§ 3-308. Prohibited acts; penalties

   (a) Prohibited acts of employer. -- An employer may not:

   (1) willfully violate any provision of this subtitle;

   (2) hinder, delay, or otherwise interfere with the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner in the enforcement of this subtitle;

   (3) refuse entry to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner into a place of employment that the Commissioner is authorized under this subtitle to inspect; or

   (4) discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee:

      (i) makes a complaint to the employer, the Commissioner, or another person;

      (ii) brings an action under this subtitle or a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle or causes the action or proceeding to be brought; or

      (iii) has testified or will testify in an action under this subtitle or a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle.

(b) Prohibited acts of employee. -- An employee may not:

   (1) make a groundless or malicious complaint to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner;

   (2) in bad faith, bring an action under this subtitle;

   (3) in bad faith, bring a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle; or

   (4) in bad faith, testify in an action under this subtitle or a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle.

(c) Action by Commissioner. -- The Commissioner may bring an action for injunctive relief and damages against a person who violates subsection (a)(1) or (4) or subsection (b)(1), (3), or (4) of this section.

(d) Penalties. -- An employer who violates any provision of subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 300.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 100, § 55G; 1991, ch. 8, § 2.