The Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities Due to Pregnancy Act, 2013 ML Ch. 547 (S.B. 784), approved on May 16, 2013, requires Maryland employers to provide accommodations for disabilities caused or contributed to by pregnancy.

The Deployment of Family Members in the Armed Services Act, 2013 ML Ch. 163 (S.B. 12), approved on May 2, 2013, requires Maryland employers with 50 or more employees to allow qualified employees to take leave from work on the day that an immediate family member is leaving for, or returning from, active duty outside the United States.

The Lien for Unpaid Wages Act, 2013 ML Ch. 540 (S.B. 758),  

approved on May 16, 2013, establishes a mechanism by which  

employees may place a wage lien on employers' real or personal  property located in Maryland for unpaid wages.

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued guidance about a notice that employers must provide their employees regarding the new Health Insurance Marketplace (also referred to as the Health Insurance Exchange) that will be available beginning January 1, 2014. The Health Insurance Marketplace is designed to provide individuals and employees of small businesses with access to affordable coverage through a competitive private health insurance market. In addition, certain individuals will be eligible for premium tax credits to assist in the purchase of coverage through the Marketplace. The required notice must:

• Inform the employee of the existence of the Marketplace, including a description of the services provided and the manner in which the employee may request assistance;
• Provide information regarding eligibility for a premium tax credit if the employer's plan's share of the total allowed costs of benefits is less than 60% of such costs; and
• Notify the employee that if coverage is purchased through the Marketplace, the employee may lose the employer contribution (if any) to any health benefits plan offered and that those contributions may be excludable from income for Federal Income Tax purposes.

Depending upon your jurisdiction, information for each State Exchange can be found at the following:

•   Maryland 
•   DC 
•   Virginia 

The notice requirement applies to any employer that is covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), whether or not the employer offers a health plan to its employees. The notice is required to be provided to each employee, regardless of plan enrollment status (if applicable) or of part-time or fulltime status. The DOL has provided two model notices to help employers meet the Federal law's notice requirement:

• Model notice for employers who offer a health plan to some or all employees
• Model notice for employers who do not offer a health plan

For further information that is useful to both employers and employees, CLICK HERE. 

MADA has a block of rooms reserved at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, located just a short drive from the Columbia Country Club where this year's Gala will be hosted on November 8th.  Room rates are $95/night and the block expires on October 8th.  To make a reservation, please CLICK HERE.  If a group code is required, please use "MAA1."

Gala invitations will come out in the next few weeks.   

Complí, Crowe Horwath LLP, Fisher & Phillips LLP, Capital Automotive, Wells Fargo and Charapp & Weiss LLP will present a Maryland Regional Seminar on Wednesday, September 18th in Cockeysville, MD. This free event will feature six sessions, each exploring relevant trends and issues within the Automotive Industry.  This Seminar is designed for Dealers and Executive Dealership Personnel.

Date: Wednesday, September 18th, 2013

Time: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Cockeysville, MD

Cost: Free. RSVP is Required and Space is Limited.

To register, please contact Jonica Smith.

#1: The Millionaire Service Advisor-How One Advisor Struck it Rich by Learning to "Collect Customers"!  

Date/Time: Thursday, September 19 at 1pm  

Presenter: Chris Collins-Author 

Cost: $149.00 per participant

Among the many discussions of competitive pricing, service menus, selling oil changes, we tend to lose sight of the fact that Service Advisors are really selling a very common commodity.  Sure, there are some differences in price and quality, but most of that is lost on the customer, it all looks the same to them.

Join Chris Collins, the Millionaire Service Advisor himself, as he shares what he learned along the way to secure his financial future.  He will show you how you can guide your Service Advisors to the same results!

You Will Learn:

• Techniques for "owning" customer service in your store - How
  to be the one the customers ask for by name
• Key words that help form an instant bond with your customers
• How to manage your customers' expectations and improve their service experience
• About the bad habits that are keeping most advisors from success

 #2: How to Swim Safely with the DMS Sharks

Date/Time: Thursday, September 26 at 1pm  

Presenter:  Paul Gillrie of the Gillrie Institute 

Cost: $149.00 per participant