Labor and Employment - Employer Communications During Nonworking Hours - Right to Disconnect

HB 1413 requires Maryland employers to create written policies allowing employees to ignore work communications during nonworking hours (defined as time outside their scheduled shifts). It prohibits employers from demanding employee contact during these hours, except for last-minute schedule changes (within 24 hours) or urgent situations threatening health/safety, operations, or the environment. Employees can file complaints with the Maryland Department of Labor for violations, which may result in fines up to $600 per affected employee. The law applies to most private employers and state/local government units but excludes employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, taking effect October 1, 2025.