2013 Maryland Code
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
§ 9-210 - Farm worker

§9-210.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Farmer” includes a dairy farmer.

(3) (i) “Migrant farm worker” means an individual who is engaged in seasonal or other temporary agricultural employment and who is:

1. absent overnight from the permanent residence of the individual; or

2. transported to and from the place of employment of the individual by a day-haul operation.

(ii) “Migrant farm worker” does not include an individual who performs a service included in subsection (b) of this section if the individual:

1. does not operate equipment or machinery; and

2. is employed:

A. within 25 miles of the permanent residence of the individual; and

B. for not more than 13 weeks a year.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an individual, including a migrant farm worker, is a covered employee if:

(1) the individual receives compensation from a farmer for any service other than office work, including:

(i) operating a machine connected with animal, crop, or soil management;

(ii) constructing or repairing a fixture or machine; or

(iii) handling an animal or crop with or without a machine; and

(2) the farmer has:

(i) at least 3 full-time employees; or

(ii) an annual payroll of at least $15,000 for full-time employees.

(c) An individual, other than a migrant farm worker, who receives compensation from a farmer for a service is not a covered employee if:

(1) the individual customarily is engaged in an independent business occupation of the same nature as that of the service performed;

(2) the individual is free from control and direction over the individual’s performance of the service;

(3) the individual provides the individual’s own equipment, materials, and tools; and

(4) the farmer is not required to withhold Social Security, unemployment, State, or federal taxes from the compensation paid to the individual.