# State Government (GSG)

## Title 20. Human Relations

### 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.

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