MarylandSB 06942026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State complaints satisfy local discrimination requirements

Beginning October 1, 2026, a properly filed Maryland Commission on Civil Rights complaint satisfies local requirements to finish agency remedies. This applies to county or local discrimination claims in every Maryland county except Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s. People bringing these claims can use the state complaint process to meet that requirement before suing.

State filing option for county discrimination

Beginning October 1, 2026, people alleging employment or public-accommodations discrimination in Howard, Montgomery, or Prince George’s County have another filing option. They can file with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights instead of the county agency before suing under county law. They must still wait at least 45 days and sue within two years of the act, in that county’s circuit court. Real-estate discrimination suits have no waiting period, but the two-year filing deadline still applies. Courts can award damages, orders stopping discrimination, or other civil relief; the winning party can recover reasonable lawyer fees, expert-witness fees, and costs.

State filing option for small-employer workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, Baltimore County employees working for employers with fewer than 15 employees have another discrimination complaint option. They can file with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights instead of the county agency before suing under county law. They must still wait at least 60 days after filing and sue within two years of the discriminatory act. Courts can award orders stopping discrimination, compensation including back pay, and reasonable lawyer fees. Punitive damages remain unavailable in these suits.

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: 7

Senate vote • 3/20/2026