Maryland would ban employers from mandating that workers attend meetings where management opines on politics, religion, or union membership, under legislation heading to Gov. Wes Moore (D) for his signature.

The legislation (SB 417) bars businesses from firing or otherwise penalizing employees or job applicants who refuse to attend “captive audience” meetings covering those topics. Labor advocates say businesses often use the meetings to discourage their employees from forming or joining a union, potentially violating their rights under federal labor law.

The state House passed the Democratic-sponsored bill Wednesday, after it won Senate approval March 23 by a vote of 31-12.

If enacted, the bill would take effect Oct. 1 and put Maryland in the company of at least a dozen states with similar captive audience bans. Business and political advocacy groups have sued to challenge the laws in four states, arguing they violate employers’ First Amendment rights and are preempted by the National Labor Relations Act.

The Maryland measure empowers the state labor commissioner to investigate workers’ complaints of alleged violations. The commissioner could assess penalties of $10,000 for a first violation and $25,000 for subsequent violations, along with other relief such as reinstating a terminated employee.

Alaska, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington state have similar laws on the books.

A judge blocked enforcement of California’s law in September, while courts have ruled against the challengers to Connecticut, Illinois, and Minnesota statutes.

After spending a proper zero in Harpers Ferry, WV to learn about and contemplate all of the American history that has transpired in this small area of land, I headed out of town the next day toward Maryland. Although the Appalachian Trail (AT) only runs through Maryland for about 40 miles, what a cool, historic trek it is indeed. Leaving Harpers Ferry, and the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, you descend to the lower level of the beautiful Potomac and follow its banks and swift current into Maryland.

Great Hiking and Camping

The AT in Maryland is very well maintained with great signage and clear trekking. Certainly, the scenery and views, like most of the AT, is great. In particular, I enjoyed hanging out for a lunch break at the picturesque Annapolis Rocks. The shelters and designated camp sites are superb and well stocked with potable water from pumps, bathroom and shower facilities (if open depending on the time of the year), some electrical outlets for charging, food bag bear hanging poles, and a lot of groomed, flat areas for pitching a tent.

At Annapolis Rocks.

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Food bag bear pole at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground.

History Galore

I was struck by all of the American history along the AT throughout the journey in Maryland. For instance, at Gathland State Park, you pass by the Civil War journalist’s, George Townsend (aka “Gath”), estate as well as the War Correspondents Memorial Arch. Further along the trail, you encounter numerous Civil War monuments and markers related to the Battle of South Mountain. For me, this led to an initial, long day of hiking since I love history and stopped at every designator to read the narratives and venture down spur trails to visit battle fields, memorials, or other historical remnants. It was fascinating that the AT went through this important history in our country’s existence.

At the War Correspondents Memorial Arch.

Civil War Monument.

Architecture

Also, the AT takes you to the initial George Washington Monument, which overlooks Washington State Park, and provides good details about Washington’s life and career and why this monument is in Maryland. Along the way, I also encountered some restored churches and buildings that appeared to be from the 1700 or 1800s. Lastly, as you exit Maryland, you cross from the South to the North via the Mason Dixon Line.

At the Washington Monument.

Restored church.

Much to Offer

Having never been on the AT in Maryland, nor in its backcountry areas, I was pleasantly surprised how delightful and enjoyable my 40 miles were in this state. The history alone was worth the trek. I went through Maryland on a weekend, so I interacted with many people day or weekend hiking and the consensus was that this part of the AT is kind of a hidden gem with much to offer in terms of views, Civil War history, seemingly ordinary peoples’ personal stories, architecture, and a really great place to get away and just be.

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