Maryland lacks a “right to disconnect” law as of January 2026. Proposed legislation to require employers to establish policies allowing employees to ignore work communications during non-working hours was introduced but withdrawn from committee consideration before a hearing, stalling its progress. No enacted state statute mandates disconnection, leaving work-life balance to employer policies amid ongoing national debates on burnout prevention.​
Proposed Legislation Details
Maryland lawmakers floated a bill similar to those in California and New Jersey, aiming to define non-working hours and prohibit retaliation for ignoring after-hours contact except in emergencies. SHRM opposed it, arguing one-size-fits-all rules hinder flexible workplace cultures tailored to specific industries. The measure did not advance, joining failed efforts in other states.​
Current Labor Protections
Maryland enforces FLSA overtime rules, requiring non-exempt workers’ pay at 1.5 times regular rates over 40 hours weekly, indirectly supporting rest by limiting uncompensated off-hours demands. State wage laws mandate prompt payment and prohibit unauthorized deductions, but no specific disconnection rights exist.[conversation_history] Employers often adopt voluntary “no email after 7 PM” guidelines to boost retention.​
Work-Life Balance Trends
Remote work’s rise post-COVID has blurred boundaries, prompting calls for boundaries without mandates; Maryland focuses instead on healthcare expansions and worker safety laws effective January 2026. Employees can negotiate boundaries in employment contracts or union agreements, while federal laws protect against excessive hours in certain sectors. Best practices include clear communication on availability to foster voluntary compliance.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.shrm.org/advocacy/states-continue-to-debate-right-to-disconnect-legislation)
[2](https://www.postercompliance.com/blog/right-to-disconnect/)
[3](https://www.justiceatwork.com/do-you-have-the-right-to-disconnect/)||
[4](https://hrexecutive.com/how-giving-employees-a-right-to-disconnect-can-tackle-burnout/)
[5](https://www.bakerdonelson.com/practical-next-steps-for-businesses-as-marylands-updated-consumer-data-privacy-laws-take-effect-in-october)
