§ 20-1036. Civil action by Commission in public interest

   (a) Authorized. -- 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; or

      (ii) any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this part and Subtitle 7 of this title; and

   (2) the resistance or denial raises an issue of general public importance.

(b) Enforcement of subpoena. -- The Commission or other party at whose request a subpoena is issued under this part may enforce a subpoena in appropriate proceedings in the circuit court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena was addressed resides, was served, or transacts business.

(c) Relief; attorney's fees. --

   (1) In a civil action under subsection (a) of this section, the court may:

      (i) award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of Subtitle 7 of this title as necessary to assure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by Subtitle 7 of this title;

      (ii) award other relief the court considers appropriate, including monetary damages to aggrieved persons; and

      (iii) to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent:

         1. in an amount not exceeding $ 50,000, for a first violation; and

         2. in an amount not exceeding $ 100,000, for any subsequent violation.

   (2) In a civil action under this section, the court may allow the prevailing party, including the Commission, reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(d) Intervention. --

   (1) On timely application, a person may intervene in a civil action commenced by the Commission under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, if the action involves:

      (i) an alleged discriminatory housing practice to which the person is an aggrieved person; or

      (ii) a conciliation agreement to which the person is a party.

   (2) The court may grant any appropriate relief to any intervening party that is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under § 20-1035 of this subtitle.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 49B, § 34; 2009, ch. 120, § 2.