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HB 536

Employment Discrimination - Reasonable Accommodations - Disabilities Due to Childbirth, Menopause, and Related Medical Conditions

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marlon Amprey and 7 co-sponsors

Maryland bill mandates employers provide reasonable workplace accommodations for employees with childbirth and menopause-related disabilities, expanding existing discrimination protections.

Third Reading Passed (105-19)
0
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Bill Summary · HB 536

Legislative bill overview

HB 536 expands Maryland's employment discrimination protections by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing disabilities related to childbirth, menopause, and associated medical conditions. The bill treats these reproductive and menopausal health conditions similarly to other disabilities under existing reasonable accommodation frameworks, ensuring affected workers can maintain employment while managing these health situations.

Why is this important

Many workers lose income or employment due to complications from childbirth (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, postpartum depression) or menopause symptoms (severe hot flashes, cognitive changes) that can impair job performance. Without explicit legal protection, employers can deny accommodations that would allow continued work, creating financial hardship. This bill clarifies legal rights and establishes clearer expectations for employer responsibilities during vulnerable health periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and cost concerns: Employers may argue the bill imposes undefined accommodation costs and administrative burdens, particularly for small businesses unfamiliar with managing these specific conditions
  • Medical documentation requirements: Disputes may arise over what medical evidence employers can require to verify disability claims without invasive questioning or excessive documentation
  • Definition ambiguity: "Related medical conditions" is broad and undefined, potentially creating litigation over which conditions qualify and what constitutes reasonable versus undue hardship

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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