<section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-101" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, “State personnel” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a State employee or official who is paid in whole or in part by the Central Payroll Bureau in the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an employee or official of the:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Maryland Transportation Authority;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Maryland Stadium Authority;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Maryland Environmental Service;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>overseas programs of the University College of the University System of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Maryland Economic Development Corporation;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Maryland Technology Development Corporation;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Maryland African American Museum Corporation;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Somers Cove Marina Commission;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>Maryland Clean Energy Center;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a person who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is a member of a State board, commission, or similar State entity; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>is providing a service to or for the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is not paid in whole or in part by the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>satisfies all other requirements for designation as State personnel as may be set forth in regulations adopted by the Treasurer pursuant to Title 10 of this article;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an individual who, without compensation, exercises a part of the sovereignty of the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a student enrolled in a State educational institution:</text> <level label="i"> <text>who is providing services to third parties in the course of participation in an approved clinical training or academic program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>who, as determined by the Treasurer, is required to have liability insurance covering claims arising from services to third parties performed by the student in the course of the approved clinical training or academic program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>who, as determined by the Treasurer, cannot obtain commercial liability insurance at an affordable cost; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>who, as determined by the Treasurer, may be required to contribute to an insurance program for claims arising from services to third parties performed by the student in the course of the approved clinical training or academic program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>a sheriff or deputy sheriff of a county or Baltimore City; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an employee of the office of a sheriff of a county or Baltimore City;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>an employee of a county who is assigned to a local department of social services, including a Montgomery County employee who carries out State programs administered under Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a State’s Attorney of a county or Baltimore City, or an employee of an office of a State’s Attorney;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>a member of a board of license commissioners of a county or Baltimore City appointed under the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article, or an employee of a board of license commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>a member of a local board of elections, or an employee of a local board of elections;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>a judge of a circuit court of a county or Baltimore City, or an employee of a circuit court;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>a judge of an orphans’ court of a county or Baltimore City, or an employee of an orphans’ court;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>to the extent of a nonprofit organization’s activities as a third party payee, and to the extent the nonprofit organization has no other insurance for this purpose, a nonprofit organization that has been approved by the Department of Human Services or its designee to serve as a third party payee for purposes of providing temporary cash assistance, transitional assistance, or child–specific benefits to Family Investment Program recipients; or</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>a student, faculty, or staff member of an institution of higher education who is providing a service under the Family Investment Program in accordance with § 5–305, § 5–306, or § 5–317 of the Human Services Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In this subtitle, a unit of the State government includes the Montgomery County government to the extent that Montgomery County administers a State program under Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-102" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>This subtitle shall be construed broadly, to ensure that injured parties have a remedy.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-103" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>This subtitle does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>limit any other law that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>waives the sovereign immunity of the State or the units of the State government in tort; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>authorizes the State or its units to have insurance for tortious conduct;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>waive any right or defense of the State or its units, officials, or employees in an action in a court of the United States or any other state, including any defense that is available under the 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>apply to or waive any immunity of a bicounty unit, county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision or any unit, official, or employee of any of those agencies or subdivisions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-103.1" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>The provisions governing the tort immunity of a member or employee of a board of supervisors of a soil conservation district are found in § 5-517 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-103.2" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “tort claim” means a tort claim filed in State court relating to the administration of a State program under Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article by the Montgomery County government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A tort claim shall be considered, defended, settled, and paid in the same manner as any other claim covered by the Montgomery County Self–Insurance Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under this section, whenever Montgomery County administers a State program under Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article, Montgomery County acts as a unit of the State, and any tort claim shall name the State of Maryland as the proper defendant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Liability for a tort claim may not exceed the insurance coverage granted to units of State government under Title 9 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer is not liable under § 9–107(c) of the State Finance and Procurement Article for a tort claim.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For tort claims, the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of the Treasurer under this subtitle shall be assumed by the Montgomery County Self–Insurance Fund with damages limited in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-103.3" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Detention center function” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>operating and administering a detention center; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>supervising personnel who perform a function described in item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Law enforcement function” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>conducting patrol;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>making stops and arrests;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>investigating criminal offenses; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>supervising personnel who perform a function described in items (i) through (iii) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Tort claim” means a tort claim filed in State court against a sheriff, a deputy sheriff, or the State claiming tortious conduct by a sheriff or a deputy sheriff arising out of activities related to the performance of a law enforcement function or a detention center function.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A tort claim shall be considered defended, settled, and paid in the same manner as any other claim filed against a county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The State is the proper defendant in a tort claim.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The county may not be named as a defendant in a tort claim.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Liability for a tort claim may not exceed the State’s waiver of immunity under § 12–104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer is not liable under § 9–107 of the State Finance and Procurement Article for a tort claim.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of the State under this subtitle for a tort claim shall be assumed by the applicable county.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-104" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the exclusions and limitations in this subtitle and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the immunity of the State and of its units is waived as to a tort action, in a court of the State, to the extent provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the liability of the State and its units may not exceed $400,000 to a single claimant for injuries arising from a single incident or occurrence.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If liability of the State or its units arises from intentional tortious acts or omissions or a violation of a constitutional right committed by a law enforcement officer, the following limits on liability shall apply:</text> <level label="1"> <text>subject to item 2 of this subparagraph, the combined award for both economic and noneconomic damages may not exceed a total of $890,000 for all claims arising out of the same incident or occurrence, regardless of the number of claimants or beneficiaries who share in the award; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a wrongful death action in which there are two or more claimants or beneficiaries, an award for noneconomic damages may not exceed 150% of the limitation established under item 1 of this subparagraph, regardless of the number of claimants or beneficiaries who share in the award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If liability of the State or its units arises under one or more claims of sexual abuse, as defined in § 5–117 of the Courts Article, that occurred when the claimant was a minor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>except as provided in item 2 of this paragraph, the liability may not exceed $890,000 to a single claimant for injuries arising from the claim or claims; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for an action filed on or after June 1, 2025, that would have been barred by a time limitation before October 1, 2023, the liability may not exceed $400,000 to a single claimant for injuries arising from the claim or claims.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Immunity is not waived under this section as described under § 5–522(a) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Treasurer may pay from the State Insurance Trust Fund all or part of that portion of a tort claim which exceeds the limitation on liability established under subsection (a)(2) of this section under the following conditions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the tort claim is one for which the State and its units have waived immunity under subsections (a) and (b) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a judgment or settlement has been entered granting the claimant damages to the full amount established under subsection (a)(2) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Board of Public Works, with the advice and counsel of the Attorney General, has approved the payment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any payment of part of a settlement or judgment under this subsection does not abrogate the sovereign immunity of the State or any units beyond the waiver provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-105" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>State personnel shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-522(b) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-106" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a claim that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>asserted by cross–claim, counterclaim, or third–party claim; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>brought under § 5–117 of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a claimant may not institute an action under this subtitle unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the claimant submits a written claim to the Treasurer or a designee of the Treasurer within 1 year after the injury to person or property that is the basis of the claim;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Treasurer or designee denies the claim finally; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the action is filed within 3 years after the cause of action arises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If a claimant fails to submit a written claim in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section, on motion by a claimant and for good cause shown, the court may entertain an action under this subtitle unless the State can affirmatively show that its defense has been prejudiced by the claimant’s failure to submit the claim.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subsection (b)(1) and (2) of this section does not apply if, within 1 year after the injury to person or property that is the basis of the claim, the State has actual or constructive notice of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the claimant’s injury; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the defect or circumstances giving rise to the claimant’s injury.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-107" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A claim under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>contain a concise statement of facts that sets forth the nature of the claim, including the date and place of the alleged tort;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>demand specific damages;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>state the name and address of each party;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>state the name, address, and telephone number of counsel for the claimant, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>be signed by the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Treasurer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consider a claim for money damages under this subtitle or delegate wholly or partly this responsibility to other State personnel; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>contract for any support services that are needed to carry out this responsibility properly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “structured settlement” means a plan for the payment of a settlement or judgment to a claimant for damages in periodic installments.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless a contract with a private insurer provides otherwise, the Treasurer or designee may compromise and settle a claim for money damages after the Treasurer or designee consults with the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State may enter into a structured settlement to the extent permitted in § 12–104(a)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a structured settlement is entered into, the State and the claimant shall select the investment company by mutual agreement.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The acceptance of a settlement by a claimant is, as to that claimant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>final; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a complete release of each claim arising from the same cause of action against:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each of its units; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>all State personnel.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A claim under this subtitle is denied finally:</text> <level label="1"> <text>if the Treasurer or designee sends the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant written notice of denial by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>e–mail; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>regular mail, if regular mail is the only available means of notifying the claimant; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the Treasurer or designee fails to give notice of a final decision within 6 months after the filing of the claim.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-108" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In an action under this subtitle, service of the complaint and accompanying documents is sufficient only if made on the Treasurer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless full representation is provided under a contract of insurance, the Attorney General shall defend an action under this subtitle against the State or any of its units.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-109" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>Counsel may not charge or receive fees that exceed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>20% of a settlement made under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>25% of a judgment made under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-110" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Maryland Tort Claims Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Tort Claims Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-201" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="2"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise expressly provided by a law of the State, the State, its officers, and its units may not raise the defense of sovereign immunity in a contract action, in a court of the State, based on a written contract that an official or employee executed for the State or 1 of its units while the official or employee was acting within the scope of the authority of the official or employee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In an action under this subtitle, the State and its officers and units shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5–522(d) of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-202" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="2"> <text>A claim under this subtitle is barred unless the claimant files suit within 1 year after the later of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the date on which the claim arose; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the completion of the contract that gives rise to the claim.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-203" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="2"> <text>Except as provided in Title 5 of the Education Article, to carry out this subtitle, the Governor shall include in the budget bill money that is adequate to satisfy a final judgment that, after the exhaustion of the rights of appeal, is rendered against the State or any of its officers or units.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-204" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="2"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a contract of the Legislative or Judicial Branch of State government, or any of their agencies, officers, or units.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-301" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Public Service Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a local board of elections;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners or a county board of education; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any other county officer or unit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-304" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this Part II of this subtitle, the Attorney General shall appear in a civil action or special proceeding against a State officer or State employee to represent the officer or employee if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the action or proceeding is in a court of the State or of the United States;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the officer or employee submits to the Attorney General a written request for representation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Attorney General or a person whom the Attorney General designates investigates the facts on which the action or proceeding is based;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Attorney General does not find the officer or employee ineligible for representation under subsection (b)(1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the officer or employee enters into an agreement as required by § 12-305 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Attorney General may provide this representation by a deputy attorney general, assistant attorney general, special counsel, or other private counsel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General shall decline to represent a State officer or State employee if, on the basis of the investigation, the Attorney General finds that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the officer or employee was not acting within the scope of employment of the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the act or omission was malicious; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the act or omission was grossly negligent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Attorney General may decline to represent a State officer or State employee who otherwise is eligible for representation if the officer or employee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>retains other counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is covered by insurance that requires the carrier to provide counsel.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the requirements of this section, the Attorney General has sole discretion in undertaking to represent the State officer or State employee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A decision of the Attorney General not to represent an officer or employee is inadmissible in any legal action or special proceeding. Reference to the decision may not be made in any hearing or trial.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>deprive a State officer or State employee of any right to retain counsel, at the expense of the officer or employee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>prevent the appearance of the Attorney General to protect the interests of the State, even if the officer or employee does not request the appearance.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-305" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>Before a State officer or State employee may be represented under this Part II of this subtitle, the Attorney General shall have the officer or employee enter into an agreement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>enables the Attorney General to require, from the officer or employee, reimbursement of court costs, reasonable counsel fees, and other expenses in representing the officer or employee if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>it is determined judicially that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the defense of sovereign immunity is not available to the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the injuries arose out of an act or omission of the officer or employee; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the act or omission was malicious or grossly negligent or, when the act or the omission was made, the officer or employee was not performing a duty within the scope of the employment of the officer or employee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the officer or employee did not give the Attorney General complete information or gave the Attorney General information that is false or misleading;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>authorizes collection of the reimbursement, as a debt due to the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>states that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>this representation of the officer or employee does not constitute an obligation for the State to pay a settlement, if the claim is settled, or a judgment, if judgment is rendered against the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the State and its units are not responsible for payment of the judgment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the officer or employee is entitled to submit to the Board of Public Works an application for payment of a settlement or judgment;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provides that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Attorney General may not compromise or settle the claim against the officer or employee without the written consent of the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if the officer or employee will not consent, the Attorney General may withdraw the appearance in accordance with the appropriate court rules; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the State is not responsible for any costs after the withdrawal; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>includes any other provisions that the Attorney General considers necessary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-306" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <text>Representation under this Part II of this subtitle includes the right to assert a counterclaim or to assert or defend against a third party claim for the officer or employee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The representation does not deprive any State officer, State employee, or unit of the State government of any sovereign immunity that is available to the officer, employee, or unit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-307" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>Information that the Attorney General obtains under § 12-304(a)(1)(iii) of this subtitle is confidential and inadmissible as evidence in any legal action or special proceeding. Reference to the information may not be made in any hearing or trial.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-308" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <text>If an action or special proceeding against a State officer or State employee in which the Attorney General has declined representation under § 12-304(b)(1) of this subtitle results in final judgment, the court or jury shall find whether:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the defense of sovereign immunity is available to the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the officer or employee was acting within the scope of the employment of the officer or employee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the alleged act or omission was malicious; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the alleged act or omission was grossly negligent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A jury shall make the findings by written, special verdict.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-309" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <text>A court shall require reimbursement from the person who brings an action or proceeding against a State officer or State employee if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>judgment is rendered for the officer or employee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the court finds that the action or proceeding was instituted:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in bad faith; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>without substantial justification.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Reimbursement shall consist of reasonable counsel fees and other costs and reasonable expenses incurred by the officer or employee in defending against the action or proceeding.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Reimbursement shall be paid:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to the officer or employee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the State or any of its units already has reimbursed the officer or employee, to the State or the unit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-310" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to the extent that a State officer or State employee is reimbursed under § 12-309 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State is liable to a State officer or State employee for reimbursement of court costs, counsel fees, and other reasonable expenses that the officer or employee incurs in defending an action or proceeding if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Attorney General declined representation under § 12-304(b)(1) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>it is determined judicially that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the defense of sovereign immunity is available to the officer or employee; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>injuries arose from an act or omission of the officer or employee and, when the act or the omission was made, the officer or employee was acting within the scope of employment and the act or omission was not malicious and was not grossly negligent.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Reimbursement under this section shall be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-313" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>The Attorney General may not represent or appoint or provide counsel to represent a State officer or State employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in any investigation of the officer or employee by a criminal law enforcement agency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in any criminal action against the officer or employee in a court of the State or the United States.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-314" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>Subject to the limitations in this Part III of this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may approve reimbursement of a State officer or State employee or otherwise pay for reasonable counsel fees that the officer or employee incurred:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in connection with a criminal investigation into conduct as an officer or employee if the investigation has concluded and criminal charges have not been filed against the officer or employee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in defending against criminal charges that related to conduct as an officer or employee if final disposition of all of the charges does not result in a plea of nolo contendere, a guilty plea, or a finding of guilt.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-315" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works may not provide reimbursement or payment under this Part III of this subtitle unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State officer or State employee submits to the Board a written application for reimbursement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Attorney General certifies that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the applicant retained counsel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the applicant gave the Attorney General written notice promptly after counsel was retained; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>after review of the evidence and other information, the Attorney General or a designee appointed under this section made the following determinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in connection with the matter under criminal investigation, the applicant discharged the public responsibilities in good faith, did not engage in unlawful conduct, and was reasonable in retaining counsel and incurring the counsel fees for which reimbursement is sought; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in connection with the matter that was the subject of criminal charges, the applicant discharged the public responsibilities in good faith and incurred reasonable counsel fees.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the Board of Public Works may approve reimbursement to an applicant who fails to give the Attorney General notice promptly after counsel is retained if the Board determines that the failure is for good cause.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Attorney General believes that it would be inappropriate for the Attorney General to make the determinations under subsection (a)(2)(iii) of this section, the Attorney General or the Board of Public Works may designate other counsel to carry out that duty.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The determinations of the Attorney General or designee under this section are not subject to judicial review.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-316" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>As a condition to providing reimbursement under this Part III of this subtitle, the Board of Public Works or the Attorney General may require an applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to answer questions under oath; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to provide any information on the matter that was under criminal investigation or the subject of criminal charges.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-318" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="3"> <text>If the officer or employee is awarded money in an action for false arrest, malicious prosecution, or other cause that arises from the investigation or charges, the State is subrogated to the extent of any reimbursement under this Part III of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-401" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <text>In this subtitle, “State personnel” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a regular employee of the State whose compensation:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is provided by a State appropriation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is paid wholly or partly from State funds;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an employee who is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Budget and Management;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the organized militia;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an employee of the Maryland Port Administration, as described in § 6–204(n) of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a member or employee of a board of trustees for a community college;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>except in Montgomery County, an employee of a county health department;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a member or employee of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners or of a county board of education;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a member of the Board of Visitors of the Maryland School for the Deaf;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>a member or employee of a board of supervisors for a soil conservation district;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>a person who, as a volunteer, is providing a service to or for the State;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>a person who, for or under contract with a unit of the State or a local government, performs an emergency service during a state of emergency under Title 14 of the Public Safety Article;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>any other individual who, with or without compensation, holds a position that requires the exercise of discretion and of a part of the sovereignty of the State;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>any other State officer or State employee; and</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>a Montgomery County employee who administers a State program under Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-402" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State is a unique body because:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State is a sovereign political body that the people have established directly for the sole purpose of providing for their government; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the revenue of the State derives principally from taxes on the people, rather than from commercial enterprise;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State personnel who are acting within the scope of public duties and responsibilities are carrying out a governmental program under law and, thus, are discharging a part of the purpose and sovereignty of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>decisions of courts throughout the United States have created new grounds for personal liability of a public officer or public employee who is discharging a public duty;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>those decisions have resulted in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>increased difficulties in recruiting or retaining qualified individuals for public positions that involve the exercise of discretion or dealing with the general public; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>increased difficulties and expense in protecting these individuals through public liability insurance; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>as a matter of State policy, it is essential to protect from liability State personnel who are acting within the scope of public duties and responsibilities and without malice or gross negligence.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-403" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not affect any immunity or other defense that is available to State personnel or the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Payment of a settlement or judgment under this subtitle does not abrogate the sovereign immunity of the State, any of its units, or State personnel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-404" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <text>Subject to the limitations in this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pay wholly or partly a settlement or judgment against the State or any State personnel; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include, in the payment, counsel fees and costs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-405" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <level label="a"> <text>The application requirements enumerated in subsection (b)(5) of this section do not apply to claims relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>courthouse security;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>service of process;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the transportation of incarcerated individuals to or from court proceedings;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>personnel and other administrative activities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>activities, including activities relating to law enforcement functions, arising under a multijurisdictional agreement under the supervision and direction of the Maryland State Police or other State agency; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other activities, except for activities relating to performing law enforcement functions or detention center functions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board of Public Works may not pay a settlement or judgment against State personnel unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State personnel submits to the Board a written application that sets forth each reason of the State personnel for believing the settlement or judgment is a responsibility of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Board or a hearing officer that the Board appoints holds a hearing on the application;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>as to a judgment, it was rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>as to an applicant for whom the Attorney General appeared under Subtitle 3 of this title, the Attorney General files a written report and recommendation;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>as to an application on behalf of a sheriff or deputy sheriff of a county or Baltimore City for any claim:</text> <level label="i"> <text>with respect to any settlement, the county solicitor or county attorney files a written report and recommendation and the Attorney General files a written report and recommendation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>with respect to any judgment, the Attorney General files a written report and recommendation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>on the bases of the hearing and any report and recommendation, the Board finds that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>when the act or omission was made, the applicant was performing a duty within the scope of the employment of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the act or omission was not malicious; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the act or omission was not grossly negligent; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>if there is any question whether the applicant is State personnel for purposes of this subtitle, the Board finds that, regardless of the method, source, or amount of compensation, the applicant is State personnel.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-406" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="4"> <text>Payments under this subtitle shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gsg" article_name="State Government" number="12-501" title_number="12" title_name="Immunity and Liability" subtitle_number="5"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board of Public Works may approve payment of a settlement, a judgment, or counsel fees under Subtitles 3 and 4 of this title with or without a hearing, and direct payment from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated for that purpose in the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>money appropriated to the State Insurance Trust Fund for that purpose; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the General Emergency Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Public Works may approve payment of a settlement, a judgment, or counsel fees under Subtitles 3 and 4 of this title with or without a hearing, and direct payment from any tax which has been appropriated in the State budget to the subdivision represented by the sheriff or deputy sheriff on whose behalf the payment is to be made, or direct payment from the subdivision’s share of any income tax collected by the State Comptroller, in connection with any settlement or judgment paid on behalf of any sheriff or deputy sheriff for any claim except those claims relating to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>courthouse security;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>transportation of prisoners;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>service of process;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>personnel and other administrative activities;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>activities, including activities relating to performing law enforcement functions, arising under multijurisdictional agreements under the supervision and direction of the Maryland State Police or other State agency; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any other activities, except activities relating to performing law enforcement functions or detention center functions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board may direct that payment be made in lump sum or in installments.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the Board disapproves payment in whole or in part, the Board shall state in writing its reasons for disapproval.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Decisions under this title are not subject to judicial review.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of the State, any of its units, or State personnel.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If the Board directs payment under paragraph (2) of this subsection, such payment shall be collected in the manner provided by § 7-222 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board of Public Works may delegate to affected units, in consultation with the Attorney General, authority to pay, from the funds of that unit available for the purpose, settlements, judgments, and counsel fees that do not exceed $10,000 in a particular case.</text> </level> </section>