Legislation - SB0871

Providing that punitive damages may be awarded in a civil action only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with gross negligence; requiring the State Court Administrator to assess a certain surcharge on a defendant against whom a judgment for punitive damages is entered; requiring the Administrator to deposit money collected from the surcharge into the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund; applying the Act prospectively; etc.

Committees

Original:: Judicial Proceedings

Details

Introduced in a prior session as: HB1099 Session: 2025 Regular Session

Bill File Type: Regular

Effective Date(s): October 1, 2026

History

Legislation History
Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/06/2026 Legislative Date 2/06/2026 Action First Reading Judicial Proceedings Proceedings
Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - First - Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge Proceedings
Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/12/2026 Legislative Date 2/12/2026 Action Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings

Chamber	Calendar Date	Legislative Date	Action
Senate	2/06/2026	2/06/2026	First Reading Judicial Proceedings
			Text - First - Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge
Senate	2/12/2026	2/12/2026	Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

File Code

Subjects

Statutes