# State Government (GSG)

## Title 20. Human Relations

### Subtitle 10. Enforcement

#### 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.

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