFIT PROGRAMS Each state administers its own UI program. — A series of new firearms-related laws passed during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session will go into effect this fall, tightening regulations on gun trafficking The file includes information such as number, sponsor, title, legislative status, synopsis, committee assignments, legislative history, hearing dates, etc for each piece of legislation introduced during the selected legislative session. May 22, 2024 · Instead, they may have mass layoffs or offer unpaid leaves of absence — or what is otherwise called a furlough — for a specific period. Jan 21, 2025 · Explore Maryland's layoff laws, focusing on employee rights, notice requirements, and legal protections during workforce reductions. The information contained within identifies and discusses many fundamental elements of the Maryland law, and attempts to address many of the most often asked questions. F. This article provides information on the rights of Maryland employees under the federal WARN Act and Maryland law. Kansas. 4. prince george's 9. What is the difference between a furlough, a layoff, or a reduction in force (RIF)? Furloughs must be negotiated with the exclusive bargaining representative. May 27, 2025 · Under federal law, employees may not work on a furlough day, whether on-site or remotely, except in the event of an emergency. 123 expands upon Maryland’s preexisting “equal pay for equal work” law to include a retaliation provision that bans employers from taking adverse employment action against an employee who inquires about their wages. Dec 23, 2024 · As Maryland ushers in the new year, several key laws are set to take effect on January 1, 2025. 8 million reduction to its budget for fiscal 2026. Most unemployed workers in Maryland must meet work search requirements in order to qualify for benefits, but furloughed workers may be exempt from the requirement if their furlough is less than 10 weeks long and their employer has provided a definite return date. 710 : Understanding this legislation is crucial for navigating the complexities of workforce reductions in Maryland. The question of who is an employee and who is an independent contractor is important and often complex. Apr 16, 2024 · Authorizing the Secretary of Labor to exempt a federal civilian employee who has been furloughed from the requirement to be actively seeking work for unemployment insurance benefits eligibility if, during the furlough, the employee remains able to work, available for work, and work-attached. Hot Topics Salaried Employees: No Overtime - The Maryland Guide to Wage Payment and Employment Standards. maryland. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Direct Dial: 410-468-2353 Fax: 410-468-2020 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 www. 1 day ago · The start of a new month means new laws are now in effect in Maryland after the governor signed them into law. May 26, 2025 · Iowa does not have specific state furlough laws, but employers must adhere to federal regulations, including the FLSA and WARN Act. Customer Service Promise. Maryland may have more current or accurate information. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201 Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay Maryland law recognizes several exceptions to the common law rule of at-will employment. The law requires that the Commissioner of Labor and Industry develop a model policy. Furloughed employees typically are able to retain their benefits, including access to healthcare and life insurance. Maryland employers who employ 14 or fewer employees are required to provide unpaid sick and safe leave for certain employees. One of those laws forces the MVA to tack on 12 points against the driver’s license Justia Free Databases of U. Maryland Department of Labor 100 S. For salaried exempt employees, in the case of public sector employees, a specific rule applies to furloughs as described in the following regulatory text, 29 C. law, the number of employees is determined by calculating the average monthly number of employees during the immediately preceding year without regard to whether the employee is full- time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal. Bottom Line Now that the Governor has signed this new legislation into law, Maryland employers can resume their prior practice of limiting the payout of accrued but unused vacation benefits. In addition, state law does not guarantee days off for holidays or any special holiday pay for private sector employees, except a religious day of rest each week for retail employees who give prior written notice to their employers. Maryland adds 2,300 total jobs in April 2025 despite loss of 2,600 federal government jobs. The law provides that employers may: 1. The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services. territory (Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Samoa, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands) and continue to file for UI benefits, you must follow Maryland UI laws and regulations. ABLE AND AVAILABLE To be eligible for UI benefits, you must be able and available for full-time work without undue restrictions. H. Maryland’s layoff laws play a crucial role in safeguarding employees’ interests during organizational restructuring or economic downturns. Find more information about the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. In Maryland, this is referred to as the Jan 14, 2025 · Gov. statewide May 8, 2025 · Requiring the State Department of Education to develop a comprehensive plan by July 1, 2026, for the establishment of Restorative Practices Schools which integrate restorative practices into daily practices and activities of the whole school; requiring a county board of education to use the comprehensive plan if the county board chooses to establish a Restorative Practices School; and ch. kgixitrkprdivvxmabjcjdnycttwcbmcodtfqddnlm