reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 20-101 - Definitions

(a)    In Subtitles 1 through 11 of this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means the Commission on Civil Rights.
(c)    “Complainant” means a person that files a complaint alleging a discriminatory act under this title.
(d)    “Discriminatory act” means an act prohibited under:
(1)    Subtitle 3 of this title (Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation);
(2)    Subtitle 4 of this title (Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor);
(3)    Subtitle 5 of this title (Discrimination in Leasing of Commercial Property);
(4)    Subtitle 6 of this title (Discrimination in Employment);
(5)    Subtitle 7 of this title (Discrimination in Housing); or
(6)    Subtitle 8 of this title (Aiding, Abetting, or Attempting Discriminatory Act; Obstructing Compliance).
(e)    “Gender identity” means the gender–related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of a person, regardless of the person’s assigned sex at birth, which may be demonstrated by:
(1)    consistent and uniform assertion of the person’s gender identity; or
(2)    any other evidence that the gender identity is sincerely held as part of the person’s core identity.
(f)    “Protective hairstyle” includes braids, twists, and locks.
(g)    “Race” includes traits associated with race, including hair texture, afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.
(h)    (1)    “Respondent” means a person accused in a complaint of a discriminatory act.
(2)    “Respondent” includes a person identified during an investigation of a complaint and joined as an additional or substitute respondent.
(i)    “Sexual orientation” means the identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-202 - Membership

(a)    (1)    The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)    In appointing Commission members, the Governor shall consider representation from all areas of the State.
(b)    (1)    The term of a member is 6 years.
(2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2009.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-204 - Compensation and Reimbursement for Expenses

A member of the Commission:
(1)    may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but
(2)    is entitled to:
(i)    a per diem as provided in the State budget for attending scheduled meetings of the Commission, including participation in any hearings required by the administrative appeal process; and
(ii)    reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-205 - Executive Director and Deputy Director

(a)    The Governor shall:
(1)    appoint an Executive Director of the Commission from a list of five names submitted by the Commission; and
(2)    remove the Executive Director on the recommendation of two–thirds of the members of the Commission.
(b)    The Executive Director:
(1)    shall appoint a deputy director with the approval of a majority of the members of the Commission; and
(2)    may remove the deputy director with the approval of a majority of the members of the Commission.
(c)    (1)    The Executive Director and deputy director shall perform the duties prescribed by the Commission.
(2)    In the absence of the Executive Director, the deputy director shall perform the functions and exercise the authority of the Executive Director.
(d)    The Executive Director and deputy director are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-206 - General Counsel; Outside Counsel

(a)    (1)    The Commission may employ its own attorney.
(2)    The Executive Director shall appoint and remove the attorney with the approval of the Commission.
(b)    The attorney shall:
(1)    act as general counsel and legal adviser to the Commission; and
(2)    represent the Commission at all hearings and judicial proceedings in which the Commission is a party.
(c)    The general counsel is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.
(d)    The office of the general counsel shall include additional personnel as provided in the State budget.
(e)    The general counsel and any assistant general counsel are special appointments in the State Personnel Management System.
(f)    (1)    The Commission may retain legal assistance to advise the commissioners in legal matters.
(2)    Legal advisers retained under this subsection shall be compensated as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-207 - General Powers and Duties

(a)    (1)    The Commission may:
(i)    conduct studies and surveys concerning human relations, conditions, and problems; and
(ii)    promote in every way possible the improvement of human relations.
(2)    In conducting studies and surveys, the Commission may expend any funds provided in the State budget or otherwise made available.
(3)    On the basis of studies or surveys, the Commission may recommend legislation to the Governor.
(b)    The Commission may apply for and accept grants from State, federal, and private nonprofit organizations in furtherance of its mission.
(c)    On or before January 1 of each year, the Commission shall submit a report on the work of the Commission to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of this article, to the General Assembly that includes:
(1)    a review of the data reported under § 20–208 of this subtitle; and
(2)    recommendations, if any, for policy changes to address discriminatory trends noted in the data review under item (1) of this subsection.
(d)    (1)    Whenever any problem of racial discrimination arises, the Commission immediately may hold an investigatory hearing.
(2)    The purpose of the hearing shall be to resolve the problem promptly by gathering all of the facts from each interested party and making recommendations as necessary.
(3)    The hearing shall be held in the geographic area where the problem exists.
(e)    (1)    The Commission shall meet at least once each month.
(2)    (i)    In addition to its regular monthly meetings, the Chair or a majority of the members of the Commission may, at any time, call a special meeting of the Commission.
(ii)    At least 5 days’ notice of a special meeting shall be given to the members.
(3)    The Commission shall establish procedures for the conduct of its meetings.
(f)    (1)    In addition to their other duties, the commissioners shall serve on appeal boards to review decisions of the administrative law judges.
(2)    As determined by the Commission’s rules of procedure, an appeal board may allow any party affected by an administrative law judge’s decision to introduce additional relevant testimony or evidence.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 2 - Commission on Civil Rights › Section 20-208 - Complaints of Employment Discrimination Reported by County Office of Civil Rights

(a)    In this section, “county office of civil rights” means the county office responsible for responding to complaints alleging discrimination in a county.
(b)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Howard County;
(5)    Montgomery County; and
(6)    Prince George’s County.
(c)    On or before October 1 each year, each county office of civil rights, or other appropriate agency, shall report the following information to the Commission:
(1)    the number of complaints received alleging discrimination in employment; and
(2)    for each complaint received:
(i)    the type of discrimination alleged;
(ii)    the category of job held by the complainant;
(iii)    whether the complainant is a public sector employee or a private sector employee;
(iv)    the complainant’s country of origin; and
(v)    whether the appropriate agency determined that a violation occurred.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-301 - "Place of Public Accommodation" Defined

In this subtitle, “place of public accommodation” means:
(1)    an inn, hotel, motel, or other establishment that provides lodging to transient guests;
(2)    a restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain, or other facility principally engaged in selling food or alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises, including a facility located on the premises of a retail establishment or gasoline station;
(3)    a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;
(4)    a retail establishment that:
(i)    is operated by a public or private entity; and
(ii)    offers goods, services, entertainment, recreation, or transportation; or
(5)    an establishment:
(i)    1.    that is physically located within the premises of any other establishment covered by this subtitle; or
2.    within the premises of which any other establishment covered by this subtitle is physically located; and
(ii)    that holds itself out as serving patrons of the covered establishment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-302 - Construction of Subtitle

This subtitle does not prohibit the proprietor or employees of any establishment from denying service to any person for failure to conform to the usual and regular requirements, standards, and regulations of the establishment, provided that the denial is not based on discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-303 - Scope of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle does not apply:
(1)    to a private club or other establishment that is not open to the public, except to the extent that the facilities of the private club or other establishment are made available to the customers or patrons of an establishment within the scope of this subtitle;
(2)    with respect to sex discrimination, to a facility that is:
(i)    uniquely private and personal in nature; and
(ii)    designed to accommodate only a particular sex; and
(3)    to an establishment providing lodging to transient guests located within a building that:
(i)    contains not more than five rooms for rent or hire; and
(ii)    is occupied by the proprietor of the establishment as the proprietor’s residence.
(b)    (1)    (i)    In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.
(ii)    “Equivalent private space” means a space that is functionally equivalent to the space made available to users of a private facility.
(iii)    “Private facility” means a facility:
1.    that is designed to accommodate only a particular sex;
2.    that is designed to be used simultaneously by more than one user of the same sex; and
3.    in which it is customary to disrobe in view of other users of the facility.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, this subtitle applies, with respect to gender identity, to all facilities in a place of public accommodation.
(3)    This subtitle does not apply, with respect to gender identity, to a private facility, if the place of public accommodation in which the private facility is located makes available, for the use of persons whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth, an equivalent private space.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-304 - Prohibited Act

An owner or operator of a place of public accommodation or an agent or employee of the owner or operator may not refuse, withhold from, or deny to any person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of the place of public accommodation because of the person’s race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-305 - Reasonable Accommodations

(a)    In this section, “reasonable accommodation” means to make a place of public accommodation suitable for access, use, and patronage by an individual with a disability without:
(1)    danger to the individual’s health or safety; and
(2)    undue hardship or expense to the person making the accommodation.
(b)    (1)    This subtitle does not require structural changes, modifications, or additions to buildings or vehicles, except as required by this section or as otherwise required by law.
(2)    Any building constructed, modified, or altered in compliance with, or in accordance with a waiver from, the Maryland Accessibility Code under § 12–202 of the Public Safety Article is not subject to this subtitle.
(c)    If a structural change or modification or the provision of special equipment is necessary to accommodate an individual with a disability, the accommodation shall be a reasonable accommodation.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a private motor coach transportation carrier may not be required to expend more than $2,500 per operating vehicle to make a reasonable accommodation to comply with this title.
(2)    At least 10% of the total operating fleet of any private motor coach transportation carrier doing business in the State shall comply with this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation › Section 20-306 - Closed-Captioning Activation

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Closed captioning” means a transcript or dialog of the audio portion of a television program that is displayed on a television receiver screen when the user activates the feature.
(3)    “Closed–captioning television receiver” means a receiver of television programming that has the ability to display closed captioning, including a television, digital set top box, and any other technology capable of displaying closed captioning.
(4)    “Public area” means a part of a place of public accommodation that is open to the general public.
(5)    “Regular hours” means the hours of any day in which a place of public accommodation is open to members of the general public.
(b)    On request, a place of public accommodation may not fail to keep closed captioning activated on any closed–captioning television receiver that is in use during regular hours in any public area.
(c)    This section does not require a place of public accommodation to make closed captioning available in a public area of the place of public accommodation if:
(1)    no television receiver of any kind is available in the public area; or
(2)    the only public television receiver available in the public area is not a closed–captioning television receiver.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 4 - Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor › Section 20-401 - Construction of Subtitle

This subtitle does not prohibit any person that is licensed or regulated by the Maryland Department of Labor from refusing, withholding from, or denying accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, sales, or services to any person for failure to conform to the usual and regular requirements, standards, and regulations of the licensed or regulated person, provided that the denial is not based on discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 4 - Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor › Section 20-402 - Prohibited Act

A person that is licensed or regulated by a unit in the Maryland Department of Labor listed in § 2–108 of the Business Regulation Article may not refuse, withhold from, or deny any person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, sales, or services of the licensed or regulated person or discriminate against any person because of the person’s race, sex, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 5 - Discrimination in Leasing of Commercial Property › Section 20-501 - Prohibited Act

An owner or operator of commercial property, an agent or employee of the owner or operator of commercial property, or a person that is licensed or regulated by the State may not discriminate against an individual in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the leasing of property for commercial use, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the leasing of property for commercial use, because of the individual’s race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-602 - State Policy

It is the policy of the State, in the exercise of its police power for the protection of the public safety, public health, and general welfare, for the maintenance of business and good government, and for the promotion of the State’s trade, commerce, and manufacturers:
(1)    to assure all persons equal opportunity in receiving employment and in all labor management–union relations, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; and
(2)    to that end, to prohibit discrimination in employment by any person.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-603 - Construction of Subtitle

This subtitle does not require:
(1)    an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor–management committee subject to this subtitle to grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability of the individual or group because an imbalance may exist with respect to the total number or percentage of individuals of any race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation or individuals with disabilities employed by the employer, referred or classified for employment by the employment agency or labor organization, admitted to membership or classified by the labor organization, or admitted to, or employed in, any apprenticeship or other training program, compared to the total number or percentage of individuals of that race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation or individuals with disabilities in the State or any community, section, or other area, or in the available work force in the State or any community, section, or other area; or
(2)    an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religion or disability, or an applicant for employment’s disability, if the accommodation would cause undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-604 - Scope of Subtitle

This subtitle does not apply to:
(1)    an employer with respect to the employment of aliens outside of the State; or
(2)    a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity to perform work connected with the activities of the religious entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-605 - Exceptions

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, this subtitle does not prohibit:
(1)    an employer from hiring and employing employees, an employment agency from classifying or referring for employment any individual, a labor organization from classifying its membership or classifying or referring for employment any individual, or an employer, labor organization, or joint labor–management committee controlling apprenticeship or other training or retraining programs from admitting or employing any individual in a program, on the basis of the individual’s sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability, if sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that business or enterprise;
(2)    an employer from establishing and requiring an employee to adhere to reasonable workplace appearance, grooming, and dress standards that are directly related to the nature of the employment of the employee and that are not precluded by any provision of State or federal law, as long as the employer allows any employee to appear, groom, and dress consistent with the employee’s gender identity;
(3)    a school, college, university, or other educational institution from hiring and employing employees of a particular religion, if:
(i)    the institution is wholly or substantially owned, supported, controlled, or managed by a particular religion or by a particular religious corporation, association, or society; or
(ii)    the curriculum of the institution is directed toward the propagation of a particular religion; or
(4)    except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an employer, employment agency, or labor organization from observing the terms of a bona fide seniority system or any bona fide employee benefit plan, such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, that is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this subtitle.
(b)    An employee benefit plan may not excuse the failure to hire any individual.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-607 - Unlawful Discriminatory Compensation Practices

(a)    For purposes of this subtitle, an unlawful employment practice occurs, with respect to discrimination in compensation in violation of this subtitle, when:
(1)    a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted;
(2)    an individual becomes subject to a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice; or
(3)    an individual is affected by application of a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid, resulting wholly or partly from the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice.
(b)    In addition to any relief authorized by this title, liability may accrue and an aggrieved person may obtain relief as provided in § 20–1009 of this title, including recovery of back pay for up to 2 years preceding the filing of the complaint, where the unlawful employment practice that has occurred during the complaint filing period is similar or related to an unlawful employment practice with regard to discrimination in compensation that occurred outside the time for filing a complaint.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 6 - Discrimination in Employment › Section 20-611 - Employer Liability for Harassment

In an action alleging a violation of this subtitle based on harassment, an employer is liable:
(1)    for the acts or omissions toward an employee or applicant for employment committed by an individual who:
(i)    undertakes or recommends tangible employment actions affecting the employee or an applicant for employment, including hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and reassigning the employee or an applicant for employment; or
(ii)    directs, supervises, or evaluates the work activities of the employee; or
(2)    if the negligence of the employer led to the harassment or continuation of harassment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-702 - State Policy; Administration and Enforcement of Subtitle

(a)    It is the policy of the State:
(1)    to provide for fair housing throughout the State to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or source of income; and
(2)    to that end, to prohibit discriminatory practices with respect to residential housing by any person, in order to protect and ensure the peace, health, safety, prosperity, and general welfare of all.
(b)    This subtitle:
(1)    is an exercise of the police power of the State for the protection of the people of the State; and
(2)    shall be administered and enforced by the Commission and, as provided in this title, enforced by the appropriate State court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-703 - Construction of Subtitle

This subtitle does not:
(1)    invalidate or limit any local law that requires dwellings to be designed and constructed in a manner that affords an individual with a disability greater access than is required by § 20–706(b) of this subtitle;
(2)    limit the applicability of any reasonable local, State, or federal restrictions regarding the maximum number of occupants allowed to occupy a dwelling;
(3)    prohibit the State or a local government from enacting standards that govern the location of group homes, as defined in § 4–601 of the Housing and Community Development Article;
(4)    affect the powers of any local government to enact an ordinance on any subject covered by this subtitle, provided that the ordinance does not authorize any act that would be a discriminatory housing practice under this subtitle;
(5)    require that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would:
(i)    constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals; or
(ii)    result in substantial physical damage to the property of others;
(6)    prohibit conduct against a person because the person has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of the illegal manufacture or distribution of:
(i)    a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(ii)    a controlled substance, as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802;
(7)    unless membership in the religion is restricted on the basis of race, color, or national origin, prohibit a religious organization, association, or society or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society from giving preference or limiting the sale, rental, or occupancy of dwellings that it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion; or
(8)    prohibit a private club that is not open to the public and that, as an incident to its primary purpose or purposes, provides lodgings that it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose, from limiting the rental or occupancy of the dwellings to its members or from giving preference to its members.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-705 - Discriminatory Housing Practices -- Sale or Rental of Dwelling

Except as provided in §§ 20–703 and 20–704 of this subtitle, a person may not:
(1)    refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income;
(2)    discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income;
(3)    make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published, any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income, or an intention to make any preference, limitation, or discrimination;
(4)    represent to any person, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income, that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when the dwelling is available; or
(5)    for profit, induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person of a particular race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-707 - Discrimination in Residential Real Estate-Related Transactions; Discrimination in Professional Services or Organizations

(a)    In this section, “residential real estate–related transaction” means:
(1)    the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance:
(i)    for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling; or
(ii)    secured by residential real estate; or
(2)    the selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real property.
(b)    (1)    A person whose business includes engaging in residential real estate–related transactions may not discriminate against any person in making available a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of a transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income.
(2)    Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property from taking into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income.
(c)    A person may not, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income:
(1)    deny a person access to, or membership or participation in, a multiple–listing service, real estate brokers’ organization, or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings; or
(2)    discriminate against a person in the terms or conditions of membership or participation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-708 - Interference With Exercise of Rights

A person may not coerce, intimidate, threaten, interfere with, or retaliate against any person:
(1)    in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by this subtitle;
(2)    because a person has exercised or enjoyed any right granted or protected by this subtitle; or
(3)    because a person has aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-709 - Duties of Executive Units

Each executive unit, including units with regulatory or supervisory authority over financial institutions, shall:
(1)    administer its programs and activities in a manner that furthers the purposes of this subtitle; and
(2)    cooperate with the Commission to further the purposes of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 7 - Discrimination in Housing › Section 20-710 - Powers and Duties of Commission

(a)    The Commission shall:
(1)    cooperate with and provide technical assistance to federal, State, local, and other governmental units or private agencies, organizations, and institutions that are formulating or carrying on programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices;
(2)    conduct studies concerning the nature and extent of discriminatory housing practices in representative urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the State; and
(3)    publish and disseminate reports, recommendations, and information derived from studies conducted under item (2) of this subsection.
(b)    The Commission may:
(1)    cooperate with local units charged with the administration of local fair housing laws;
(2)    with the consent of the local units, utilize the services and employees of the local units;
(3)    enter into written agreements with local units to further cooperative efforts to carry out the purposes of this subtitle; and
(4)    notwithstanding any other law, reimburse local units and their employees for services provided to assist in carrying out this subtitle.
(c)    To further the purposes of this subtitle, the Commission may conduct educational and conciliatory activities, including:
(1)    conferences to acquaint interested persons with the provisions of this subtitle and the plans for implementation of this subtitle;
(2)    in consultation with interested persons, programs of voluntary compliance and of enforcement; and
(3)    consultations with interested persons and State and local officials to learn:
(i)    the extent, if any, to which housing discrimination exists in the State or local political subdivisions; and
(ii)    how State or local enforcement programs may be used to combat housing discrimination in connection with, or instead of, the Commission’s enforcement of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, the Commission may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle and Subtitle 10, Part II of this title.
(2)    The Commission shall adopt regulations requiring local units that are certified as substantially equivalent by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under 42 U.S.C. § 3610 to file annual reports with the Commission containing the information specified by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 8 - Aiding, Abetting, or Attempting Discriminatory Act; Obstructing Compliance › Section 20-801 - Prohibited Acts

A person may not:
(1)    aid, abet, incite, compel, or coerce any person to commit a discriminatory act;
(2)    attempt, directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with others, to commit a discriminatory act; or
(3)    obstruct or prevent any person from complying with this title or any order issued under this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 9 - Discrimination by Governmental Units, Officers, and Employees › Section 20-901 - In General

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation may not engage in a discriminatory act prohibited by § 20–304, § 20–606, § 20–705, § 20–706, § 20–707, or § 20–708 of this title.
(b)    Sections 20–304, 20–705, and 20–706 of this title do not prohibit the State, a county, or a municipality from:
(1)    providing separate facilities for males and females in government–owned or government–operated public institutions; or
(2)    operating or funding special or separate programs and facilities for children, seniors, or other special populations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 9 - Discrimination by Governmental Units, Officers, and Employees › Section 20-902 - Cases Against Governmental Respondents

(a)    In an employment discrimination case in which a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipality is a respondent, the rules, procedures, powers, rights, and remedies that apply are the same as those that apply in a discrimination case in which a private person is the respondent.
(b)    In a discrimination case in which a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipality is a respondent, the Commission may seek injunctive relief or judicial enforcement of its orders against the respondent.
(c)    In a discrimination case in which the Commission, or a member, officer, or employee of the Commission, is a respondent, the Governor shall specially designate a person to perform the functions usually performed by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 9 - Discrimination by Governmental Units, Officers, and Employees › Section 20-904 - Payment of Awards Against State

(a)    If the State has sufficient money available at the time an award is made against the State under this title, the State shall pay the award as soon as practicable within 20 days after the award is final.
(b)    (1)    If sufficient money is not available at the time an award is made against the State under this title, the affected State unit or officer shall report the outstanding award to the State Comptroller.
(2)    The Comptroller shall:
(i)    keep an accounting of all outstanding awards; and
(ii)    report the accounting annually to the Governor.
(c)    (1)    The Governor shall include in the State budget sufficient money to pay all awards made against the State under this title.
(2)    On appropriation of money by the General Assembly, the Comptroller shall authorize payment of all outstanding awards under this title in the order of the date on which each award was made.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1002 - Construction of Part

(a)    This part, including the limitations on damages, does not limit the scope of, or the administrative procedures or relief available under, any other provision of federal, State, or local law.
(b)    This part does not limit Subtitle 12 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1004 - Complaint

(a)    Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged discriminatory act may file a complaint with the Commission.
(b)    The complaint shall:
(1)    be in writing;
(2)    state:
(i)    the name and address of the person or State or local unit alleged to have committed the discriminatory act; and
(ii)    the particulars of the alleged discriminatory act;
(3)    contain any other information required by the Commission; and
(4)    be signed by the complainant under oath.
(c)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a complaint shall be filed within 6 months after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred.
(ii)    A complaint filed with a federal or local human relations commission within 6 months after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(2)    (i)    A complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice other than harassment shall be filed within 300 days after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred.
(ii)    A complaint filed with a federal human relations commission within 6 months or a local human relations commission within 300 days shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(3)    (i)    A complaint alleging harassment against an employer shall be filed within 2 years after the date on which the alleged harassment occurred.
(ii)    A complaint filed with a federal human relations commission within 6 months or a local human relations commission within 2 years after the date on which the alleged harassment occurred shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(d)    The Commission, on its own motion, and by action of at least three commissioners, may issue a complaint in its name in the same manner as if the complaint had been filed by an individual, if:
(1)    the Commission has received reliable information from an individual that a person has been or is engaged in a discriminatory act; and
(2)    after a preliminary investigation by the Commission’s staff authorized by the chair or vice–chair, the Commission is satisfied that the information warrants the filing of a complaint.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1005 - Investigation of Complaint; Conciliation

(a)    (1)    After a complaint is filed, the Executive Director of the Commission shall:
(i)    consider the complaint; and
(ii)    refer it to the Commission’s staff for prompt investigation and fact–finding.
(2)    (i)    If the complaint alleges a failure to make a reasonable accommodation under § 20–305 of this title, the investigation shall include an initial determination whether an accommodation is a reasonable accommodation.
(ii)    In making the determination for buildings, the Commission may consult with the Department of Housing and Community Development and any other persons that may be useful in determining the cost and feasibility of any structural changes, modifications, or additions or the provision of special equipment.
(3)    The Commission’s staff shall:
(i)    issue the results of the investigation as written findings;
(ii)    provide a copy of the written findings to the complainant and the respondent; and
(iii)    send a copy of the written findings of an investigation of a real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson to the State Real Estate Commission.
(b)    If there is a finding of probable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has been or is being committed, the Commission’s staff immediately shall endeavor to eliminate the discrimination by conference, conciliation, or persuasion.
(c)    (1)    If an agreement is reached to eliminate the discrimination as a result of the conference, conciliation, or persuasion:
(i)    the agreement shall be reduced to writing and signed by the respondent; and
(ii)    the Commission shall enter an order setting forth the terms of the agreement.
(2)    If an agreement cannot be reached, the Commission’s staff shall:
(i)    make a written finding to that effect; and
(ii)    provide copies of the written finding to the complainant and the respondent.
(3)    The Commission may not enter an order at this stage of the proceedings unless it is based on a written agreement.
(d)    (1)    If there is a finding of no probable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has been or is being committed, the complainant may file a request for reconsideration of the finding in accordance with the Commission’s regulations.
(2)    Unless the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the complaint, a denial of a request for reconsideration of a finding of no probable cause by the Commission is a final order appealable to the circuit court as provided in § 10–222 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1006 - Certification of File; Issuance and Service of Notice and Complaint

(a)    On the making of a finding under § 20–1005(c)(2) of this subtitle that an agreement to remedy and eliminate the discrimination cannot be reached, the entire file, including the complaint and any findings, shall be certified to the general counsel of the Commission.
(b)    The Executive Director of the Commission shall cause a written notice to be issued and served in the name of the Commission, together with a copy of the complaint, requiring the respondent to answer the charges of the complaint at a public hearing:
(1)    before an administrative law judge at a time and place certified in the notice; or
(2)    if the complaint alleges an unlawful employment practice, in a civil action elected under § 20–1007 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1007 - Election of Civil Action

(a)    (1)    When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under § 20–1006 of this subtitle, a complainant or respondent may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought by the Commission on the complainant’s behalf, if:
(i)    the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and
(ii)    there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.
(2)    An election under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made within 30 days after the complainant or respondent receives service under § 20–1006(b) of this subtitle.
(3)    If an election is not made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall provide an opportunity for a hearing as provided under § 20–1008(a) of this subtitle.
(b)    When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under § 20–1006 of this subtitle, the Commission may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought on the Commission’s own behalf, if:
(1)    the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and
(2)    there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.
(c)    (1)    If a complainant or respondent makes an election under subsection (a) of this section, that party shall give notice of the election to the Commission and to all other complainants and respondents.
(2)    If the Commission makes an election under subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall give notice of the election to all complainants and respondents.