# State Government (GSG)

## Title 20. Human Relations

### Subtitle 1. Definitions

#### Section 20-101

(a) In Subtitles 1 through 11 of this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Commission" means the Commission on Civil Rights.

(c) "Complainant" means a person that files a complaint alleging a discriminatory act under this title.

(d) "Discriminatory act" means an act prohibited under:

  (1) Subtitle 3 of this title (Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation);

  (2) Subtitle 4 of this title (Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor);

  (3) Subtitle 5 of this title (Discrimination in Leasing of Commercial Property);

  (4) Subtitle 6 of this title (Discrimination in Employment);

  (5) Subtitle 7 of this title (Discrimination in Housing); or

  (6) Subtitle 8 of this title (Aiding, Abetting, or Attempting Discriminatory Act; Obstructing Compliance).

(e) "Gender identity" means the gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of a person, regardless of the person's assigned sex at birth, which may be demonstrated by:

  (1) consistent and uniform assertion of the person's gender identity; or

  (2) any other evidence that the gender identity is sincerely held as part of the person's core identity.

(f) "Military status" means the status of being:

  (1) a member of the uniformed services;

  (2) a member of a reserve component of the uniformed services; or

  (3) a dependent, as defined in 50 U.S.C. Sec. 3911(4).

(g) "Protective hairstyle" includes braids, twists, and locks.

(h) "Race" includes traits associated with race, including hair texture, afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.

(i)

  (1) "Respondent" means a person accused in a complaint of a discriminatory act.

  (2) "Respondent" includes a person identified during an investigation of a complaint and joined as an additional or substitute respondent.

(j) "Sexual orientation" means the identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

### Subtitle 2. Commission on Civil Rights

#### Section 20-201

There is a Commission on Civil Rights.

#### Section 20-202

(a)

  (1) The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

  (2) In appointing Commission members, the Governor shall consider representation from all areas of the State.

(b)

  (1) The term of a member is 6 years.

  (2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2009.

  (3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

  (4) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

#### Section 20-203

The Commission shall designate a chair from among its members.

#### Section 20-204

A member of the Commission:

(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but

(2) is entitled to:

  (i) a per diem as provided in the State budget for attending scheduled meetings of the Commission, including participation in any hearings required by the administrative appeal process; and

  (ii) reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

#### Section 20-205

(a) The Governor shall:

  (1) appoint an Executive Director of the Commission from a list of five names submitted by the Commission; and

  (2) remove the Executive Director on the recommendation of two-thirds of the members of the Commission.

(b) The Executive Director:

  (1) shall appoint a deputy director with the approval of a majority of the members of the Commission; and

  (2) may remove the deputy director with the approval of a majority of the members of the Commission.

(c)

  (1) The Executive Director and deputy director shall perform the duties prescribed by the Commission.

  (2) In the absence of the Executive Director, the deputy director shall perform the functions and exercise the authority of the Executive Director.

(d) The Executive Director and deputy director are entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.

#### Section 20-206

(a)

  (1) The Commission may employ its own attorney.

  (2) The Executive Director shall appoint and remove the attorney with the approval of the Commission.

(b) The attorney shall:

  (1) act as general counsel and legal adviser to the Commission; and

  (2) represent the Commission at all hearings and judicial proceedings in which the Commission is a party.

(c) The general counsel is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget.

(d) The office of the general counsel shall include additional personnel as provided in the State budget.

(e) The general counsel and any assistant general counsel are special appointments in the State Personnel Management System.

(f)

  (1) The Commission may retain legal assistance to advise the commissioners in legal matters.

  (2) Legal advisers retained under this subsection shall be compensated as provided in the State budget.

#### Section 20-207

(a)

  (1) The Commission may:

    (i) conduct studies and surveys concerning human relations, conditions, and problems; and

    (ii) promote in every way possible the improvement of human relations.

  (2) In conducting studies and surveys, the Commission may expend any funds provided in the State budget or otherwise made available.

  (3) On the basis of studies or surveys, the Commission may recommend legislation to the Governor.

(b) The Commission may apply for and accept grants from State, federal, and private nonprofit organizations in furtherance of its mission.

(c) On or before January 1 of each year, the Commission shall submit a report on the work of the Commission to the Governor and, subject to Sec. 2-1257 of this article, to the General Assembly that includes:

  (1) a review of the data reported under Sec. 20-208 of this subtitle; and

  (2) recommendations, if any, for policy changes to address discriminatory trends noted in the data review under item (1) of this subsection.

(d)

  (1) Whenever any problem of racial discrimination arises, the Commission immediately may hold an investigatory hearing.

  (2) The purpose of the hearing shall be to resolve the problem promptly by gathering all of the facts from each interested party and making recommendations as necessary.

  (3) The hearing shall be held in the geographic area where the problem exists.

(e)

  (1) The Commission shall meet at least once each month.

  (2)

    (i) In addition to its regular monthly meetings, the Chair or a majority of the members of the Commission may, at any time, call a special meeting of the Commission.

    (ii) At least 5 days' notice of a special meeting shall be given to the members.

  (3) The Commission shall establish procedures for the conduct of its meetings.

(f)

  (1) In addition to their other duties, the commissioners shall serve on appeal boards to review decisions of the administrative law judges.

  (2) As determined by the Commission's rules of procedure, an appeal board may allow any party affected by an administrative law judge's decision to introduce additional relevant testimony or evidence.

#### Section 20-208

(a) In this section, "county office of civil rights" means the county office responsible for responding to complaints alleging discrimination in a county.

(b) This section applies only to:

  (1) Anne Arundel County;

  (2) Baltimore City;

  (3) Baltimore County;

  (4) Howard County;

  (5) Montgomery County; and

  (6) Prince George's County.

(c) On or before October 1 each year, each county office of civil rights, or other appropriate agency, shall report the following information to the Commission:

  (1) the number of complaints received alleging discrimination in employment; and

  (2) for each complaint received:

    (i) the type of discrimination alleged;

    (ii) the category of job held by the complainant;

    (iii) whether the complainant is a public sector employee or a private sector employee;

    (iv) the complainant's country of origin; and

    (v) whether the appropriate agency determined that a violation occurred.

### Subtitle 3. Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation

#### Section 20-301

In this subtitle, "place of public accommodation" means:

(1) an inn, hotel, motel, or other establishment that provides lodging to transient guests;

(2) a restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain, or other facility principally engaged in selling food or alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises, including a facility located on the premises of a retail establishment or gasoline station;

(3) a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;

(4) a retail establishment that:

  (i) is operated by a public or private entity; and

  (ii) offers goods, services, entertainment, recreation, or transportation; or

(5) an establishment:

  (i)

    (1) that is physically located within the premises of any other establishment covered by this subtitle; or

    (2) within the premises of which any other establishment covered by this subtitle is physically located; and

  (ii) that holds itself out as serving patrons of the covered establishment.

#### Section 20-302

This subtitle does not prohibit the proprietor or employees of any establishment from denying service to any person for failure to conform to the usual and regular requirements, standards, and regulations of the establishment, provided that the denial is not based on discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

#### Section 20-303

(a) This subtitle does not apply:

  (1) to a private club or other establishment that is not open to the public, except to the extent that the facilities of the private club or other establishment are made available to the customers or patrons of an establishment within the scope of this subtitle;

  (2) with respect to sex discrimination, to a facility that is:

    (i) uniquely private and personal in nature; and

    (ii) designed to accommodate only a particular sex; and

  (3) to an establishment providing lodging to transient guests located within a building that:

    (i) contains not more than five rooms for rent or hire; and

    (ii) is occupied by the proprietor of the establishment as the proprietor's residence.

(b)

  (1)

    (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (ii) "Equivalent private space" means a space that is functionally equivalent to the space made available to users of a private facility.

    (iii) "Private facility" means a facility:

      (1) that is designed to accommodate only a particular sex;

      (2) that is designed to be used simultaneously by more than one user of the same sex; and

      (3) in which it is customary to disrobe in view of other users of the facility.

  (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, this subtitle applies, with respect to gender identity, to all facilities in a place of public accommodation.

  (3) This subtitle does not apply, with respect to gender identity, to a private facility, if the place of public accommodation in which the private facility is located makes available, for the use of persons whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth, an equivalent private space.

#### Section 20-304

An owner or operator of a place of public accommodation or an agent or employee of the owner or operator may not refuse, withhold from, or deny to any person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of the place of public accommodation because of the person's race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

#### Section 20-305

(a) In this section, "reasonable accommodation" means to make a place of public accommodation suitable for access, use, and patronage by an individual with a disability without:

  (1) danger to the individual's health or safety; and

  (2) undue hardship or expense to the person making the accommodation.

(b)

  (1) This subtitle does not require structural changes, modifications, or additions to buildings or vehicles, except as required by this section or as otherwise required by law.

  (2) Any building constructed, modified, or altered in compliance with, or in accordance with a waiver from, the Maryland Accessibility Code under Sec. 12-202 of the Public Safety Article is not subject to this subtitle.

(c) If a structural change or modification or the provision of special equipment is necessary to accommodate an individual with a disability, the accommodation shall be a reasonable accommodation.

(d)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a private motor coach transportation carrier may not be required to expend more than $2,500 per operating vehicle to make a reasonable accommodation to comply with this title.

  (2) At least 10% of the total operating fleet of any private motor coach transportation carrier doing business in the State shall comply with this title.

#### Section 20-306

(a)

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

  (2) "Closed captioning" means a transcript or dialog of the audio portion of a television program that is displayed on a television receiver screen when the user activates the feature.

  (3) "Closed-captioning television receiver" means a receiver of television programming that has the ability to display closed captioning, including a television, digital set top box, and any other technology capable of displaying closed captioning.

  (4) "Closed movie captioning" means the written display of the dialog and certain nonspeech information of a motion picture that is generally delivered to individual patrons on a captioning device in a motion picture house.

  (5) "Open movie captioning" means a transcript or dialog of the audio portion of a motion picture that is displayed on a motion picture screen that cannot be turned off by a viewer.

  (6) "Public area" means a part of a place of public accommodation that is open to the general public.

  (7) "Regular hours" means the hours of any day in which a place of public accommodation is open to members of the general public.

(b)

  (1) On request, a place of public accommodation may not fail to keep closed captioning activated on any closed-captioning television receiver that is in use during regular hours in any public area.

  (2) This subsection does not require a place of public accommodation to make closed captioning available in a public area of the place of public accommodation if:

    (i) no television receiver of any kind is available in the public area; or

    (ii) the only public television receiver available in the public area is not a closed-captioning television receiver.

(c)

  (1) A place of public accommodation that is a motion picture house shall provide access to fully operational and well-maintained closed movie captioning technology for the general public for each screening of a motion picture that is produced and available with closed movie captioning as required by Title III of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

  (2)

    (i) This paragraph does not apply to motion pictures screened fewer than five times from Friday through Thursday in a 7-day period in the motion picture house.

    (ii) This paragraph applies only to the first 3 weeks after a motion picture premieres in the motion picture house.

    (iii) If a motion picture is produced and available to motion picture houses with open movie captioning, a place of public accommodation that controls, operates, owns, or leases a motion picture house with eight or more screens in the State shall provide open movie captioning for at least two screenings for each motion picture it screens each week.

    (iv) Beginning 3 weeks after a motion picture premieres, a place of accommodation that controls, operates, owns, or leases a motion picture house with eight or more screens in the State may provide open movie captioning with reasonable notice.

### Subtitle 4. Discrimination by Persons Licensed or Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor

#### Section 20-401

This subtitle does not prohibit any person that is licensed or regulated by the Maryland Department of Labor from refusing, withholding from, or denying accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, sales, or services to any person for failure to conform to the usual and regular requirements, standards, and regulations of the licensed or regulated person, provided that the denial is not based on discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability.

#### Section 20-402

A person that is licensed or regulated by a unit in the Maryland Department of Labor listed in Sec. 2-108 of the Business Regulation Article may not refuse, withhold from, or deny any person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, sales, or services of the licensed or regulated person or discriminate against any person because of the person's race, sex, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability.

### Subtitle 5. Discrimination in Leasing of Commercial Property

#### Section 20-501

An owner or operator of commercial property, an agent or employee of the owner or operator of commercial property, or a person that is licensed or regulated by the State may not discriminate against an individual in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the leasing of property for commercial use, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the leasing of property for commercial use, because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

### Subtitle 6. Discrimination in Employment

#### Section 20-601

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

(b)

  (1) "Disability" means:

    (i)

      (1) a physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness, including epilepsy; or

      (2) a mental impairment or deficiency;

    (ii) a record of having a physical or mental impairment as otherwise defined under this subsection; or

    (iii) being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment as otherwise defined under this subsection.

  (2) "Disability" includes:

    (i)

      (1) any degree of paralysis, amputation, or lack of physical coordination;

      (2) blindness or visual impairment;

      (3) deafness or hearing impairment;

      (4) muteness or speech impediment; and

      (5) physical reliance on a service animal, wheelchair, or other remedial appliance or device; and

    (ii) intellectual and any other mental impairment or deficiency that may have necessitated remedial or special education and related services.

(c)

  (1) "Employee" means:

    (i) an individual employed by an employer; or

    (ii) an individual working as an independent contractor for an employer.

  (2) Unless the individual is subject to the State or local civil service laws, "employee" does not include:

    (i) an individual elected to public office;

    (ii) an appointee on the policy making level; or

    (iii) an immediate adviser with respect to the exercise of the constitutional or legal powers of an elected office.

(d)

  (1) "Employer" means:

    (i) a person that:

      (1) is engaged in an industry or business; and

      (2)

        (A) has 15 or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year; or

      (B) if an employee has filed a complaint alleging harassment, has one or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year; and

    (ii) an agent of a person described in item (i) of this paragraph.

  (2) "Employer" includes the State to the extent provided in this title.

  (3) Except for a labor organization, "employer" does not include a bona fide private membership club that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(e)

  (1) "Employment agency" means:

    (i) a person that regularly undertakes with or without compensation to procure:

      (1) employees for an employer; or

      (2) opportunities for employees to work for an employer; and

    (ii) an agent of a person described in item (i) of this paragraph.

  (2) Except for the United States Employment Service and the system of State and local employment services receiving federal assistance, "employment agency" does not include a unit of the United States, the State, or a political subdivision of the State.

(f) "Fire and rescue public safety employee" means a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a cardiac rescue technician, or a paramedic employed by:

  (1) a municipal corporation;

  (2) a county;

  (3) the State;

  (4) the State Airport Authority; or

  (5) a fire control district.

(g) "Genetic information" has the meaning stated in Sec. 27-909(a)(3) of the Insurance Article.

(h) "Genetic test" has the meaning stated in Sec. 27-909(a)(5) of the Insurance Article.

(i) "Harassment" includes:

  (1) unwelcome and offensive conduct, which need not be severe or pervasive, when:

    (i) the conduct is based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status; and

    (ii)

      (1) submission to the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment of an individual;

      (2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or

      (3) based on the totality of the circumstances, the conduct unreasonably creates a working environment that a reasonable person would perceive to be abusive or hostile; and

  (2) sexual harassment.

(j)

  (1) "Labor organization" means:

    (i) a labor organization engaged in an industry; and

    (ii) an agent of an organization described in item (i) of this paragraph.

  (2) "Labor organization" includes:

    (i) an organization of any kind, an agency, or an employee representation committee, group, association, or plan:

      (1) in which employees participate; and

      (2) that exists, wholly or partly, for the purpose of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours, or other terms or conditions of employment; and

    (ii) a conference, general committee, joint or system board, or joint council that is subordinate to a national or international labor organization.

(k) "Religion" includes all aspects of religious observances, practice, and belief.

(l) "Sexual harassment" includes conduct, which need not be severe or pervasive, that consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature when:

  (1) submission to the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment of an individual;

  (2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or

  (3) based on the totality of the circumstances, the conduct unreasonably creates a working environment that a reasonable person would perceive to be abusive or hostile.

#### Section 20-602

It is the policy of the State, in the exercise of its police power for the protection of the public safety, public health, and general welfare, for the maintenance of business and good government, and for the promotion of the State's trade, commerce, and manufacturers:

(1) to assure all persons equal opportunity in receiving employment and in all labor management-union relations, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; and

(2) to that end, to prohibit discrimination in employment by any person.

#### Section 20-603

This subtitle does not require:

(1) an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee subject to this subtitle to grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or military status of the individual or group because an imbalance may exist with respect to the total number or percentage of individuals of any race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or military status or individuals with disabilities employed by the employer, referred or classified for employment by the employment agency or labor organization, admitted to membership or classified by the labor organization, or admitted to, or employed in, any apprenticeship or other training program, compared to the total number or percentage of individuals of that race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or military status or individuals with disabilities in the State or any community, section, or other area, or in the available work force in the State or any community, section, or other area; or

(2) an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee's religion or disability, or an applicant for employment's disability, if the accommodation would cause undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business.

#### Section 20-604

This subtitle does not apply to:

(1) an employer with respect to the employment of aliens outside of the State; or

(2) a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status to perform work connected with the activities of the religious entity.

#### Section 20-605

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, this subtitle does not prohibit:

  (1) an employer from hiring and employing employees, an employment agency from classifying or referring for employment any individual, a labor organization from classifying its membership or classifying or referring for employment any individual, or an employer, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee controlling apprenticeship or other training or retraining programs from admitting or employing any individual in a program, on the basis of the individual's sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or military status, if sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or military status is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that business or enterprise;

  (2) an employer from establishing and requiring an employee to adhere to reasonable workplace appearance, grooming, and dress standards that are directly related to the nature of the employment of the employee and that are not precluded by any provision of State or federal law, as long as the employer allows any employee to appear, groom, and dress consistent with the employee's gender identity;

  (3) a school, college, university, or other educational institution from hiring and employing employees of a particular religion, if:

    (i) the institution is wholly or substantially owned, supported, controlled, or managed by a particular religion or by a particular religious corporation, association, or society; or

    (ii) the curriculum of the institution is directed toward the propagation of a particular religion; or

  (4) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an employer, employment agency, or labor organization from observing the terms of a bona fide seniority system or any bona fide employee benefit plan, such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, that is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this subtitle.

(b) An employee benefit plan may not excuse the failure to hire any individual.

#### Section 20-606

(a) An employer may not:

  (1) fail or refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the individual's compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of:

    (i) the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; or

    (ii) the individual's refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test;

  (2) limit, segregate, or classify its employees or applicants for employment in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the individual's status as an employee because of:

    (i) the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; or

    (ii) the individual's refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test;

  (3) request or require genetic tests or genetic information as a condition of hiring or determining benefits;

  (4) fail or refuse to make a reasonable accommodation for the known disability of an otherwise qualified employee or an applicant for employment; or

  (5) engage in harassment of an employee.

(b) An employment agency may not:

  (1) fail or refuse to refer for employment or otherwise discriminate against any individual because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; or

  (2) classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment.

(c) A labor organization may not:

  (1) exclude or expel from its membership, or otherwise discriminate against, any individual because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment;

  (2) limit, segregate, or classify its membership, or classify or fail or refuse to refer for employment any individual, in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive the individual of employment opportunities, limit the individual's employment opportunities, or otherwise adversely affect the individual's status as an employee or as an applicant for employment because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment; or

  (3) cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an individual in violation of this section.

(d) An employer, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee controlling apprenticeship or other training or retraining programs, including on-the-job training programs, may not discriminate against any individual in admission to, or employment in, any program established to provide apprenticeship or other training or retraining because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment.

(e)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employer, labor organization, or employment agency may not print or cause to be printed or published any notice or advertisement relating to employment by the employer, membership in or any classification or referral for employment by the labor organization, or any classification or referral for employment by the employment agency that indicates any preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status.

  (2) A notice or advertisement may indicate a preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or military status if religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or military status is a bona fide occupational qualification for employment.

(f) An employer may not discriminate or retaliate against any of its employees or applicants for employment, an employment agency may not discriminate against any individual, and a labor organization may not discriminate or retaliate against any member or applicant for membership because the individual has:

  (1) opposed any practice prohibited by this subtitle; or

  (2) made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this subtitle.

(g)

  (1) In this subsection, "written certification" has the meaning stated in Sec. 36-101 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article.

  (2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, on the basis of a fire and rescue public safety employee's possession of a valid written certification, or on the basis of a fire and rescue public safety employee testing positive for cannabis components or metabolites while holding a valid written certification, an employer may not:

    (i) discipline, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against the fire and rescue public safety employee with respect to the employee's compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; or

    (ii) limit, segregate, or classify its employees in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive the fire and rescue public safety employee of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the fire and rescue public safety employee's status as an employee.

  (3) Nothing in this subsection:

    (i) requires an employer to commit an act that would:

      (1) violate federal law or regulations; or

      (2) cause the employer to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations; or

    (ii) prohibits an employer from:

      (1) adopting policies and procedures that prohibit a fire and rescue public safety employee from performing the employee's duties while impaired by cannabis; or

      (2) prohibiting a fire and rescue public safety employee from using cannabis while on duty.

  (4) If a fire and rescue public safety employee reports for work while impaired by cannabis, the employer shall report the incident to the State Emergency Medical Services Board.

#### Section 20-607

(a) For purposes of this subtitle, an unlawful employment practice occurs, with respect to discrimination in compensation in violation of this subtitle, when:

  (1) a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted;

  (2) an individual becomes subject to a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice; or

  (3) an individual is affected by application of a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid, resulting wholly or partly from the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice.

(b) In addition to any relief authorized by this title, liability may accrue and an aggrieved person may obtain relief as provided in Sec. 20-1009 of this title, including recovery of back pay for up to 2 years preceding the filing of the complaint, where the unlawful employment practice that has occurred during the complaint filing period is similar or related to an unlawful employment practice with regard to discrimination in compensation that occurred outside the time for filing a complaint.

#### Section 20-608

An employer shall be immune from liability under this title or under the common law arising out of reasonable acts taken by the employer to verify the sexual orientation or gender identity of any employee or applicant in response to a charge filed against the employer on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

#### Section 20-609

(a) In this section, "reasonable accommodation" means an accommodation:

  (1) for an employee's disability caused or contributed to by pregnancy; and

  (2) that does not impose an undue hardship on the employee's employer.

(b) Disabilities caused or contributed to by pregnancy or childbirth:

  (1) are temporary disabilities for all job-related purposes; and

  (2) shall be treated as temporary disabilities under any health or temporary disability insurance or sick leave plan available in connection with employment.

(c) Written and unwritten employment policies and practices involving matters such as the commencement and duration of leave, the availability of extensions of leave, the accrual of seniority and other benefits and privileges, reinstatement, and payment under any health or temporary disability insurance or sick leave plan, formal or informal, shall be applied to disability due to pregnancy or childbirth on the same terms and conditions as they are applied to other temporary disabilities.

(d) If an employee requests a reasonable accommodation, the employer shall explore with the employee all possible means of providing the reasonable accommodation, including:

  (1) changing the employee's job duties;

  (2) changing the employee's work hours;

  (3) relocating the employee's work area;

  (4) providing mechanical or electrical aids;

  (5) transferring the employee to a less strenuous or less hazardous position; or

  (6) providing leave.

(e) If an employee requests a transfer to a less strenuous or less hazardous position as a reasonable accommodation, the employer shall transfer the employee for a period of time up to the duration of the employee's pregnancy if:

  (1) the employer has a policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement requiring or authorizing the transfer of a temporarily disabled employee to a less strenuous or less hazardous position for the duration of the disability; or

  (2) the employee's health care provider advises the transfer and the employer can provide the reasonable accommodation by transferring the employee without:

    (i) creating additional employment that the employer would not otherwise have created;

    (ii) discharging any employee;

    (iii) transferring any employee with more seniority than the employee requesting the reasonable accommodation; or

    (iv) promoting any employee who is not qualified to perform the job.

(f)

  (1) An employer may require an employee to provide a certification from the employee's health care provider concerning the medical advisability of a reasonable accommodation to the same extent a certification is required for other temporary disabilities.

  (2) A certification under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:

    (i) the date the reasonable accommodation became medically advisable;

    (ii) the probable duration of the reasonable accommodation; and

    (iii) an explanatory statement as to the medical advisability of the reasonable accommodation.

(g) An employer shall post in a conspicuous location, and include in any employee handbook, information concerning an employee's rights to reasonable accommodations and leave for a disability caused or contributed to by pregnancy.

(h) An employer may not interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right provided under this section.

(i) This section may not be construed to:

  (1) affect any other provision of law relating to discrimination on the basis of sex or pregnancy; or

  (2) diminish in any way the coverage of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth under this section.

#### Section 20-610

(a) In this section, "intern" means an individual who performs work for an employer for the purpose of training if:

  (1) the employer is not committed to hire the individual at the conclusion of the training period;

  (2) the employer and the individual agree that the individual is not entitled to wages for the work performed; and

  (3) the work performed:

    (i) supplements training given in an educational environment that may enhance the employability of the individual;

    (ii) provides experience for the benefit of the individual;

    (iii) does not displace regular employees; and

    (iv) is performed under the close supervision of existing staff.

(b) An employer may not:

  (1) fail or refuse to offer an internship, terminate an internship, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to the terms, conditions, or privileges of an internship because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the internship;

  (2) limit, segregate, or classify its interns or applicants for internships in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of internship opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the individual's status as an intern because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the internship;

  (3) fail or refuse to make a reasonable accommodation for the known disability of an otherwise qualified intern; or

  (4) discriminate or retaliate against any of its interns or applicants for internships because the individual has:

    (i) opposed any practice prohibited by this subtitle; or

    (ii) made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, a proceeding, or a hearing under this subtitle.

(c)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employer may not print or cause to be printed or published any notice or advertisement relating to an internship with the employer that indicates any preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status.

  (2) A notice or an advertisement may indicate a preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or military status if religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or military status is a bona fide occupational qualification for the internship.

(d) An intern claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged discriminatory act prohibited under this section:

  (1) shall have access to any internal procedure the employer has for resolving a complaint by an employee of sexual harassment or other discrimination; or

  (2) if the employer does not have an internal procedure for resolving a complaint of sexual harassment or other discrimination, may file a complaint with the Commission for the nonmonetary administrative remedies provided under Subtitle 10 of this title.

(e) This section does not create and may not be construed as creating an employment relationship between an employer and an intern for the purposes of:

  (1) a civil cause of action or monetary damages under Subtitle 10 of this title;

  (2) any provision of the Labor and Employment Article; or

  (3) any provision of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

#### Section 20-611

In an action alleging a violation of this subtitle based on harassment, an employer is liable: 

(1) for the acts or omissions toward an employee or applicant for employment committed by an individual who:

  (i) undertakes or recommends tangible employment actions affecting the employee or an applicant for employment, including hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and reassigning the employee or an applicant for employment; or

  (ii) directs, supervises, or evaluates the work activities of the employee; or

(2) if the negligence of the employer led to the harassment or continuation of harassment.

### Subtitle 7. Discrimination in Housing

#### Section 20-701

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

(b)

  (1) "Disability" means:

    (i) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual's major life activities;

    (ii) a record of having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual's major life activities; or

    (iii) being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual's major life activities.

  (2) "Disability" does not include the current illegal use of or addiction to:

    (i) a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in Sec. 5-101 of the Criminal Law Article; or

    (ii) a controlled substance, as defined in 21 U.S.C. Sec. 802.

(b-1) "Discriminatory effect" means an effect that actually or predictably has a disparate impact on a group of persons or creates, increases, reinforces, or perpetuates segregated housing patterns because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status.

(c) "Discriminatory housing practice" means an act that is prohibited under Sec. 20-705, Sec. 20-705.1, Sec. 20-706, Sec. 20-707, or Sec. 20-708 of this subtitle.

(d) "Dwelling" means:

  (1) any building, structure, or portion of a building or structure that is occupied, or designed or intended for occupancy, as a residence by one or more families; and

  (2) any vacant land that is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location on the land of any building, structure, or portion of a building or structure described in item (1) of this subsection.

(e)

  (1) "Familial status" means the status of one or more minors who are domiciled with:

    (i) a parent or other person having legal custody of the minor; or

    (ii) the designee of a parent or other person having legal custody of the minor with the written permission of the parent or other person.

  (2) "Familial status" includes the status of being:

    (i) a pregnant woman; or

    (ii) an individual who is in the process of securing legal custody of a minor.

(f) "Family" includes a single individual.

(g) "In the business of selling or renting dwellings" means:

  (1) within the preceding 12 months, participating as a principal in three or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest in a dwelling;

  (2) within the preceding 12 months, participating as an agent, other than in the sale of the individual's own personal residence, in providing sales or rental facilities or services in two or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest in a dwelling; or

  (3) being the owner of any dwelling occupied, or designed or intended for occupancy, by five or more families.

(h) "Marital status" means the state of being single, married, separated, divorced, or widowed.

(i) "Rent" includes to lease, sublease, let, or otherwise grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.

(j)

  (1) "Source of income" means any lawful source of money paid directly or indirectly to or on behalf of a renter or buyer of housing.

  (2) "Source of income" includes income from:

    (i) a lawful profession, occupation, or job;

    (ii) any government or private assistance, grant, loan, or rental assistance program, including low-income housing assistance certificates and vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937;

    (iii) a gift, an inheritance, a pension, an annuity, alimony, child support, or any other consideration or benefit; or

    (iv) the sale or pledge of property or an interest in property.

#### Section 20-702

(a) It is the policy of the State:

  (1) to provide for fair housing throughout the State to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income, or military status; and

  (2) to that end, to prohibit discriminatory practices or acts that have a discriminatory effect, regardless of intent, with respect to residential housing by any person, in order to protect and ensure the peace, health, safety, prosperity, and general welfare of all.

(b) This subtitle:

  (1) is an exercise of the police power of the State for the protection of the people of the State; and

  (2) shall be administered and enforced by the Commission and, as provided in this title, enforced by the appropriate State court.

#### Section 20-703

This subtitle does not:

(1) invalidate or limit any local law that requires dwellings to be designed and constructed in a manner that affords an individual with a disability greater access than is required by Sec. 20-706(b) of this subtitle;

(2) limit the applicability of any reasonable local, State, or federal restrictions regarding the maximum number of occupants allowed to occupy a dwelling;

(3) prohibit the State or a local government from enacting standards that govern the location of group homes, as defined in Sec. 4-601 of the Housing and Community Development Article;

(4) affect the powers of any local government to enact an ordinance on any subject covered by this subtitle, provided that the ordinance does not authorize any act that would be a discriminatory housing practice under this subtitle;

(5) require that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would:

  (i) constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals; or

  (ii) result in substantial physical damage to the property of others;

(6) prohibit conduct against a person because the person has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of the illegal manufacture or distribution of:

  (i) a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in Sec. 5-101 of the Criminal Law Article; or

  (ii) a controlled substance, as defined in 21 U.S.C. Sec. 802;

(7) unless membership in the religion is restricted on the basis of race, color, or national origin, prohibit a religious organization, association, or society or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society from giving preference or limiting the sale, rental, or occupancy of dwellings that it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion; or

(8) prohibit a private club that is not open to the public and that, as an incident to its primary purpose or purposes, provides lodgings that it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose, from limiting the rental or occupancy of the dwellings to its members or from giving preference to its members.

#### Section 20-704

(a) This subtitle does not apply to:

  (1) the sale or rental of a single-family dwelling, if the dwelling is sold or rented without:

    (i) the use of the sales or rental facilities or services of any:

      (1) real estate broker, agent, or salesperson;

      (2) agent of any real estate broker, agent, or salesperson;

      (3) person in the business of selling or renting dwellings; or

      (4) agent of a person in the business of selling or renting dwellings; or

    (ii) the publication, posting, or mailing, after notice, of any advertisement or written notice in violation of this subtitle; and

  (2) with respect to discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, or source of income if the source of income is low-income housing assistance certificates or vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937:

    (i) the rental of rooms in any dwelling, if the owner maintains the dwelling as the owner's principal residence; or

    (ii) the rental of any apartment in a dwelling that contains not more than five rental units, if the owner maintains the dwelling as the owner's principal residence.

(b) The use of attorneys, escrow agents, abstractors, title companies, and other similar professional assistance as necessary to perfect or transfer the title to a single-family dwelling does not subject a person to this subtitle if the person otherwise would be exempted under subsection (a) of this section.

(c)

  (1)

    (i) In this subsection, "housing for older persons" means housing:

      (1) provided under any State or federal program that is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons, as defined in the State or federal program;

      (2) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons who are at least 62 years old;

      (3) intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person who is at least 55 years old in each unit; or

      (4) that meets the requirements set forth in regulations adopted by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3607(b)(2)(C).

    (ii) "Housing for older persons" includes:

      (1) unoccupied units, if the units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; or

      (2) units occupied as of September 13, 1988 by persons who do not meet the age requirements of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, if the new occupant of the unit meets the age requirement.

  (2) The provisions in this subtitle concerning familial status do not apply to housing for older persons.

(d) The prohibitions in this subtitle against discrimination based on source of income do not:

  (1) prohibit a person from determining the ability of a potential buyer or renter to pay a purchase price or pay rent by verifying in a commercially reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner the source and amount of income or creditworthiness of the potential buyer or renter;

  (2) prevent a person from refusing to consider income derived from any criminal activity; or

  (3) prohibit a person from determining, in accordance with applicable federal and State laws, the ability of a potential buyer to repay a mortgage loan.

#### Section 20-705

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and Sec.Sec. 20-703 and 20-704 of this subtitle, a person may not, regardless of intent:

  (1) refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status;

  (2) discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status;

  (3) make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published, any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status, or an intention to make any preference, limitation, or discrimination;

  (4) represent to any person, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status, that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when the dwelling is available;

  (5) for profit, induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person of a particular race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status; or

  (6) act in a manner that has a discriminatory effect.

(b) A person has not violated a prohibition in subsection (a) of this section if:

  (1) the action was without discriminatory intent;

  (2) the action was necessary to achieve one or more substantial, legitimate, and nondiscriminatory interests; and

  (3) the person could not have achieved the substantial, legitimate, and nondiscriminatory interests by less discriminatory means.

#### Section 20-705.1

(a)

  (1) In this section, "income-based housing subsidy" means recurring monetary assistance to a landlord from a governmental entity or nonprofit organization that is intended to defray, in whole or in part, a tenant's rent obligation.

  (2) "Income-based housing subsidy" includes low-income housing assistance certificates and vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937.

(b) Except as authorized under federal law, a landlord of residential rental property that uses financial information, including credit history, as part of a prospective tenant's rental application may not refuse to rent to a prospective tenant who pays rent with the assistance of an income-based housing subsidy on the basis of:

  (1) the prospective tenant's income;

  (2) the prospective tenant's credit score or lack of credit score; or

  (3) any adverse credit history that arose during a period when the prospective tenant did not have an income-based housing subsidy, if the period during which the tenant did not have the subsidy is confirmed by:

    (i) the applicant;

    (ii) voucher paperwork;

    (iii) documents provided by a public housing authority; or

    (iv) a public housing authority in response to a request by the landlord.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a landlord may not require that a public housing authority verify applicable dates for the subsidy for purposes of assessing the tenant's credit history.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a landlord that receives funding from a governmental entity, a quasi-governmental entity, or a nonprofit organization that requires income qualification for tenants in income-restricted rental units may collect financial information from a prospective tenant if the collection of financial information is a condition of the funding.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a landlord of residential rental property may require verification that a tenant has sufficient income to pay the portion of rent not covered by the income-based housing subsidy using an income to tenant's portion of rent ratio that is substantially equivalent to the ratio used by the landlord for nonsubsidized tenants.

(f) A landlord of residential rental property may refuse to rent to a prospective tenant who pays rent with the assistance of an income-based housing subsidy on the basis of any commercially reasonable and nondiscriminatory use of:

  (1) a reference from a previous or current landlord of the tenant; or

  (2) the tenant's history of violating a lease, failing to pay utilities, creating a nuisance, or damaging property.

#### Section 20-706

(a)

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

  (2) "Covered multifamily dwelling" means:

    (i) a building consisting of four or more units, if the building has one or more elevators; or

    (ii) a ground floor unit in a building consisting of four or more units, if the building has no elevator.

  (3)

    (i) "Service dog" means a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

    (ii) "Service dog" does not include a dog that:

      (1) as a result of the animal's presence, is meant to deter crime; or

      (2) provides only emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to an individual.

(b) Except as provided in Sec.Sec. 20-703 and 20-704 of this subtitle, a person may not:

  (1) discriminate in the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a disability of:

    (i) the buyer or renter; or

    (ii) an individual residing in or intending to reside in the dwelling after it is sold, rented, or made available;

  (2) discriminate against any individual in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the dwelling, because of a disability of:

    (i) the individual; or

    (ii) an individual residing in or intending to reside in the dwelling after it is sold, rented, or made available;

  (3) refuse to allow, at the expense of an individual with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by the individual, if:

    (i) the modifications may be necessary to afford the individual with a disability full enjoyment of the dwelling; and

    (ii) for a rental dwelling, the tenant agrees that, when the tenant vacates the dwelling, the tenant will restore, at the tenant's expense, the interior of the dwelling to the condition that existed before the modification, except for reasonable wear and tear;

  (4) refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when the accommodations may be necessary to afford an individual with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling;

  (5) fail to design or construct a covered multifamily dwelling for first occupancy as required under subsection (c) of this section; or

  (6) discriminate in the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to an individual with a disability who:

    (i) has or obtains a service dog; or

    (ii) retains the individual's former service dog after its retirement from service.

(c)

  (1) On or after July 1, 1991, a covered multifamily dwelling for first occupancy shall be designed and constructed so that:

    (i) the public use and common use portions of the dwelling are readily accessible and usable to individuals with disabilities;

    (ii) all the doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises within the dwelling are sufficiently wide to allow passage by individuals with disabilities in wheelchairs; and

    (iii) all premises within the dwelling contain the following features of adaptive design:

      (1) an accessible route into and through the dwelling;

      (2) light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations;

      (3) reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars; and

      (4) usable kitchens and bathrooms so that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.

  (2) The requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection are satisfied by compliance with:

    (i) the appropriate requirements of the most current revision of the American National Standard for Buildings and Facilities Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically Handicapped People (commonly cited as ANSI A117.1); or

    (ii) the federal law, regulations, and guidelines on handicapped accessibility adopted under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and incorporated by reference in the regulations adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development under Sec. 12-202 of the Public Safety Article.

(d) An individual with a disability who has, obtains, or retains a service dog as provided in subsection (b)(6) of this section:

  (1) shall be exempt from any provision in a lease or rental agreement prohibiting the keeping of dogs;

  (2) may not be required to pay any additional rent or fee for the individual's service dog or former service dog;

  (3) may keep the individual's former service dog in the dwelling for the life of the service dog after its retirement from service; and

  (4) shall be liable for any damage done to the premises by the individual's service dog or former service dog.

#### Section 20-707

(a) In this section, "residential real estate-related transaction" means:

  (1) the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance:

    (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling; or

    (ii) secured by residential real estate; or

  (2) the selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real property.

(b)

  (1) A person whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions may not discriminate against any person in making available a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of a transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status.

  (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property from taking into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status.

(c) A person may not, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, or military status:

  (1) deny a person access to, or membership or participation in, a multiple-listing service, real estate brokers' organization, or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings; or

  (2) discriminate against a person in the terms or conditions of membership or participation.

#### Section 20-708

A person may not coerce, intimidate, threaten, interfere with, or retaliate against any person: 

(1) in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by this subtitle;

(2) because a person has exercised or enjoyed any right granted or protected by this subtitle; or

(3) because a person has aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by this subtitle.

#### Section 20-709

Each executive unit, including units with regulatory or supervisory authority over financial institutions, shall:

(1) administer its programs and activities in a manner that furthers the purposes of this subtitle; and

(2) cooperate with the Commission to further the purposes of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-710

(a) The Commission shall:

  (1) cooperate with and provide technical assistance to federal, State, local, and other governmental units or private agencies, organizations, and institutions that are formulating or carrying on programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices;

  (2) conduct studies concerning the nature and extent of discriminatory housing practices in representative urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the State; and

  (3) publish and disseminate reports, recommendations, and information derived from studies conducted under item (2) of this subsection.

(b) The Commission may:

  (1) cooperate with local units charged with the administration of local fair housing laws;

  (2) with the consent of the local units, utilize the services and employees of the local units;

  (3) enter into written agreements with local units to further cooperative efforts to carry out the purposes of this subtitle; and

  (4) notwithstanding any other law, reimburse local units and their employees for services provided to assist in carrying out this subtitle.

(c) To further the purposes of this subtitle, the Commission may conduct educational and conciliatory activities, including:

  (1) conferences to acquaint interested persons with the provisions of this subtitle and the plans for implementation of this subtitle;

  (2) in consultation with interested persons, programs of voluntary compliance and of enforcement; and

  (3) consultations with interested persons and State and local officials to learn:

    (i) the extent, if any, to which housing discrimination exists in the State or local political subdivisions; and

    (ii) how State or local enforcement programs may be used to combat housing discrimination in connection with, or instead of, the Commission's enforcement of this subtitle.

(d)

  (1) In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, the Commission may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle and Subtitle 10, Part II of this title.

  (2) The Commission shall adopt regulations requiring local units that are certified as substantially equivalent by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3610 to file annual reports with the Commission containing the information specified by the Commission.

### Subtitle 8. Aiding, Abetting, or Attempting Discriminatory Act; Obstructing Compliance

#### Section 20-801

A person may not:

(1) aid, abet, incite, compel, or coerce any person to commit a discriminatory act;

(2) attempt, directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with others, to commit a discriminatory act; or

(3) obstruct or prevent any person from complying with this title or any order issued under this title.

### Subtitle 9. Discrimination by Governmental Units, Officers, and Employees

#### Section 20-901

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation may not engage in a discriminatory act prohibited by Sec. 20-304, Sec. 20-606, Sec. 20-705, Sec. 20-706, Sec. 20-707, or Sec. 20-708 of this title.

(b) Sections 20-304, 20-705, and 20-706 of this title do not prohibit the State, a county, or a municipality from:

  (1) providing separate facilities for males and females in government-owned or government-operated public institutions; or

  (2) operating or funding special or separate programs and facilities for children, seniors, or other special populations.

#### Section 20-902

(a) In an employment discrimination case in which a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipality is a respondent, the rules, procedures, powers, rights, and remedies that apply are the same as those that apply in a discrimination case in which a private person is the respondent.

(b) In a discrimination case in which a unit, officer, or employee of the State, a county, or a municipality is a respondent, the Commission may seek injunctive relief or judicial enforcement of its orders against the respondent.

(c) In a discrimination case in which the Commission, or a member, officer, or employee of the Commission, is a respondent, the Governor shall specially designate a person to perform the functions usually performed by the Commission.

#### Section 20-903

The State, its officers, and its units may not raise sovereign immunity as a defense against an award in an employment discrimination case under this title.

#### Section 20-904

(a) If the State has sufficient money available at the time an award is made against the State under this title, the State shall pay the award as soon as practicable within 20 days after the award is final.

(b)

  (1) If sufficient money is not available at the time an award is made against the State under this title, the affected State unit or officer shall report the outstanding award to the State Comptroller.

  (2) The Comptroller shall:

    (i) keep an accounting of all outstanding awards; and

    (ii) report the accounting annually to the Governor.

(c)

  (1) The Governor shall include in the State budget sufficient money to pay all awards made against the State under this title.

  (2) On appropriation of money by the General Assembly, the Comptroller shall authorize payment of all outstanding awards under this title in the order of the date on which each award was made.

### Subtitle 10. Enforcement

#### Section 20-1001

In this part, "unlawful employment practice" means an act that is prohibited under Sec. 20-606 of this title.

#### Section 20-1002

(a) This part, including the limitations on damages, does not limit the scope of, or the administrative procedures or relief available under, any other provision of federal, State, or local law.

(b) This part does not limit Subtitle 12 of this title.

#### Section 20-1003

Except as otherwise provided in Part II of this subtitle, this part applies to alleged discriminatory housing practices under Subtitle 7 of this title.

#### Section 20-1004

(a) Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged discriminatory act may file a complaint with the Commission.

(b) The complaint shall:

  (1) be in writing;

  (2) state:

    (i) the name and address of the person or State or local unit alleged to have committed the discriminatory act; and

    (ii) the particulars of the alleged discriminatory act;

  (3) contain any other information required by the Commission; and

  (4) be signed by the complainant under oath.

(c)

  (1)

    (i) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a complaint shall be filed within 6 months after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred.

    (ii) A complaint filed with a federal or local human relations commission within 6 months after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

  (2)

    (i) A complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice other than harassment shall be filed within 300 days after the date on which the alleged discriminatory act occurred.

    (ii) A complaint filed with a federal human relations commission within 6 months or a local human relations commission within 300 days shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

  (3)

    (i) A complaint alleging harassment against an employer shall be filed within 2 years after the date on which the alleged harassment occurred.

    (ii) A complaint filed with a federal human relations commission within 6 months or a local human relations commission within 2 years after the date on which the alleged harassment occurred shall be deemed to have complied with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

(d) The Commission, on its own motion, and by action of at least three commissioners, may issue a complaint in its name in the same manner as if the complaint had been filed by an individual, if:

  (1) the Commission has received reliable information from an individual that a person has been or is engaged in a discriminatory act; and

  (2) after a preliminary investigation by the Commission's staff authorized by the chair or vice-chair, the Commission is satisfied that the information warrants the filing of a complaint.

#### Section 20-1005

(a)

  (1) After a complaint is filed, the Executive Director of the Commission shall:

    (i) consider the complaint; and

    (ii) refer it to the Commission's staff for prompt investigation and fact-finding.

  (2)

    (i) If the complaint alleges a failure to make a reasonable accommodation under Sec. 20-305 of this title, the investigation shall include an initial determination whether an accommodation is a reasonable accommodation.

    (ii) In making the determination for buildings, the Commission may consult with the Department of Housing and Community Development and any other persons that may be useful in determining the cost and feasibility of any structural changes, modifications, or additions or the provision of special equipment.

  (3) The Commission's staff shall:

    (i) issue the results of the investigation as written findings;

    (ii) provide a copy of the written findings to the complainant and the respondent; and

    (iii) send a copy of the written findings of an investigation of a real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson to the State Real Estate Commission.

(b) If there is a finding of probable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has been or is being committed, the Commission's staff immediately shall endeavor to eliminate the discrimination by conference, conciliation, or persuasion.

(c)

  (1) If an agreement is reached to eliminate the discrimination as a result of the conference, conciliation, or persuasion:

    (i) the agreement shall be reduced to writing and signed by the respondent; and

    (ii) the Commission shall enter an order setting forth the terms of the agreement.

  (2) If an agreement cannot be reached, the Commission's staff shall:

    (i) make a written finding to that effect; and

    (ii) provide copies of the written finding to the complainant and the respondent.

  (3) The Commission may not enter an order at this stage of the proceedings unless it is based on a written agreement.

(d)

  (1) If there is a finding of no probable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has been or is being committed, the complainant may file a request for reconsideration of the finding in accordance with the Commission's regulations.

  (2) Unless the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the complaint, a denial of a request for reconsideration of a finding of no probable cause by the Commission is a final order appealable as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act.

#### Section 20-1006

(a) On the making of a finding under Sec. 20-1005(c)(2) of this subtitle that an agreement to remedy and eliminate the discrimination cannot be reached, the entire file, including the complaint and any findings, shall be certified to the general counsel of the Commission.

(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall cause a written notice to be issued and served in the name of the Commission, together with a copy of the complaint, requiring the respondent to answer the charges of the complaint at a public hearing:

  (1) before an administrative law judge at a time and place certified in the notice; or

  (2) if the complaint alleges an unlawful employment practice, in a civil action elected under Sec. 20-1007 of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1007

(a)

  (1) When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under Sec. 20-1006 of this subtitle, a complainant or respondent may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought by the Commission on the complainant's behalf, if:

    (i) the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and

    (ii) there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.

  (2) An election under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made within 30 days after the complainant or respondent receives service under Sec. 20-1006(b) of this subtitle.

  (3) If an election is not made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall provide an opportunity for a hearing as provided under Sec. 20-1008(a) of this subtitle.

(b) When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under Sec. 20-1006 of this subtitle, the Commission may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought on the Commission's own behalf, if:

  (1) the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and

  (2) there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.

(c)

  (1) If a complainant or respondent makes an election under subsection (a) of this section, that party shall give notice of the election to the Commission and to all other complainants and respondents.

  (2) If the Commission makes an election under subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall give notice of the election to all complainants and respondents.

#### Section 20-1008

(a)

  (1) If a civil action is not elected under Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1009

(a) If, after reviewing all of the evidence, the administrative law judge finds that the respondent has engaged in a discriminatory act, the administrative law judge shall:

  (1) issue a decision and order stating the judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law; and

  (2) issue and cause to be served on the respondent an order requiring the respondent to:

    (i) cease and desist from engaging in the discriminatory acts; and

    (ii) take affirmative action to effectuate the purposes of the applicable subtitle of this title.

(b)

  (1) If the respondent is found to have engaged in or to be engaging in an unlawful employment practice charged in the complaint, the remedy may include:

    (i) enjoining the respondent from engaging in the discriminatory act;

    (ii) ordering appropriate affirmative relief, including the reinstatement or hiring of employees, with or without back pay;

    (iii) awarding compensatory damages; or

    (iv) ordering any other equitable relief that the administrative law judge considers appropriate.

  (2) Compensatory damages awarded under this subsection are in addition to:

    (i) back pay or interest on back pay that the complainant may recover under any other provision of law; and

    (ii) any other equitable relief that a complainant may recover under any other provision of law.

  (3) The sum of the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each complainant under this subsection for future pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, or nonpecuniary losses, may not exceed:

    (i) $50,000, if the respondent employs not fewer than 15 and not more than 100 employees in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year;

    (ii) $100,000, if the respondent employs not fewer than 101 and not more than 200 employees in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year;

    (iii) $200,000, if the respondent employs not fewer than 201 and not more than 500 employees in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year; and

    (iv) $300,000, if the respondent employs not fewer than 501 employees in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year.

  (4) If back pay is awarded under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the award shall be reduced by any interim earnings or amounts earnable with reasonable diligence by the person discriminated against.

  (5) In addition to any other relief authorized by this subsection, a complainant may recover back pay for up to 2 years preceding the filing of the complaint, where the unlawful employment practice that has occurred during the complaint filing period is similar or related to an unlawful employment practice with regard to discrimination in compensation that occurred outside the time for filing a complaint.

(c)

  (1)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if the respondent is found to have engaged in or to be engaging in a discriminatory act other than an unlawful employment practice, in addition to an award of civil penalties as provided in Sec. 20-1016 of this subtitle, nonmonetary relief may be granted to the complainant.

    (ii) An order may not be issued that substantially affects the cost, level, or type of any transportation services.

  (2)

    (i) In cases involving transportation services that are supported fully or partially with funds from the Maryland Department of Transportation, an order may not be issued that would require costs, level, or type of transportation services different from or exceeding those required to meet U.S. Department of Transportation regulations adopted under 29 U.S.C. Sec. 794.

    (ii) An order issued in violation of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is not enforceable under Sec. 20-1011 of this subtitle.

(d) If, after reviewing all of the evidence, the administrative law judge finds that the respondent has not engaged in an alleged discriminatory act, the administrative law judge shall:

  (1) state findings of fact and conclusions of law; and

  (2) issue an order dismissing the complaint.

(e) Unless a timely appeal is filed with the Commission in accordance with the Commission's regulations, a decision and order issued by the administrative law judge under this section shall become the final order of the Commission.

#### Section 20-1010

(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.

#### Section 20-1011

If a respondent refuses to comply with an order of the Commission issued under this title, the Commission may bring a civil action to enforce compliance with the order in the appropriate equity court of the county where the alleged discriminatory act occurred.

#### Section 20-1012

(a) Within 60 days after an election is made under Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 20-1009(b)(3) of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1013

(a)

  (1) In addition to the right to make an election under Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1014

(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 Sec. 20-1013 of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1015

In an action brought under this part, the court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and costs.

#### Section 20-1016

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) 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 awarding monetary relief to the complainant:

  (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)

  (1) 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.

  (2) If the discriminatory act is committed by the agent or employee of a respondent, the maximum amounts set forth in subsection (a)(2) and (3) of this section do not apply and the Commission may seek an order awarding monetary relief in an amount not exceeding $25,000, provided that:

    (i) the act committed by the agent or employee is determined to be discriminatory; and

    (ii) the respondent has not reasonably mitigated the harm caused by the discriminatory act.

  (3) The maximum amounts set forth in subsection (a)(2) and (3) of this section do not apply if the act is found to be malicious.

(c) The Commission may not seek an order awarding monetary relief to a complainant if:

  (1) the discriminatory act was limited to a violation relating to accessibility;

  (2) the respondent, after being served, takes prompt corrective action; and

  (3) the respondent has not previously been the subject of a complaint under Sec. 20-1004 of this subtitle.

(d) If the Commission seeks an order awarding monetary relief before an administrative law judge under Sec. 20-1008 of this subtitle, in determining the amount of the monetary relief to be awarded, the administrative law judge shall consider:

  (1) the seriousness of the discriminatory act;

  (2) the good faith of the respondent;

  (3) the harmful effect to the public of the discriminatory act;

  (4) the harmful effect of the respondent's actions on the investigatory process of the Commission; and

  (5) the respondent's assets.

(e) Any monetary relief collected under this section shall be paid to the complainant.

#### Section 20-1017

(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.

#### Section 20-1020

(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 Sec. 20-705, Sec. 20-705.1, Sec. 20-706, Sec. 20-707, or Sec. 20-708 of this title.

(f) "Prevailing party" has the meaning as judicially determined under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1988.

#### Section 20-1021

(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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1022

(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 Sec. 20-1021(e) of this subtitle.

  (2) In addition to meeting the requirements of Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1023

(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.

#### Section 20-1024

(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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1025

(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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1026

(a) When a charge is issued and served under Sec. 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 Sec. 20-1032 of this subtitle instead of a hearing under Sec. 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 Sec. 20-1025 of this subtitle; or

  (2) if the Commission is the complainant, 20 days after service under Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1027

(a) If an election is not made under Sec. 20-1026 of this subtitle, the Commission shall provide an opportunity for a hearing on the record with respect to a charge issued under Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1028

(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.

#### Section 20-1029

(a)

  (1) In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Commission shall:

    (i) review any findings, conclusions, or orders issued under Sec. 20-1028 of this subtitle; and

    (ii) issue a final order.

  (2) If a timely appeal of the findings, conclusions, or orders issued under Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1030

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, any party aggrieved by a final order for relief under Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1031

(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 Sec. 20-1029 of this subtitle or before the administrative law judge.

(b) Any party to the proceedings before the Commission under Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1032

(a)

  (1) If an election is made under Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1033

In an administrative proceeding under Sec. 20-1027 of this subtitle, a court proceeding arising from the administrative proceeding, or a civil action under Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1034

The Office of Administrative Hearings and the Commission shall adopt regulations to implement Sec.Sec. 20-1026 through 20-1033 of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1035

(a) In accordance with this section, an aggrieved person may commence a civil action in an appropriate State court to obtain appropriate relief for an alleged discriminatory housing practice or the breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this part.

(b)

  (1) The action shall be filed within 2 years after the later of the occurrence or termination of the alleged discriminatory housing practice or the breach of the conciliation agreement.

  (2)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the computation of the 2-year period does not include any time during which an administrative proceeding under this part was pending for a complaint or charge based on the alleged discriminatory housing practice.

    (ii) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to an action arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement.

  (3) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an aggrieved person may commence a civil action under this section:

    (i) not sooner than 130 days after a complaint has been filed under Sec. 20-1021 of this subtitle; and

    (ii) regardless of the status of any complaint.

(c)

  (1) If the Commission or a State or local unit has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, the aggrieved person may not file an action under this section for the alleged discriminatory housing practice that forms the basis for the complaint, except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of the conciliation agreement.

  (2) An aggrieved person may not commence a civil action under this section with respect to an alleged discriminatory housing practice that forms the basis of a charge issued by the Commission, if an administrative law judge has commenced a hearing on the record under this part with respect to the charge.

(d) On application by a person alleging a discriminatory housing practice or a person against whom a discriminatory housing practice is alleged, the court may:

  (1) appoint an attorney for the person; or

  (2) if, in the opinion of the court, the person is financially unable to bear the costs of the action, authorize the commencement or continuation of a civil action under subsection (a) of this section without the payment of fees, costs, or security.

(e)

  (1) In a civil action under this section, if the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, the court may:

    (i) award to the plaintiff actual and punitive damages; and

    (ii) subject to subsection (f) of this section, grant as relief, as the court considers appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in the practice or ordering affirmative action.

  (2) In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(f) Relief granted under this section may not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of relief and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer, or tenant without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Commission or civil action under this part.

(g) If the Commission certifies that the case is of general public importance and on timely application, the Commission may:

  (1) intervene in a civil action brought under this section; and

  (2) obtain any relief that would be available to the Commission under Sec. 20-1036(c) of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1036

(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 Sec. 20-1035 of this subtitle.

#### Section 20-1037

(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.

#### Section 20-1040

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

(b) "Attorney General" means the Attorney General and the Office of the Attorney General.

(c)

  (1) "Civil rights violation" means an act of discrimination prohibited under the U.S. Constitution, the Maryland Constitution, or State or federal law.

  (2) "Civil rights violation" includes a discriminatory act as defined in Sec. 20-101 of this title.

#### Section 20-1041

(a) The Attorney General may investigate, prosecute, and remediate, on behalf of the residents of the State, any conduct that constitutes a civil rights violation.

(b) The Attorney General may not bring a civil rights action under this part:

  (1) on behalf of an individual;

  (2) against a political subdivision;

  (3) against any unit of State or local government established by law; or

  (4) against any employee or agent of an entity identified in item (2) or (3) of this subsection who is acting under the color of law.

(c) Nothing in this part may be interpreted to impair the rights and powers of the Commission under Subtitles 1 through 11 of this title.

#### Section 20-1042

(a) If the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a person is engaged in discrimination prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, the Maryland Constitution, or State or federal law, the Attorney General may commence a civil action in accordance with this part.

(b) The civil action shall be instituted in the circuit court for the county where:

  (1) the alleged violator resides or has a principal place of business; or

  (2) the alleged violation occurred.

#### Section 20-1043

(a) To obtain relief with respect to an alleged civil rights violation, an action shall be commenced not later than 3 years after the discovery, occurrence, or termination, whichever occurs last, of the alleged civil rights violation.

(b) To obtain relief with respect to an alleged breach of a conciliation or settlement agreement entered into under this title, an action shall be commenced not later than 3 years after the discovery, occurrence, or termination of the alleged breach.

#### Section 20-1044

(a) Before initiating a civil action, the Office of the Attorney General shall conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that any person committed a civil rights violation.

(b) During any examination, investigation, or hearing, the Office of the Attorney General may:

  (1) subpoena witnesses;

  (2) administer oaths;

  (3) examine individuals under oath; and

  (4) compel production of records, books, papers, contracts, and other documents.

(c) Unless obtained by a method independent of a subpoena, information obtained under a subpoena described under this section is not admissible in a later criminal proceeding against the person who provides the evidence.

(d)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Attorney General may commence a civil action under this part.

  (2) If the Attorney General obtains a conciliation or settlement agreement under this part, no action may be filed under this part with respect to the alleged conduct that forms the basis for the complaint covered by the agreement except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of the agreement.

(e) The Attorney General may intervene in a civil action concerning an alleged civil rights violation, if:

  (1) the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general importance; and

  (2) timely application is made.

#### Section 20-1045

(a) The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person that has engaged or is engaging in a civil rights violation, from continuing or engaging in the violation.

(b) In a request for injunctive relief brought under this section, the Attorney General is not required to:

  (1) post bond;

  (2) allege or prove that an adequate remedy at law does not exist; or

  (3) allege or prove that substantial or irreparable damage would result from any conduct alleged.

(c) The Office of the Attorney General shall serve notice of the general relief sought on the alleged violator at least 7 days before the action for an injunction is filed.

(d) The court may enter any order of judgment necessary to:

  (1) prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;

  (2) restore to a person any money, real property, or personal property acquired by means of any prohibited practice; or

  (3) appoint a receiver to prevent willful violation of this title.

#### Section 20-1046

(a) In any civil action brought under this part, or any conciliation or settlement agreement entered into under this part, the Attorney General may obtain as a remedy equitable relief, including:

  (1) a permanent injunction;

  (2) a preliminary injunction;

  (3) a temporary restraining order; or

  (4) any other order, including:

    (i) an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in civil rights violations; or

    (ii) an order requiring any appropriate action.

(b)

  (1) In any civil action brought under this part, or any conciliation or settlement agreement entered into under this part, the Attorney General may obtain a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest.

  (2) A civil penalty imposed under this subsection shall be in an amount not exceeding:

    (i) $10,000 for a first violation; or

    (ii) $25,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

  (3) The fines provided for in this subsection:

    (i) are civil penalties and are recoverable by the State in a civil action; and

    (ii) shall be deposited in the Civil Rights Enforcement Fund established under Sec. 20-1047 of this part.

(c) In any civil action brought under this part, or any conciliation or settlement agreement entered into under this part, the Attorney General may obtain restitution, including a requirement that the violator or alleged violator:

  (1) reimburse the costs of the investigation and litigation to the Attorney General and the Commission;

  (2) make restitution to any aggrieved person of money, property, or any other thing received from the aggrieved person in connection with a violation or an alleged violation of this title;

  (3) pay economic damages to an aggrieved person; or

  (4) post a performance bond or other security.

#### Section 20-1047

(a) In this section, "Fund" means the Civil Rights Enforcement Fund.

(b) There is a Civil Rights Enforcement Fund.

(c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for:

  (1) civil rights enforcement activities of the Attorney General and the Commission; and

  (2) education and outreach in the community relating to civil rights violations.

(d)

  (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to Sec. 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

  (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

(e) The Fund consists of:

  (1) civil penalties deposited into the Fund under Sec. 20-1046 of this part;

  (2) money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and

  (3) any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.

(f) The Fund may be used only:

  (1) to reimburse the Attorney General and the Commission for costs associated with investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations; and

  (2) education and outreach in the community relating to civil rights violations.

(g)

  (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.

  (2) Interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.

(h) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.

(i) Money of the Fund is not subject to transfer by budget amendment.

(j) Money expended from the Fund for the enforcement activities of the Attorney General and the Commission is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for the Attorney General or the Commission.

#### Section 20-1048

(a) In areas of overlapping jurisdiction, the Attorney General and the Commission shall coordinate and make referrals to minimize and eliminate duplication of effort and promote collaboration.

(b)

  (1) The Attorney General, in coordination with the Commission, shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

  (2) The Attorney General shall publish proposed regulations under this subsection for notice and comment on or before July 1, 2024.

### Subtitle 11. Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties

#### Section 20-1101

(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.

#### Section 20-1102

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 20-1103

(a) In this section, "disability", "dwelling", "familial status", "marital status", "rent", and "source of income" have the meanings stated in Sec. 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, source of income, or military status 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, source of income, or military status, 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, source of income, or military status, 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.

#### Section 20-1104

(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 Sec.Sec. 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.

### Subtitle 12. Civil Actions -- Violations of County Discrimination Laws

#### Section 20-1201

In this subtitle, "prevailing party" has the meaning as judicially determined under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1988.

#### Section 20-1202

(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:

      (1) the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws; or

      (2) the Commission, in accordance with Sec. 20-1004 of this title.

    (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.

#### Section 20-1203

(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:

    (i) the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws; or

    (ii) the Commission, in accordance with Sec. 20-1004 of this title.

(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.

#### Section 20-1204

(a) This section applies in any county other than Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, or Prince George's County.

(b) A complaint filed in accordance with Sec. 20-1004 of this title satisfies any requirement to exhaust remedies before filing a civil action imposed by a county or local unit responsible for handling violations of county or local discrimination laws.

---

Md. Code Ann., State Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)