Signed by Governor Wes Moore

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes victims of hate crimes to bring civil lawsuits against those who committed the act.

Highlights:

• Establishes that a victim of a hate crime may bring civil action against the person or persons who committed the act in violation of Maryland Hate Crime statutes (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the court may issue an injunction to prevent or restrain an act that would violate this act, may award damages in accordance with the act, and that these damages may include noneconomic damages (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the court may also award reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs to a prevailing plaintiff (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the noneconomic damages does not include the emotional distress or mental anguish caused solely by the need to repair personal or real property (Sec. 1).  

• Specifies that this section does not affect or change any legal or equitable right or remedy otherwise provided by the law (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text