Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 9 - Workplace Fraud
Section 3-916 - Groundless or Malicious Complaint and Bad Faith Actions; Administrative Penalty; Attorneys' Fees

(a)    A person may not:
        (1)    make or cause to be made a groundless or malicious complaint to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner;
        (2)    in bad faith, bring an action under this subtitle or a proceeding related to the subject of this subtitle; or
        (3)    in bad faith, testify in an action under this subtitle or a proceeding related to the subject of this subtitle.
    (b)    The Commissioner shall investigate any allegations that a person has violated any provision of this section.
    (c)    (1)    If the Commissioner determines that a person has violated any provision of this section, that person may be subject to an administrative penalty of up to $1,000, assessed by the Commissioner.
        (2)    A sanction under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to the notice and hearing requirements of § 3–906 of this subtitle.
        (3)    If the person found in violation of this section is a person alleged to be employed by the respondent, the Commissioner shall disclose the identity of the complainant.
    (d)    Any person who must defend an action taken as a result of a groundless or malicious complaint may be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees.

Structure Maryland Statutes