MD SB255

Prohibits election methods for county or municipal governing bodies that impair the ability of protected class members (defined as race, color, or language minority groups) to elect candidates of their choice or influence election outcomes through vote dilution

Establishes that a violation occurs when elections exhibit polarized voting and the election method dilutes voting strength, with courts using federal Voting Rights Act methodologies to assess group voting behavior

Allows the Attorney General or any person to bring enforcement actions seeking injunctive relief, damages, or other remedies in the county where the alleged violation occurred

Awards reasonable attorney's fees, litigation costs, and expert witness fees to private plaintiffs who prevail, including when a jurisdiction yields some or all relief sought

Designated as an emergency measure requiring three-fifths vote in both legislative chambers, taking effect immediately upon enactment