MD HB1099

Punitive damages in negligence civil actions may only be awarded if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with "gross negligence," defined as disregard for others' safety characterized by failure to exercise slight care, willful misconduct, repeated misconduct, malicious intent, or indifference to legal obligations

Defendants who lose punitive damages judgments must pay a 50% surcharge on the award amount to the State, in addition to the full punitive damages owed to the plaintiff

Surcharge revenue will be deposited into the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund, which supports public education

Juries may not be informed of the surcharge requirement, and the surcharge is assessed only after all proceedings in the case conclude

The act abrogates the punitive damages standard from Owens-Illinois, Inc. v. Zenobia (1992), applies prospectively only to cases filed after October 1, 2025