§ 20–1036
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 20-1036 (2026)
Title 20. Human Relations
Subtitle 10. Enforcement
§ 20–1036LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Commission may commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court if the Commission has probable cause to believe that:
(1)
(i)
a person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; or
(ii)
any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; and
(2)
the resistance or denial raises an issue of general public importance.
(b)
The Commission or other party at whose request a subpoena is issued under this part may enforce a subpoena in appropriate proceedings in the circuit court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena was addressed resides, was served, or transacts business.
(c)
(1)
In a civil action under subsection (a) of this section, the court may:
(i)
award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of Subtitle 7 of this title as necessary to ensure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by Subtitle 7 of this title;
(ii)
award other relief the court considers appropriate, including monetary damages to aggrieved persons; and
(iii)
to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent:
(1)
in an amount not exceeding $50,000, for a first violation; and
(2)
in an amount not exceeding $100,000, for any subsequent violation.
(2)
In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party, including the Commission, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
(d)
(1)
On timely application, a person may intervene in a civil action commenced by the Commission under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, if the action involves:
(i)
an alleged discriminatory housing practice to which the person is an aggrieved person; or
(ii)
a conciliation agreement to which the person is a party.
(2)
The court may grant any appropriate relief to any intervening party that is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under § 20–1035 of this subtitle.