MD SB694

Filing a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights now satisfies the prerequisite for commencing a civil action alleging violation of county discrimination laws in Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties.

In Baltimore County, employees of employers with fewer than 15 employees may file with either the county unit or the state Commission before bringing a civil action for workplace discrimination.

Civil actions for employment or public accommodations discrimination cannot be filed sooner than 45 days (Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's) or 60 days (Baltimore County) after filing an administrative complaint.

Applies to Sections 20-1202 and 20-1203 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.