Maryland: New Sexual Harassment Reporting Requirement and Bar To Waiving Rights

APPLIES TO

Certain Employers with MD Employees

EFFECTIVE

October 1, 2018, July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2022

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Effective October 1, 2018, the Disclosing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace Act (“Act”) (SB 1010) prohibits all employers from entering into an agreement with an employee that waives the employee’s substantive or procedural right to future claims of sexual harassment or retaliation therefor. Employers also cannot retaliate against employees who refuse to enter into such agreements.

The Act also requires employers with 50 or more Maryland employees to report (1) the number of sexual harassment claims settled, (2) the number of times the employer has paid settlements for sexual harassment allegations against the same employee within the last 10 years of employment, and (3) the number of settlements for sexual harassment claims that included a mutual confidentiality provision. The information must be submitted electronically and includes a place for an employer to describe discipline implemented against employees who have been the subject of sexual harassment allegations. Reporting must occur before July 1, 2020 and again before July 1, 2022.

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights will publish aggregate data received by employers, and will make individual employer reporting available to the public upon request.

Action Items

  1. Have employment agreements, arbitration agreements, and severance agreements reviewed by legal counsel for updates consistent with the new Act.
  2. Track sexual harassment claims and results for required reporting beginning on July 1, 2020.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

© 2018 ManagEase

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