3/22/2016 – Urge the House of Delegates to Support Earned Sick Days
JOTF Policy Alert – March 22, 2016
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Urge the House of Delegates to Support Earned Sick Days!
As we approach the final weeks of the legislative session, things are moving very quickly in Annapolis. Earned sick days legislation is still very much alive and we are closer to victory than we’ve ever been. The bill could be on the House floor as early this week.
But we need your help to move forward!
More than 700,000 Maryland workers are unable to earn a single paid sick day. Legislators respond best when they hear from constituents. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Sending a message is quick and easy! With just a few clicks, you can send a sample e-mail to every member of the House of Delegates. Click here to take action now!
JOTF Legislative Priorities
Bill
Summary
Status
Resources
Healthy Working Families Act
HB 580/SB 472
Everyone gets sick and everyone deserves time to recover without risking their economic stability, yet 40 percent of American workers are unable to earn paid sick days. In Maryland, more than 700,000 of our neighbors are forced to make impossible choices: go to work sick, send an ill child to school or daycare, or stay home and sacrifice much-needed income or, worse, risk job loss.
The Working Matters Coalition, of which JOTF is a founding member, supports legislation that would enable workers to earn a limited number of annual paid sick and safe days from their employer.
HB 580 was heard on March 1 in the House Economic Matters Committee. Awaiting Committee vote.
SB 472 was heard on March 3 in the Senate Finance Committee Awaiting Committee vote.
Fact Sheet
Working
Matters
Coalition
For more information contact Melissa Broome. Criminal Procedure – Partial Expungement
HB 220/SB 328
Under current Maryland law, criminal records with charges that did not result in a conviction are eligible for expungement. However, Maryland’s “unit rule” permanently prohibits expungement of eligible charges if all charges within a unit are are not eligible for expungement.
The proposed legislation will allow persons to request the ‘partial expungement’ of any charges within a unit that would otherwise be eligible for expungement, regardless of other ineligible charges. Repeal of the unit rule will mean that Marylanders who have interacted with the criminal justice system increase their likelihood of obtaining employment.
HB 220 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Judiciary Committee. It passed third reader in the House of Delegates with a vote of 90-48.
SB 328 was heard on Feb 24 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Awaiting Committee vote.
Recent Press Coverage
For more information or to provide support, contact Caryn Aslan. Criminal Procedure-Expungement – Acquittal, Dismissal, and Nolle Prosequi
HB 914
Maryland’s existing laws require a formal petition process and fee to expunge eligible criminal records. This process is cumbersome and presents significant barriers for job seekers.
This proposed legislation would authorize the automatic expungement of court and police records related to charges that result in a dismissal or acquittal- after a required waiting period, or sooner under specified circumstances.
HB 914 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Judiciary Committee. It passed third reader in the House with a vote of 106-31.
For more information contact Caryn Aslan.
Higher Education- Community Colleges – Workforce Development Sequence Grants and Scholarships
HB 355/SB 38
Increasing access to post-secondary education can strengthen Maryland’s families and communities and improve outcomes for the low-income residents, especially as workers with college experience are more likely to move out of poverty and attain higher-paying jobs.
The proposed legislation would establish Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships as a form of financial aid for Marylanders pursuing community college courses that increase job readiness or contribute to licensure, certification or skill enhancement.
HB 355 was heard on Feb 11 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
SB 38 was heard on
Jan. 20 in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Recent Press Coverage
For more information or to provide support, contact Melissa Broome. Expungement- Misdemeanor Convictions
SB 890
Currently, only nine misdemeanor offenses (commonly called ‘public nuisance crimes’) are eligible for expungement (if convicted).
This legislation would expand expungement eligibility to nonviolent misdemeanor convictions, excluding certain offenses, after a ten year waiting period.
SB 890 was heard on Feb 24 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
For more information contact Caryn Aslan.
Occupational Licenses- Denial for Criminal Conviction – Notice of Prohibition
HB 979/SB 923
This legislation clarifies an existing provision that specified State departments may not deny a license (including a certificate, permit, or registration) to an applicant solely on the basis of the applicant’s prior conviction of a crime, except in accordance with existing provisions in the Criminal Procedure Article.
HB 979 received an unfavorable report from the House Economic Matters Committee.
SB 923 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. It passsed third reading unanimously in the Senate.
For more information contact Caryn Aslan.
Task Force to Study the Adult High School Concept
HB 1406/SB 1173
In today’s job market, a high school diploma or equivalency is a necessary qualification for moving beyond a low-wage, low-skill job towards one that pays a livable, family-sustaining wage.
The proposed legislation would create a task force to study accessible and effective options for adults to obtain a high school diploma in an alternative school environment.
HB 1406 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Economic Matters Committee and passed third reader in the House with a vote of 123-14.
SB 1173 is awaiting a hearing date in the Senate Finance Committee.
For more information contact Melissa Broome.
Motor Vehicle Insurance – Discrimination in Underwriting and Rating – Prohibitions
SB 1028
Mobility is a important for working families, yet the insurance industry practice of setting rates based on factors unrelated to driving performance means certain Marylanders pay considerably more for car insurance than others.
This legislation would prevent auto insurers from using factors including credit history, education, marital status and occupation to set insurance rates.
SB 1028 was heard on March 1 in the Senate Finance Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
For more information contact Melissa Broome.
*During the 2016 state legislative session, JOTF will also closely monitor the budget process and be prepared to act should harmful cuts arise in the areas of post-secondary access, adult education, or workforce development.
JOTF Legislative Watch List
Bills featured in the watch list are tracked by our policy experts, but their appearance here does not necessarily indicate JOTF support.
Bill
Summary
Status
Earned Income Tax Credit- Expansion
HB 1047/SB 294
Maryland’s refundable EITC works with the federal EITC to help 400,000 working families throughout Maryland make ends meet and stay out of poverty.
This bill would expand access to the EITC for low-income workers, focusing on those without dependent children. The proposed legislation would allow these workers to qualify for an EITC of 100% of the federal credit, a maximum of $503 in 2016. This modification could benefit over 355,000 Marylanders, effectively doubling the current EITC impact.
HB 1047 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Ways and Means Committee. It passed third readier in the House of Delegate by a vote of 130-8.
SB 294 was heard on Feb. 17 in the Senate Budget and Tax Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Earned Income Tax Credit- Refundability
HB 1048/SB 295
The proposed legislation would increase the percentage of the federal earned income credit used to determine the amount that an individual may claim under the Maryland earned income credit.
HB 1048 was heard on March 1 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
SB 295 was heard on Feb. 17 in the Senate Budget and Tax Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Maryland Education Opportunity Act of 2016
HB 18
The proposed legislation would exempt recent high school graduates from payment of tuition to attend a community college in the State. It also provides a 50% discount on tuition to individuals unemployed for at least 6 months but who have been seeking employment while attending a community college and seeking a vocational certificate.
HB 18 was heard on Jan. 26 in the House Appropriations Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Unemployment Insurance -Recovery of Benefits and Penalties for Fraud
SB 90
The proposed legislation would increase penalties for claimants who have been found to have fraudulently received unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
SB 90 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Finance Committee. It passed third reader unanimously in the Senate and is scheduled for a hearing on March 22 in the House Economic Matters Committee.
Civil Penalties for Shoplifting and Employee Theft- Repeal
HB 190/SB 508
The proposed legislation would remove the ability for merchants to sue anyone suspected of theft (shoppers or employees) for payment of money unrelated to the actual damages.
HB 190 received a favorable report the House Judiciary Committee. It passed third reader in the House with a vote of 83-52 and is awaiting a hearing date in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
SB 508 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and passed unanimously in the Senate. It will be heard on March 29 in the House Judiciary Committee.
Paystub Transparency Act of 2016
HB 197/SB 623
The proposed legislation would establish a standard of basic accounting and employment information to be included on paystubs distributed to employees.
HB 197 received an unfavorable report from the House Economic Matters Committee and was withdrawn by the sponsor.
SB 623 received an unfavorable report from the Senate Finance Committee and was withdrawn by the sponsor.
Labor and Employment – Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) Program – Establishment
HB 290/SB 545
The proposed legislation would create the Apprenticeship Career Training in our Neighborhood (ACTION) grant program to be administered by DLLR. The program would provide grants to employers that hire building and construction trade apprentices who reside in zip codes which the poverty rate is at least 20%.
HB 290 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Economic Matters Committee. It passed third reader by a vote of 106-31 and will be heard on March 29 in the Senate Finance Committee.
SB 545 was heard on March 3 in the Senate Finance Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Criminal Procedure- Nonviolent Felonies – Stet, Shielding and Expungement
HB 770/SB 712
The proposed legislation would expand both shielding and expungement access to Marylanders by allowing nonviolent felonies to be eligible for shielding three (3) years after the successful completion of the sentence, including probation. The shielded record would become eligible for expungement after an additional three (3) year waiting period.
HB 770 received an unfavorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
SB 712 received an unfavorable report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Criminal Procedure -Expungement- Nolle Prosequi
SB 215
The proposed legislation would repeal the provision requiring individuals to waive their right to sue if they want to expunge a nolle pros’ charge immediately.
SB 215 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and passed third reader in the Senate unanimously.
General Assembly- Fiscal Notes- Criminal Justice Policy Impact Statements
HB 168/SB 576
The proposed legislation would require a fiscal note for a bill to include a criminal justice policy impact statement if a bill would create, impact or alter criminal offenses, related penalties or populations affected.
HB 168 was heard on Feb. 12 in the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
SB 576 was heard on Feb. 18 in the Senate Rules Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Higher Education – Institutions of Postsecondary Education – Consumer Protection Provisions
HB 741/SB 427
The proposed legislation would create increased oversight of for-profit institutions of post-secondary education and private career schools. In addition, the legislation would require minimum standards of consumer protections and transparency.
HB 741 was heard on Feb. 23 in the House Appropriations Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
SB 427 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. It passed third reader in the Senate with a vote of 44-1 and will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on March 29.
Service, Stipends, and Scholarships- Maryland Corps Program – Established
HB 1488/SB 909
The proposed legislation would create a Maryland Corps program in which participants would serve for at least nine months with a nonprofit organization or government agency that has a focus on community or other service, civic engagement, volunteerism, or other activities or experiences with a similar mission. During their service, MD Corp members would be eligible for a stipend and upon successful completion of their service, program participants would be eligible for a one-time scholarship award.
HB 1488 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Appropriation Committee. It passed third reader in the House with a vote of 86-48 and now awaits hearings in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs/Finance Committees.
SB 909 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs/Finance Committees and passed third reader in the Senate with a vote of 41-4.
CriminalProcedure- Expungement – Probation Before Judgement
HB 590
The proposed legislation would allow probation before judgements (PBJs) to remain eligible for expungement even if an individual is subsequently convicted of a separate, unrelated charge.
HB 590 received a favorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.It passed third reader in the House by a vote of 89-50 and awaits a hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Pretrial Release, Parole, and Probation – Marijuana – Urinalyses
HB 269
The proposed legislation would prohibit the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services and the Division of Parole and Probation from considering the submission of a urine sample that is positive for marijuana as a violation of pretrial release, parole, or probation.
HB 269 received an unfavorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
Labor and Employment- Equal Pay for Equal Work
HB 1003/SB 481
The proposed legislation would prohibit employers from providing “less-favorable” working opportunities based on a worker’s sex or gender identity. The measure also would prevent an employer from taking action
against a worker for disclosure or discussion of wages.
HB 1003 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Economic Matters Committee. It passed third reader in the House with a vote of 93-47 and awaits a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.
SB 481 received a favorable with amendments report in the Senate Finance Committee.
Fair Scheduling, Wages and Benefits Act
HB 1175/SB 664
The proposed legislation would ensure
workers receive adequate time to plan for their work and family lives by requiring employers to provide workers with advance written notice of their schedule. It also guarantees employees will only be required to
work the hours on their schedule and requires that schedule changes must be made 24 hours in advance
with written notice and employee consent.
HB 1175 received an unfavorable report from the House Economic Matters Committee and was withdrawn by the sponsor.
SB 664 was heard on March 17 in the Senate Finance Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
Task Force to Study Family and Medical Leave Insurance
HB 740/SB 485
The proposed legislation would create task force to study a state-run insurance fund administered by the Division of Unemployment Insurance that would provide partial wage replacement for those who need to care for a new child, a family member with a serious health condition, the employee’s own serious health condition, a family member’s military deployment.
HB 740 received a favorable with amendments report from the House Economic Matters Committee. It passed third reader in the House with a vote of 98-36.
SB 485 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Finance Committee. It passed third reader in the Senate unanimously.
Motor Vehicle Insurance – Program to Incentivize and Enable Uninsured Vehicle Owners to Be Insured
HB 912/SB 888
The proposed legislation would waive a portion of a vehicle owner’s delinquent uninsured vehicle penalties that became delinquent before January 1, 2014, and require those vehicle owners to purchase and maintain the required insurance for their vehicles.
HB 912 was heard on March 10 in the House Economic Matters Committee. Awaiting committee vote.
SB 888 received a favorable with amendments report from the Senate Finance Committee. It passed third reader in the Senate unanimously.
Criminal Procedure – Expungement – Nonviolent Convictions
HB 1294
The proposed legislation would allow individuals to petition the courts to expunge nonviolent convictions after the satisfactory completion of their sentence, including probation.
HB 1294 received an unfavorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
Criminal Procedure – Expungement
SB 741
The proposed legislation would allow for the expungement of “invalidated” warrants (warrants that were issued, but were revoked before being served on the person) and nonviolent misdemeanors after a ten (10) year waiting period, and prohibit an individual from filing an expungement petition before the completion of the probation.
SB 741 was heard on Feb 24 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Awaiting Committee Vote.
