Title 5. Special Types of Corporations — Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-01 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-01LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle does not apply to any cooperative existing or organized under Subtitle 5 (Agricultural Cooperatives) of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-02 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-02LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Consumer cooperative” or “cooperative” means a corporation converted or organized under this subtitle, which operates or intends to operate on a cooperative basis for the mutual benefit of its members, subscribers, and patrons and conforms to this subtitle.
(2)
“Consumer cooperative” does not include credit unions.
(c)
“Cooperative basis” as applied to any entity or corporation referred to in this subtitle means:
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in the case of a federated cooperative in § 5–5A–20 of this subtitle, that each member has only 1 vote and that proxy voting is prohibited;
(2)
That the annual return on stock or membership capital does not exceed the allowable amount specified in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the cooperative;
(3)
That the net savings of the entity must be distributed in accordance with § 5–5A–22 of this subtitle;
(4)
That membership in the entity must be available on a voluntary basis and be open to all persons who can make use of its services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership; and
(5)
That the entity is engaged in providing goods or services for the primary and mutual benefit of the membership.
(d)
“Delegate” means a representative of the members elected either from the membership at large or from specific geographic districts or groups of members as defined in the bylaws.
(e)
“Federated cooperative” means a cooperative which is primarily owned and controlled by, and provides goods or services to entities operating on a cooperative basis.
(f)
“Foreign cooperative” means an entity operating on a cooperative basis which is organized or incorporated under the laws of a state other than Maryland.
(g)
“Member” means a person or household who has been qualified and accepted for membership in a cooperative according to its bylaws.
(h)
“Membership capital” means a member’s capital contribution to the cooperative to secure the benefits of membership in the cooperative.
(i)
“Net savings” means a cooperative’s total income minus the cost of operation, including reserves.
(j)
“Person” means a natural person or any incorporated or unincorporated entity.
(k)
“Savings return” means any payment or allocation made by the cooperative out of net savings which is computed on the basis of the patron’s business with the cooperative and refunded in accordance with § 5–5A–22 of this subtitle.
(l)
“Subscriber” means any person or entity eligible for membership and legally obligated to purchase a share or shares of, or membership in, the cooperative in accordance with its bylaws.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-03 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-03LinkCopy Citation
A consumer cooperative or a federated cooperative may be incorporated under this subtitle and engage in any lawful business to acquire, produce, manufacture, furnish, or distribute any goods or services on a cooperative basis for the mutual benefit of its members and patrons or the members and patrons of any member cooperative, or both.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-04 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-04LinkCopy Citation
Any 5 or more adult individuals, or 2 or more entities operating on a cooperative basis, may incorporate under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-05 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-05LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A cooperative may be formed as a stock corporation or as a nonstock corporation.
(b)
Membership interests may be evidenced by certificates of stock, certificates of membership, or notification of credit to a member’s capital or ownership account.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-06 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-06LinkCopy Citation
Except for powers inconsistent with this subtitle, each cooperative may exercise all powers granted to ordinary business corporations under the general corporation laws of Maryland and all powers which may be necessary, convenient, or expedient for the accomplishment of its purposes.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-07 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-07LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within the limitations of this subtitle, the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a consumer cooperative shall contain:
(1)
The name of the cooperative, which shall include the word “cooperative” or the abbreviation “co–op”;
(2)
The name, address, and state of residence of each incorporator;
(3)
A statement of the purposes of the cooperative;
(4)
The address of its principal office in the State; and
(5)
The name and address of its resident agent in the State.
(b)
(1)
If the cooperative is organized with capital stock, the articles of incorporation shall state:
(i)
The number of authorized shares of stock;
(ii)
The par value of each share of stock; and
(iii)
The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock.
(2)
A cooperative may not issue stock without par value.
(c)
If the cooperative is organized without capital stock, the articles of incorporation shall state whether the property rights of its members are equal or unequal, and, if unequal, the rule by which the property rights of members, including members admitted after the original organization, are to be determined.
(d)
The articles shall state the method by which any surplus existing upon dissolution of the cooperative may be distributed as a gift to another cooperative or to a nonprofit, tax–exempt enterprise.
(e)
The articles may also contain any other provisions not inconsistent with the law of this State or with this subtitle for the conduct of the cooperative’s affairs.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-08 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-08LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A cooperative may limit in its articles of incorporation the number of shares of stock that a person may hold.
(b)
If a member desires to withdraw from a consumer cooperative or dispose of any or all of the member’s interest in the cooperative, the directors of the cooperative have the option to purchase that interest by paying the par value or book value, whichever is less, of any or all of the interest offered.
(c)
If the cooperative fails, within 60 days of the original offer, to purchase all or any part of the interest offered, the member may sell the unpurchased interest to a purchaser who is eligible for membership in the cooperative.
(d)
A consumer cooperative may provide in its articles of incorporation for a class of nonvoting capital stock or a class of nonstock voting membership.
(e)
A consumer cooperative organized with voting stock may amend its articles of incorporation to provide for conversion of its voting stock at par value, to nonstock voting memberships. When that conversion occurs, voting stock shall convert to nonvoting capital stock of par value or, at the holder’s election, to a nonstock voting membership.
(f)
A nonstock voting membership shall be continuing unless terminated by:
(1)
A written request from the member; or
(2)
The member’s failure to comply with the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the cooperative after receiving notice as required in the bylaws.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-09 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-09LinkCopy Citation
If a corporation chartered under the general corporation law of this State converts into a consumer cooperative and conducts itself according to the principles outlined in this subtitle, the board of directors of the corporation may by a majority vote adopt a name that includes the word “cooperative” or any variation or abbreviation thereof.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-10 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-10LinkCopy Citation
The following cooperatives are entitled to use the word “cooperative”, or any abbreviation or derivation thereof, as part of their business names, or to represent themselves in their advertising or otherwise as conducting business on a cooperative basis:
(1)
Cooperatives organized under this subtitle or Subtitle 5, Agricultural Cooperatives;
(2)
Entities organized under any other law of this State that are operated on a cooperative basis;
(3)
Foreign corporations operating on a cooperative basis and authorized to do business in this State; or
(4)
Housing cooperatives.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-11 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-11LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within 30 days after incorporation as a cooperative or within 30 days after the filing of articles of amendment and restatement of a corporation converting to a cooperative, the cooperative shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with this subtitle for the regulation and management of its affairs.
(b)
(1)
The initial bylaws of a cooperative may be adopted by the temporary board of directors.
(2)
(i)
Thereafter, bylaws may be adopted and amended only by the members, unless the members adopt a bylaw which permits the board of directors or delegates of the membership to adopt and amend specific bylaws.
(ii)
Any bylaw adopted or amended by the board of directors or by delegates shall be reported at the next regular membership meeting.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-12 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-12LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The business and affairs of a cooperative shall be managed under the direction of a board of directors. Every cooperative shall have at least 5 directors.
(b)
Except in the case of foreign cooperatives, at least 2 of the directors shall be residents of this State.
(c)
Each director shall be a member of the cooperative or of a member cooperative.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-13 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-13LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Until the first annual meeting of members and until successors are elected and qualified, the board of directors shall consist of:
(1)
Individuals named as directors in the articles; or
(2)
If no directors are named, the incorporators.
(b)
(1)
The directors shall be elected by the members or by delegates of the members.
(2)
Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, the directors shall be elected at the first annual membership meeting and at each subsequent annual membership meeting, and shall hold office until the next annual membership meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified.
(3)
The bylaws may provide for staggered terms of directors and delegates.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-14 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-14LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The bylaws may provide for election of directors and delegates of members by district or by interest groups.
(b)
The bylaws shall specify the number and manner of apportioning directors and delegates of members.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-15 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-15LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each cooperative shall have the following officers:
(1)
President or chairman;
(2)
Vice president or vice chairman;
(3)
Secretary; and
(4)
Treasurer.
(b)
The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined.
(c)
In addition to the required officers, a cooperative may have any other officers provided for in the bylaws.
(d)
The president or chairman and vice president or vice chairman shall be elected by and from among the directors.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-16 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-16LinkCopy Citation
The bylaws of a cooperative shall provide for the process of removal of directors, officers, and delegates.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-17 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-17LinkCopy Citation
The bylaws of a cooperative may provide for remuneration of its officers and directors.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-18 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-18LinkCopy Citation
A person shall be eligible for membership in a cooperative if the qualifications for membership as stated in the bylaws have been met.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-19 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-19LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Every cooperative shall hold at least an annual meeting of its members, or the delegates of its members, to elect directors and to transact any other business within its powers.
(2)
The annual meeting shall be held at the time provided in the bylaws at the principal office or any other place as determined by the board of directors.
(b)
(1)
The board of directors may call a special meeting at any time.
(2)
Ten percent of the members or a lesser number as provided in the bylaws may request a special meeting at any time by filing a petition which states the specific business to be brought before the meeting, and the board of directors shall then call the meeting.
(3)
Two-thirds of the delegate body of the membership may call a special meeting of the membership at any time.
(c)
Notice of each membership meeting shall be mailed to each member at least 15 but not more than 90 days before the meeting, and, if a special meeting is called, the notice shall state the purpose of the meeting.
(d)
Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, a quorum is present:
(1)
At a membership meeting if 5 percent of the members are present in person or present by mail ballot; and
(2)
At a meeting of the delegates of the membership if 50 percent of the delegates are present in person.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-20 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-20LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Only members shall be entitled to vote in a cooperative.
(b)
Except as to federated cooperatives, the bylaws of a cooperative shall provide for voting on a 1 vote per member basis.
(c)
In a federated cooperative, the voting rights of members may be prescribed in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. Voting may not be based solely on the amount of investment by a member or on membership capital attributable to a member.
(d)
Voting by mail may be permitted as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a cooperative.
(e)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the bylaws of a cooperative may provide for the nomination and election of delegates to represent the membership.
(2)
Where election of delegates has been provided for in the bylaws, unless otherwise stated in the bylaws, a reference in the bylaws to members will be considered to be a reference to delegates.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-21 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-21LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Amendments to the articles of incorporation may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors, by one-third of the delegates present and voting, or by petition of 10 percent of the cooperative’s members.
(2)
Notice of the meeting to consider amendments shall be sent by the secretary at least 30 days before the meeting to each member at the member’s last known address, accompanied by the full text of the proposal and by that part of the articles to be amended.
(3)
Two-thirds of the members voting may adopt that amendment. The power to amend the articles of incorporation is reserved to the members.
(b)
Bylaws shall be adopted, amended or repealed by at least a majority vote of the members voting. If the cooperative has adopted a delegate system, the bylaws may be amended by two-thirds of those delegates present and voting.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-22 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-22LinkCopy Citation
(a)
At least annually the directors of the cooperative, as the articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide, shall apportion the net savings of the cooperative in the following order:
(1)
An adequate portion of the net savings may be placed in a reserve fund, as specified in the bylaws.
(2)
A return on stock and membership capital may be paid, not to exceed the allowable annual return as specified in the articles of incorporation or bylaws.
(3)
The remainder may be:
(i)
Allocated as savings return to members, patrons, or subscribers, in proportion to their individual patronage;
(ii)
Allocated to individual members’ equity accounts;
(iii)
Accumulated in the cooperative’s general fund as unallocated member equity; or
(iv)
Distributed in some proportion of subparagraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) of this paragraph.
(b)
The following provisions shall prevail when any of the net savings are allocated as savings returns:
(1)
In the case of a subscriber patron, the proportionate amount of net savings may, as the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the cooperative provide:
(i)
Be distributed to the subscriber patron;
(ii)
Be set aside in the general funds of the cooperative; or
(iii)
Be credited to the subscriber patron’s account until the minimum amount of capital necessary for membership is accumulated. When a sum equal to the minimum capital has accumulated subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the subscriber patron will become a member if the subscriber patron agrees and requests; or
(2)
(i)
If within a period of time specified in the bylaws, a subscriber patron has not accumulated and paid the amount of capital subscribed for, or necessary for membership, as specified in its articles of incorporation or bylaws, or if a nonmember has accumulated in the nonmember’s account the sum necessary for membership, or has accumulated the sum but, within 30 days of being notified of the accumulation, neither requests nor agrees to become a member, or fails to comply with the provisions of this subtitle or the bylaws for admission to membership, then the amount so accumulated or paid may, if the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide, be added to the general funds of the cooperative.
(ii)
Thereafter no subscriber patron or nonmember may have any further rights in that paid-in capital or accumulated credits.
(c)
This subtitle does not prevent a cooperative engaged in providing goods, facilities, or services from using the net savings in a manner calculated to lower the fees charged for goods, facilities, or services or otherwise to further the common benefit of the members.
(d)
This subtitle does not prevent a cooperative from adopting a system by which the payment of net savings, which would otherwise be distributed, is deferred for a fixed period of time, nor from adopting a system by which the net savings distributed are partly in cash, stock, membership capital, debt instruments, goods, or services.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-23 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-23LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Each cooperative shall have an audit committee as specified in its bylaws.
(2)
At least annually, the audit committee shall audit, or cause to have audited, the affairs of the cooperative and make a full report on the audit to the board of directors, the meeting of delegates, and the annual membership meeting.
(3)
A report for the previous fiscal year shall be read or presented in written form at the annual meeting of members of the cooperative and kept with the records of the cooperative.
(b)
Every cooperative shall prepare within 120 days of the close of its operations for each fiscal year, as specified in its articles of incorporation or bylaws, a report of its conditions which shall be available for inspection by the members of the cooperative. The report shall state, at a minimum:
(1)
The names, addresses, occupations, and date of expiration of the terms of the directors and officers;
(2)
The amount and nature of the cooperative’s authorized, subscribed, and paid-in capital, the par value of its stock, and the rate at which any return upon capital has been paid. For nonstock cooperatives, the annual report shall state the total number of members and the amount of membership equity received or allocated;
(3)
The annual receipts, annual expenditures, assets, and liabilities of the cooperative; and
(4)
The audit committee report or the report of the auditors.
(c)
A copy of this annual report shall be kept on file at the principal office of the cooperative and be made available to the members during regular business hours.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-24 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-24LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a cooperative may consolidate, merge, transfer assets, dissolve, or divide in the manner provided in Title 3 of this article.
(2)
(i)
In the case of a cooperative with more than 10,000 voting members, wherever Title 3 of this article requires the affirmative vote of the members or stockholders, the members and stockholders entitled to vote shall approve the consolidation, merger, transfer of assets, dissolution, or division in the manner provided for in § 5–5A–21(a)(3) of this subtitle for amendments to the articles of incorporation.
(ii)
This provision is reserved for the members and may not be the prerogative of the delegates.
(b)
(1)
A cooperative may, with proper notice, at any regular or special meeting of its members, be dissolved by a vote of two–thirds of the membership voting in person or by mail ballot. This right of dissolution is a right reserved for the membership and not the right of the delegates.
(2)
On affirmative vote to dissolve the cooperative, 3 members shall be elected as trustees by a majority vote of the members voting at that regular or special meeting.
(3)
The trustees, on behalf of the cooperative and within a time fixed in their designation or within any extension thereof, shall liquidate the assets of the cooperative and distribute the assets in the manner set forth in this section.
(c)
A suit for involuntary dissolution of the cooperative organized under this subtitle may be instituted for the causes and prosecuted in the manner set forth in the general corporate law of Maryland. Assets shall be distributed in a manner set forth in this subtitle.
(d)
When a cooperative is dissolved, its assets shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(1)
By paying its debts and expenses;
(2)
By returning to the members the lesser of par value or book value of their shares, their membership capital, or allocated equity;
(3)
By returning to the subscribers the lesser of par value or book value of amounts paid on their subscriptions;
(4)
By returning to eligible patrons the lesser of par value or book value of the amount of net savings credited to their accounts toward the purchase of shares or membership; and
(5)
By distributing any surplus as a gift to another cooperative or to a nonprofit, tax–exempt enterprise.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-25 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-25LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A cooperative may divide itself into 2 or more cooperatives under this subtitle.
(2)
A written plan of division shall be prepared by the board or by a committee selected by the board for that purpose.
(3)
The plan shall set forth all the terms of the division and its proposed effect on all members and stockholders of the cooperative.
(4)
The plan shall contain the articles of incorporation of each new cooperative being formed and any amendments to the articles of incorporation of the remaining cooperative.
(b)
The members and stockholders entitled to vote shall approve the plan in the manner provided for amendments to the articles of incorporation. This provision is reserved for the members and may not be the prerogative of the delegates.
(c)
(1)
Articles of division shall set forth the approved plan and shall be filed and recorded as an amendment to the articles of incorporation.
(2)
Each part of the plan that contains the articles of incorporation of a new cooperative shall be filed separately and recorded as articles of incorporation for the new cooperative.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-26 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-26LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Any entity operating on a cooperative basis as of the effective date of this subtitle may elect to secure the benefits of and be bound by this subtitle.
(2)
If the entity elects to secure the benefits of this subtitle, it shall amend its articles and bylaws to conform with this subtitle.
(3)
Consumer cooperatives organized before July 1, 1985, shall be considered to be in compliance, except that any subsequent amendments to their articles of incorporation or bylaws shall conform to this subtitle.
(b)
All consumer cooperatives organized on or after July 1, 1985, shall conform to this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-27 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-27LinkCopy Citation
The fact that economic activity of a cooperative or of a cooperative’s subsidiaries or related entities is organized under this subtitle may not in itself cause the activity to be considered a conspiracy, a combination in restraint of trade, an illegal monopoly, or an attempt to lessen competition or fix prices arbitrarily.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-28 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-28LinkCopy Citation
Cooperative stock, membership interest, or other evidence of membership capital is not a security under the Maryland Securities Act or any law related to that Act.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-29 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-29LinkCopy Citation
The Maryland General Corporation Laws are applicable to cooperatives, except to the extent that the Maryland General Corporation Law expressly exempts cooperatives or is contrary to or inconsistent with this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 5-5A-30 (2026)
Title 5. Special Types of Corporations
Subtitle 5A. Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act
§ 5–5A-30LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Consumer Cooperative Act”.