Bill > HB1394

This bill creates a new legal framework in Maryland aimed at prohibiting nonprofit organizations from supporting certain activities by the Israeli government or Israeli citizens in occupied territories that are considered violations of the Geneva Conventions. Specifically, the bill defines "unauthorized support of Israeli settlement activity" as actions such as unlawfully transferring Israeli civilians into occupied territories, committing acts of violence against protected persons, destroying property, forcibly transferring or evicting protected persons, and destroying infrastructure. Any nonprofit organization registered to solicit charitable donations in Maryland is prohibited from knowingly engaging in these activities. The Attorney General can bring an action for injunctive relief and damages, seeking at least $1,000,000, against nonprofit organizations or their agents who violate this prohibition. Additionally, individuals harmed by such violations can bring their own legal action and potentially receive attorney's fees. If the Attorney General or a prevailing plaintiff obtains a judgment against a nonprofit organization, the Secretary of State must remove that organization from the Registry of Charitable Solicitation. Legal actions under this bill can be filed in any Maryland county within 10 years of the occurrence and will take effect on October 1, 2025. The bill defines key terms like "nonprofit organization," "occupied territory," and "protected persons" drawing from international legal frameworks like the Geneva Conventions.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1394?ys=2025RS