Maryland Training Requirement
Sexual harassment training is mandatory for all Maryland state employees, including those working in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, even in agencies with independent personnel systems. The training is enforced under the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) and is designed to ensure that every public servant understands their rights, reporting options, and responsibilities for maintaining a respectful workplace.
Each employee must complete 2 hours of interactive training within 6 months of appointment, followed by biennial refreshers. Supervisors receive additional role-specific content to help them recognize, respond to, and resolve harassment complaints while preventing retaliation. This initiative reinforces Maryland’s goal of cultivating a harassment-free work environment across state government.
Here’s a scannable view for the busy you:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
All Maryland state agencies and public employees |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees; supervisors receive additional guidance |
| When to Train |
Within 6 months of hire or promotion |
| Training Duration |
2 hours |
| Training Frequency |
Every 2 years |
| Training Format |
Interactive; online or in person |
| Recordkeeping |
Subject to performance audits by the Office of Legislative Audits |
Who must be trained in Maryland, and when should the training happen?
All Maryland state employees, including those in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, must complete sexual harassment training. Training must be administered within 6 months of initial appointment, and supervisors must also attend additional role-specific sessions that focus on managing complaints and preventing retaliation.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
Employees must complete 2 hours of interactive sexual harassment training every 2 years. The initial training must take place within 6 months of hire. Ongoing refresher sessions ensure that all public employees remain up to date with current law and reporting procedures.
What topics must be included in Maryland sexual harassment training?
Maryland's training program should cover:
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Federal and state laws prohibiting sexual harassment
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The definition of harassment and how to recognize it
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Internal reporting procedures and available remedies
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Strategies for prevention and culture-building
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Anti-retaliation protections for reporting parties
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Supervisor-specific instruction on complaint response and resolution
These topics are critical for reinforcing safe workplace behavior and legal compliance across government offices.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes. New state employees must complete training within 6 months of their appointment. Supervisors and complaint officers are required to attend additional training modules focused on policy enforcement, complaint management, and avoiding retaliatory actions.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Maryland employers?
Although there’s no standalone recordkeeping statute, compliance is monitored through performance audits by the Office of Legislative Audits. These audits are conducted under the authority of the Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator, and they:
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Verify training completion
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Assess agency-wide adherence to state requirements
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Hold departments accountable for enforcement gaps
Maintaining detailed records of who completed training and when is strongly advised.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Maryland?
The training requirement is based on the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). This law aims to:
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Prohibit harassment and discrimination in the workplace
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Enforce accountability in state agencies
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Ensure all public employees receive routine education on how to prevent and address misconduct
FEPA establishes Maryland as a leader in public-sector workplace safety and equity.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Maryland?
Employees can report harassment through:
Complaints should be filed within 300 days and supported with relevant documentation when possible.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are some expert-designed, state-compliant training courses built to meet public-sector requirements and EEOC standards. Before assigning a course to your team, be sure to:
These courses are fully editable to meet both legal requirements and your organization’s internal protocols.
