Ch. 152                                    1993 LAWS OF MARYLAND

WHEREAS,—The General Assembly believes that full protection of the law should
be provided to the citizens of the State and that allowing private causes of action for
violations of certain county discrimination laws, under certain circumstances, is
appropriate; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 49B - Human Relations Commission

40.

This subtitle applies in Montgomery County, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, AND
HOWARD COUNTY.

41.

In this subtitle, "prevailing party" has the meaning stated in 42 U.S.C. § 1988.

42.

(a)     In accordance with this subtitle, a person who is subjected to an act of
discrimination prohibited by the [Montgomery County Code] COUNTY CODE may bring
and maintain a civil action against the person who committed the alleged discriminatory
act for damages, injunctive relief, or other civil relief.

(b)     (1) An action under subsection (a) of this section shall be commenced in the
[Circuit Court for Montgomery County] CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH
THE ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION TOOK PLACE not later than 2 years after the
occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act.

(2)     Subject to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action
under subsection (a) of this section alleging employment or public accommodation
discrimination may not be commenced sooner than 45 days after the aggrieved person
files a complaint with the county agency responsible for handling violations of the county
discrimination laws.

(3)     Subject to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action
under subsection (a) of this section alleging real estate discrimination may be commenced
at any time.

(c)     In a civil action under this subtitle, the court, in its discretion, may allow the
prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and costs.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1993.

Approved April 26, 1993.

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