The newly updated act will become effective October 1, 2014, and applies to Maryland employers with 15 to 49 employees. The act allows eligible employees to use up to six weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period for the birth of a child or even placement with the employee for adoption or foster care. There is a small loop hole that states it could be denied if it would cause grave economic danger on the employer. It is also required that the employee must be maintained with the company health insurance for the duration of leave, but if the employee does not return from leave, premiums will be collected via wages at termination. Also, an anti-retaliation provision was installed and authorizes the Maryland Commissioner of Labor and Industry to investigate employers’ compliance and proceed with lawsuits for affected employees.
