Maryland Virus Workplace Safety, Paid Leave Bill to Become Law

Maryland legislation requiring creation of Covid-19 workplace safety rules will become law without the signature of Gov. Larry Hogan (R), but the extent of its impact depends partly on how long the governor’s state of emergency declaration remains in place.

The measure, H.B. 581, requires the state’s occupational safety agency to implement an emergency temporary standard in response to the pandemic—mirroring the action of neighboring Virginia. The new Maryland law, which takes effect immediately, also requires employers to grant emergency paid leave to “essential employees” during a public health emergency on top of existing paid leave if state ...