Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 670

Bill Title: Discrimination in Employment - Expansion of Disability Rights

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Raskin, et al.

Subject: Workplace Regulations

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill expands the definition of a disability to include a record of having a physical or mental impairment or being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. The bill prohibits an employer from failing or refusing to make a reasonable accommodation for the known disability of an otherwise qualified employee. However, an employer is not required to accommodate an employee’s disability if doing so would cause undue hardship on the employer’s business. In addition, the bill prohibits an employer from retaliation against an employee, applicant, or member who has opposed any prohibited employment practice or participated in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing relating to a discrimination charge.

History: This bill was enacted as Chapter 299.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber opposed this bill because it fails to define key terms and appears to impose obligations greater than those imposed by federal disability discrimination law. It also brought into question if an employer would be required to accommodate an employee "regarded as" disabled. It also does not exclude transitory conditions under "regarded as."

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

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