Section 20-1036 – Civil Action by Commission in Public Interest
(a) The Commission may commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court if the Commission has probable cause to believe that: (1) (i) a person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; […]
Section 20-1021 – Complaint; Answer to Complaint
(a) (1) An aggrieved person may file a complaint with the Commission alleging a discriminatory housing practice. (2) The complaint shall be filed within 1 year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated. (b) The Commission may: (1) file a complaint on the Commission’s own initiative; and (2) investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be filed […]
Section 20-1037 – Civil Action for Temporary or Preliminary Relief
(a) If the Commission concludes at any time after the filing of a complaint that prompt judicial action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this part and Subtitle 7 of this title, the Commission may bring a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint under this part. […]
Section 20-1022 – Investigation of Complaint; Joinder of Respondents
(a) (1) The Commission shall investigate a complaint alleging a discriminatory housing practice and determine, based on the facts, whether probable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur. (2) Unless it is impracticable to do so, the Commission shall complete the investigation and make the determination required under paragraph […]
Section 20-1101 – Disclosure of Confidential Information
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during an investigation of a complaint alleging a discriminatory act, and until the matter reaches the stage of public hearings: (i) the activities of all members and employees of the Commission in connection with the investigation shall be conducted in confidence and without publicity; and (ii) the members […]
Section 20-1023 – Subpoenas; Discovery; Witness Fees
(a) The Commission may issue subpoenas and order discovery in aid of investigations and hearings under this part. (b) (1) Witnesses subpoenaed by the Commission to testify in any proceedings under this part are entitled to the same witness and mileage fees as witnesses in proceedings before any circuit court in the State. (2) The party who requests that […]
Section 20-1102 – Disobeying Subpoena or Discovery Order in Housing Discrimination Case; Falsifying Documentary Evidence
(a) If it is in the person’s power to comply, a person may not willfully fail or neglect to attend and testify, answer any lawful inquiry, or produce records, documents, or other evidence, in compliance with a subpoena or other lawful order issued under § 20–1023(a) of this title. (b) A person may not, with intent to […]
Section 20-1024 – Conciliation
(a) During the period between the filing of a complaint and the filing of a charge or a dismissal by the Commission, the Commission, to the extent feasible, shall engage in conciliation with respect to the complaint. (b) (1) A conciliation agreement is subject to approval by the Commission. (2) (i) A conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of […]
Section 20-1103 – Injury, Intimidation, or Interference With Protected Housing Activities
(a) In this section, “disability”, “dwelling”, “familial status”, “marital status”, “rent”, and “source of income” have the meanings stated in § 20–701 of this title. (b) Whether or not acting under color of law, a person may not, by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate, or interfere with: […]
Section 20-1025 – Certification of Case; Issuance and Service of Charges
(a) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, if the Commission determines that probable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur and that conciliation has failed, the Executive Director of the Commission or the Executive Director’s designee shall certify the case for processing. […]