<section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-101" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Advertisement” means the publication, dissemination, or circulation of any oral or written matter, including labeling, which directly or indirectly tends to induce a person to enter into an obligation, sign a contract, or acquire title or interest in any merchandise, real property, intangibles, or service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Advertisement” includes every device to disguise any form of business solicitation by using:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A word such as “renewal”, “invoice”, “bill”, “statement”, or “reminder” to create an impression of an existing obligation if there is none; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Other language to mislead a person in relation to a proposed commercial transaction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer” means an actual or prospective purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods, consumer services, consumer realty, or consumer credit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A co–obligor or surety for a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A licensee or recipient of computer information or computer programs under a consumer contract as defined in § 22–102 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An individual who sells or offers for sale to a merchant consumer goods or consumer realty that the individual acquired primarily for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A fraternal, religious, civic, patriotic, educational, or charitable organization that purchases, rents, or leases goods or services for the benefit of the members of the organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer credit”, “consumer debts”, “consumer goods”, “consumer realty”, and “consumer services” mean, respectively, credit, debts or obligations, goods, real property, and services which are primarily for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer goods” and “consumer services” include, respectively, goods and services which are purchased, rented, or leased by a fraternal, religious, civic, patriotic, educational, or charitable organization for the benefit of the members of the organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Merchandise” means any commodity, object, wares, or goods.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Merchant” means a person who directly or indirectly either offers or makes available to consumers any consumer goods, consumer services, consumer realty, or consumer credit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Merchant” includes a person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Who directly or indirectly purchases or offers to purchase any consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whose business includes paying off consumer debt in connection with the purchase of any consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Person” includes an individual, corporation, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Sale” includes any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sale of or offer or attempt to sell merchandise, real property, or intangibles for cash or credit; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Service or offer for service which relates to any person, building, or equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Service” means any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Building repair or improvement service;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subprofessional service;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Repair of a motor vehicle, home appliance, or other similar commodity; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Repair, installation, or other servicing of any plumbing, heating, electrical, or mechanical device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice” has the meaning stated in Subtitle 3 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-101.1" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>The provisions of this title apply to the subject matter of a consumer contract as defined in § 22-102 of this article in the same manner they apply to consumer goods and consumer services.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-102" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The General Assembly of Maryland finds that consumer protection is one of the major issues which confront all levels of government, and that there has been mounting concern over the increase of deceptive practices in connection with sales of merchandise, real property, and services and the extension of credit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The General Assembly recognizes that there are federal and State laws which offer protection in these areas, especially insofar as consumer credit practices are concerned, but it finds that existing laws are inadequate, poorly coordinated and not widely known or adequately enforced.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The General Assembly of Maryland also finds, as a result of public hearings in some of the metropolitan counties during the 1973 interim, that improved enforcement procedures are necessary to help alleviate the growing problem of deceptive consumer practices and urges that favorable consideration be given to requests for increased budget allocation for increases in staff and other measures tending to improve the enforcement capabilities or increase the authority of the Division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>It is the intention of this legislation to set certain minimum statewide standards for the protection of consumers across the State, and the General Assembly strongly urges that local subdivisions which have created consumer protection agencies at the local level encourage the function of these agencies at least to the minimum level set forth in the standards of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The General Assembly is concerned that public confidence in merchants offering goods, services, realty, and credit is being undermined, although the majority of business people operate with integrity and sincere regard for the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The General Assembly concludes, therefore, that it should take strong protective and preventive steps to investigate unlawful consumer practices, to assist the public in obtaining relief from these practices, and to prevent these practices from occurring in Maryland. It is the purpose of this title to accomplish these ends and thereby maintain the health and welfare of the citizens of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-103" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This title is intended to provide minimum standards for the protection of consumers in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county, Baltimore City, municipality, or agency of either may adopt, within the scope of its authority, more stringent provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this title shall be enforced by each agency of the State within the scope of its authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-104" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The professional services of a certified public accountant, architect, clergyman, professional engineer, lawyer, veterinarian, insurance company authorized to do business in the State, insurance producer licensed by the State, Christian Science practitioner, land surveyor, property line surveyor, chiropractor, optometrist, physical therapist, podiatrist, real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson, or medical or dental practitioner;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A public service company, to the extent that the company’s services and operations are regulated by the Public Service Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A television or radio broadcasting station or a publisher or printer of a newspaper, magazine, or other form of printed advertising who broadcasts, publishes, or prints an advertisement which violates this title, unless the station, publisher, or printer engages in an unfair or deceptive trade practice in the sale of its own goods or services or has knowledge that the advertising is in violation of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-105" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title shall be construed and applied liberally to promote its purpose. It is the intent of the General Assembly that in construing the term “unfair or deceptive trade practices”, due consideration and weight be given to the interpretations of § 5 (a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act by the Federal Trade Commission and the federal courts.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-201" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Division of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division shall administer this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-202" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Consumer Protection Commission in the Division.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall advise the Division on general goals for the development of programs, undertake studies and issue reports, and foster cooperation among federal, State, and local agencies and private groups.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Division Chief; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The members appointed by the Governor shall be divided into three categories, as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Three members to represent consumer groups or interests;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Three members to represent business groups or interests; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Three members to represent the public sector.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The term of membership is six years, except that, of the original appointees, one of each category shall serve a six–year term, one of each category shall serve a four–year term, and one of each category shall serve a two–year term.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A member serves until his successor is appointed and qualified.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An appointment to a vacancy in an unexpired term is limited to the remainder of that term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for all expenses reasonably incurred.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission shall elect annually a chair from among its members and appoint a secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-203" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <text>In addition to any other of his powers and duties, the Attorney General:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly legislation to protect the public from fraudulent promoters and the schemes they propose;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall appoint an assistant, whose salary shall be as provided in the budget, to perform the duties of assistant Attorney General in charge of consumer protection;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall employ the investigators and clerical staff which he considers necessary to carry out the purpose of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>May use the funds and employ the media which he considers necessary to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fully acquaint the public and business community with the provisions of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Educate the public as to nefarious schemes which might be foisted on the public;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Generally study consumer problems from the standpoint of value received by the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Report periodically to the public.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-204" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any other of its powers and duties, the Division has the powers and duties to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receive and investigate complaints from any person affected by any potential or actual violation of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Initiate its own investigation of any unfair or deceptive trade practice;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with § 13–402 of this title, conciliate all matters covered by this title;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In accordance with § 13–403 of this title, issue a cease and desist order with respect to any practice found by the Division to be an unfair or deceptive trade practice;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In cooperation with the Maryland Department of Labor, suspend or revoke the license of any merchant who refuses to cease and desist from engaging in an unfair or deceptive trade practice;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Report to the appropriate law enforcement officer any information concerning violations of any consumer protection law;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Assist, advise, and cooperate with local and federal agencies and officials to protect and promote the interests of consumers in the State;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Assist, develop, and conduct programs of consumer education and information through publications and other materials prepared for distribution to consumers;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Undertake activities to encourage business and industry to maintain high standards of honesty, fair business practices, and public responsibility in the production, promotion, and sale or lease or rental of consumer goods, consumer realty, and consumer services and in the extension of consumer credit;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Assess against any violator of this title the costs of investigation by the Division and damages which flow from the improper, incomplete or untimely restitution by the violator to the consumer of money, property, or other thing received from the consumer in connection with a violation of this title;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Exercise and perform any other function, power, and duty appropriate to protect and promote the welfare of consumers;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>In accordance with § 13–205 of this subtitle, adopt rules, regulations, and standards which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are necessary to assure the orderly operation of the Division; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Further define unfair or deceptive trade practices for purposes of this title;</text> </level> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Enter into reciprocal agreements with consumer protection agencies of other states, in which each state mutually agrees to receive and investigate complaints from the foreign state’s consumer protection agency on behalf of their consumers against businesses in the receiving and investigating state;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Maintain a list of nonprofit organizations that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Solely offer counseling or advice to homeowners in foreclosure or loan default; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are not directly or indirectly related to and do not contract for services with for–profit lenders or foreclosure purchasers, as defined in § 7–301 of the Real Property Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="15"> <level label="i"> <text>Bring a civil action for damages or an action under this title against a person who violates § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article on behalf of a victim of the offense or, if the victim is deceased, the victim’s estate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recover damages under this item for property loss or damage; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the Division prevails in an action brought under this item, recover the costs of the action for the use of the Office of the Attorney General; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="16"> <level label="i"> <text>Bring a civil action for damages or an action under this title on behalf of a susceptible adult or older adult who is authorized to bring a cause of action under § 13–603 of the Estates and Trusts Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Division prevails in an action brought under this item, recover the costs of the action for the use of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A conviction for an offense under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article is not a prerequisite for maintenance of an action under subsection (a)(15) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-205" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>After obtaining the advice of the Consumer Protection Commission and holding a public hearing, the Division may adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and standards appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle, including rules, regulations, or standards which further define specific unfair or deceptive trade practices.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>These rules, regulations, and standards may not modify, expand or conflict with the definitions or standards set forth in this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any publication of notice required to be made in the Maryland Register by the State Documents Law, a notice of the hearing shall be published in two daily newspapers at least 15 days before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Division adopts a rule, regulation, or standard, it shall issue a concise statement of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The reasons for adoption; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any reasons against adoption which were rejected by the Division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Any bona fide consumer group or trade association, the members of which are directly affected by a rule, regulation, or standard, has standing to challenge it in the name of the group or the association, even though the group or association may not be directly affected by the rule, regulation, or standard.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A challenge to a rule, regulation, or standard shall be made in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Copies of each rule, regulation, and standard shall be filed in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and the State Documents Law and shall be made available to the public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-206" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council"> <level label="a"> <text>As used in this section, “legal assistance organization” means a firm, group, corporation, or other entity which recommends, furnishes, arranges, or pays for legal services for its own members or beneficiaries, whether or not for profit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A legal assistance organization may not sell or offer its services for sale in Maryland except in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A legal assistance organization annually shall file a report with the Division of its activities and its financial condition.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A legal assistance organization which sells or offers its legal services in the State is subject to the powers and duties of the Division within this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-301" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices include any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>False, falsely disparaging, or misleading oral or written statement, visual description, or other representation of any kind which has the capacity, tendency, or effect of deceiving or misleading consumers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Representation that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services have a sponsorship, approval, accessory, characteristic, ingredient, use, benefit, or quantity which they do not have;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A merchant has a sponsorship, approval, status, affiliation, or connection which he does not have;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Deteriorated, altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, or secondhand consumer goods are original or new; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style, or model which they are not;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Failure to state a material fact if the failure deceives or tends to deceive;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Disparagement of the goods, realty, services, or business of another by a false or misleading representation of a material fact;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Advertisement or offer of consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Without intent to sell, lease, or rent them as advertised or offered; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>With intent not to supply reasonably expected public demand, unless the advertisement or offer discloses a limitation of quantity or other qualifying condition;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>False or misleading representation of fact which concerns:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The reason for or the existence or amount of a price reduction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A price in comparison to a price of a competitor or to one’s own price at a past or future time;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Knowingly false statement that a service, replacement, or repair is needed;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>False statement which concerns the reason for offering or supplying consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services at sale or discount prices;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Deception, fraud, false pretense, false premise, misrepresentation, or knowing concealment, suppression, or omission of any material fact with the intent that a consumer rely on the same in connection with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The promotion or sale of any consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer service;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A contract or other agreement for the evaluation, perfection, marketing, brokering or promotion of an invention; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The subsequent performance of a merchant with respect to an agreement of sale, lease, or rental;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Solicitations of sales or services over the telephone without first clearly, affirmatively, and expressly stating:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The solicitor’s name and the trade name of a person represented by the solicitor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The purpose of the telephone conversation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The kind of merchandise, real property, intangibles, or service solicited;</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Use of any plan or scheme in soliciting sales or services over the telephone that misrepresents the solicitor’s true status or mission;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Use of a contract related to a consumer transaction which contains a confessed judgment clause that waives the consumer’s right to assert a legal defense to an action;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Use by a seller, who is in the business of selling consumer realty, of a contract related to the sale of single family residential consumer realty, including condominiums and town houses, that contains a clause limiting or precluding the buyer’s right to obtain consequential damages as a result of the seller’s breach or cancellation of the contract;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Violation of a provision of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>This title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An order of the Attorney General or agreement of a party relating to unit pricing under Title 14, Subtitle 1 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 2 of this article, the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 3 of this article, the Maryland Door–to–Door Sales Act;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 9 of this article, Kosher Products;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 10 of this article, Automotive Repair Facilities;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Section 14–1302 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 11 of this article, Maryland Layaway Sales Act;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Section 22–415 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 20 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 15 of this article, the Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 21 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>Section 18–107 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 22 of this article, the Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 23 of this article, the Automotive Crash Parts Act;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>Title 10, Subtitle 6 of the Real Property Article;</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 25 of this article, the Hearing Aid Sales Act;</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 26 of this article, the Maryland Door–to–Door Solicitations Act;</text> </level> <level label="xix"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 31 of this article, the Maryland Household Goods Movers Act;</text> </level> <level label="xx"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 32 of this article, the Maryland Telephone Consumer Protection Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxi"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 34 of this article, the Social Security Number Privacy Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 37 of this article, the Online Child Safety Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxiii"> <text>Section 14–1319, § 14–1320, or § 14–1322 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xxiv"> <text>Section 7–304 or § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxv"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 3 of the Real Property Article, the Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxvi"> <text>Title 6, Subtitle 13 of the Environment Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxvii"> <text>Section 7–405(e)(2)(ii) of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxviii"> <text>Title 12, Subtitle 10 of the Financial Institutions Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxix"> <text>Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Business Regulation Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxx"> <text>Section 15–311.3 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxi"> <text>Section 14–1324 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxii"> <text>Section 14–1326 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxiii"> <text>The federal Military Lending Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxxiv"> <text>The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act;</text> </level> <level label="xxxv"> <text>Section 11–210 of the Education Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxvi"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 44 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxvii"> <text>Section 14–905 of the Real Property Article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxviii"> <text>Section 14–1327 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xxxix"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 13 of the Public Safety Article;</text> </level> <level label="xl"> <text>Section 12–6C–09.1 of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="xli"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 45 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xlii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 46 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xliii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 47 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xliv"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 48 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xlv"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 49 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xlvi"> <text>Section 14–2904 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xlvii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 50 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="xlviii"> <text>Section 13–411.1(c)(2) of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="xlix"> <text>Section 14–1329 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>Section 14–1330 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="li"> <text>Title 7, Subtitle 4B of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="lii"> <text>Section 21–259.2 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="liii"> <text>Title 14, Subtitle 15A of this article;</text> </level> <level label="liv"> <text>Title 5, Subtitle 7B of the Business Regulation Article; or</text> </level> <level label="lv"> <text>Section 14–1332 of this article; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Act or omission that relates to a residential building and that is chargeable as a misdemeanor under or otherwise violates a provision of the Energy Conservation Building Standards Act, Title 7, Subtitle 4 of the Public Utilities Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-302" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>Any practice prohibited by this title is a violation of this title, whether or not any consumer in fact has been misled, deceived, or damaged as a result of that practice.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-303" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>A person may not engage in any unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice, as defined in this subtitle or as further defined by the Division, in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of any consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The offer for sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The offer for sale of course credit or other educational services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The extension of consumer credit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The collection of consumer debts; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The purchase or offer for purchase of consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer by a merchant whose business includes paying off consumer debt in connection with the purchase of any consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-304" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>A seller may not use any general referral sales technique, plan, arrangement, or agreement by which a buyer is induced to purchase merchandise, real property, or intangibles on the representation or promise of the seller that if the buyer furnishes to the seller the names of other prospective buyers of like or identical merchandise, real property, or intangibles, he will receive a reduction in purchase price by means of a cash rebate, commission, or credit toward balance due or any other consideration.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-305" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Trading stamps, as defined by § 13–101 of the Business Regulation Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State lottery tickets issued under the authority of Title 9, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Retail promotions, not involving the offer of gifts and prizes, which offer savings on consumer goods or services including “one–cent sales”, “two–for–the–price–of–one–sales”, or manufacturer’s “cents–off” coupons;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Games of skill competition not involving sales promotion efforts; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A savings promotion raffle conducted by a depository institution under § 1–211 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not notify any other person by any means, as part of an advertising scheme or plan, that the other person has won a prize, received an award, or has been selected or is eligible to receive anything of value if the other person is required to purchase goods or services, pay any money to participate in, or submit to a sales promotion effort.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the exceptions provided in subsection (a) of this section, subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit the offer of prizes requiring the person to purchase other goods and services if the retail price of the prize offered does not exceed the greater of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$40; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lesser of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>20% of the purchase price of the goods or services that must be purchased; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$400.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The exception provided in subsection (c) of this section does not apply to the offer of a prize requiring the person either to pay any money to participate in or to submit to a sales promotion effort, or to a prize promotion involving the award of prizes by chance.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>When a person offers prizes in a sales promotion effort relating to the sale, lease, or rental of real property not prohibited by this section, that person shall disclose to each offeree, in writing, clearly and conspicuously:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That the purpose of the sales promotion effort is to solicit the purchase, lease, or rental of real property;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The exact number of each prize offered in each category to be made available during the sales promotion;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The manufacturer’s suggested retail price or comparable retail price of each prize offered;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>If calculable in advance, the odds against winning each prize; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If not calculable in advance, a statement to that effect, or that the odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Whether all prizes offered will be awarded and when a determination of winners will be made; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If prizes with retail prices or monetary values in excess of $100 are offered, where and when a list of winners of those prizes can be obtained.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Where provisions of law or regulations relating to the awarding of prizes in the sale, lease, or rental of real property exist, including § 11A–119 of the Real Property Article, the provisions of those laws or regulations shall apply if the provisions are more stringent than this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a person offers a contest, sweepstakes, or other sales promotion effort not prohibited by this section, involving the award of prizes by chance, that person shall disclose to each offeree in writing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The exact number of each prize offered in each category to be made available during the contest, sweepstakes, or sales promotion;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or comparable retail price, of each prize offered;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If calculable in advance, the odds against winning each prize and if not calculable in advance, a statement that the odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Whether all prizes offered will be awarded and when a determination of winners will be made;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>What, if any, conditions must be met in order to receive a prize;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If prizes with retail prices or monetary values in excess of $100 are offered, where and when a list of winners of those prizes can be obtained; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>That in order to receive the prize offered in the sales promotion you may not be required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Purchase goods or services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Pay any money; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Where applicable, submit to a sales promotion effort.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>If a person offers a contest, sweepstakes, or other sales promotion effort not prohibited by this section, not involving the award of prizes by chance, that person shall disclose to each offeree in writing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or comparable retail price of each prize offered;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>What, if any, conditions must be met in order to receive a prize; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That in order to receive the prize offered in the sales promotion you may not be required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Purchase goods or services, unless the retail price of the prize is within the limits set by subsection (c) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Pay any money; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Where applicable, submit to a sales promotion effort.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The disclosures shall appear on the first page of the prize notification document.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-306" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>If a gift or other inducement offered to a customer in exchange for business is not available at the time the customer complies with the conditions attached to the offer, the offeror shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give the customer a certificate which states in unequivocal language that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The customer has complied with the conditions which entitle him to receive the gift or other inducement; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The offeror will give the customer an identical or substantially similar item of equal value on presentment of the certificate; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fully comply with the terms of the certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The certificate may designate a period of not less than 90 days after the date the customer receives the certificate within which the certificate must be presented for redemption.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-307" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Home appliance” means any device the retail cost of which exceeds $100 and which is generally used in a private residence;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Home appliance” includes an air conditioner, washing machine, dishwasher, television set, stereo set, oil burner, and any similar item.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Repair company” means any person who repairs home appliances for a fee or consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a repair company shall furnish a written bill for the cost of repairing a home appliance to the person for whom the repair was made. The bill shall include the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The hourly labor rate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The time actually used to repair the home appliance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The itemized cost of any new parts used to repair the home appliance;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The itemized cost of any used or reconditioned parts used to repair the home appliance and a statement that used or reconditioned parts were used; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other charges.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The repair work is done under a service contract; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A flat price or firm estimate is given before repair of the home appliance.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-308" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell or distribute an electrical consumer product which is intended ultimately for the personal use of a consumer in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, unless the product is clearly labeled, marked, or stamped with the symbol of an electrical testing laboratory which is certified by the State Fire Marshal to test products to determine that they are safe for use.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General and the State Fire Marshal shall each enforce this section under the enforcement powers provided in this title and in the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fire department of Baltimore City shall report to the Division any violation of this section which it finds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-309" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>An electrical extension cord which conducts electrical current in commercial or household use shall be labeled to designate the maximum number of amperes it may safely conduct.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer who sells or causes to be sold an electrical extension cord without a label as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for each sale.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-310" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to nonprofit organizations.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who sells reserved seat tickets for an athletic, recreational, cultural, or entertainment event shall display prominently at the ticket-sale location a seating plan which clearly shows the location of every reserved seat and every physical obstruction to the viewing of the event.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-310.1" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Resale” means the second or subsequent sale of a ticket.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Resale” includes a sale by any means, including in person, by telephone, by mail, by e–mail, by facsimile, or through a website or other electronic means.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Reseller” means a person engaged in the resale of tickets.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Secondary ticket exchange” means an electronic marketplace that enables a person to sell, purchase, and resell tickets.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>“Speculative ticket” means a ticket that is not in the actual or constructive possession of a reseller at the time of sale, advertisement, or listing.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Speculative ticket” includes a ticket sold by a reseller that, at the time of resale:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not in the physical possession of the reseller;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not owned by the reseller; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is not under contract to be transferred to the reseller.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Ticket” means physical, electronic, or other evidence, that grants the possessor of the evidence license to enter a place of entertainment for one or more events at a specified date and time.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Ticket issuer” means a person that, directly or indirectly, issues initial tickets for an entertainment event.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Ticket issuer” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A musician or musical group;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An operator of a venue;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A sponsor or a promoter of an entertainment event;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A sports team participating in an entertainment event;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A sports league whose teams are participating in an entertainment event;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A theater company;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A marketplace operated for consumers to make an initial purchase of tickets; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>An agent of any of the persons listed in items 1 through 7 of this subparagraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to secondary ticket exchanges, ticket issuers, and resellers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The listing for a ticket and each step of a transaction to purchase a ticket shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Clearly and conspicuously disclose the total price of the ticket, including all fees and taxes other than shipping costs that are not determinable at a step in the transaction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide an itemized listing of all charges that comprise the total price of the ticket, including all fees and taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Identify the seat number and zone or section of the ticket, to the extent applicable to the seat and venue.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The total price of a ticket under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection may be increased in a noninitial step of a transaction by the amount of reasonable shipping costs for physically delivered tickets.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The shipping costs allowed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may vary with the purchaser’s location relative to the shipment’s location of origin and the delivery method selected by the purchaser.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The total price of the ticket, including all fees, taxes, and shipping costs, shall be clearly and conspicuously disclosed prior to final purchase of the ticket.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A reseller may not sell or offer to sell speculative tickets.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A secondary ticket exchange may not provide a marketplace for the sale or resale of a ticket that violates this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A ticket issuer, secondary ticket exchange, or reseller who directly engages in a sales transaction with a purchaser for the purchase of a ticket shall provide the purchaser with a full refund of the total amount paid, including the price of the ticket and any fees and taxes, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The ticket purchased is counterfeit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The event for which the ticket is purchased is canceled; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The ticket fails to conform to the description as advertised or represented to the purchaser by the seller.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-311" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>A seller may not require as a condition of sale of any merchandise that the purchaser of the merchandise enter into a contract for the service of that merchandise.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-312" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>Any subpoena served on an entity which issues a credit card to a person in this State for information relating to the person’s account shall contain a certification that complies with § 1-304 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-313" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell or distribute cellulose or foam insulating material which is intended ultimately for the installation in a permanent or temporary household or residence, unless the insulating material meets minimum standards of fire retardancy established by the State Fire Prevention Commission or the federal government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The standards of fire retardancy shall be based on the results of tests conducted by a recognized fire testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who sells or distributes cellulose or foam insulating material shall file with the State Fire Marshal a statement, on a form prescribed by the State Fire Marshal, for each brand and type of insulating material sold or distributed by the person, that the brand or type meets the fire retardancy standards established by the State Fire Prevention Commission or the federal government.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General and the State Fire Marshal shall each enforce this section under the enforcement powers provided in this title and in the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fire department of Baltimore City shall report to the Division of Consumer Protection any violation of this section which it finds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-314" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>A person who places any advertisement that represents that any person can earn money at home by stuffing or addressing envelopes, mailing circulars, clipping newspaper or magazine articles, or performing similar work:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall pay compensation to others for performing the represented tasks; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not require the person who will perform the represented tasks to advance any monetary payment or deposit to the person who placed the advertisement on any instructional booklets, brochures, kits, programs or similar information materials, mailing lists, directories, memberships in cooperative associations, or other items or services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-315" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>A person may not sell or install a temperature activated attic fan unless the fan has a preset, nonadjustable firestat or a fusible link.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-316" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Mortgage” includes a mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, or other lien on 1 to 4 family residential real estate located in this State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Servicer” means a person responsible for collection and payment of principal, interest, escrow, and other money under an original mortgage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 7 days of acquiring mortgage servicing, a servicer shall send to the mortgagor a written notice containing the following information regarding the mortgage on the date of transfer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the new servicer and the address where mortgage payments are to be forwarded;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The principal balance and escrow balance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The telephone number of the contact designated under subsection (c) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The responsibilities of the contact under subsection (c) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A statement that the servicer’s violation of this section will result in the servicer being held liable under subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A servicer shall designate a contact to whom mortgagors may direct complaints and inquiries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The contact shall respond in writing to each written complaint or inquiry within 15 days if requested.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A servicer shall make timely payments of the taxes or insurance premiums due under the mortgage so long as the mortgagor has paid an amount sufficient to pay the tax or insurance premium due and, with regard to the taxes, so long as the servicer is in possession of either the tax bill or notice from the taxing authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A servicer shall make timely payment of the water and sewer facilities assessments due under a lien on the residential real property for public water and wastewater facilities provided that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The mortgagor has paid an amount sufficient to pay the assessment due; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The servicer is in possession of the assessment bill.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a servicer fails to comply with any provision of this section, the servicer is liable for any economic damages caused by the violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties provided in this section are in addition to any other applicable remedies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A servicer shall provide a toll–free telephone number through which any borrower residing in this State may direct telephone inquiries on outstanding loans during regular business hours.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-317" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, as a condition of accepting a credit card or device as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services, a person may not record the address or telephone number of the credit card holder.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may record the address or telephone number of a credit card holder if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The information is necessary for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The shipping, delivery, or installation of consumer goods; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Special orders of consumer goods or services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorization from the credit card issuer as to the availability of credit is not required by the issuer to complete the credit card transaction; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person processes credit card transactions by mailing transaction forms to a designated bankcard center for settlement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person accepting a credit card or device as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services may request that the credit card holder display a form of identification.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-318" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Draft” does not include a credit or debit card sales draft.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Drawer” means the individual who makes or signs a check or other draft.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, as a condition of accepting a check or other draft as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services, a person may not request or record the account number of any credit card of the drawer of the check or other draft.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section do not prohibit a person from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requesting the drawer to display a credit card for purposes only of identification or credit worthiness;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Requesting or recording the type or issuer of a credit card of the drawer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recording the number and expiration date of a credit card if the person requesting the information has agreed with the credit card issuer to cash checks as a service to the issuer’s cardholders and the issuer has agreed to guarantee payment of cardholder checks cashed by that person.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-319" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <text>If a merchant advertises a rebate for consumer goods that is available only if a consumer mails in a rebate form, the advertisement shall clearly state that the rebate is only available by mail. </text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-320" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <text>A private career school or for–profit institution of higher education, as defined under § 10–101 of the Education Article, or a for–profit institution of higher education that is required to register with the Maryland Higher Education Commission under § 11–202.2 of the Education Article, may not enroll a student in a program that is intended to lead to employment in a field that requires licensure or certification in the State if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Successful completion of the educational course offerings in the program at the private career school or for–profit institution of higher education will not meet the State educational requirements for licensure or certification;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State entity that licenses or certifies individuals in the field requires as a condition of licensure or certification that the private career school or for–profit institution of higher education attended by the individual satisfies a statutory or regulatory requirement, and the school does not satisfy the requirement; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The private career school or for–profit institution of higher education is aware or reasonably should have been aware of any other factors that may lead to the ineligibility of the student to pursue or obtain licensure or certification in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a prospective student signs an enrollment agreement, completes registration, or makes a financial commitment to a private career school, for–profit institution of higher education, or for–profit institution of higher education that is required to register with the Commission, the school or institution shall provide to the student the following information:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total cost of attendance for the program, as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1087ll;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The length of the program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number of clock or credit hours, or the equivalent information;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The school’s or institution’s cancellation and refund policy;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The program’s completion rates for both full–time and part–time students;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The program’s withdrawal rates;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The median combined loan debt for federal loans, institutional loans, and private loans certified by the school or institution, for all students who completed the program during the most recently completed award year;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The placement rate for the program, if the school or institution is required by its accrediting agency to calculate a placement rate for the program, or the school or institution, or both, using the required methodology of the accrediting agency;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Whether the program satisfies the applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>The median earnings of former students of the school or institution who received federal financial aid at 10 years after entering the school or institution, as reported on the College Scorecard, if available.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The information described under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be prominently displayed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In a letter or e–mail to a prospective student that does not contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Information about a program other than the program in which the student has expressed interest; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other substantive information; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On the website of each school or institution that is available to a prospective student without the necessity of providing any personal information about the student.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The school or institution shall maintain records of the school’s or institution’s efforts to provide the information described under paragraph (1) of this subsection to a prospective student for at least 5 years after the student enrolls at the school or institution.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-321" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consent” has the meaning stated in § 14–4701 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Dynamic pricing” means the discriminatory practice of offering or setting a personalized price for a good or service that is specific to a consumer based on the consumer’s personal data, regardless of whether the seller collected or purchased the personal data.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Food retailer” means a merchant that operates a business establishment that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has a minimum of 15,000 square feet; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sells food that is exempt from the sales and use tax in accordance with § 11–206(c) of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Personal data” has the meaning stated in § 14–4701 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Protected class data” means information about an individual or group of individuals that, alone or in combination, directly or by implication identifies a characteristic that is legally protected from discrimination under the laws of the State or under federal law.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Third–party delivery service provider” means a merchant that facilitates as a consumer service the delivery of food that is exempt from the sales and use tax in accordance with § 11–206(c) of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Third–party delivery service provider” does not include a food retailer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Using promotional pricing offers, loyalty program benefits, or other temporary discounts or changes to pricing related to retention of existing customers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Setting a different price based on objective costs attributable to providing consumer goods or services to different consumers, such as a difference in price caused by shipping costs or taxes based on a consumer’s physical location;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Setting a different price based on costs or differences in supply or demand associated with providing or selling a good or service in different locations or geographies;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Setting a different price based on costs associated with the availability or supply of the good or service;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Offering a price to a consumer through a loyalty, membership, or rewards program in which any consumer may voluntarily enroll or consent to participate;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Offering a price to a consumer in connection with a subscription–based contract or agreement;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Offering a price to a consumer who consents to providing personal data or other information in exchange for obtaining the price;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Correcting a price resulting from a pricing error; or</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Resetting a price following a system or network outage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A food retailer or third–party delivery service provider may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Engage in dynamic pricing to set a higher price for food that is exempt from the sales and use tax in accordance with § 11–206(c) of the Tax – General Article for a specific consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Use personal data to set a higher price for food that is exempt from the sales and use tax under § 11–206(c) of the Tax – General Article for a single consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A food retailer or third–party delivery service provider may not use protected class data to offer, advertise, or sell a consumer good or service to a consumer for whom the protected class data pertains if the use of the protected class data has the effect of withholding or denying from the consumer an accommodation, an advantage, or a privilege accorded to others.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Before initiating an enforcement action under Subtitle 4 of this title for a violation of this section, the Division shall issue a notice of violation to the alleged violator.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division shall provide the alleged violator 45 days after the notice of violation is received to cure the violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the alleged violator cures the violation within the time period specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Division may not initiate an enforcement action for a violation of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section may not be construed to authorize a private right of action under this section or any other law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-401" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A consumer who is subjected to a violation of this title may file with the Division a written complaint which states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and address of the person alleged to have committed the violation complained of;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The particulars of the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other information required by the Division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After the filing of a complaint, the Division shall investigate the allegations to ascertain issues and facts. If appropriate, the Division shall refer a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Division may seek the cooperation of the licensing authorities and contracting departments of the State in connection with its investigation of a person who is licensed to do business in the State or who has a contractual relationship with the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the Division determines that the complaint lacks reasonable grounds on which to base a violation of this subtitle, it may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Dismiss the complaint; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conduct any further investigation it considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section does not prevent a consumer from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Exercising any right or seeking any remedy to which he might otherwise be entitled; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Filing a complaint with any other agency or court.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-402" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Division determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, it shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), attempt to conciliate the matter by methods of conference and persuasion with all interested parties and any representatives which they may choose to assist them.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Division determines that violations are occurring which are causing immediate, substantial and irreparable injury, the Attorney General may seek an ex parte or interlocutory injunction pursuant to § 13–406 of this subtitle, without first attempting conciliation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of any conciliation agreed to by the parties may be made part of a written assurance of discontinuance or settlement agreement to be signed by the Division and each party. The assurance or agreement is for conciliation purposes only and does not constitute an admission by any party that the law has been violated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A written assurance of discontinuance or a settlement agreement may include a stipulation or condition for the violator or alleged violator to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Pay the costs of investigation by the Division;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make restitution to the consumer of money, property, or any other thing received from the consumer in connection with a violation or alleged violation of this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Pay economic damages;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Post a performance bond or other security; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Provide information to the Division that is appropriate to assist the public in obtaining relief or to prevent future violations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When a violator or alleged violator agrees or is ordered to post a performance bond or other security, in determining the amount of security to be posted, the Division shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The nature of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of money, property, or any other thing received from the consumer in connection with the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Whether full restitution has been paid to the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The risk of future harm to consumers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In addition to the stipulations and conditions listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Division may use any other stipulation, condition, or remedy necessary to correct a violation of this title.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A cease and desist order issued under § 13–403 of this subtitle may include any stipulation or condition listed in this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>It is a violation of this title to fail to adhere to any provision contained in a written assurance of discontinuance or settlement agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A failure by the Division to enforce a violation of any provision of the assurance or agreement does not constitute a waiver of any other provision or of any right of the Division.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-403" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division may hold a public hearing to determine if a violation of this title has occurred.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division shall serve:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A statement of charges on the alleged violator; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A notice of the time and place of hearing on each party of record.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Division shall hold the hearing not less than ten days after service of the statement of charges. Each party of record may appear before the Division in person or, at his option, by his authorized representative and may have the assistance of an attorney. The parties may present evidence and cross–examine witnesses. All testimony shall be given under oath and may be required by the issuance of a subpoena signed by the Division. Irrelevant, unduly repetitious, or protracted evidence may not be admitted. Hearings may be limited by the Division if the Division so notifies each party before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Division shall keep a full record of the hearing. The record shall be open to inspection by any person. On request of an interested party to the proceeding, the Division shall furnish the party a copy of the hearing record at a cost which the Division considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Division determines on the preponderance of evidence that the alleged violator violated this title, the Division shall state its findings and issue an order requiring the violator to cease and desist from the violation and to take affirmative action, including the restitution of money or property.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The order may contain any stipulation or condition listed in § 13–402(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The order shall contain a notice which states that if the Division determines that the violator has not corrected the violation and complied with the order within 30 days following service of the order, the Division shall proceed with enforcement pursuant to this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Division determines on the preponderance of evidence that the alleged violator did not violate this title, the Division shall state its findings and issue an order dismissing the complaint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If, at any time after a complaint has been filed, the Division believes that an appropriate civil action to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm is advisable, it may file an action in court, including an action which seeks a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To obtain compliance with its order, the Division may institute a civil proceeding, including a proceeding which seeks a restraining order and a temporary or permanent injunction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Division may issue a cease and desist order without first conducting a hearing if the Division has reasonable grounds to believe that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person has violated this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The person will continue to violate this title causing harm to additional consumers; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Consumers harmed by the violations will be unable to obtain restitution after a cease and desist hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Division intends to issue a cease and desist order under this subsection against a person who is in compliance with all applicable State and local registration, licensing, and bonding laws, and is operating out of a fixed retail location in the State, the Division shall serve an unsigned copy of the order on the person at least 3 business days before it is to be issued.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The unsigned copy shall be served by delivering it to an employee or agent of the person at the fixed retail location or, if the person operates more than one retail location in the State, at the location that serves as the person’s principal office.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the person presents evidence or security establishing that the person will be able to pay restitution after a cease and desist hearing, the order may not be issued.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If, after the person presents evidence under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Division issues the order, the order shall discuss that evidence and state with specificity the reasonable grounds the Division has to believe that consumers harmed by the violations will be unable to obtain restitution after a cease and desist hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A cease and desist order issued under this subsection shall grant the respondent an opportunity to request a hearing under this section following issuance of the order.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A hearing shall be held within 7 days after the day on which a request for a hearing is made.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If no request is made, an order entered under this subsection is final 30 days after the day on which the order is entered.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-404" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Division may enter into an agreement with a person in the State to submit a dispute arising under this title to arbitration in accordance with the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division may administer a program of voluntary arbitration of consumer disputes, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The recruitment and training of volunteer arbitrators; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The education of the public and business community as to the benefits of arbitration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division shall provide clerical help and office space for arbitration tribunals.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-405" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>In the course of any examination, investigation, or hearing conducted by him, the Attorney General may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine an individual under oath, and compel production of records, books, papers, contracts, and other documents.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Information obtained under this section is not admissible in a later criminal proceeding against the person who provides the evidence.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-406" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this title from continuing or engaging in the violation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Attorney General shall serve notice of the general relief sought on the alleged violator at least seven days before the action for an injunction is filed.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The court may enter any order of judgment necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from him by means of any prohibited practice; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-407" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <text>If a person is aggrieved by an order or decision of the Division, he may institute any appropriate proceeding he considers necessary.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-408" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a violation of § 13–321 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any action by the Division or Attorney General authorized by this title and any other action otherwise authorized by law, any person may bring an action to recover for injury or loss sustained by him as the result of a practice prohibited by this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any person who brings an action to recover for injury or loss under this section and who is awarded damages may also seek, and the court may award, reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If it appears to the satisfaction of the court, at any time, that an action is brought in bad faith or is of a frivolous nature, the court may order the offending party to pay to the other party reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a person may not bring an action under this section to recover for injuries sustained as a result of the professional services provided by a health care provider, as defined in § 3–2A–01 of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-409" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <text>In any action brought by the Attorney General under the provisions of this title, the Attorney General is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-410" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A merchant who engages in a violation of this title is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A merchant who has been found to have engaged in a violation of this title and who subsequently repeats the same violation is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 for each subsequent violation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The fines provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of this section are civil penalties and are recoverable by the State in a civil action or an administrative cease and desist action under § 13–403(a) and (b) of this subtitle or after an administrative hearing has been held under § 13–403(d)(3) and (4) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Consumer Protection Division shall consider the following in setting the amount of the penalty imposed in an administrative proceeding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The severity of the violation for which the penalty is assessed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any history of prior violations;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Whether the amount of the penalty will achieve the desired deterrent purpose; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Whether the issuance of a cease and desist order, including restitution, is insufficient for the protection of consumers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-411" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Enforcement and Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a violation of § 13–321 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, unless another criminal penalty is specifically provided elsewhere, on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both, in addition to any civil penalties.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not be imprisoned for violation of any provision of an order of the Attorney General or an agreement of a party relating to unit pricing under Title 14, Subtitle 1 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-4A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Health Education and Advocacy Unit"> <text>There is a Health Education and Advocacy Unit in the Division.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-4A-02" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Health Education and Advocacy Unit"> <level label="a"> <text>The Unit may implement an educational and advocacy program designed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enable health care consumers to make more informed choices in the health marketplace, and to be able to participate in decisions concerning their health care; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise promote the interest of health consumers in the health marketplace.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Unit may assist health care consumers in understanding their health care bills and third party coverage, in identifying improper billing or coverage determinations, and in reporting any billing or coverage problems to appropriate entities, including the Division, the Attorney General or other governmental agencies, insurers, or providers.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whenever the Unit requests information from an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization in order to assist a health care consumer for the purposes provided in this paragraph, the insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization shall provide the information to the Unit no later than 7 working days from the date the insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization received the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns the adequacy or propriety of any services or treatment, the Unit shall refer the matter to an appropriate professional, licensing, or disciplinary body, as applicable. The Unit may monitor the progress of the concerns raised by health consumers through such referrals.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner, the Unit shall refer the matter to the Commissioner. The Unit may monitor the progress of the concerns raised by health consumers through such referrals.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Unit shall work with the Maryland Department of Health to assist with resolving any billing or coverage questions as necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Unit may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recommend to the Attorney General, the Governor, the General Assembly, or other appropriate governmental agencies any measures that will promote the interests of health consumers in the health marketplace; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Present for consideration relevant information on the effects on health care consumers generally in any agency proceeding which is otherwise open to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Nothing in this section shall mean that the Unit may have authority to bring any civil action seeking review of a State agency determination.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-4A-03" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Health Education and Advocacy Unit"> <text>To the extent possible, the Attorney General’s Office shall include in its annual budget funds for the administration and operation of the Unit.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-4A-04" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Health Education and Advocacy Unit"> <text>The Unit shall prepare each annual and quarterly report required under Title 15, Subtitle 10A of the Insurance Article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-4B-01" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="4B" subtitle_name="Reporting Requirements for Assisted Living Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “assisted living program” has the meaning stated in § 19–1801 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before June 1 each year, each assisted living program that was appointed as a representative payee for residents of the assisted living program facility at any point during the reporting period shall report to the Division on the use of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Social Security benefits by residents of the assisted living program facility during the immediately preceding year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Other federal, State, or local government funds by residents of the assisted living program facility during the immediately preceding year that are allocated for the purpose of assisting individuals who are aged, disabled, or blind.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office of Health Care Quality shall notify the Division and, beginning October 1, 2024, the State Board of Long–Term Care Administrators of the appointment of an assisted living program as a resident’s representative payee within a reasonable time after being made aware of the appointment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="13-501" title_number="13" title_name="Consumer Protection Act" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Short Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.</text> </section>