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HB 1476

Labor and Employment - Disclosure of Employee's Immigration Status - Prohibition

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 14 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits employers from disclosing workers' immigration status to third parties without explicit consent, protecting immigrant employees from unauthorized information sharing.

Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1476

Legislative bill overview

HB 1476 would prohibit employers in Maryland from disclosing an employee's immigration status to third parties without explicit consent. The bill establishes legal protections for workers regarding sensitive personal information related to their immigration circumstances.

Why is this important

Immigration status is deeply personal information that can expose workers to legal consequences, discrimination, or deportation risks. This bill addresses concerns that employers might voluntarily share such information with government agencies or other entities, potentially creating additional vulnerabilities for immigrant workers beyond existing federal immigration enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer compliance burden: Questions about what constitutes "disclosure," record-keeping requirements, and exceptions (e.g., responding to lawful government subpoenas or I-9 verification processes)
  • Federal law intersection: Tension between state protections and federal immigration law, which requires employers to verify work eligibility through I-9 forms and E-Verify systems
  • Definition gaps: Unclear whether the bill covers information shared during internal HR processes, background checks, or mandatory government reporting requirements
  • Enforcement mechanisms: No specified penalties or enforcement agency detailed in the brief summary, raising questions about practical implementation

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

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