February 26, 2010

The Honorable Dereck E. Davis

Economic Matters Committee

Room 231, House Office Building

Annapolis, MD 21401-1912

Re: HB1272 – Maryland Family and Medical Leave Act - Oppose

Dear Delegate Davis:

HB1272 would require employers in the State that are subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide specified leave to a specified eligible employee with respect to the eligible employee's brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, or domestic partner and the son or daughter of the eligible employee's domestic partner. It would further provide that an eligible employee who takes leave provided under the Act is entitled to specified protections and rights.

The Legislative Committee of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill. This bill would greatly increase the potential for abuse by not specifically defining what is considered to be a domestic partner. In addition, providing job-protected leave to an employee for care for anyone within that person’s sphere of relationships would seriously jeopardize employers’ productivity.

We therefore ask that your committee give this bill a negative report. 

Sincerely,

Richard Haddad

President

CC: Senator Larry E. Haines