Maryland Worker Freedom Act Notice Now Required for Employers

Mandatory Change: Employers in this state must replace their current labor law poster to remain compliant. Our All In One Poster includes the updated required notices in one convenient format.

Need an Updated Maryland Labor Law Poster?

What Employers Need to Know

Maryland has released a new required notice under the Maryland Worker Freedom Act, titled Notice to Employees: Employer Sponsored Meetings Communicating Opinions on Religious or Political Matters. The law (SB 417 / HB 45) took effect on October 1, 2026. The Maryland Department of Labor's page states that employers must begin physically posting the notice on November 1, 2026. Employers must also give a copy of the notice to every new employee at the time of hire.

What Changed

• Law effective date: October 1, 2026
• Posting required starting: November 1, 2026, according to the Maryland Department of Labor
• A new Worker Freedom Act notice has been added to Maryland's required workplace postings
• Employers must post a full sized copy (at least 8 ½ x 11 inches) where employee notices are customarily posted or where all employees can easily see it
• Employers must provide the notice to all new employees when they are hired
• Failure to post the notice can be treated as an aggravating factor when relief is awarded for a violation

Because this is a brand new posting requirement, every Maryland employer covered by the law should update their labor law poster before the November 1, 2026 posting deadline.

Key Details Included in the Notice

The notice explains the protections employees have when an employer holds meetings about religious or political matters, including:

• Employers may not discharge, discipline, penalize, or threaten an employee, or refuse to hire an applicant, for declining to attend, participate in, or listen to an employer sponsored meeting where the employer communicates its opinion on religious or political matters
• "Religious matters" covers religious belief, affiliation, and practice, and the decision to join or support a religious organization
• "Political matters" covers elections, political parties, proposals to change laws or public policy, and the decision to join or support a political party or a civic, community, fraternal, or labor organization
• Exceptions apply to religious organizations, certain political organizations, specific educational and nonprofit training programs, training required by federal or state law, and government new employee orientation
• Employers may still share information required by law, information employees need to perform their jobs, and hold meetings on these topics when attendance is voluntary
• The law does not prohibit or regulate employer speech; it regulates action taken against employees who decline to attend

Employees who believe their employer violated the law may file a written complaint with the Commissioner of Labor and Industry within 180 days. If the matter is not resolved through mediation, the Commissioner may assess civil penalties of up to $10,000 for an initial violation and up to $25,000 for a subsequent violation, issue a cease and desist order, or award relief such as reinstatement, back pay with interest, and compensatory damages.

Other Workplace Posting Requirements

• Check our Poster Update Log for the Maryland Private Business and Maryland Public Entities posters to review this update and track other recent Maryland labor law poster changes in the Poster Content section.

Where Can I Find More Information?

All In One Poster Company provides updated, compliant labor law posters for all 50 states, helping employers stay confident their workplace postings meet current requirements. Learn more by visiting our website: www.allinoneposters.com

Visit the Maryland Department of Labor's Worker Freedom Act page for more information or to file a complaint.