# State Government (GSG)

## Title 20. Human Relations

### Subtitle 10. Enforcement

#### 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.

---

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