Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 660

Bill Title: Labor and Employment - Shift Breaks

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Garagiola, et al

Subject: Workplace Regulations

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This bill would have required an employer to provide a nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for an employee that works 4 to 6 consecutive hours, and at least a 30 minute shift break for an employee that works six consecutive hours.

History: In 2007 the MD Chamber opposed HB 1058, which was withdrawn by the sponsor. In 2008 the MD Chamber opposed HB 654, which died in the Economic Matters Committee. In 2009 SB 660 died in the Finance Committee without a vote

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: This was a government-mandated bill that would have interfered with private sector benefits. A one-size-fits-all approach to shift break benefits, already offered by most employers, would have created administrative burdens for the private sector and exposed Maryland’s businesses unnecessarily to civil causes of action on issues that can be resolved through employer internal processes. This legislation was an unwarranted and unnecessary legislative intrusion into the employer-employee relationship. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposed this legislation.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.