reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1008 - Administrative Hearing

(a)    (1)    If a civil action is not elected under § 20–1007 of this subtitle, the case shall be heard by an administrative law judge.
(2)    The hearing shall be held in the county where the alleged discriminatory act occurred.
(b)    The general counsel of the Commission shall present the case in support of the complaint at the hearing.
(c)    The respondent:
(1)    may file a written answer to the complaint;
(2)    may appear at the hearing in person, or otherwise, with or without counsel;
(3)    may submit testimony;
(4)    shall be fully heard; and
(5)    may examine and cross–examine witnesses.
(d)    (1)    Testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and recorded.
(2)    A transcript shall be made of all testimony at the hearing.
(e)    The administrative law judge may allow any complaint or answer to be reasonably amended.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1010 - Power of Commission to Administer Oaths and Issue Subpoenas; Service and Enforcement of Subpoenas

(a)    In the administration and enforcement of this title, the Commission may:
(1)    administer oaths;
(2)    issue subpoenas;
(3)    compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses; and
(4)    compel the production of books, papers, records, and documents relevant or necessary for proceedings under this title.
(b)    A subpoena issued by the Commission shall be served by:
(1)    certified mail, requesting restricted delivery – show to whom, date, address of delivery; or
(2)    personal service of process by:
(i)    an employee of the Commission;
(ii)    any adult who is not a party to the proceeding; or
(iii)    the sheriff or deputy sheriff of the county in which is located the residence or main office of the person to whom or which the subpoena is issued.
(c)    (1)    In case of failure to comply with a subpoena, the Commission may apply to a circuit court in any county for an order requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, records, and documents.
(2)    The court may issue an order requiring the attendance and testimony of the witness and the production of the books, papers, records, and documents:
(i)    after notice to the person subpoenaed as a witness or directed to produce books, papers, records, and documents; and
(ii)    on a finding that the attendance and testimony of the witness or the production of the books, papers, records, and documents is relevant or necessary for the proceedings of the Commission.
(3)    An order issued by the court under this subsection shall be served on the person to whom it is directed by the sheriff or deputy sheriff of the county where the residence or main office of the person is located.
(4)    A failure to obey an order issued by the court under this subsection may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1012 - Civil Action by Commission on Complainant's Behalf

(a)    Within 60 days after an election is made under § 20–1007 of this subtitle, the Commission shall file a civil action in the circuit court for the county where the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred.
(b)    If the court finds that an unlawful employment practice occurred, the court may provide the remedies specified in § 20–1009(b) of this subtitle.
(c)    If the Commission seeks compensatory damages under this section:
(1)    any party may demand a trial by jury; and
(2)    the court may not inform the jury of the limitations on compensatory damages imposed under § 20–1009(b)(3) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1013 - Civil Action by Complainant

(a)    (1)    In addition to the right to make an election under § 20–1007 of this subtitle, a complainant may bring a civil action against the respondent alleging an unlawful employment practice, if:
(i)    the complainant initially filed a timely administrative charge or a complaint under federal, State, or local law alleging an unlawful employment practice by the respondent;
(ii)    at least 180 days have elapsed since the filing of the administrative charge or complaint; and
(iii)    1.    subject to item 2 of this item, the civil action is filed within 2 years after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred; or
2.    if the complaint is alleging harassment, the civil action is filed within 3 years after the alleged harassment occurred.
(2)    The time limitations under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall be tolled while an administrative charge or complaint filed by the complainant under paragraph (1)(ii) is pending.
(b)    A civil action under this section shall be filed in the circuit court for the county where the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred.
(c)    The filing of a civil action under this section automatically terminates any proceeding before the Commission based on the underlying administrative complaint and any amendment to the complaint.
(d)    If the court finds that an unlawful employment practice occurred, the court may provide the remedies specified in § 20–1009(b) of this subtitle.
(e)    (1)    In addition to the relief authorized under subsection (d) of this section, the court may award punitive damages, if:
(i)    the respondent is not a governmental unit or political subdivision; and
(ii)    the court finds that the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice with actual malice.
(2)    If the court awards punitive damages, the sum of the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each complainant under subsection (d) of this section and the amount of punitive damages awarded under this subsection may not exceed the applicable limitation established under § 20–1009(b)(3) of this subtitle.
(f)    If a complainant seeks compensatory or punitive damages under this section:
(1)    any party may demand a trial by jury; and
(2)    the court may not inform the jury of the limitations on compensatory and punitive damages imposed under § 20–1009(b)(3) of this subtitle.
(g)    When appropriate and to the extent authorized under law, in a dispute arising under this part, in which the complainant seeks compensatory or punitive damages, the parties are encouraged to use alternative means of dispute resolution, including settlement negotiations or mediation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1014 - Intervention in Civil Action

(a)    A person may intervene in a civil action brought by the Commission under this part, if the action involves:
(1)    an alleged discriminatory act to which the person is a party; or
(2)    a conciliation agreement to which the person is a party.
(b)    The Commission may intervene in a civil action brought under this part, if:
(1)    the Commission certifies that the case is of general public importance; and
(2)    timely application is made.
(c)    The court may grant any appropriate relief to an intervening party that may be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under § 20–1013 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1016 - Civil Penalties

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, in addition to any other relief authorized, if the Commission finds that a respondent has engaged in a discriminatory act under Subtitle 3 or Subtitle 4 of this title, the Commission may seek an order assessing a civil penalty against the respondent:
(1)    if the respondent has not been adjudicated to have committed any prior discriminatory act, in an amount not exceeding $500;
(2)    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed one other discriminatory act during the 5–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $1,000; and
(3)    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed two or more discriminatory acts during the 7–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $2,500.
(b)    If the discriminatory act is committed by an individual who has been previously adjudicated to have committed one or more discriminatory acts, the time periods set forth in subsection (a)(2) and (3) of this section do not apply.
(c)    Any civil penalties collected under this section shall be paid to the General Fund of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part I - In General › Section 20-1017 - Action for Temporary Injunction

(a)    At any time after a complaint has been filed, if the Commission believes that a civil action is necessary to preserve the status of the parties or to prevent irreparable harm from the time the complaint is filed until the time of the final disposition of the complaint, the Commission may bring an action to obtain a temporary injunction.
(b)    The action shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where:
(1)    the place of public accommodation that is the subject of the alleged discriminatory act is located;
(2)    the unlawful employment practice is alleged to have occurred or to be occurring; or
(3)    the dwelling that is the subject of the alleged discriminatory housing practice is located.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1020 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Aggrieved person” means any person that claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice.
(c)    “Conciliation” means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a complaint, or by the investigation of a complaint, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved person, the respondent, and the Commission.
(d)    “Conciliation agreement” means a written agreement between the respondent and the complainant setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation.
(e)    “Discriminatory housing practice” means an act that is prohibited under § 20–705, § 20–706, § 20–707, or § 20–708 of this title.
(f)    “Prevailing party” has the meaning as judicially determined under 42 U.S.C. § 1988.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1021 - Complaint; Answer to Complaint

(a)    (1)    An aggrieved person may file a complaint with the Commission alleging a discriminatory housing practice.
(2)    The complaint shall be filed within 1 year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.
(b)    The Commission may:
(1)    file a complaint on the Commission’s own initiative; and
(2)    investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be filed under this section.
(c)    A complaint shall:
(1)    be in writing;
(2)    be in the form that the Commission requires; and
(3)    contain the information that the Commission requires.
(d)    After a complaint is filed, the Commission shall serve notice on the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising the aggrieved person of the time limits and choice of forums provided under this part.
(e)    Within 10 days after a complaint is filed or an additional respondent is identified under § 20–1022(b) of this subtitle, the Commission shall serve on the respondent:
(1)    a copy of the original complaint; and
(2)    a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising the respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this part.
(f)    (1)    Each respondent may file an answer to the complaint.
(2)    The answer shall be filed within 10 days after receipt of the copy of the complaint and notice from the Commission under subsection (e) of this section.
(g)    Complaints and answers:
(1)    shall be under oath; and
(2)    may be reasonably amended at any time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1022 - Investigation of Complaint; Joinder of Respondents

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall investigate a complaint alleging a discriminatory housing practice and determine, based on the facts, whether probable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur.
(2)    Unless it is impracticable to do so, the Commission shall complete the investigation and make the determination required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 100 days after the filing of the complaint.
(3)    If the Commission is unable to complete the investigation and make the determination required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 100 days after the filing of the complaint, the Commission shall notify the complainant and the respondent in writing and include the reasons for the delay.
(b)    (1)    A person that is not named as a respondent in a complaint, but that is identified as a respondent during an investigation, may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent after written notice in accordance with § 20–1021(e) of this subtitle.
(2)    In addition to meeting the requirements of § 20–1021(e) of this subtitle, the notice shall explain the basis for the Commission’s belief that the person to whom the notice is addressed is properly joined as a respondent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1023 - Subpoenas; Discovery; Witness Fees

(a)    The Commission may issue subpoenas and order discovery in aid of investigations and hearings under this part.
(b)    (1)    Witnesses subpoenaed by the Commission to testify in any proceedings under this part are entitled to the same witness and mileage fees as witnesses in proceedings before any circuit court in the State.
(2)    The party who requests that a witness be subpoenaed to testify in a proceeding shall pay the fees or, if the party is unable to pay, the Commission shall pay the fees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1024 - Conciliation

(a)    During the period between the filing of a complaint and the filing of a charge or a dismissal by the Commission, the Commission, to the extent feasible, shall engage in conciliation with respect to the complaint.
(b)    (1)    A conciliation agreement is subject to approval by the Commission.
(2)    (i)    A conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of the dispute arising from the complaint.
(ii)    Any arbitration that results from a conciliation agreement may award appropriate relief, including monetary relief.
(3)    Each conciliation agreement shall be made public unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and the Commission determines that the disclosure is not required to further the purposes of this part and Subtitle 7 of this title.
(c)    If the Commission has probable cause to believe that a respondent has breached a conciliation agreement, the Commission may bring a civil action to enforce the conciliation agreement in the same manner as provided in § 20–1011 of this subtitle for the enforcement of an order of the Commission.
(d)    Except in a proceeding to enforce a conciliation agreement, statements and acts in the course of conciliation under this section may not be made public or used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding under this part without the written consent of the persons concerned.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1025 - Certification of Case; Issuance and Service of Charges

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, if the Commission determines that probable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur and that conciliation has failed, the Executive Director of the Commission or the Executive Director’s designee shall certify the case for processing.
(b)    After review of the certified complaint, the Commission shall:
(1)    remand the matter to the Commission’s staff for further processing;
(2)    issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person for further proceedings under this part; or
(3)    promptly dismiss the complaint, if the Commission determines that probable cause does not exist to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur.
(c)    (1)    If the Commission determines that the matter involves the legality of a State or local zoning or other land use law or ordinance, the Commission shall immediately refer the matter to the Attorney General for appropriate action.
(2)    Not less than 60 days after the Commission refers the matter to the Attorney General under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission may issue a charge or take other appropriate action in the matter.
(d)    After the beginning of the trial of a civil action that is commenced by an aggrieved person under federal or State law and that seeks relief for an alleged discriminatory housing practice, the Commission may not issue a charge under this section for the same alleged discriminatory housing practice.
(e)    After the Commission issues a charge under this section, the Commission shall cause a copy of the charge, together with information as to how to make an election under § 20–1026 of this subtitle and the effect of the election, to be served:
(1)    on each respondent named in the charge; and
(2)    on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1026 - Election of Civil Action

(a)    When a charge is issued and served under § 20–1025 of this subtitle, a complainant, respondent, or aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed may elect to have the claims asserted in the charge decided in a civil action under § 20–1032 of this subtitle instead of a hearing under § 20–1027 of this subtitle.
(b)    An election under subsection (a) of this section shall be made within:
(1)    20 days after the complainant, respondent, or aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed receives service under § 20–1025 of this subtitle; or
(2)    if the Commission is the complainant, 20 days after service under § 20–1025 of this subtitle is made on all other parties.
(c)    A person that makes an election under subsection (a) of this section shall give notice of the election to the Commission and to all other complainants, respondents, and aggrieved persons on whose behalf the complaint was filed to whom the charge relates.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1027 - Administrative Hearing

(a)    If an election is not made under § 20–1026 of this subtitle, the Commission shall provide an opportunity for a hearing on the record with respect to a charge issued under § 20–1025 of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall delegate the conduct of a hearing under this section to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
(2)    An administrative law judge shall conduct the hearing in the county where the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred or is about to occur.
(3)    (i)    Unless it is impracticable to do so, the administrative law judge shall commence the hearing under this section within 120 days after the issuance of the charge.
(ii)    If the administrative law judge is unable to commence the hearing within 120 days after the issuance of the charge, the administrative law judge shall notify the Commission, the aggrieved person on whose behalf the charge was filed, and the respondent in writing of the reasons for the delay.
(4)    At a hearing under this section, each party may appear in person, be represented by counsel, present evidence, cross–examine witnesses, and obtain the issuance of subpoenas as authorized by this section.
(5)    A hearing under this section shall be conducted as expeditiously and inexpensively as possible, consistent with the needs and rights of the parties to obtain a fair hearing and complete record.
(c)    (1)    The administrative law judge may issue subpoenas and order discovery in connection with a hearing conducted under this section.
(2)    Discovery in administrative proceedings under this section shall be conducted as expeditiously and inexpensively as possible, consistent with the need of all parties to obtain relevant evidence.
(d)    After the beginning of the trial of a civil action that is commenced by an aggrieved person under federal or State law and that seeks relief for an alleged discriminatory housing practice, an administrative law judge may not continue administrative proceedings under this section for the same alleged discriminatory housing practice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1028 - Decision of Administrative Law Judge

(a)    (1)    Unless it is impracticable to do so, the administrative law judge shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law within 60 days after submission of posthearing memoranda.
(2)    If the administrative law judge is unable to make findings of fact and conclusions of law within the 60–day period or any succeeding 60–day period, the administrative law judge shall notify the Commission, the aggrieved person on whose behalf the charge was filed, and the respondent in writing of the reasons for the delay.
(b)    (1)    If the administrative law judge finds that a respondent has engaged or is about to engage in a discriminatory housing practice, the administrative law judge shall promptly issue an order for appropriate relief, which may include actual damages suffered by the aggrieved person and injunctive or other equitable relief.
(2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the order may assess a civil penalty against the respondent, to be paid to the General Fund of the State:
1.    if the respondent has not been adjudicated to have committed any prior discriminatory housing practice, in an amount not exceeding $10,000;
2.    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed one other discriminatory housing practice during the 5–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $25,000; and
3.    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed two or more discriminatory housing practices during the 7–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $50,000.
(ii)    If the discriminatory housing practice is committed by an individual who has been previously adjudicated to have committed one or more discriminatory housing practices, the time periods set forth in paragraph (2)(i)2 and 3 of this subsection do not apply.
(c)    An order issued under subsection (b) of this section may not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the issuance of the order and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer, or tenant without actual notice of the charge filed under this part.
(d)    (1)    If the administrative law judge finds that the respondent has not engaged in a discriminatory housing practice, the administrative law judge shall enter an order dismissing the charge.
(2)    The Commission shall publicly disclose each dismissal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1029 - Final Decision and Order

(a)    (1)    In accordance with the Commission’s regulations, the Commission shall:
(i)    review any findings, conclusions, or orders issued under § 20–1028 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    issue a final order.
(2)    If a timely appeal of the findings, conclusions, or orders issued under § 20–1028 of this subtitle is not filed with the Commission in accordance with the Commission’s regulations, the findings, conclusions, or orders issued by the administrative law judge under § 20–1028 of this subtitle shall become a final order of the Commission.
(b)    The Commission shall cause the findings of fact and conclusions of law made with respect to any final order for relief under this section, together with a copy of the order, to be served on each aggrieved person and respondent in the proceeding.
(c)    If an order is issued concerning a discriminatory housing practice that occurred in the course of a business subject to licensing or regulation by a State or local unit, the Commission shall, within 30 days after the date of the issuance of the final order of the Commission or, if the order is judicially reviewed, 30 days after the final order is affirmed in substance after review:
(1)    send copies of the findings of fact and conclusions of law and the final order to the State or local unit; and
(2)    recommend to the State or local unit appropriate disciplinary action, including, if appropriate:
(i)    the suspension or revocation of the license of the respondent; or
(ii)    the suspension or debarment of the respondent from participation in State and local loan, grant, or other regulated programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1030 - Judicial Review

(a)    Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, any party aggrieved by a final order for relief under § 20–1029 of this subtitle may obtain judicial review of the order in accordance with the provisions for judicial review under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of this article.
(b)    A petition for judicial review shall be filed within 30 days after the final order is entered.
(c)    A petition for judicial review shall be filed in the circuit court for the county where the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred.
(d)    If the Commission issues a final order in which a finding of a discriminatory housing practice is made, the Commission is a party in any appeal of the final order.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1031 - Petition to Enforce Commission's Order

(a)    (1)    The Commission may file a petition for the enforcement of an order of the Commission and for appropriate temporary relief or a restraining order.
(2)    The petition shall be filed in the circuit court for the county where the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred or where any respondent resides or transacts business.
(3)    The clerk of the court shall send a copy of the petition to the parties to the proceedings before the Commission under § 20–1029 of this subtitle or before the administrative law judge.
(b)    Any party to the proceedings before the Commission under § 20–1029 of this subtitle or before the administrative law judge may intervene in the circuit court in an enforcement proceeding brought under this section.
(c)    Unless the failure or neglect to make the objection is excused because of extraordinary circumstances, an objection not made before the Commission under § 20–1029 of this subtitle or before the administrative law judge may not be considered by the court in an enforcement proceeding brought under this section.
(d)    If a petition for judicial review is not filed under § 20–1030 of this subtitle, the findings of fact and conclusions of law in the Commission’s final order shall be conclusive in connection with any petition for enforcement filed by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section after the 45th day after the order is entered.
(e)    If a petition for judicial review has not been filed under § 20–1030 of this subtitle within 60 days after the date the Commission’s final order is entered, and the Commission has not sought enforcement of the order under subsection (a) of this section, any person entitled to relief under the order may petition for enforcement of the order in the circuit court for the county in which the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1032 - Civil Action by Commission on Behalf of Aggrieved Person

(a)    (1)    If an election is made under § 20–1026 of this subtitle, the Commission shall commence and maintain a civil action seeking relief under subsection (b) of this section on behalf of the aggrieved person.
(2)    The action shall be:
(i)    commenced within 60 days after the election is made; and
(ii)    filed in the circuit court for the county where the dwelling that is the subject of the alleged discriminatory housing practice is located.
(3)    Any aggrieved person with respect to the issues to be determined in a civil action under this section may intervene as of right in the civil action.
(b)    (1)    (i)    In a civil action under this section, if the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, the court may grant any relief, except for punitive damages, that a court could grant with respect to the discriminatory housing practice in a civil action under § 20–1035 of this subtitle.
(ii)    Except for punitive damages, any relief that would accrue to an aggrieved person in a civil action commenced by that aggrieved person under § 20–1035 of this subtitle shall also accrue to the aggrieved person in a civil action under this section.
(iii)    If monetary relief is sought for the benefit of an aggrieved person that does not intervene in the civil action, the court may not award the relief if the aggrieved person has not complied with discovery orders entered by the court.
(2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in addition to the relief authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, the court may assess a civil penalty against the respondent to vindicate the public interest and to be paid to the General Fund of the State:
1.    if the respondent has not been adjudicated to have committed any prior discriminatory housing practice, in an amount not exceeding $10,000;
2.    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed one other discriminatory housing practice during the 5–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $25,000; and
3.    if the respondent has been adjudicated to have committed two or more discriminatory housing practices during the 7–year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge, in an amount not exceeding $50,000.
(ii)    If the discriminatory housing practice is committed by an individual who has been previously adjudicated to have committed one or more discriminatory housing practices, the time periods set forth in paragraph (2)(i)2 and 3 of this subsection do not apply.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1033 - Attorney's Fees and Costs

In an administrative proceeding under § 20–1027 of this subtitle, a court proceeding arising from the administrative proceeding, or a civil action under § 20–1032 of this subtitle, the administrative law judge or the court may allow the prevailing party, including the Commission, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1036 - Civil Action by Commission in Public Interest

(a)    The Commission may commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court if the Commission has probable cause to believe that:
(1)    (i)    a person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; or
(ii)    any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; and
(2)    the resistance or denial raises an issue of general public importance.
(b)    The Commission or other party at whose request a subpoena is issued under this part may enforce a subpoena in appropriate proceedings in the circuit court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena was addressed resides, was served, or transacts business.
(c)    (1)    In a civil action under subsection (a) of this section, the court may:
(i)    award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of Subtitle 7 of this title as necessary to ensure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by Subtitle 7 of this title;
(ii)    award other relief the court considers appropriate, including monetary damages to aggrieved persons; and
(iii)    to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent:
1.    in an amount not exceeding $50,000, for a first violation; and
2.    in an amount not exceeding $100,000, for any subsequent violation.
(2)    In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party, including the Commission, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
(d)    (1)    On timely application, a person may intervene in a civil action commenced by the Commission under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, if the action involves:
(i)    an alleged discriminatory housing practice to which the person is an aggrieved person; or
(ii)    a conciliation agreement to which the person is a party.
(2)    The court may grant any appropriate relief to any intervening party that is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under § 20–1035 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 10 - Enforcement › Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices › Section 20-1037 - Civil Action for Temporary or Preliminary Relief

(a)    If the Commission concludes at any time after the filing of a complaint that prompt judicial action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this part and Subtitle 7 of this title, the Commission may bring a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint under this part.
(b)    An action under this section shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where the dwelling that is the subject of the alleged discriminatory housing practice is located.
(c)    The commencement of a civil action under this section does not affect the initiation or continuation of administrative proceedings under this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 11 - Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties › Section 20-1101 - Disclosure of Confidential Information

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during an investigation of a complaint alleging a discriminatory act, and until the matter reaches the stage of public hearings:
(i)    the activities of all members and employees of the Commission in connection with the investigation shall be conducted in confidence and without publicity; and
(ii)    the members and employees of the Commission may not disclose any information relating to the investigation, including the identity of the complainant and the respondent.
(2)    (i)    Information may be disclosed at any time if both the complainant and respondent agree to the disclosure in writing.
(ii)    The identity of the complainant may be disclosed to the respondent at any time.
(b)    A member or employee of the Commission who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 11 - Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties › Section 20-1102 - Disobeying Subpoena or Discovery Order in Housing Discrimination Case; Falsifying Documentary Evidence

(a)    If it is in the person’s power to comply, a person may not willfully fail or neglect to attend and testify, answer any lawful inquiry, or produce records, documents, or other evidence, in compliance with a subpoena or other lawful order issued under § 20–1023(a) of this title.
(b)    A person may not, with intent to mislead another person in any proceeding under Subtitle 10, Part II of this title:
(1)    make or cause to be made any false entry or statement of fact in any report, account, record, or other document produced in compliance with a subpoena or other lawful order issued under § 20–1023(a) of this title;
(2)    willfully neglect or fail to make or cause to be made full, true, and correct entries in any report, account, record, or other document produced in compliance with a subpoena or other lawful order issued under § 20–1023(a) of this title; or
(3)    willfully mutilate, alter, or by any other means falsify any documentary evidence.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $100,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 11 - Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties › Section 20-1103 - Injury, Intimidation, or Interference With Protected Housing Activities

(a)    In this section, “disability”, “dwelling”, “familial status”, “marital status”, “rent”, and “source of income” have the meanings stated in § 20–701 of this title.
(b)    Whether or not acting under color of law, a person may not, by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate, or interfere with:
(1)    any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income and because the person is or has been:
(i)    selling, purchasing, renting, financing, occupying, or contracting or negotiating for the sale, purchase, rental, financing, or occupation of any dwelling; or
(ii)    applying for or participating in any service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings;
(2)    any person because the person is or has been, or in order to intimidate the person or any other person or any class of persons from:
(i)    participating, without discrimination on account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income, in any of the activities, services, organizations, or facilities described in item (1) of this subsection; or
(ii)    affording another person or class of persons the opportunity or protection to participate in any of the activities, services, organizations, or facilities described in item (1) of this subsection; or
(3)    any person because the person is or has been, or in order to discourage the person or any other person from:
(i)    lawfully aiding or encouraging other persons to participate, without discrimination on account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or source of income, in any of the activities, services, organizations, or facilities described in item (1) of this subsection; or
(ii)    participating lawfully in speech or peaceful assembly opposing any denial of the opportunity to participate in any of the activities, services, organizations, or facilities described in item (1) of this subsection.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both;
(2)    if the violation results in bodily injury, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both; or
(3)    if the violation results in death, imprisonment not exceeding life.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 11 - Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties › Section 20-1104 - Making Complaint Maliciously

(a)    This section does not affect the right of a respondent to bring a civil action against a person that has filed a complaint under Subtitle 10, Part I of this title.
(b)    A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if:
(1)    the person has claimed to be aggrieved under Subtitle 10, Part I of this title;
(2)    the person has pursued the complaint under §§ 20–1006 and 20–1008 through 20–1011 of this title;
(3)    the Commission has:
(i)    found the complaint to be unfounded; or
(ii)    dismissed the complaint without further action against the respondent; and
(4)    the court has found the complaint to have been made maliciously.
(c)    A person convicted under this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 12 - Civil Actions -- Violations of County Discrimination Laws › Section 20-1202 - Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties

(a)    This section applies only in Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.
(b)    In accordance with this section, a person that is subjected to a discriminatory act prohibited by the county code may bring and maintain a civil action against the person that committed the alleged discriminatory act for damages, injunctive relief, or other civil relief.
(c)    (1)    An action under subsection (b) of this section shall be commenced in the circuit court for the county in which the alleged discriminatory act occurred within 2 years after the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act.
(2)    (i)    Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section alleging discrimination in employment or public accommodations may not be commenced sooner than 45 days after the aggrieved person files a complaint with the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws.
(ii)    Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section alleging discrimination in real estate may be commenced at any time.
(d)    In a civil action under this section, the court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and costs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Government › Title 20 - Human Relations › Subtitle 12 - Civil Actions -- Violations of County Discrimination Laws › Section 20-1203 - Baltimore County

(a)    This section applies only in Baltimore County.
(b)    In accordance with this section, a person that is employed by an employer with fewer than 15 employees and that is subjected to a discriminatory act prohibited by the county code may bring and maintain a civil action against the employer that committed the alleged discriminatory act for relief as provided under subsection (d) of this section.
(c)    (1)    An action under subsection (b) of this section shall be commenced in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County within 2 years after the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act.
(2)    Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section may not be commenced sooner than 60 days after the aggrieved person files a complaint with the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws.
(d)    (1)    In a civil action under this section, the court may award the prevailing party:
(i)    injunctive relief;
(ii)    compensatory damages, including back pay; or
(iii)    both injunctive relief and compensatory damages.
(2)    A prevailing party may not be awarded punitive damages under this section.
(3)    The court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Personnel and Pensions › Division I - State Personnel › Title 1 - Definitions and General Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 1-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this Division I of this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Appointing authority” means an individual or a unit of government that has the power to make appointments and terminate employment.
(c)    “Class” means a category of one or more similar positions, as established by the Secretary in accordance with this article.
(d)    “Contractual employee” means an individual described in § 13-101 of this article.
(e)    “County” means a county of this State and, unless expressly provided otherwise, Baltimore City.
(f)    Unless expressly provided otherwise, “Department” means the Department of Budget and Management.
(g)    “Executive service” means the employment category in the State Personnel Management System that is described in § 6-404 of this article.
(h)    “Management service” means the employment category in the State Personnel Management System that is described in § 6-403 of this article.
(i)    (1)    “Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, or representative of any kind and any partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(2)    Unless expressly provided otherwise, “person” does not include a governmental entity or a unit or instrumentality of a governmental entity.
(j)    “Position” means an employment assignment of duties and responsibilities that requires the full-time employment of one individual or less than full-time employment of one or more individuals.
(k)    “Principal unit” means:
(1)    a principal department or other principal independent unit of State government; or
(2)    for an employee of a county board of elections whose employees are covered by this article, the county board of elections.
(l)    “Professional service” means the employment category in the State Personnel Management System that is described in § 6-402 of this article.
(m)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Budget and Management.
(n)    “Skilled service” means the employment category in the State Personnel Management System that is described in § 6-401 of this article.
(o)    “State” means:
(1)    a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or
(2)    the District of Columbia.
(p)    “State Personnel Management System” means the personnel system established under § 6-101 of this article.
(q)    “Temporary employee” includes:
(1)    a contractual employee; and
(2)    an emergency employee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Personnel and Pensions › Division I - State Personnel › Title 2 - State Employment Generally › Subtitle 2 - Personnel Systems in State Government › Section 2-201 - Applicability of Laws, Policies and Procedures of Branches of State Government

Except as otherwise provided by law, an employee in the Judicial, Legislative, or Executive Branch of State government is governed by the laws and personnel policies and procedures applicable in that branch.
2023 Maryland Statutes › State Personnel and Pensions › Division I - State Personnel › Title 2 - State Employment Generally › Subtitle 2 - Personnel Systems in State Government › Section 2-202 - Personnel Systems in Executive Branch

(a)    The principal personnel system in the Executive Branch of State government is the State Personnel Management System.
(b)    As expressly authorized by law, a unit in the Executive Branch of State government may establish a personnel system that operates independent of the State Personnel Management System.