Civil Liability
Our policy focus on civil liability issues affecting Maryland businesses
Our focus: Civil Liability
We believe the civil law system should not punish lawful commerce. Issues related to tort reform and civil liability are of interest, including opposing efforts to expand exposure to liability and damages that weaken businesses’ defenses.
Key Issues Include
- Non-economic damages
- Contributory negligence
- Punitive damages
Related Policy Priorities & Anticipated Issues for 2025
- Non-Economic Damages: The Maryland Chamber opposes any erosion or repeal of Maryland’s long-enacted caps on non-economic damages, as this would negatively impact the affordability and availability of liability insurance and expand liability exposure, creating significant risks for Maryland businesses and reducing employment opportunities.
- Punitive Damages: We oppose any change to Maryland’s current standard for the award of punitive damages, especially a change that could increase the cost of doing business in the state.
- Contributory Negligence: The Chamber supports maintaining Maryland’s long-standing doctrine of contributory negligence, a vital defense for businesses that limits undue liability exposure and provides a fair standard for allocating fault. We oppose any efforts to weaken or replace it with comparative fault, which would tip the current balance in Maryland’s fault allocation system, expand legal liability and create additional risks for Maryland businesses.
All 2025 Legislative Priorities & Critical Issues
Get an in-depth look at the pressing issues and legislative priorities we've identified for the 2025 Legislative Session.
Get involved
Join our Civil Liability Policy Committee
Our Civil Liability policy committee overs all issues related to tort reform and civil liability of businesses, including opposing efforts to expand exposure to liability and damages (including punitive and non-economic damages) and weaken defenses available to businesses. This committee meets during the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session as needed. Meetings are held remotely via video conferencing.
Contact governmentaffairs@mdchamber.org for more information.
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Legislative Tracking
Stay up to date with our members-only Bill Tracker during session. Get concise bill summaries, anticipated positions, and more. Our 2024 Bill Tracker will be available soon after the start of the 2024 Legislative Session.