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MarylandHB 05732026 Regular SessionHouse

Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination - Regulations, Intent, and Discriminatory Effect

Sponsored By: Deni Taveras (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Human RelationsHousing and Community DevelopmentAwareness and OutreachBoundariesCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCivil Rights and Social EquityDiscriminationHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Leases and RentNonprofit OrganizationsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPlans and ProposalsReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersReportsRules and Regulations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Defense in housing bias cases

In discriminatory-effect housing cases, a person does not violate the law if they prove all three things: no discriminatory intent, the action was needed for a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest, and there was no less discriminatory way to reach that interest. This defense is available starting October 1, 2026.

Housing bias banned without intent

The law bans housing actions that have a discriminatory effect, even when no one intended to discriminate. It defines discriminatory effect as rules or actions that cause a disparate impact or keep neighborhoods segregated. Protected traits include race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, and military status. These protections are enforceable beginning October 1, 2026.

State and local must promote fair housing

The state housing department must run its programs to affirmatively further fair housing and may set rules to do it. The department cannot take actions that go against this duty and should work with fair-housing groups. Local governments and housing authorities must submit an Assessment of Fair Housing as part of the housing section of their comprehensive plans. These duties take effect October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Deni Taveras

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gabriel Acevero

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Diana M. Fennell

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Julian Ivey

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Spiegel

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

  • Veronica Turner

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole A. Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 93

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 12 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 98 • No: 34 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 29 • No: 11 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 36 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 778

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (33-12)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Conference Committee Report {143424/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (98-34)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Conference Committee Report {143424/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  7. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Sydnor, Henson and West)

    4/13/2026House

  8. Senate Refuses Recede

    4/13/2026House

  9. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Sydnor, Henson and West)

    4/13/2026Senate

  10. Senate Refuses Recede

    4/13/2026Senate

  11. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Amprey, Charkoudian and Adams)

    4/13/2026Senate

  12. House Requests Senate Recede

    4/13/2026Senate

  13. House Refuses Concur Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  14. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Amprey, Charkoudian and Adams)

    4/11/2026House

  15. House Requests Senate Recede

    4/11/2026House

  16. House Refuses Concur Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  17. Third Reading Passed (29-11)

    4/9/2026Senate

  18. Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator Augustine) Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  19. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  20. Favorable with Amendments {403024/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  21. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  22. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/13/2026Senate

  23. Third Reading Passed (96-36)

    3/12/2026House

  24. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/11/2026House

  25. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    3/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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