Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB906: Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge
Status: In committee, February 5, 2026
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; etc.
What the bill says
A bill ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge FOR the purpose of 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; prohibiting a jury from being informed of the surcharge on punitive damages that a defendant is required to pay; requiring the surcharge to be assessed at a certain time…
From the introduced text, February 5, 2026:
A BILL ENTITLED AN ACT concerning Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge FOR the purpose of 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; prohibiting a jury from being informed of the surcharge on punitive damages that a defendant is required to pay; requiring the surcharge to be assessed at a certain time; requiring the Administrator to deposit money collected from the surcharge into the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund; and generally relating to punitive damage awards. BY adding to Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 11-113 Annotated Code of Maryland (2020 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Education Section 5-206(a) and (b) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Education Section 5-206(f) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from exist in g l aw . *hb0906* HOUSE BILL That …