MD HB573

Authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development to adopt regulations for affirmatively furthering fair housing and requires political subdivisions and housing authorities to submit fair housing assessments as part of comprehensive plans

Establishes that discriminatory housing practices may be committed without intent, prohibiting actions that have a "discriminatory effect" (disparate impact on protected groups or perpetuation of segregated housing patterns)

Protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, source of income, and military status

Creates an affirmative defense allowing a person to avoid liability if the action lacked discriminatory intent, was necessary to achieve substantial legitimate nondiscriminatory interests, and could not have been achieved through less discriminatory means

Takes effect October 1, 2026