Maryland Paid Leave and Sick and Safe Leave Rules

Under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid sick and safe leave; smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Workers earn at least one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. The state's Family and Medical Leave Insurance program will provide up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for qualifying family and medical events, funded by payroll contributions. Local jurisdictions like Montgomery County maintain additional sick leave ordinances that operate alongside state law where more generous.

Employers denying earned leave face civil damages including back pay, liquidated damages, and Department of Labor penalties up to $1,000 per violation.