MD HB818

Courts may award reasonable attorney's fees and expenses to prevailing plaintiffs in lawsuits against the State, political subdivisions, or their employees/agents for violations of rights under the Maryland Constitution or Declaration of Rights

Prevailing defendants may only receive attorney's fees if the court finds the plaintiff's claim was maintained in bad faith or without substantial justification

Courts must determine fee awards using the factors listed in Maryland Rule 2-703(f)(3)

Attorney fee limits under the Maryland Tort Claims Act (20% of settlements, 25% of judgments) do not apply to awards under this new provision

Effective October 1, 2025, applying only to cases filed on or after that date