February 8, 2010
The Honorable Dereck E. Davis
Economic Matters Committee
Room 231, House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401-1912
Dear Delegate Davis:
HB381 would authorize employees of specified employers to use specified leave for observance of religious beliefs under specified circumstances; establish that an employer is not required to pay specified premium wages or benefits under specified circumstances; provide that an employee who uses leave under the Act must comply with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or employment policy; and provide a specified exemption for an undue hardship.
The Legislative Committee of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill. The use of specific leave for specific religious holidays is already sufficiently and properly legislated. Any further legislation would be superfluous. In addition, it appears that this bill would create damages that are different from those available under other forms of discrimination claims.
We therefore ask that your committee give this bill a negative report.
Sincerely,
Richard Haddad
President
CC: Senator Larry E. Haines
"));