In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Independent agent” means a person that offers or undertakes to arrange for or provide the travel services specified in subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section but does not: receive money or other valuable consideration directly from the purchaser for the sale of travel services or from the ultimate travel supplier; possess at any time any unissued ticket stock or travel document; or have the ability to issue tickets, vacation certificates, or any other travel documents. “Seller of travel” means a person that: is located in the State or offers to sell travel services to a person located in the State; offers or undertakes to arrange or provide for: travel reservations or accommodations; tickets for travel by any mode of transportation; hotel or motel accommodations; car rentals; or sightseeing tours; and receives valuable consideration directly from the purchaser for the sale of travel services or from the ultimate travel supplier. “Seller of travel” does not include: an air carrier; an ocean carrier; or a hotel, motel, person that rents or operates a short–term rental unit as defined in § 11–101 of the Tax – General Article for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, short–term rental platform as defined in § 11–101 of the Tax – General Article, or similar lodging establishment that, in the course of selling, providing, or arranging transient lodging accommodations and related services for its registered guests: arranges or provides for transportation; and does not directly or indirectly receive money or other valuable consideration for arranging or providing transportation.

Each seller of travel or independent agent shall file annually with the Department proof of professional liability and errors and omissions insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 as required by this subtitle. Each seller of travel shall file annually with the Department a list of independent agents affiliated with the seller of travel. The annual filing fee is $300. A person may not receive valuable consideration in payment for services offered for sale by a seller of travel or an independent agent unless, at the time of receiving the payment, the seller of travel or independent agent has met the annual filing requirements under subsection (a) of this section. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department shall pay all fees collected under this title to the Comptroller. The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Sellers of Travel Services Registration Fund established in § 2–106.17 of this article.

The Department shall: provide reasonable notice of the requirements of this subtitle to consumers and sellers of travel; enforce the provisions of this subtitle; and adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle, including regulations establishing requirements and procedures for the registration of sellers of travel and providing for the enforcement of this subtitle.