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MarylandSB 06942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Human Relations - Violations of County Discrimination Laws - Complaints

Sponsored By: William C. Smith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Human RelationsCivil Actions and ProceduresCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCivil Rights, Commission onComplaintsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DiscriminationLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsStatutes of Limitation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

New filing deadlines for discrimination complaints

Beginning October 1, 2026, you can file a discrimination complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. File within 6 months for most acts, within 300 days for non-harassment job claims, and within 2 years for harassment. A timely federal filing (within 6 months) or a timely local filing (within the matching window of 6 months, 300 days, or 2 years) counts toward the state deadline. Missing these timelines can block your claim.

Sue for discrimination in three counties

Beginning October 1, 2026, people in Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties can sue for violations of the county discrimination code. You must file in the county circuit court within 2 years of the act. For employment or public‑accommodations claims, you must wait 45 days after filing a complaint with the county unit or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Housing and real‑estate claims have no fixed waiting period, but the 2‑year limit still applies. Courts may award damages or injunctions, and may order reasonable attorney and expert fees and costs to the winner.

Small‑employer discrimination suits in Baltimore County

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you work in Baltimore County for an employer with fewer than 15 employees, you can sue for discrimination under the county code. You must wait 60 days after filing a complaint with the county unit or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, and you must file in court within 2 years. If you win, the court can order the employer to stop the conduct and pay compensatory damages, including back pay. Punitive damages are not allowed. The court may also award the winner reasonable attorney’s fees.

State complaint counts for local steps

Beginning October 1, 2026, in counties other than Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s, filing a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights counts as exhausting local remedies. This lets you move to court without a separate local step.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 10

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 123 • No: 10 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 172

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (123-10)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/11/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/21/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Floor Amendment {723222/1 (Senator Smith) Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Motion Returned Second Reading (Senator Smith) Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026Senate

  13. Favorable Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  14. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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