Labor and Employment - Temporary Workers

HB 1543 establishes a Temporary Worker Oversight Unit within Maryland’s Department of Labor to protect H-2A and H-2B visa holders working temporarily in the state. It requires recruiters to register annually and post a $10,000 bond, prohibits charging workers fees or retaliating for complaints, and mandates employers to file an affidavit confirming no fee violations before hiring. The bill ensures temporary workers can file complaints, access forms in English/Spanish, and receive Spanish interpretation during investigations. It also allows representatives from worker advocacy, legal, health, or labor organizations to enter employer-provided housing to offer assistance, support, and education.