Maryland's Aggressive New Pay Law Goes Into Effect on October 1st: 5 Key Changes
September 26, 2016
On May 19, 2016, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act of 2016, bolstering the state’s protections against pay discrimination. Maryland will officially join the ranks of New York and California when this aggressive new pay law goes into effect on October 1, 2016.We have identified five key aspects of the new law that employers with locations in Maryland should bear in mind:
- Maryland has prohibited pay differentials based upon an employee’s gender identity.
- It is no longer just about compensation. In addition to protecting against discrimination in pay, the new law forbids employers from providing “less favorable employment opportunities” based on employee’s sex or gender identity. This precludes employers from : assigning or directing an employee into a less favorable career track or position, if offered; failing to provide information about promotions or advancement in the full range of career tracks offered by employer; and limiting or depriving employee of employment opportunities which would otherwise be available to employee but for employee’s sex or gender identity.
- Employees do not have to work in same establishment to be comparators. Maryland has expanded the pool of comparators beyond the “establishment” where an employee works to include employees who “provide work of a comparable character or work on the same operation, in the same business or of the same type” for the employer at workplaces in the same county of the state.
- Maryland has instituted strong pay transparency and anti-retaliation provisions aimed at shielding employee discussions around pay. Employers may not prevent employees from (i) inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing wages to other employees; (ii) questioning employers about their wages; and (iii) aiding or encouraging other employees to exercise their rights under the new law. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse action against employees for engaging in any of the aforementioned activities; nor may employers enter into agreements, which require employees to waive their rights to discuss or disclose wages.
- Employers must institute written policies in order to take advantage of the law’s affirmative defense. Under the law, employers may issue written policies prohibiting certain employees from discussing or discovering the wages of another employee without that employee’s permission (e.g., supervisors and those whose jobs directly reveals such information, such as payroll and HR, where the wage information was learned in the employee’s performance of his/her job duties came from the employee’s performance of his/her job duties). Employers may also establish reasonable workday limitations of the time, place and manner for employee inquiries and discussions about pay, provided that the limitations are in writing and consistent with standards, yet to be issued by Maryland Equal Pay Commission, and with state and federal laws, including the National Labor Relations Act. These written policies must be distributed to employees in order for an employer to utilize an employee’s failure to comply with these restrictions as an affirmative defense.
In addition to New York, California, and now Maryland equal pay laws, employers should also be aware of a sweeping new pay equity legislation, which was recently enacted in Massachusetts. When that law goes into effect in July 2018, Massachusetts will become the first state to restrict employers from requiring that applicants disclose prior salary history.
Next Steps
Given these tough new state laws, and the focus on compensation collection and enforcement efforts by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Contract Compliance Programs, employers should consider taking the following steps to ensure that their compensation practices and pay differences are lawful and defensible.
- Conduct a comprehensive compensation compliance audit that includes: identifying the factors that influence compensation, conducting a statistical analysis of similarly situated employees, and thoroughly review their compensation policies, practices and procedures. The assessment should be conducted under the guidance of experienced counsel in order to protect audit results under the attorney-client privilege;
- Train all personnel involved in compensation decisions (hiring and raises) on the new legal requirements and standards; and
- Ensure that all supervisors and HR understand the new pay transparency and anti-retaliation protections.
Please contact your FortneyScott attorney if you have specific questions about the new Maryland equal pay law, or if we can assist you with complying with the new equal pay laws and regulations.
Fortney Scott Attorney David Fortney Co-Chairs and Speaks at the Practicing Law Institute's Annual Wage & Hour Litigation and Compliance for 2026
DEI continues to be a high priority issue for the Trump Administration. Recent actions by multiple federal agencies, signal increased scrutiny of employer DEI programs. In the past week alone, the Administration has taken several significant actions: The EEOC filed a subpoena enforcement action against Nike based on a May 2024 Commissioner’s charge filed by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. The subpoena seeks company-wide information dating back to 2018, reflecting a more expansive approach to DEI-related investigation and increased willingness to pursue enforcement in federal court. The Chair of the Federal Trade Commission issued letters to 42 leading law firms warning that participation in the Mansfield Certification program may raise antitrust concerns. EEOC Chair Lucas was copied on the correspondence, highlighting coordinated federal agency attention to diversity-based initiatives. President Trump made additional demands on Harvard concerning its DEI-practices, substantially increasing the monetary demands from $200 million to $1 billion, while signaling the possibility of additional legal action, including potential criminal exposure. Federal funding was suspended for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the U.S., the $16 Billion Hudson Tunnel project, based on minority set aside contracting requirements, prompting litigation. This action, which impacts train services between New York City and New Jersey, underscores the intersection of DEI initiatives and federal funding risks. What should employers do now? In the current enforcement environment, employers should: Continue to assess DEI programs for legal risk. With a full EEOC quorum now in place, increased scrutiny of corporate DEI programs is likely. Although most employers have reviewed their DEI programs and made necessary changes to address legal compliance, the renewed focus on DEI requires ongoing assessment and update of DEI programs. Ensuring that these best practices remain in place and are followed is crucial. Prepare for the possibility of broader EEOC investigations. Recent enforcement activity reflects an increased willingness by the EEOC to pursue company-wide inquiries, often supported by expedited subpoena enforcement in matters that originate as individual discrimination charges filed by white employees and applicants. Evaluate participation in diversity rankings and certifications. Employers should evaluate whether participation in voluntary diversity assessments, ranking programs or other public reporting of diversity results unnecessarily raises the organization's profile and invites heightened scrutiny from the EEOC and other enforcement agencies. Please contact your FortneyScott attorney or email us at info@fortneyscott.com for additional information on how to be prepared and other best practices recommendations.
As we move further into 2026, employers should review notable changes to DC employment laws that may impact workplace policies and compliance obligations. Minimum and Living Wage Rates : From January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, any DC contract or government assistance recipient receiving $100,000 or more, as well as their subcontractors receiving at least $15,000 for contracts or $50,000 for government assistance, must pay at least the living wage rate of $17.95 per hour. Starting July 1, 2026, both the minimum wage rate and the living wage rate will increase to $18.40 per hour. For tipped employees, the base minimum wage increases to $10.30 per hour on July 1, 2026. Non-Compete Restrictions : Starting January 1, 2026, employers are banned from entering non-compete agreements with employees earning less than $162,164, and with medical specialists earning less than $270,274 Pay Stub Transparency : Starting January 1, 2026, employers must itemize all sources of compensation on employees’ pay stubs, including wages, bonuses, commissions, tips, service charges, etc.
In the second year of Trump 2.0, employers must stay alert to EEOC’s shifting priorities. Join FortneyScott attorneys on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at noon EDT to learn what to expect from EEOC and the key steps employers must take now to ensure compliance with the new EEOC priorities. Key Topics to be Covered Include: New Commission quorum , and how it will impact EEOC priorities; Current EEOC priorities , including eliminating unlawful DEI, protecting religious liberties, limiting sex discrimination to biological sex and focusing on anti-American discrimination; Notable EEOC enforcement actions , updates, and emerging trends in the Administration’s civil rights enforcement; and, Actionable strategies and key takeaways to ensure compliance with Title VII, the PWFA, etc. This webinar is the first in a three-part series designed for compliance professionals, in-house counsel, HR and inclusion leaders, and other business leaders responsible for labor and employment law compliance.
In the second year of Trump 2.0, employers must stay alert to EEOC’s shifting priorities. Join FortneyScott attorneys on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at noon EDT to learn what to expect from EEOC and the key steps employers must take now to ensure compliance with the new EEOC priorities. Key Topics to be Covered Include: New Commission quorum , and how it will impact EEOC priorities; Current EEOC priorities , including eliminating unlawful DEI, protecting religious liberties, limiting sex discrimination to biological sex and focusing on anti-American discrimination; Notable EEOC enforcement actions, updates, and emerging trends in the Administration’s civil rights enforcement; and, Actionable strategies and key takeaway s to ensure compliance with Title VII, the PWFA, etc. This webinar is the first in a three-part series designed for compliance professionals, in-house counsel, HR and inclusion leaders, and other business leaders responsible for labor and employment law compliance. To register for FortneyScott’s Workplace Legal Compliance training series, please click here .
As employers prepare to face the second year of Trump 2.0, FortneyScott is convening a three-month, complimentary training initiative to help clients stay ahead of the curve and confidently navigate the shifting terrain. From February through April of 2026, our Workplace Legal Compliance Series will deliver timely, practical insights through: Monthly Webinars featuring FortneyScott attorneys unpacking the latest developments. DC Insider—Employer Update Podcasts offering candid analysis from Washington insiders. Real-Time Alerts on breaking regulatory changes impacting your business. This exclusive program is tailored to equip employers with the tools they need to strengthen their compliance strategies, mitigate risk, and adapt to the new enforcement priorities taking shape in 2026. Whether you're a federal contractor, a multi-state employer, or simply seeking clarity in a volatile legal environment, FortneyScott’s training series is your go-to resource for substantive updates and actionable guidance . How to Participate : Register now for the FortneyScott Workplace Legal Compliance webinars, podcast notifications and alerts: Register here for all 3 webinars (February 3, March 3 and April 9). Sign Up for notifications of new podcast episodes of DC Insider—Employer Update. Sign Up here to receive Workplace Legal Compliance alerts and updates. If you have an immediate questions or feedback, please contact any of the FortneyScott attorneys or email info@fortneyscott.com .
Fortney Scott Attorney David Fortney Co-Chairs and Speaks at the Practicing Law Institute's Annual Wage & Hour Litigation and Compliance for 2026
DEI continues to be a high priority issue for the Trump Administration. Recent actions by multiple federal agencies, signal increased scrutiny of employer DEI programs. In the past week alone, the Administration has taken several significant actions: The EEOC filed a subpoena enforcement action against Nike based on a May 2024 Commissioner’s charge filed by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. The subpoena seeks company-wide information dating back to 2018, reflecting a more expansive approach to DEI-related investigation and increased willingness to pursue enforcement in federal court. The Chair of the Federal Trade Commission issued letters to 42 leading law firms warning that participation in the Mansfield Certification program may raise antitrust concerns. EEOC Chair Lucas was copied on the correspondence, highlighting coordinated federal agency attention to diversity-based initiatives. President Trump made additional demands on Harvard concerning its DEI-practices, substantially increasing the monetary demands from $200 million to $1 billion, while signaling the possibility of additional legal action, including potential criminal exposure. Federal funding was suspended for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the U.S., the $16 Billion Hudson Tunnel project, based on minority set aside contracting requirements, prompting litigation. This action, which impacts train services between New York City and New Jersey, underscores the intersection of DEI initiatives and federal funding risks. What should employers do now? In the current enforcement environment, employers should: Continue to assess DEI programs for legal risk. With a full EEOC quorum now in place, increased scrutiny of corporate DEI programs is likely. Although most employers have reviewed their DEI programs and made necessary changes to address legal compliance, the renewed focus on DEI requires ongoing assessment and update of DEI programs. Ensuring that these best practices remain in place and are followed is crucial. Prepare for the possibility of broader EEOC investigations. Recent enforcement activity reflects an increased willingness by the EEOC to pursue company-wide inquiries, often supported by expedited subpoena enforcement in matters that originate as individual discrimination charges filed by white employees and applicants. Evaluate participation in diversity rankings and certifications. Employers should evaluate whether participation in voluntary diversity assessments, ranking programs or other public reporting of diversity results unnecessarily raises the organization's profile and invites heightened scrutiny from the EEOC and other enforcement agencies. Please contact your FortneyScott attorney or email us at info@fortneyscott.com for additional information on how to be prepared and other best practices recommendations.
As we move further into 2026, employers should review notable changes to DC employment laws that may impact workplace policies and compliance obligations. Minimum and Living Wage Rates : From January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, any DC contract or government assistance recipient receiving $100,000 or more, as well as their subcontractors receiving at least $15,000 for contracts or $50,000 for government assistance, must pay at least the living wage rate of $17.95 per hour. Starting July 1, 2026, both the minimum wage rate and the living wage rate will increase to $18.40 per hour. For tipped employees, the base minimum wage increases to $10.30 per hour on July 1, 2026. Non-Compete Restrictions : Starting January 1, 2026, employers are banned from entering non-compete agreements with employees earning less than $162,164, and with medical specialists earning less than $270,274 Pay Stub Transparency : Starting January 1, 2026, employers must itemize all sources of compensation on employees’ pay stubs, including wages, bonuses, commissions, tips, service charges, etc.
In the second year of Trump 2.0, employers must stay alert to EEOC’s shifting priorities. Join FortneyScott attorneys on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at noon EDT to learn what to expect from EEOC and the key steps employers must take now to ensure compliance with the new EEOC priorities. Key Topics to be Covered Include: New Commission quorum , and how it will impact EEOC priorities; Current EEOC priorities , including eliminating unlawful DEI, protecting religious liberties, limiting sex discrimination to biological sex and focusing on anti-American discrimination; Notable EEOC enforcement actions , updates, and emerging trends in the Administration’s civil rights enforcement; and, Actionable strategies and key takeaways to ensure compliance with Title VII, the PWFA, etc. This webinar is the first in a three-part series designed for compliance professionals, in-house counsel, HR and inclusion leaders, and other business leaders responsible for labor and employment law compliance.
In the second year of Trump 2.0, employers must stay alert to EEOC’s shifting priorities. Join FortneyScott attorneys on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at noon EDT to learn what to expect from EEOC and the key steps employers must take now to ensure compliance with the new EEOC priorities. Key Topics to be Covered Include: New Commission quorum , and how it will impact EEOC priorities; Current EEOC priorities , including eliminating unlawful DEI, protecting religious liberties, limiting sex discrimination to biological sex and focusing on anti-American discrimination; Notable EEOC enforcement actions, updates, and emerging trends in the Administration’s civil rights enforcement; and, Actionable strategies and key takeaway s to ensure compliance with Title VII, the PWFA, etc. This webinar is the first in a three-part series designed for compliance professionals, in-house counsel, HR and inclusion leaders, and other business leaders responsible for labor and employment law compliance. To register for FortneyScott’s Workplace Legal Compliance training series, please click here .
As employers prepare to face the second year of Trump 2.0, FortneyScott is convening a three-month, complimentary training initiative to help clients stay ahead of the curve and confidently navigate the shifting terrain. From February through April of 2026, our Workplace Legal Compliance Series will deliver timely, practical insights through: Monthly Webinars featuring FortneyScott attorneys unpacking the latest developments. DC Insider—Employer Update Podcasts offering candid analysis from Washington insiders. Real-Time Alerts on breaking regulatory changes impacting your business. This exclusive program is tailored to equip employers with the tools they need to strengthen their compliance strategies, mitigate risk, and adapt to the new enforcement priorities taking shape in 2026. Whether you're a federal contractor, a multi-state employer, or simply seeking clarity in a volatile legal environment, FortneyScott’s training series is your go-to resource for substantive updates and actionable guidance . How to Participate : Register now for the FortneyScott Workplace Legal Compliance webinars, podcast notifications and alerts: Register here for all 3 webinars (February 3, March 3 and April 9). Sign Up for notifications of new podcast episodes of DC Insider—Employer Update. Sign Up here to receive Workplace Legal Compliance alerts and updates. If you have an immediate questions or feedback, please contact any of the FortneyScott attorneys or email info@fortneyscott.com .
Join FortneyScott attorneys for a complimentary webinar on how employers should prepare for 2026 based on the significant changes in 2025. The Trump Administration begins 2026 with a quorum at the EEOC, new leadership at all the DOL agencies, and the likelihood that the NLRB quorum will be restored soon, so employers should expect aggressive action by all the workforce agencies. This session will provide critical insights into: What to expect from EEOC with its new quorum; An activated DOL, including the new Wage & Hour Division priorities, such as revisions to the Biden-era rules on white collar exemptions and joint employment; new Opinion Letters and compliance tools, how AI is being addressed, and expected developments; Whether OFCCP will survive in 2026, and changes affecting Federal contractors and grant recipients; and Practical steps employers should consider before 2026 begins. This is the final presentation in FortneyScott’s four-part Workplace Legal Compliance Webinar Series 2025, designed for in-house counsel, compliance professionals, HR leaders, and business executives.
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December 18, 2025 at noon EDT CLICK HERE to Register Join FortneyScott attorneys for a complimentary webinar on how employers should prepare for 2026 based on the significant changes in 2025. The Trump Administration begins 2026 with a quorum at the EEOC, new leadership at all the DOL agencies, and the likelihood that the NLRB quorum will be restored soon, so employers should expect aggressive action by all the workforce agencies. This session will provide critical insights into: What to expect from EEOC with its new quorum; An activated DOL, including the new Wage & Hour Division priorities, such as revisions to the Biden-era rules on white collar exemptions and joint employment; new Opinion Letters and compliance tools, how AI is being addressed, and expected developments; Whether OFCCP will survive in 2026, and changes affecting Federal contractors and grant recipients; and Practical steps employers should consider before 2026 begins. This is the final presentation in FortneyScott’s four-part Workplace Legal Compliance Webinar Series 2025, designed for in-house counsel, compliance professionals, HR leaders, and business executives. To register for FortneyScott’s Workplace Legal Compliance training series, please click here .
The longest US government shutdown has ended; the House will return to Washington and Congress will resume operations; the EEOC has a quorum and can fully operate; the leadership teams for all DOL agencies now are in place; the NLRB waits to learn the fate of its Members; and, the U.S. Supreme Court will be confronting its Emergency Rulings (the “shadow docket”) in merits rulings on the regular docket in several high stakes cases. Everyone in Washington, the US, and, indeed, the whole world is watching and trying to plan their next steps. Join the Employment Law Alliance (ELA) for an engaging and timely webinar where speakers will discuss what is likely to unfold regarding the workplace and beyond. They will offer practical guidance both for US companies and those that do business with the US .
