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HB 332

Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorig Charkoudian

HB 332 establishes private civil lawsuits for constitutional rights violations, enabling Marylanders to seek damages directly for infringements on their constitutional protections.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 332

Legislative bill overview

HB 332, titled the "No Kings Act," creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue for damages when their constitutional rights are violated. The bill establishes a private right of action in Maryland courts, enabling citizens to seek monetary compensation directly from those who infringe upon their constitutional protections, rather than relying solely on criminal remedies or administrative processes.

Why this is important

This legislation would expand legal remedies available to Marylanders by creating a direct pathway to sue for constitutional violations, potentially increasing accountability for rights infringements. It represents a shift in how constitutional protections are enforced—moving from traditional government-centered remedies to private litigation, which could make enforcement more accessible but also more unpredictable depending on how courts interpret the scope.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: The bill's language on which constitutional rights qualify and what constitutes a "violation" may be ambiguous, creating litigation uncertainty and potentially inconsistent court interpretations across cases
  • Liability and immunities: Questions about whether government officials, private actors, or both can be sued, and what existing immunities (qualified immunity, sovereign immunity) might apply or be eliminated
  • Flood of litigation: Critics may argue this creates excessive litigation costs for defendants and courts, while supporters contend it's necessary to deter constitutional violations; the actual impact depends heavily on implementation details not visible in the bill title alone

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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