(a) (1) When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under § 20–1006 of this subtitle, a complainant or respondent may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought by the Commission on the complainant’s behalf, if:
(i) the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and
(ii) there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.
(2) An election under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made within 30 days after the complainant or respondent receives service under § 20–1006(b) of this subtitle.
(3) If an election is not made under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall provide an opportunity for a hearing as provided under § 20–1008(a) of this subtitle.
(b) When a complaint alleging an unlawful employment practice is issued and served under § 20–1006 of this subtitle, the Commission may elect to have the claims asserted in the complaint determined in a civil action brought on the Commission’s own behalf, if:
(1) the Commission has found probable cause to believe the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice; and
(2) there is a failure to reach an agreement to remedy and eliminate the unlawful employment practice.
(c) (1) If a complainant or respondent makes an election under subsection (a) of this section, that party shall give notice of the election to the Commission and to all other complainants and respondents.
(2) If the Commission makes an election under subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall give notice of the election to all complainants and respondents.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Section 20-1001 - "Unlawful Employment Practice" Defined
Section 20-1002 - Construction of Part
Section 20-1003 - Scope of Part
Section 20-1005 - Investigation of Complaint; Conciliation
Section 20-1006 - Certification of File; Issuance and Service of Notice and Complaint
Section 20-1007 - Election of Civil Action
Section 20-1008 - Administrative Hearing
Section 20-1009 - Decision of Administrative Law Judge; Remedies
Section 20-1011 - Enforcement of Commission's Orders
Section 20-1012 - Civil Action by Commission on Complainant's Behalf
Section 20-1013 - Civil Action by Complainant
Section 20-1014 - Intervention in Civil Action
Section 20-1015 - Award of Fees and Costs