DISSINTER

SB 871 — Maryland

Civil Actions - Punitive Damage Awards - Surcharge

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.

Latest action: Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m. · Feb 12, 2026

In committeeAdministrative Office of the CourtsCivil ActionsCivil Actions and ProceduresDamagesDefendantsEducationFeesJuriesNegligenceRevenue and Taxes

Synopsis written by the legislature's own staff, as published on the official bill page. Status label is derived from the recorded actions. The full text below is the record.

Committees: Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

Updated Mar 17, 2026

Timeline

  1. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    Feb 6, 2026 · Senate

  2. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    Feb 12, 2026 · Senate

Sponsored by Will Smith

No recorded floor votes yet.

Fiscal and Policy Note — official analysis by legislative staff (PDF) Bill text (First reading) — Maryland General Assembly (PDF) Official record — Maryland General Assembly bill page

Official records. Maryland legislators, bills and roll-call votes from the Maryland General Assembly, imported through Open States on Oct 27, 2026 (partial import — not yet the full session). Accuracy review against the official site is still under way. Campaign-finance records for Maryland are not imported yet.