Bill > HB1561

This bill prohibits discriminatory housing practices, regardless of the actor's intent. It adds a new provision that makes it unlawful to act in a manner that has a discriminatory effect against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling, because of certain protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. However, the bill provides that a person who unintentionally violates this provision has not committed a discriminatory housing practice if the violation was justified by a legitimate business necessity and there was no other less discriminatory means of accomplishing that business necessity. The bill also alters the State's policy related to discriminatory housing practices.

Health and Social Services

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1561?ys=2020RS