# State Finance and Procurement (GSF)

## Title 4. Department of General Services

### Subtitle 4

#### Section 4-410

(a)

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

  (2)

    (i) "Assembly area" means a building or facility, or any portion of a building or facility, that:

      (1) is used for the purpose of entertainment, education, or civic gatherings; and

      (2) requires the use of a public address system.

    (ii) "Assembly area" includes:

      (1) an amphitheater, an arena, and a stadium;

      (2) an auditorium;

      (3) a center for the performing arts;

      (4) a classroom and a lecture hall;

      (5) a concert hall;

      (6) a convention center;

      (7) a courtroom;

      (8) a legislative chamber;

      (9) a movie theater, a theater, and a playhouse; and

      (10) a public hearing and meeting room.

    (iii) "Assembly area" does not include any outdoor area.

  (3) "Assistive listening system" means an amplification system using transmitters to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of a wireless direct connection, such as a hearing induction loop system, that couples to a:

    (i) personal hearing device; or

    (ii) receiver, such as a hearing induction loop receiver or other similar technology.

  (4) "Construction or renovation" includes:

    (i) construction;

    (ii) reconstruction; and

    (iii) renovation.

  (5) "Hearing induction loop" means a hearing loop or T-loop system that takes a sound source and transfers it directly via a magnetic signal to:

    (i) a hearing aid;

    (ii) a cochlear implant;

    (iii) a hearing induction loop receiver; or

    (iv) any other personal hearing device that acts as a receiver.

  (6) "Recipient of State funds" means any of the following that receive State money for the construction or renovation of an assembly area:

    (i) a unit of State government;

    (ii) a unit of local government; or

    (iii) a for-profit or nonprofit entity or association.

(b)

  (1) A recipient of State funds shall install an assistive listening system in an assembly area during the construction or renovation of the assembly area if:

    (i) the assembly area uses or requires the use of a public address system; and

    (ii) a State contract has been executed to enable construction or renovation of the assembly area.

  (2)

    (i) A recipient of State funds may apply for a waiver from the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection if:

      (1) the recipient claims that an assistive listening system is not technologically feasible; or

      (2) there is a dispute regarding whether the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection apply to a construction or renovation project.

    (ii) A waiver request under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include a description of the alternative assistive listening technology the recipient will use to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(c)

  (1) There is a Hearing Accessibility Advisory Board.

  (2)

    (i) The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Board.

    (ii) The Board shall consist of:

      (1) individuals who have expertise in assistive listening systems; and

      (2) consumers who use assistive listening systems.

  (3) The Board shall:

    (i) consult with stakeholders who are State residents who use or will use the facilities being built or renovated, including:

      (1) individuals with hearing loss; and

      (2) organizations that represent people with hearing loss and have background experience and knowledge of the use of assistive listening systems and devices;

    (ii) make recommendations for regulations implementing this section;

    (iii) consider applications for waivers submitted under subsection (b)(2) of this section; and

    (iv) monitor compliance with this section and investigate any complaints regarding noncompliance.

(d) The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations regarding:

  (1) proper maintenance and training of staff;

  (2) adequate signage; and

  (3) a requirement for facilities to provide receivers that can use the technology for individuals who do not have a personal hearing device or do not have a hearing device with a telecoil or other built-in receiver.

(e) This section does not require State agencies or recipients of State funds to retrofit existing facilities that are not undergoing renovation.

(f)

  (1)

    (i) A person may bring a civil action for a violation of this section or if the person has reasonable grounds for believing that this section will be violated.

    (ii) A person may not be required to take any other action before bringing a civil action under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for a potential violation of this section if the person has actual notice that a recipient of State funds does not intend to comply with the requirements of this section.

  (2) In a civil action brought under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the court may:

    (i) grant any equitable relief that the court considers appropriate, including:

      (1) temporary, preliminary, or permanent relief;

      (2) providing an auxiliary aid or service;

      (3) requiring a modification of policy, practice, or procedure; and

      (4) making facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities;

    (ii) assess a civil penalty against the recipient of State funds; or

    (iii) award any other relief the court considers to be appropriate.

  (3) If a court orders injunctive relief under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the order shall include a requirement that the facilities be altered to make the facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the extent required by this section.

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Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)