<section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-101" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer commodity” means any food, drug, cosmetic, or other article, product, or commodity of any kind or class which is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Customarily produced for sale at retail for consumption by individuals for purposes of personal care or in the performance of services ordinarily performed in or around the household; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Usually consumed or expended in the course of that use or performance other than by wear or deterioration from use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <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="e"> <text>“Unit price” means the retail price of an item expressed in dollars and cents per unit. In addition to any units commonly in use in the United States, the following units may be used if appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Per pound for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in pounds, ounces, or both;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Per kilogram (1000 grams) for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in kilograms, grams, or both;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Per meter (100 centimeters) for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in meters, centimeters, millimeters, or a combination of them;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Per quart for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in quarts, pints, fluid ounces, or a combination of them;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Per liter for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in liters and milliliters, or a combination of them;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Per 100 feet for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in yards, feet, inches, or a combination of them;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Per 100 square feet for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in square yards, square feet, square inches, or a combination of them; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Per 100 units for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in terms of a numerical count.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-102" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prepackaged food which contains separately identifiable items that are separated by physical division within the package;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any item sold only by prescription;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any item subject to the packaging or labeling requirements of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms or to any pricing requirements under federal law;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any item actually being sold through a vending machine;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any item delivered directly to a retail sales agency without passing through warehousing or other inventory facility used by the agency; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a retail sales agency which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>During the preceding calendar year, sold a gross volume of consumer commodities of less than $750,000;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not part of a company which consists of ten or more sales agencies in or out of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Derives less than 15 percent of its total revenues from consumer commodities subject to this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Is owned and operated by not more than one individual and the members of his immediate family.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sales agency which otherwise is exempt under subsection (a)(6) of this section nevertheless is subject to this subtitle if, during the preceding calendar year, the company of which the sales agency is a part has a gross volume of sales of consumer commodities in excess of $30,000,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-103" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 14-102 of this subtitle, each person who sells or offers or displays for sale a consumer commodity at retail shall disclose:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total price of the consumer commodity; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the unit price of the consumer commodity if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>It is sold only by units; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>It is a prepackaged or retail-packaged consumer commodity within any of the following categories:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Foods, condiments, cooking oils, shortenings, and similar consumer commodities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paper products, including napkins, towels, and tissues;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Wrapping products, including those made of paper, plastic, and aluminum; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Soaps, detergents, cleansing aids, deodorizing aids, and similar consumer commodities.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a packaged consumer commodity described in subsection (a)(2)(ii) of this section is priced for a multiple-package purchase, the seller shall disclose the unit price of that commodity on the basis of the multiple package.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person is not required to disclose the unit price of a consumer commodity described in subsection (a)(2) of this section if he then is disclosing unit prices for at least 90 percent of the dollar volume or number of items of all his consumer commodities which are subject to the disclosure requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-104" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <text>The seller shall disclose the total price or unit price, as the case may be, for each item in the following manner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the item is visible conspicuously to the consumer, by attachment of a stamp, tag, or label:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Directly on the item or its package; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Directly adjacent to the item or on the shelf on which the item is displayed; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the item is not visible conspicuously to the consumer or if the stamp, tag, or label would not be visible conspicuously to the consumer, by a sign or list which contains the price information and is visible conspicuously to the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-105" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <level label="a"> <text>At the direction of the Attorney General, the Division may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with § 13-205 of this article, adopt reasonable rules and regulations appropriate to effectuate any provision of this subtitle, which rules and regulations, however, may not extend, modify, or conflict with this subtitle or its reasonable implications; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grant to a sales agency an exemption from any requirement of this subtitle if the sales agency uses a program which is approximately as or more comprehensive than the program of unit pricing required by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who willfully violates any rule or regulation of the Division, in addition to any other penalty provided, is subject to the same penalty applicable to violation of the provision of this subtitle to which the rule or regulation relates.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-106" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <text>If the Division has reason to believe that a sales agency has violated any provision of this subtitle or any rule or regulation adopted under § 14-105 of this subtitle, the Attorney General or the Division at his direction may institute a proceeding under Title 13 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-107" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Unit Pricing"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the Division may submit disputes under this subtitle for arbitration in accordance with the provisions of § 13-404 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-201" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Consumer Debt Collection"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Collector” means a person collecting or attempting to collect an alleged debt arising out of a consumer transaction.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer transaction” means any transaction involving a person seeking or acquiring real or personal property, services, money, or credit for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <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> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-202" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Consumer Debt Collection"> <text>In collecting or attempting to collect an alleged debt a collector may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use or threaten force or violence;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Threaten criminal prosecution, unless the transaction involved the violation of a criminal statute;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Disclose or threaten to disclose information which affects the debtor’s reputation for credit worthiness with knowledge that the information is false;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except as permitted by statute, contact a person’s employer with respect to a delinquent indebtedness before obtaining final judgment against the debtor;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Except as permitted by statute, disclose or threaten to disclose to a person other than the debtor or his spouse or, if the debtor is a minor, his parent, information which affects the debtor’s reputation, whether or not for credit worthiness, with knowledge that the other person does not have a legitimate business need for the information;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Communicate with the debtor or a person related to him with the frequency, at the unusual hours, or in any other manner as reasonably can be expected to abuse or harass the debtor;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Use obscene or grossly abusive language in communicating with the debtor or a person related to him;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Claim, attempt, or threaten to enforce a right with knowledge that the right does not exist;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Use a communication which simulates legal or judicial process or gives the appearance of being authorized, issued, or approved by a government, governmental agency, or lawyer when it is not;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Engage in unlicensed debt collection activity in violation of the Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Act; or</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Engage in any conduct that violates §§ 804 through 812 of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-203" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Consumer Debt Collection"> <text>A collector who violates any provision of this subtitle is liable for any damages proximately caused by the violation, including damages for emotional distress or mental anguish suffered with or without accompanying physical injury.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-204" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Consumer Debt Collection"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-301" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Business day” means any calendar day except Sunday or the following business holidays: New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer goods” and “consumer services” mean:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Goods or services purchased, leased, or rented primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Courses of instruction or training regardless of the purpose for which they are taken.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Door–to–door sale” means a sale, lease, or rental of consumer goods or consumer services under single or multiple contracts with a purchase price of $25 or more, in which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seller or the seller’s representative personally solicits the sale, including a solicitation in response to or following an invitation by the buyer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The buyer’s agreement or offer to purchase is made at a place other than the place of business of the seller.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Home improvement contract” has the meaning stated in § 8–101 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Home improvement contract” does not include an oral or written agreement between a contractor and an owner for the installation of a smoke detector, a heat detector, or a carbon monoxide detector.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <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="g"> <text>“Place of business” means the main or permanent branch office or local address of a seller.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Purchase price” means the total price paid or to be paid for the consumer goods or consumer services, including all interest and service charges.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Sale” means a door–to–door sale.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Seller” means a person engaged in the door–to–door sale of consumer goods or consumer services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-301.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a transaction if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The transaction is made:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pursuant to prior negotiations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the course of a visit by the buyer to a retail business establishment; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The retail business establishment has a fixed permanent location where, on a continuing basis:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The consumer goods are exhibited; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer services are offered for sale;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer may rescind the transaction under the provisions of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act or any regulation adopted under the Act;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The buyer has initiated the contact;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The goods or services are needed to meet a bona fide immediate personal emergency of the buyer, including the addition of components necessary for the renovation or construction of residential property to improve the accessibility of the residential property for individuals who are mobility impaired or otherwise disabled;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The buyer furnishes to the seller a separate, personal statement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is dated;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is signed by the buyer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is in the buyer’s handwriting;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Describes the situation that requires immediate remedy; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Expressly acknowledges and waives the right to cancel the sale:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>For a contract other than a home improvement contract, within 3 business days;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>For a home improvement contract in which the buyer is under 65 years old, 5 business days; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>For a home improvement contract in which the buyer is at least 65 years old, 7 business days; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The seller in good faith makes a substantial beginning of the performance of the contract;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The transaction is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conducted and consummated entirely by mail, telephone, or electronic communications; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Made without any other contact between the buyer and the seller or the seller’s representative before delivery of the consumer goods or performance of the consumer services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The transaction is the result of a written change order;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The change order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is agreed to by the buyer and the seller; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a part of a transaction under a contract previously signed by the buyer and the seller; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The buyer furnishes to the seller a separate, personal statement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is dated;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is signed by the buyer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is in the buyer’s handwriting;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Generally describes the change order; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Expressly acknowledges and waives the right to cancel the change order:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>For a contract other than a home improvement contract, within 3 business days;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>For a home improvement contract in which the buyer is under 65 years old, 5 business days; or</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>For a home improvement contract in which the buyer is at least 65 years old, 7 business days; or</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The transaction pertains to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The sale or rental of real property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sale of insurance; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The sale of securities or commodities by a broker–dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Division of Securities of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-302" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article for a seller to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fail to furnish the buyer with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A fully completed receipt or copy of any contract which pertains to a door–to–door sale at the time of its execution, which is in the same language as that principally used in the oral sales presentation, shows the date of the transaction, and contains the name and address of the seller; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement which is in immediate proximity to the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the buyer or, if a contract is not used, is on the front page of the receipt and which, in boldface type of a minimum size of 10 points, is in substantially the following form:</text> <text>“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right”;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fail to furnish the buyer, at the time the buyer signs the door–to–door sales contract or otherwise agrees to buy consumer goods or consumer services from the seller, a completed form in duplicate, captioned “Notice of Cancellation”, which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is attached to the contract or receipt and is easily detachable; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contains in 10 point boldface type the following information and statements, in the same language as that used in the contract:</text> <text>“Notice of Cancellation</text> <text>(Enter date of transaction)</text> <text>...........................................</text> <text>(Date) </text> <text>You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the above date. </text> <text>If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within 10 business days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled. </text> <text>If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale; or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller’s expense and risk. </text> <text>If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract. </text> <text>To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other written notice, or send a telegram, to</text> <text>(name of seller) (address of seller’s place of business)</text> <text>..............................., at ......................................................................................................</text> <text>not later than midnight of ............ </text> </level> </level> <level label="date"> <text>I hereby cancel this transaction.</text> <text>........................</text> </level> <level label="date"> <text>.......................................</text> <text>(Buyer’s signature)”;</text> <level label="3"> <text>Fail, before furnishing copies of the “Notice of Cancellation” to the buyer, to complete both copies by entering the name of the seller, the address of the seller’s place of business, the date of the transaction, and the date, not earlier than the third business day following the date of the transaction, by which the buyer may give notice of cancellation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include in any door–to–door sales contract or receipt any confession of judgment or waiver of any of the rights to which the buyer is entitled under this section, including specifically the buyer’s right to cancel the sale in accordance with the provisions of this section;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Fail to inform the buyer orally, at the time the buyer signs the contract or purchases the consumer goods or consumer services, of the buyer’s right to cancel;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Misrepresent in any manner the buyer’s right to cancel;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Fail or refuse to honor any valid notice of cancellation by a buyer and, within 10 business days after the receipt of that notice, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Refund all payments made under the contract or sale;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Return, in substantially as good condition as when received by the seller, any goods or property traded in;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Cancel and return any negotiable instrument executed by the buyer in connection with the contract or sale and take any action necessary or appropriate to terminate promptly any security interest created in the transaction;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Negotiate, transfer, sell, or assign any note or other evidence of indebtedness to a finance company or other third party before midnight of the fifth business day following the day the contract was signed or the consumer goods or consumer services were purchased;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Fail, within 10 business days of receiving a buyer’s notice of cancellation, to notify the buyer whether the seller intends to repossess or to abandon any shipped or delivered goods;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Solicit a sale or order for sale of goods or services at the residence of a prospective buyer, without clearly, affirmatively and expressly revealing at the time the person initially contacts the prospective buyer, and before making any other statement, except a greeting, or asking the prospective buyer any other questions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The identity of the person making the solicitation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The trade name of the person represented by the person making the solicitation.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The kind of goods or services being offered.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>And, the person making the solicitation shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iii), show and display identification which states the information required by paragraphs (i) and (ii) as well as the address of the place of business of one of the persons identified; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Use any plan, scheme, or ruse in soliciting a sale or order for the sale of goods or services at the residence of a prospective buyer, which misrepresents the solicitor’s true status or mission for the purpose of making the sale or order for the sale of goods or services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-302.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>Notwithstanding § 14–302 of this subtitle, for a home improvement contract:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The statement required under § 14–302(1)(ii) of this subtitle shall allow the buyer to cancel a transaction prior to midnight of the fifth business day after the date of the transaction, or midnight of the 7th business day after the date of the transaction if the buyer is at least 65 years old;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The “Notice of Cancellation” to be furnished to the buyer under § 14–302(2) of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be on a separate form that is not a part of the home improvement contract; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Allow the buyer to cancel a transaction prior to midnight of the fifth business day after the date of the transaction, or midnight of the 7th business day after the date of the transaction if the buyer is at least 65 years old;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The date by which the buyer may give notice of cancellation that must be entered by the seller on the “Notice of Cancellation” under § 14–302(3) of this subtitle may not be earlier than the fifth business day following the date of the transaction, or the 7th business day following the date of the transaction if the buyer is at least 65 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article for a seller to fail to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Obtain the signature of the buyer on the following written acknowledgment of the buyer’s right to cancel:</text> <text>“I, (insert name), have been provided oral notice that I have the right to cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within 5 business days from the date of the transaction specified on the “Notice of Cancellation”, or, if I am at least 65 years old, within 7 business days from the date of the transaction specified on the “Notice of Cancellation”.</text> <text>? check if buyer is at least 65 years old</text> <text>_______________________ _______________________</text> <text>(Buyer’s signature) (date)”; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Furnish to the buyer a copy of the written acknowledgment of the buyer’s right to cancel with the completed receipt or copy of the home improvement contract.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-303" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>If the seller violates any provision of § 14-302 of this subtitle, the buyer may cancel the door-to-door sale by notifying the seller in any manner and by any means of his intention to cancel.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-304" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is liable to the person affected by the violation for all damages proximately caused by the violation and for reasonable attorney fees incurred by the person damaged.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-305" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>Any person who willfully violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the injunctive relief provided for in Title 13, Subtitle 4 of this article, on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-306" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Door-to-Door Sales"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-401" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer product” means goods or services used for personal, family, or household purposes, the actual cash sales price of which to the person guaranteed was in excess of $10.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Guarantor” means a person who is engaged in the business of making consumer products available to consumers and who makes a guaranty.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Guaranty” means any of the following which is made at the time of the sale of a consumer product by a guarantor to a person guaranteed and which is part of the basis of the bargain between them:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A written affirmation of fact or written promise which relates to the nature of the material or workmanship and affirms or promises that the material or workmanship is defect-free or meets a specified level of performance; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A written undertaking to refund, repair, replace, or take other remedial action with respect to the consumer product if it proves defective in material or workmanship or fails to meet a specified level of performance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Guaranty” includes warranty.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Guaranty” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A written statement or expression of general policy concerning customer satisfaction which is not subject to specified limitations; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A service contract.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Mechanical breakdown insurance” means a policy, contract, or agreement issued by an authorized insurer that provides for the repair, replacement, or maintenance of property or indemnification for repair, replacement, or services, for the operational or structural failure of a product due to a defect in the materials or workmanship or due to normal wear and tear.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <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="g"> <text>“Person guaranteed” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The person who is the first buyer at retail of a consumer product which is the subject of a guaranty;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who is entitled to enforce the obligations of a guaranty against the guarantor; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person who is entitled to enforce the obligations of the provider under a service contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Provider” means a person or persons acting in concert who are contractually obligated under the terms of a service contract to provide services to the owner of a product covered by the service contract.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Reasonable and necessary maintenance” means those operations which the person guaranteed reasonably can be expected to perform or have performed and which are necessary to keep the product performing its intended function.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Replace” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To replace a product or its component with a new and identical or equivalent product or component; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To refund the price of the product or its component less reasonable depreciation if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Neither replacement nor repair is commercially practicable; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The person guaranteed is willing to accept the refund in place of the replacement or repair.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Service contract” means a contract or agreement for a separately stated consideration for a specific duration to perform the repair, replacement, or maintenance of a product, or to indemnify for the repair, replacement, or maintenance, because of an operational or structural failure due to a defect in materials, workmanship, or normal wear and tear, with or without additional provisions for incidental payment of indemnity under limited circumstances.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Service contract” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A contract or agreement for repair, replacement, or maintenance of a product for damage resulting from power surges and accidental damage from handling; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A mechanical repair contract under § 15–311.2 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Service contract” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A guaranty;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A maintenance agreement that does not include a provision for the repair, replacement, or maintenance of a product because of an operational or structural failure due to a defect in materials, workmanship, or normal wear and tear;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A warranty, service contract, or maintenance agreement offered by a public utility on its transmission devices to the extent it is regulated by the Public Service Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Mechanical breakdown insurance.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Services” means work, labor, or any other kind of activity furnished or agreed to be furnished to a person guaranteed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Services” includes services for home improvement, repair of a motor vehicle and other products, and the repair or installation of plumbing, heating, electrical, or mechanical devices.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Services” does not include the professional services of an accountant, architect, clergyman, engineer, lawyer, or medical or dental practitioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Without charge” means that the guarantor cannot charge the person guaranteed for any costs which the guarantor or the guarantor’s representative incurs in connection with the required repair or replacement of a consumer product.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Without charge” does not mean that the guarantor must compensate the person guaranteed for incidental expenses unless the expenses were incurred because the repair or replacement was not made within a reasonable time.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Wrongful breach of a guaranty” means the failure of a guarantor to perform the duties imposed by § 14-404(a), (b), and (c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Wrongful breach of a service contract” means the failure of a provider to perform the duties imposed by § 14-404(a), (b), and (c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-402" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <text>This subtitle shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its purposes and policies.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-403" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A guarantor shall deliver to the first person guaranteed the following written information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The duration of the guaranty period measured by time or, if practical, by some measure of usage such as mileage;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any reasonable and necessary maintenance required as a condition for the performance of the guaranty;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A recital of the guarantor’s obligations to the person guaranteed during the guaranty period;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The procedure which the person guaranteed should follow to obtain the repair or replacement of the malfunctioning or defective consumer product; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any means established by the guarantor for quick informal settlement of any guaranty dispute.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each service contract shall be in writing and shall specify:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The duration of the service contract measured by time or, if practical, by some measure of usage;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any reasonable and necessary maintenance required to be performed by the person guaranteed as a condition for the performance of the service contract;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The purchase price and terms of the service contract, including a recital of the provider’s obligations under the service contract;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The merchandise and services to be provided;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The procedures which the person guaranteed should follow to obtain the services under the service contract or to file a claim under the service contract;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Limitations, exceptions, or exclusions, if any, under the service contract;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The terms, restrictions, or conditions governing the cancellation of the service contract before the termination or expiration date of the service contract either by the provider or person guaranteed; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any means established by the provider for quick informal settlement of a service contract dispute.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Within a reasonable time after the person guaranteed and the provider enter into a service contract, the provider shall deliver a copy of the service contract to the person guaranteed.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A service contract may be canceled by the person guaranteed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Within 20 days after receipt of the service contract if mailed to the person guaranteed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 20 days after the date of delivery of the service contract if delivered to the person guaranteed at the time of sale; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a period of time not less than 20 days as specified in the service contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If a service contract is canceled under subsection (d) of this section and a claim has not been made under the service contract prior to its cancellation, the service contract is void and the provider shall refund to the person guaranteed the full consideration paid for the service contract.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The right to void a service contract under subsection (e) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not transferable;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Applies only to the original person guaranteed under the service contract; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Applies only if a claim has not been made under the service contract prior to cancellation of the service contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>A provider shall pay or credit the account of a person guaranteed who has canceled a service contract under subsection (d) of this section the full consideration paid for the service contract within 45 days after the cancellation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provider that does not pay or credit the account of the person guaranteed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall pay to the person guaranteed an amount equal to 10% of the value of the consideration paid for the service contract for each month that the refund is not paid or credited.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-404" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A guarantor shall fulfill the guarantor’s guaranty according to its terms:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Within a reasonable time; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the stated period of the guaranty or, if no period is stated, for a reasonable period of time.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provider shall fulfill the obligations under the service contract according to its terms:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At or within the period stated in the service contract, or if no period is stated, within a reasonable time; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the stated duration of the service contract.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A guaranty is extended automatically when a guarantor fails to repair successfully a malfunctioning or defective product within the guaranty period.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The guaranty does not terminate until the consumer product successfully performs its intended function for the remaining period of the guaranty plus a period equal to the time of repair.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A service contract is extended automatically when the provider fails to perform the services under the service contract.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The service contract does not terminate until the services are provided in accordance with the terms of the service contract.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a guaranty fails to disclose the information required by § 14-403 of this subtitle, the guarantor shall, without charge and within a reasonable period of time:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Repair a malfunctioning or defective consumer product; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If repair is not commercially practicable or cannot be timely made, replace the malfunctioning or defective consumer product.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If a guarantor is unable to fulfill the terms of the guaranty within 10 days of the tender or delivery of a consumer product to the guarantor, the guarantor shall provide on request of the person guaranteed a brief written explanation of the reasons for the delay.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a provider is unable to fulfill the terms of the service contract within 10 days after the date on which the provider is required to perform obligations under the service contract, the provider shall provide on request of the person guaranteed a brief written explanation of the reasons for the delay.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-404.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A mechanical repair contract under § 15–311.2 of the Transportation Article may not contain a provision precluding coverage solely for an issue with a motor vehicle identified in a technical service bulletin.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A guarantor or provider may not deny a mechanical repair contract claim solely because the diagnosed issue with the motor vehicle for which the claim was made was identified in a technical service bulletin.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-405" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The duties prescribed in § 14-404 of this subtitle may not be imposed on a guarantor if the guarantor shows that while the consumer product was in the possession of any person other than the guarantor, damage or unreasonable use, including failure to provide any reasonable and necessary maintenance disclosed under § 14-403 of this subtitle, caused the product to malfunction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The duties prescribed in § 14-404 of this subtitle may not be imposed on a provider if the provider shows that while the product was in the possession of any person other than the provider, damage or unreasonable use, including failure to provide any reasonable and necessary maintenance disclosed under § 14-403 of this subtitle, caused the product to malfunction or caused the inability of the provider to provide any service under the service contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-406" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a guarantor or provider violates any provision of this subtitle, the Attorney General may obtain a court order prohibiting the guarantor or provider from further violations.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least 7 days before the filing of an action for the order, the Attorney General shall give appropriate notice to the guarantor or provider stating generally the relief sought.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The court may issue an order or render a judgment necessary to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prevent violations of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Restore to the person damaged any money or property acquired by means of any practice in violation of any provision of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-407" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the policy of the State to encourage:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A guarantor voluntarily to establish procedures whereby a guaranty dispute is fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement procedures; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provider voluntarily to establish procedures whereby a service contract dispute is fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement procedures.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A guarantor or provider who establishes informal dispute settlement procedures may elect to settle guaranty disputes or service contract disputes, as the case may be, in cooperation with any private agency or the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s office.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The guarantor or provider is liable to the person guaranteed for any wrongful breach of a guaranty or wrongful breach of a service contract, as the case may be, and is under a duty to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Perform as required under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Compensate the person guaranteed for all reasonable incidental expenses incurred as a result of the breach.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the guarantor or provider breaches any duties under this subtitle, the person guaranteed may file an action in any court of competent jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, if the person guaranteed prevails in an action filed under this subsection, the court shall include in the amount of the judgment a sum equal to the aggregate amount of costs and expenses which have been reasonably incurred by the person guaranteed for or in connection with the action filed.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>These costs and expenses shall include attorney’s fees based on actual time expended, unless the court finds that an award of attorney’s fees would be inappropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person guaranteed is not entitled to costs and expenses, if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The guarantor or provider affords the person guaranteed a reasonable opportunity to settle informally in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The person guaranteed fails to so settle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-408" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to making a guaranty, the guarantor may enter into a service contract at the time of the sale or at any other time with the person guaranteed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to entering into a service contract, the provider may make a guaranty at the time of the sale or at any other time to the person guaranteed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The guarantor or provider may designate a representative to perform the duties under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>However, this designation does not relieve the guarantor or provider of the duties to the person guaranteed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-409" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except for Title 13 of this article and § 15–311.2 of the Transportation Article with respect to mechanical repair contracts, this subtitle provides the exclusive remedy by which a person guaranteed may recover damages for a breach of a service contract or may enforce a service contract.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Providers, administrators, and other persons marketing, selling, or offering to enter into service contracts that comply with the terms of this subtitle need not comply with any provision of the Insurance Article, except with respect to mechanical repair contracts as expressly provided in § 15–311.2 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Guarantors, administrators, and other persons marketing, selling, or offering to issue guarantees that comply with the terms of this subtitle need not comply with any provision of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “licensee” means a person who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is licensed as a master plumber and meets the qualifications to engage in the business of providing plumbing services under Title 12 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in accordance with a master license or a master restricted license issued under Title 9A of the Business Regulation Article; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is a licensed contractor under Title 8 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensee is not subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>This subtitle if the services provided or to be provided under the service contract are within the scope of the licensee’s license; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any provision of the Insurance Article applicable to service contracts.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-410" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administrator” means a person that is designated by a warrantor to be responsible for the administration of a vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Incidental costs” means an expense that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is specified in a vehicle protection product warranty;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is incurred by the warranty holder; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Relates to the failure of a vehicle protection product to perform as provided in the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Incidental costs” include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Insurance policy deductibles;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Charges for rental vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The difference between the value of a stolen vehicle at the time of theft and the cost of a replacement vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Sales taxes;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Registration fees;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Transaction fees; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Mechanical inspection fees.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Vehicle protection product” means a vehicle protection device, system, or service that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is sold with a written warranty;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is installed on or applied to a vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is designed to prevent loss or damage to a vehicle from a specific cause.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Vehicle protection product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An alarm system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A body part marking product;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A steering lock;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A window etch product;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A pedal or ignition lock;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A fuel or ignition kill switch; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>An electronic, radio, or satellite tracking device.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Vehicle protection product warranty” means a written agreement by a warrantor that provides that if a vehicle protection product fails to prevent loss or damage to a vehicle from a specific cause, the warrantor shall pay to, or on behalf of, the warranty holder specified incidental costs incurred as a result of the failure of the vehicle protection product to perform in accordance with the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Warrantor” means a person that is contractually obligated to the warranty holder under the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Warrantor” does not include an authorized insurer that issues a warranty reimbursement insurance policy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Warranty holder” means a person that purchases a vehicle protection product warranty or a permitted transferee.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Warranty reimbursement insurance policy” means a policy of insurance that is issued to a warrantor to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide reimbursement to the warrantor; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay on behalf of the warrantor all covered contractual obligations incurred by the warrantor under the terms and conditions of the insured vehicle protection product warranties sold by the warrantor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-02" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A service contract provider that does not sell vehicle protection products; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A warranty, indemnity agreement, or guarantee that is not provided in connection with the sale of a vehicle protection product.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A vehicle protection product warranty is not subject to the provisions of Subtitle 4 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A seller or warrantor of a vehicle protection product, or a warrantor’s administrator, that complies with this subtitle is not subject to any provisions of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-03" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>A vehicle protection product may not be sold or offered for sale in the State unless the seller and warrantor of the vehicle protection product, and the warrantor’s administrator, comply with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-04" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A warrantor of a vehicle protection product that is sold or offered for sale in the State shall register with the Division on the form that the Division provides.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The registration form shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the warrantor, including any name under which the warrantor does business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the warrantor’s administrator, if any;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name and address of the warrantor’s registered agent, if any;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name of at least one officer of the warrantor who is directly responsible for the warrantor’s vehicle protection product business;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>If the warrantor elects to carry warranty reimbursement insurance in accordance with § 14–4A–07(a)(1) of this subtitle, a copy of the warrantor’s warranty reimbursement insurance policy; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the warrantor elects to meet its financial obligations in accordance with § 14–4A–07(a)(2) of this subtitle, one of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A copy of the most recent form 10–K or form 20–F filed by the warrantor or the warrantor’s parent company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the warrantor or the warrantor’s parent company does not file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of the warrantor’s or the warrantor’s parent company’s financial statement that shows a net worth or stockholders’ equity of not less than $50,000,000; and</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A copy of each warranty that the warrantor proposes to use in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A warrantor that registers under subsection (a) of this section shall pay a registration fee to the Division at the time of registration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On January 1 of each year following a warrantor’s initial registration, the warrantor shall pay a renewal fee to the Division.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The registration fee and the renewal fee required under this subsection shall be set by the Division in an amount not exceeding $500 for each fee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-05" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>Except for information received under § 14–4A–04(b)(5)(ii) of this subtitle, any information received by the Division in the course of administering this subtitle shall be made available to the public, subject to the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-06" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A warrantor of a vehicle protection product sold or offered for sale in the State shall keep accurate accounts, books, and records that relate to its vehicle protection product warranties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A warrantor’s accounts, books, and records shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A copy of each vehicle protection product warranty sold or issued in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of each warranty holder; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The date, amount, and description of each receipt, claim, and expenditure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A warrantor shall keep accounts, books, and records relating to a vehicle protection product warranty and a warranty holder for at least 2 years following the expiration of the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A warrantor that discontinues business in the State shall maintain its accounts, books, and records until it can prove to the Division that it has discharged all of its obligations to any warranty holder in the State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On request, a warrantor shall make all of its accounts, books, and records available for inspection by the Division.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-07" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A warrantor of a vehicle protection product sold or offered for sale in the State shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be insured under a warranty reimbursement insurance policy; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain a net worth or stockholders’ equity of not less than $50,000,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A warrantor that meets its financial obligation in accordance with subsection (a) of this section is not required to meet any other financial requirement or financial standard.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a warrantor elects to carry warranty reimbursement insurance under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the warranty reimbursement insurance policy purchased by the warrantor shall provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That the insurer will pay to, or on behalf of, the warrantor all sums that the warrantor is legally obligated to pay a warranty holder under the warrantor’s vehicle protection product warranty;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That, in the event payment due under the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty is not provided by the warrantor within 60 days after proof of loss has been filed by the warranty holder in accordance with the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty, the warranty holder may file a claim for reimbursement directly with the insurer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That the insurer shall be deemed to have received payment of the premium if the warranty holder paid the warrantor for the vehicle protection product warranty;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>That the insurer’s liability under the warranty reimbursement insurance policy may not be reduced or relieved by a failure of the warrantor, for any reason, to report the issuance of a vehicle protection product warranty to the insurer; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>That, with regard to cancellation of the warranty reimbursement insurance policy:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The insurer may not cancel the warranty reimbursement insurance policy until a written notice of cancellation has been mailed or delivered to the insured warrantor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cancellation of a warranty reimbursement insurance policy may not reduce the insurer’s responsibility for vehicle protection products sold before the date of cancellation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In the event an insurer cancels a warranty reimbursement insurance policy, the warrantor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Discontinue offering vehicle protection product warranties as of the termination date of the warranty reimbursement insurance policy until a new warranty reimbursement insurance policy becomes effective; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On obtaining a new warranty reimbursement insurance policy, file a copy of the new warranty reimbursement insurance policy with the Division.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a warrantor elects to meet its financial obligation in accordance with subsection (a)(2) of this section, the warrantor’s parent company shall guarantee the obligations of the warrantor for the vehicle protection product warranties issued by the warrantor in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-08" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A vehicle protection product warranty shall state:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One of the following, as applicable:</text> <level label="i"> <text>“The obligations of the warrantor to the warranty holder under this vehicle protection product warranty are guaranteed under a warranty reimbursement insurance policy. In the event payment due under the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty is not provided by the warrantor within 60 days after proof of loss has been filed by the warranty holder in accordance with the terms of the vehicle protection product warranty, the warranty holder may file a claim directly with the insurer that issued the warranty reimbursement insurance policy.”; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“The obligations of the warrantor to the warranty holder under this vehicle protection product warranty are backed by the full faith and credit of the warrantor.”;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of the insurer that issued the warranty reimbursement insurance policy to the warrantor, if applicable;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name and address of the warrantor, the seller of the vehicle protection product, and the warranty holder;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase price and terms of the vehicle protection product warranty, including a recital of the warrantor’s obligations under the vehicle protection product warranty;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The duration of the warranty period measured by time or, if practicable, by some measure of usage such as mileage;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The procedure for making a claim, including a telephone number the warranty holder may call to make a claim;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The payments or services to be provided under the vehicle protection product warranty, including payments for incidental costs, the manner of calculating or determining the payments to be provided, and any limitations, exceptions, or exclusions;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The duties of the warranty holder, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Protection of the vehicle from damage;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notification to the warrantor in advance of any repair; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other similar duty;</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any terms, restrictions, or conditions relating to the transfer of the vehicle protection product warranty; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The terms and conditions governing cancellation of the vehicle protection product.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A vehicle protection product warranty shall include, in a prominent location, the following statement:</text> <text>“This agreement is a product warranty and is not insurance.”</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the sale of a vehicle protection product includes a vehicle protection product warranty, the seller of the vehicle protection product or the warrantor shall provide to the purchaser:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the time of sale, a written copy of the vehicle protection product warranty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>At the time of sale, a receipt or other written evidence of the purchase of the vehicle protection product; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 30 days after the date of the purchase, a written copy of the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The information required under subsection (a)(3) and (5) of this section may be added to or stamped on the vehicle protection product warranty instead of being preprinted on the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At the time of purchase of a vehicle protection product, a warrantor may negotiate with the purchaser the purchase price and terms of the vehicle protection product warranty.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A vehicle protection product warranty may provide for the reimbursement of incidental costs incurred by the warranty holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In a fixed amount specified in the vehicle protection product warranty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>According to a formula that itemizes specific incidental costs incurred by the warranty holder.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-09" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless authorized by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner to engage in the insurance business in the State, a warrantor may not use the following words in its name, contracts, or literature:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“Insurance”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Casualty”;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Surety”;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Mutual”; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other words that are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Descriptive of the insurance, casualty, or surety business; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Deceptively similar to the name or description of an insurer, a surety corporation, or another warrantor.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A warrantor may use the term “guaranty” or a similar word in the warrantor’s name.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-10" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>A vehicle protection product seller or a warrantor may not require, as a condition of the sale or financing of a vehicle, that the purchaser of the vehicle buy a vehicle protection product.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-11" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>A warrantor that establishes an informal dispute settlement procedure may elect to settle vehicle protection product warranty disputes in coordination with a private mediation services provider or the Division.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-12" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>A warrantor is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Liable to the warranty holder for any wrongful breach of a vehicle protection product warranty; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under a duty to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Comply with the requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compensate the warranty holder for all reasonable incidental expenses incurred as a result of the breach.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-13" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except for § 13–410 of this article, is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A warrantor that violates the provisions of this subtitle is subject to a fine of $500 for each violation, not exceeding $10,000 for all violations.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For purposes of this section, each individual failure to comply with the requirements of this subtitle is a separate violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4A-14" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="4A" subtitle_name="Vehicle Protection Products Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Vehicle Protection Products Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-501" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Fine Prints"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Artist” means any person who conceived or created:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The master image for a fine print; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The master image which served as the model for a fine print.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Fine print” means a printed image on paper or any other suitable substance which has been taken off a plate by printing, stamping, casting, or any other process commonly used in the graphic arts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fine print” includes an engraving, etching, woodcut, lithograph, or serigraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <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="e"> <text>“Plate” means a plate, stone, block, or other material used to create a fine print or from which a fine print is taken.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Print” means a fine print.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Signed print” means a fine print autographed by the artist, whether it was signed or unsigned in the plate.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-502" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Fine Prints"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A fine print printed before July 2, 1974; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A fine print offered for sale or sold at retail or wholesale for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$25 or less, if unframed; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$40 or less, if framed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-503" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Fine Prints"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly publish or distribute any catalog, prospectus, or circular which offers for sale a fine print unless it clearly and conspicuously discloses all information required by § 14-504 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not knowingly sell at retail or wholesale any fine print unless a written invoice, receipt for the purchase price, or certificate furnished to the purchaser clearly and conspicuously discloses all information required by § 14-504 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a fine print is described as a “reproduction”, the information required by § 14-504 of this subtitle is not required to be disclosed, unless the print allegedly was published in a limited edition, an edition of numbered or signed prints, or any combination of them.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-504" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Fine Prints"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who sells or offers to sell a fine print shall disclose the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The year when printed and the name of the artist;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether the print is a part of a limited edition and, if it is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The authorized maximum number of numbered or signed prints, or both, in the edition;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The authorized maximum number of unnumbered or unsigned prints, or both, in the edition;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any authorized maximum number of artist’s, publisher’s, printer’s or other proofs, exclusive of trial proofs, outside the regular edition; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The total size of the edition;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whether the plate has been destroyed, effaced, altered, defaced, or canceled after the current edition;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If there were any prior plates of the same master image:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The total number of plates; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A designation of the plate from which the print was taken;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If there were any prior or later editions from the same plate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The series number of the edition of which the print is a part; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The aggregate size of all other editions;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Whether the edition is a posthumous edition or restrike and, if it is, whether the plate has been reworked; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The name of any workshop where the edition was printed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the person lacks knowledge as to any information required to be disclosed by this section, he shall disclaim that knowledge specifically with regard to each of these items of information so that the purchaser is able to judge the degree of uniqueness or scarcity of each print.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-505" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Fine Prints"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who sells a fine print in violation of this subtitle is liable to the purchaser, on tender by the purchaser of the print, for its purchase price, with interest from the date of payment of the purchase price.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who sells a fine print in willfull violation of this subtitle is liable to the purchaser, on tender by the purchaser of the print, for an amount equal to three times the sum of the purchase price and interest from the date of payment of the purchase price.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An action may not be maintained under this section unless brought within one year after discovery of the violation on which it is based and, in no event, more than three years after the print was sold.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-601" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Package” includes a box, cover, or wrapper.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Person” means 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="d"> <text>“Sell” includes offer to sell.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Stamped” includes branded, engraved, or imprinted.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Tag” includes a card or label.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-602" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of gold or a gold alloy, which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, any mark which indicates or is designed or intended to indicate that the gold or gold alloy in the item is greater than its actual degree of fineness, unless the actual fineness of the gold or gold alloy:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In the case of flatware or a watch case, is not less than the fineness indicated by the mark by more than 0.003 parts; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of any other article, is not less than the fineness indicated by the mark by more than one-half karat.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For purposes of this section, in any assay or test undertaken to ascertain the fineness of gold or gold alloy in any item, the part of the gold or gold alloy used may not contain or have attached to it any solder or alloy of inferior fineness used to braze or unite the parts of the item.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>With respect to any item other than flatware or a watch case, in addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the actual fineness of all gold, gold alloy, and solder or alloy of inferior fineness used to braze or unite the parts of the item shall be assayed as one piece and may not be less than the fineness indicated by the mark by more than one karat.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-603" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of inferior metal which has deposited or plated on it or brazed or otherwise affixed to it a plate, plating, covering, or sheet of gold or gold alloy, and which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, any word or mark usually employed to indicate the fineness of gold, unless the word or mark is accompanied by other words which plainly indicate that the item or some part of it is made of rolled gold plate, gold plate, or gold electroplate or is gold filled, as the case may be.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-604" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of silver or a silver alloy, which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, any mark or word, other than the word “sterling” or “coin”, which indicates or is designed or intended to indicate that the silver or silver alloy in the item is greater than its actual degree of fineness, unless the actual fineness of the silver or silver alloy is not less than the fineness indicated by the mark or word by more than 0.004 parts.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For purposes of this section, in any assay or test undertaken to ascertain the fineness of the silver or silver alloy in an item, the part of the silver or silver alloy used may not contain or have attached to it any solder or alloy of inferior fineness used to braze or unite the parts of the item.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the actual fineness of all silver, silver alloy, and solder or alloy of inferior fineness used to braze or unite the parts of the item shall be assayed as one piece and may not be less than the fineness indicated by the mark by more than 0.010 parts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-605" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of silver or a silver alloy, which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, the words “sterling silver”, “sterling”, or any colorable imitation of them, unless at least 0.925 of the component parts of the metal which appear or purport to be silver and of which the item is manufactured are pure silver.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A divergence of 0.004 parts from the standard required by subsection (a) of this section is permitted.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-606" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of silver or a silver alloy, which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, the words “coin silver”, “coin”, or any colorable imitation of them, unless at least 0.900 of the component parts of the metal which appear or purport to be silver and of which the item is manufactured are pure silver.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A divergence of 0.004 parts from the standard required by subsection (a) of this section is permitted.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-607" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <text>A person may not sell, manufacture for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item of merchandise made in whole or in part of inferior metal which has deposited or plated on it or brazed or otherwise affixed to it a plate, plating, covering, or sheet of silver or silver alloy, and which has stamped on it, on a tag attached to it, or on a package in which it is contained, the word “sterling” or “coin”, alone or in conjunction with any other word or mark.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-608" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Gold and Silver"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle, and each of his managers, managing agents, directors, or officers who directly participates in a violation or consents to a violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding three months or both.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is a defense to any prosecution brought under this subtitle that the item concerning which the prosecution is brought was manufactured before July 1, 1912.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-701" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” means a person who buys for his own use or for the use of another but not for resale.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“County” includes Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <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="e"> <text>“Secondhand watch” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A watch or the case or movement of a watch which has been sold previously to a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any watch of which the case or movement serial number or other distinguishing number or identification mark has been erased, defaced, removed, altered, or covered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Sell” includes exchange or offer or display for sale or exchange.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-702" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a secondhand watch which has been sold previously to a consumer and is returned to the seller within 30 calendar days for a refund, credit, or exchange in an amount equal to the full amount of the purchase price, if the seller keeps a written record which sets forth:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and address of the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The dates of the sale to and the return by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name of the watch or its maker; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The serial number or, if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the case and on the movement of the watch.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The seller shall keep the record on file for at least three years from the date of the sale of the watch. The file shall be open for inspection during all business hours by the State’s Attorney of the county in which the seller engages in business.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-703" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <text>Any person, his agent, or employee who sells or possesses with intent to sell a secondhand watch shall affix and keep affixed to it a tag with the word “secondhand” legibly written on it in the English language.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-704" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person, his agent, or employee who sells or possesses with intent to sell a secondhand watch shall deliver to the buyer a written invoice which sets forth:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and address of the seller;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of the buyer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The date of the sale;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name of the watch or its maker;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The serial number or, if none, any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the case and the movement of the watch; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Whether any serial number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark has been erased, defaced, removed, altered, or covered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The seller of a secondhand watch shall keep a duplicate of the invoice on file for at least one year from the date of the sale of the watch. The file shall be open for inspection during all business hours by the State’s Attorney of the county in which the seller engages in business.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-705" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <text>Any person who in any manner advertises a secondhand watch for sale shall state clearly in the advertisement that the watch is a secondhand watch.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-706" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Secondhand Watches"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding three months or both.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-801" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Used Radio and Television Sets"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <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="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Used radio or television set” means any radio set or television set which is used, rebuilt, reconditioned, or repossessed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Used radio or television set” does not include any set which is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Advertised or described and sold as antique goods; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Returned by a retail customer if the sale price is canceled, refunded, or fully credited.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-802" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Used Radio and Television Sets"> <text>Any person, his agent, employee, or sales representative who offers for sale to the public any used radio or television set shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State clearly in any advertisement of the set that it is “used”, “rebuilt”, “reconditioned”, “repossessed”, or “rebranded and used”, as the case may be; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Affix to the set a tag or sticker which states that it is “used”, “rebuilt”, “reconditioned”, “repossessed”, or “rebranded and used”, as the case may be.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-803" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Used Radio and Television Sets"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person who, with the intent to deceive a potential purchaser, violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person is presumed to have the requisite intent to deceive if he fails to comply with any provision of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-901" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advertisement” has the meaning stated in § 13-101(b) of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Disclosure statement” means the form provided by the Attorney General for the purpose of disclosing to consumers practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of any unpackaged food represented to be kosher, kosher for Passover, or prepared or maintained under rabbinical or other kosher supervision.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Food” or “food product” means any food, food product, or food preparation, whether:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Raw, solid or liquid; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prepared for human consumption.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Food” or “food product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any meat, meat product, or meat preparation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any milk, milk product, or milk preparation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any poultry or poultry product; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Kosher” includes foods prepared for the festival of Passover and termed as “kosher for Passover”.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Meat” includes any meat product or meat preparation.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Mezuzah” means the Jewish religious article that, according to Jewish law, is designed to be attached to the doorpost of a room in a home.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Mezuzah” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The parchment or other material on which passages from the Bible are to be written; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The writing on that parchment or other material.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <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="j"> <text>“Poultry” includes any poultry product or poultry preparation.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Represents to the public” means any direct or indirect statement, orally or written, and any letter, word, sign, emblem, insignia, or mark which could reasonably lead a consumer to believe that a representation is being made that the final food product sold to the consumer is kosher, kosher for Passover, or prepared or maintained under rabbinical or other kosher supervision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Represents to the public” includes any advertisement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Tefillin” means the Jewish religious article, also known as “phylacteries”, that, according to Jewish law, is designed to be worn on the upper arm and head during morning prayers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Tefillin” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The parchment or other material on which passages from the Bible are to be written;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The writing on that parchment or other material;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The capsules in which the parchment or other material is contained; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The straps attached to the capsules.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-902" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that represents to the public that any unpackaged food that is sold or served is kosher, kosher for Passover, or under rabbinical or other kosher supervision shall prominently and conspicuously display on the premises on which the food is sold or served a complete disclosure statement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division shall develop a form for disclosure statements and shall make the form available to any person upon request.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The disclosure statement shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be understandable and written in simple and readable plain language;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Disclose to the public the basis for a representation that any unpackaged food sold or served is kosher, kosher for Passover, or under rabbinical or other supervision, including a specification of practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of the food; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contain any additional information or conform to any additional requirements that the Division considers reasonable and necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A person that displays a disclosure statement in accordance with this section shall retain a copy of the statement for at least:</text> <level label="1"> <text>3 years after the date of the initial display of the disclosure statement; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>3 years after the date of any amendment to the disclosure, whichever is longer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person that displays a disclosure statement in accordance with this section shall provide a copy of the statement to the Division within 2 business days of the person’s receipt from the Division of a request for a copy of the disclosure statement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A person shall conform its practices with respect to the sale or serving of unpackaged food that is represented to the public as kosher, kosher for Passover, or under rabbinical or other kosher supervision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale any unpackaged food represented to the public as kosher, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, if, in the same place of business, the person also offers for sale any unpackaged food, not represented to the public as kosher, unless the person includes on each window sign and each display advertisement in block letters at least 4 inches high the words “kosher and nonkosher food sold here” or, as to the sale of meat alone, “kosher and nonkosher meat and poultry sold here”.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not display for sale any food represented to the public as kosher, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, if, in the same show window or other location on or in the place of business, the person also displays any unpackaged food not represented to the public as kosher, unless the person displays over the kosher and nonkosher food signs that read, in block letters at least 4 inches high, “kosher food” and “nonkosher food”, respectively, or, as to the display of meat alone, “kosher meat” and “nonkosher meat”, or “kosher poultry” or “nonkosher poultry”, respectively.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person may not prepare or serve any food represented to the public as kosher, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, if, in the same place of business, the person also prepares or serves food not represented to the public as kosher, unless the person includes on each sign and display advertisement in or about the person’s premises in block letters at least 4 inches high the words “kosher and nonkosher food prepared and sold here”.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “Hebrew” symbol means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any Hebrew word or letter; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any symbol, emblem, sign, insignia, or other mark that simulates a Hebrew word or letter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In connection with any place of business that sells or offers for sale any food, a person may not display, whether in a window, door, or other location on or in the place of business, in any handbill or other printed matter distributed in or outside of the place of business, or otherwise in any advertisement, any Hebrew symbol, or any other representation to the public that the place of business is kosher, kosher for Passover, or under rabbinical or other kosher supervision, unless the person also displays in conjunction with the Hebrew symbol or such other representation, in English letters of at least the same size as the characters used in the Hebrew symbol, the words “we sell kosher meat and food only”, “we sell nonkosher meat and food only”, or “we sell both kosher and nonkosher meat and food”, as the appropriate representation may be.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “fresh” means unprocessed other than by salting or soaking.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale, as kosher, any fresh meat or poultry unless the words “soaked and salted” or “not soaked and salted”, as the appropriate case may be, is marked:</text> <level label="i"> <text>On the package label; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the product is not packaged, on a sign prominently displayed in conjunction with the product.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-903" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <text>A person may not advertise any food for sale or any place of business as being under rabbinical or other kosher supervision unless the advertisement identifies the name of the rabbi or other person that supervises or otherwise certifies the product or place of business as kosher.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-904" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “packaged food product” means a food product that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In advance of sale, is put up or packaged, in any manner, in units suitable for retail sale; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not intended for consumption at its point of manufacture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale, as kosher, kosher for Passover, or as being under rabbinical or other kosher supervision any packaged food product unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It has a kosher identification securely attached to the outside of the package; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This identification was attached to the package by the producer or packer of the product at his place of business.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subsection (b) of this section applies to any packaged food product that is marked or identified with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In any language, the words “kosher”, “parve”, “glatt”, or “rabbinical supervision”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other word or symbol representing to the public that the product is kosher, kosher for Passover, or under rabbinical or other kosher supervision; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The English letters “K”, “KP”, “KD”, “KM”, “KF”, “KOS”, or “RS”, except as part of a registered trademark.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-905" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <level label="a"> <text>The manufacturer or importer of any mezuzah or tefillin represented as kosher or as produced under rabbinical or other supervision may not sell the product or offer it for sale unless the following information is printed legibly on the package of the product or on a label securely attached to the product:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and address of the manufacturer or importer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the mezuzah or tefillin, in the form reasonably expected to be sold at retail, is not intended to be represented as kosher, the word “nonkosher”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale at retail any mezuzah or tefillin represented to the public as kosher or as produced under rabbinical supervision that does not have on or attached to it the information required by subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-906" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <text>A violation of any provision of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-907" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Kosher Products"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions set forth in Title 13 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1001" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Automotive repair facility” means any person who diagnoses or corrects malfunctions of a motor vehicle for financial profit.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Motor vehicle” has the meaning stated in Title 11 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <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> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1002" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Before beginning any repair work on a motor vehicle for which a customer is charged more than $50, an automotive repair facility shall give the customer on the customer’s request a written statement which contains:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The estimated completion date;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The estimated price for labor and parts necessary to complete the work;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A clear statement that while the customer’s motor vehicle is on the premises of the automotive repair facility, the automotive repair facility may not be responsible for damage to the customer’s motor vehicle under certain circumstances, and that the customer should ask a representative of the automotive repair facility about the extent of its responsibility, including the extent of the insurance coverage of the automotive repair facility; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The estimated surcharge, if any.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the fee is disclosed to the customer before the estimate is made, the automotive repair facility may charge a reasonable fee for making the estimate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An automotive repair facility may not charge a customer without his consent any amount which exceeds the written estimate by 10 percent.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An automotive repair facility is not liable for breach of the written estimated completion date for a repair if the delay is caused by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An act of God;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Strike;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Unexpected illness; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Unexpected shortage of labor or parts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not require an automotive repair facility to give a written estimate if the facility does not agree to perform the requested repair work.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1003" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>An automotive repair facility shall prepare an invoice which describes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All work done by it, including all warranty work; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All parts supplied by it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The invoice shall state clearly:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If any used, rebuilt, or reconditioned parts have been supplied or if a part of a component system supplied is composed of used, rebuilt, or reconditioned parts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That while a customer’s motor vehicle is on the premises of the automotive repair facility, the automotive repair facility may not be responsible for damage to the customer’s motor vehicle under certain circumstances, and that the customer should ask a representative of the automotive repair facility about the extent of its responsibility, including the extent of the insurance coverage of the automotive repair facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The invoice shall include the following notice:</text> <text>“Manufacturer Special Policy Adjustment Programs</text> <text>Federal law requires manufacturers to furnish the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) with bulletins describing any defects in their vehicles. You may obtain copies of these bulletins from either the manufacturer or N.H.T.S.A. In addition, certain consumer publications or organizations publish this information, which may be available for a fee or for free.”</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>After the customer signs the invoice, the automotive repair facility shall give the customer a copy of it and retain a copy.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1004" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an automotive repair facility shall tender return of all replaced parts to the customer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to replaced parts which are required to be returned to the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty agreement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1005" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <text>This subtitle does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prohibit a person from filing an action for damages against an automotive repair facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require a person first to exhaust any administrative remedy he may have.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1006" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <text>An automotive repair facility may not charge the customer for repairs not originally authorized or requested by the customer. Additional repairs may be charged to the customer if the automotive repair facility receives written or oral permission from the customer.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1007" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a violation of any provision of this subtitle may take any action available under the consumer protection title of this article. Complaints may be filed with the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1008" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, before beginning any repair work on a motor vehicle, an automotive repair facility shall give the customer a copy of a form used for authorization of repairs which shall inform the customer of the following rights:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That a customer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May request a written estimate for repairs which cost in excess of $50; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be charged any amount ten percent in excess of the written estimate without the customer’s consent;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That the customer is entitled to the return of any replaced parts except when parts are required to be returned to the manufacturer under a warranty agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That repairs not originally authorized by the customer may not be charged to the customer without the customer’s consent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The customer’s rights provided in subsection (a) of this section shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Displayed immediately before the space for the signature of the customer conspicuously in easily readable type;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Physically separated from the other terms of the form used for authorization of repairs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Listed under the printed heading “Customer’s Rights”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An automotive repair facility may inform the customer orally of the customer’s rights if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The customer’s motor vehicle is towed to the automotive repair facility for repair; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The customer leaves the vehicle for repair at the repair facility when the facility is not open.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under this subsection, if any automotive repair facility informs a customer orally of the customer’s rights, the facility shall record in writing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name of the person notified;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date and time of the notification; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The signature of the person who made the notification.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The authorization form shall include the following notice:</text> <text>“Manufacturer Special Policy Adjustment Programs</text> <text>Federal law requires manufacturers to furnish the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) with bulletins describing any defects in their vehicles. You may obtain copies of these bulletins from either the manufacturer or N.H.T.S.A. In addition, certain consumer publications or organizations publish this information, which may be available for a fee or for free.” </text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The authorization form shall include a clear statement that while the customer’s motor vehicle is on the premises of the automotive repair facility, the automotive repair facility may not be responsible for damage to the customer’s motor vehicle under certain circumstances, and that the customer should ask a representative of the automotive repair facility about the extent of its responsibility, including the extent of the insurance coverage of the automotive repair facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1009" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Automotive Repair Facilities"> <text>A violation of any provision of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1101" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Buyer” means a person who buys consumer goods under a layaway agreement, even though he has entered into one or more renewal, extension, or refund agreements.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Buyer” includes a prospective buyer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Cash price” means the minimum price for which consumer goods subject to a layaway agreement, or other consumer goods of like kind and quality, may be purchased for cash from the seller by the buyer.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“C.O.D. transaction” means an agreement by which the seller requires the buyer to pay the full cash price of the consumer goods upon delivery or tender of delivery by the seller, less any down payment made by the buyer. A C.O.D. transaction does not include an agreement by which the seller requires the buyer to pay interim payments before delivery or tender of delivery of the consumer goods by the seller.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Consumer goods” means goods bought for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, as distinguished from industrial, commercial, or agricultural purposes.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Down payment” means all amounts paid in cash, credits, or the agreed value of goods, by or for a buyer and to or for the benefit of the seller at or before execution of a layaway agreement or C.O.D. transaction.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Layaway agreement” means a contract for the retail sale of consumer goods, negotiated or entered into in the State, under which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Part or all of the layaway price is payable in one or more payments subsequent to the making of the layaway agreement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The consumer goods are specific existing consumer goods identified from the seller’s stock or inventory at the time of the making of the layaway agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The seller retains possession of the consumer goods and bears the risk of their loss or damage until the layaway price is paid in full.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Layaway agreement” includes a “special order transaction,” as defined in this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Layaway agreement” does not include a bona fide C.O.D. transaction.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Layaway agreement” does not include any form of layaway agreement where the buyer can default without any penalty, other than a maximum service charge of $1.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Layaway price” means the cash price of consumer goods together with an optional service charge, not to exceed $1 if the price of the consumer goods is $500 or less or $5 if the price of the consumer goods exceeds $500.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Retail sale” means the sale of consumer goods for use or consumption by the buyer or for the benefit or satisfaction which the buyer may derive from the use or consumption of the consumer goods by another, but not for resale by the buyer.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Seller” means a person who sells or agrees to sell consumer goods under a layaway agreement.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Special order transaction” means a contract for the retail sale of consumer goods, negotiated or entered into in the State, under which either:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consumer goods:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are ordered by the buyer to the buyer’s unique specifications;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are not carried by the seller, either in the seller’s showroom or warehouse;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Are ordered from a manufacturer or supplier; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Are not resalable by the seller at the sale price negotiated with the buyer; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consumer goods which have been altered at the request of the buyer so that the goods are no longer salable to the general public.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1102" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <text>A layaway agreement shall be in writing and contain all of the agreements of the parties and shall be signed by all of the parties to it.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1103" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>A layaway agreement shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The full name, place of residence, and post office address of each party to it;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date when signed by the buyer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A clear description of the consumer goods sold sufficient to identify them readily;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The cash price of the consumer goods sold;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>All charges for delivery, installation, or repair of or other services to the consumer goods which, separate from the cash price, are included in the layaway agreement;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The sum of the cash price in item (4) of this subsection and the charges for services in item (5) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The amount of the buyer’s down payment, together with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A statement of the respective amounts credited for cash, credits, and the agreed value of any goods traded in; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A description of all goods traded sufficient to identify them;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The unpaid balance of the cash price payable by the buyer to the seller, which is the sum specified in item (6) of this subsection less the amount in item (7) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The service charge;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The total of payments owed by the buyer to the seller, which is the sum of items (8) and (9) of this subsection, the number of installment payments required to pay it, and the amount and time of each payment;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The layaway price, which is the sum of items (6) and (9) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>A clear and concise statement of all consequences of buyer’s default.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a)(4) through (12) of this section does not apply to any layaway sale subject to the disclosure provisions of the federal Truth in Lending Act if the seller complies with the applicable disclosure provisions of the federal act and its regulation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1104" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>At or before the time the buyer signs a layaway agreement, the seller shall give him an exact copy signed by the seller.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Upon execution of a layaway agreement, the seller shall hold for the buyer or agree to deliver to the buyer on a date mutually acceptable to both parties, the consumer goods or consumer goods that are identical to those originally selected by the buyer, as long as the buyer complies with all of the terms of the layaway agreement.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The seller shall permit the buyer to cancel a layaway agreement, without any penalty or obligation, within 7 calendar days from the date of the layaway agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the buyer cancels the layaway agreement as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the seller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Refund all payments made under the layaway agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Return, in substantially as good condition as when received by the seller, any goods or property traded in.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If a payment is made on account of a layaway agreement, the seller shall give the buyer on his request, or, if payment is made in cash, without request, a complete written receipt for the payment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the buyer requests information on the status of his account, the seller, within 10 days after the request at the place of business where the layaway sale was made, shall give the buyer a written statement setting forth:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The layaway price;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The total amount paid by the buyer to date; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The total amount remaining due to the seller.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>After the buyer has made all payments to the seller in accordance with the layaway agreement, the seller shall deliver to the buyer the consumer goods or consumer goods that are identical to those originally selected by the buyer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1105" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>The seller may not increase the layaway price of the consumer goods sold under a layaway agreement.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, within 10 calendar days after the execution of a layaway agreement, the seller reduces the selling price of existing items in his stock or inventory identical to those being held for a buyer, the seller shall credit the buyer for the difference between the original layaway price and the reduced price.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1106" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>The buyer is in default under a layaway agreement whenever 15 days has lapsed from the scheduled date on which the buyer failed to make a required payment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the buyer defaults under subsection (a) of this section, the seller may immediately cancel the layaway agreement and recover from the buyer liquidated damages under subsection (c) of this section or § 14–1107 of this subtitle, as applicable.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the buyer defaults under a layaway agreement 8 or more calendar days after the date of its execution, the seller may retain as liquidated damages an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the layaway price or the total amount paid by the buyer to the date of default, whichever is less.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless otherwise provided in the layaway agreement, subsection (c) of this section does not apply if the buyer defaults under a special order transaction.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as provided in § 14–1104(c) of this subtitle, at any time before delivery or tender of delivery, and before default by the buyer, the layaway agreement may be canceled by the buyer. However, the seller may retain from the refund due the buyer liquidated damages in an amount which is the lesser of 10 percent of the layaway price or the total amount paid by the buyer to the date of cancellation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1107" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <text>If the buyer defaults under a special order transaction, the seller may exercise all rights and remedies available at either law or equity, including those rights and remedies as provided in the Uniform Commercial Code, Title 2 “Sales,” Subtitle 7 “Remedies,” of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1108" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <text>The Retail Installment Sales Act, Title 12, Subtitle 6 of this article, does not apply to any sale of consumer goods regulated by this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1109" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>If the seller fails to comply with § 14-1102, § 14-1103, or § 14-1104 of this subtitle, the buyer, before delivery by the seller and acceptance by the buyer of consumer goods purchased under a layaway agreement, may cancel the layaway agreement and receive from the seller a refund of all payments made under the layaway agreement and the return of any goods or property traded in.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any seller who makes a layaway sale in violation of this subtitle is liable to the buyer for a penalty amount equal to three times the amount paid by the buyer under the layaway agreement, plus reasonable attorney’s fees. Any seller who demonstrates that a violation was nonwillful is not liable for the penalty or attorney’s fees. The penalty provided in this subsection is in addition to that provided in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Division of Consumer Protection, Office of the Attorney General has reason to believe that any seller has violated any provision of this subtitle, the Division may institute a proceeding under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1110" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Layaway Sales"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Layaway Sales Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1201" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Breach of the security of a system” has the meaning stated in § 14–3504 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Consumer” means an individual.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer report” means any written, oral, or other communication of any information by a consumer reporting agency bearing on a consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living which is used or expected to be used or collected in whole or in part for the purpose of serving as a factor in establishing the consumer’s eligibility for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Credit or insurance to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Employment purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Other purposes authorized under § 14–1202 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any report containing information solely as to transactions or experiences between the consumer and the person making the report;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any authorization or approval of a specific extension of credit directly or indirectly by the issuer of a credit card or similar device; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any report in which a person who has been requested by a third party to make a specific extension of credit directly or indirectly to a consumer conveys his decision with respect to the request, if the third party advises the consumer of the name and address of the person to whom the request was made and the person makes the disclosures to the consumer required under § 14–1212 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer reporting agency” means any person which, for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties, and which uses any means or facility of commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer reporting agency” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person licensed as a private detective agency or certified as a private detective under the Maryland Private Detectives Act; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person who assembles and exchanges consumer credit information with an affiliated person or a person who is owned or controlled by the same entity, provided that, in the event of an adverse credit decision against a consumer based on that information, the entity making the decision shall comply with the notice requirements of § 14–1212(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f–1"> <text>“Eligible service member” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an active service member, as defined in § 9–901 of the State Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is assigned to service away from the usual station of duty of the individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Employment purposes” when used in connection with a consumer report means a report used for the purpose of evaluating a consumer for employment, promotion, reassignment, or retention as an employee.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“File”, when used in connection with information on any consumer, means all of the information on that consumer recorded and retained by a consumer reporting agency regardless of how the information is stored.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Incarcerated person” means an incarcerated individual as defined in § 1–101 of the Correctional Services Article who has been sentenced to a correctional facility for a period of 1 year or more.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Investigative consumer report” means a consumer report or portion of it in which information on a consumer’s character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates of the consumer reported on or with others with whom he is acquainted or who may have knowledge concerning any items of information. However, the information does not include specific factual information on a consumer’s credit record obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from a consumer reporting agency when the information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Medical information” means information or records obtained, with the consent of the individual to whom it relates, from licensed physicians or medical practitioners, hospitals, clinics, or other medical or medically related facilities.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Nationwide Multistate Licensing System” or “NMLS” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Person” includes an individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, and any other legal or commercial entity.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“State correctional facility” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Correctional Services Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1202" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section and § 14–1205 of this subtitle, a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In response to the order of a court having jurisdiction to issue the order;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To a person which the agency has reason to believe:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Intends to use the information in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished and involving the extension of credit to, or review or collection of an account of, the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Intends to use the information for employment purposes;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance involving the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Intends to use the information in connection with a determination of the consumer’s eligibility for a license or other benefit granted by a governmental instrumentality required by law to consider an applicant’s financial responsibility or status; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Otherwise has a legitimate business need for the information in connection with a business transaction involving the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the consumer reporting agency receives written notice from the consumer restricting the sale or other transfer of information in the consumer’s file, the consumer reporting agency may not sell, offer to sell, or furnish information in the consumer’s file to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A mail–service organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A marketing firm; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other similar organization that obtains information about a consumer for marketing purposes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1203" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bankruptcies which, from date of adjudication of the most recent bankruptcy, antedate the report by more than 10 years;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Suits and judgments which, from date of entry, antedate the report by more than seven years or until the governing statute of limitations has expired, whichever is the longer period;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Paid tax liens which, from date of payment, antedate the report by more than seven years;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate the report by more than seven years;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other adverse item of information which antedates the report by more than seven years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of subsection (a) of this section are not applicable in the case of any consumer credit report to be used in connection with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A credit transaction involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a principal amount of $150,000 or more;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The underwriting of life insurance involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a face amount of $150,000 or more; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The employment of any individual at an annual salary which equals, or which may reasonably be expected to equal, $75,000 or more.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1203.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not include in a consumer report:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any record of a criminal proceeding concerning the consumer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In which the consumer was falsely accused, acquitted, or exonerated;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In which a nolle prosequi was entered as to a charge concerning the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That did not result in a guilty verdict for or guilty plea by the consumer; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any criminal records concerning the consumer that have been expunged.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not rely on the information contained in records listed under subsection (a) of this section to make a determination regarding the creditworthiness of a consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1204" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not procure or cause to be prepared an investigative consumer report on any consumer unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that an investigative consumer report including information as to his character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living, whichever are applicable, may be made, and the disclosure:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is made in a writing mailed, or otherwise delivered, to the consumer, not later than three days after the date on which the report was first requested; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Includes a statement informing the consumer of his right to request the additional disclosures provided for under subsection (b) of this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report is to be used for employment purposes for which the consumer has not specifically applied.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person who procures or causes to be prepared an investigative consumer report on any consumer shall make, upon written request made by the consumer within a reasonable period of time after the receipt by him of the disclosure required by subsection (a)(1) of this section, a complete and accurate disclosure of the nature and scope of the investigation requested. This disclosure shall be made in a writing mailed, or otherwise delivered, to the consumer not later than five days after the date on which the request for the disclosure was received from the consumer or the report was first requested, whichever is the later.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>No person may be held liable for any violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section if he shows by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the violation he maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with subsection (a) or (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1205" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall maintain reasonable procedures designed to avoid violations of § 14–1203 of this subtitle and to limit the furnishing of consumer reports to the purposes listed under § 14–1202 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The procedures at a minimum shall require that prospective users of the information identify themselves, certify the purposes for which the information is sought, and certify that the information will be used for no other purpose.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall make a reasonable effort to verify the identity of a new prospective user and the uses certified by the prospective user prior to furnishing the user a consumer report.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>No consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report to any person if it has reasonable grounds for believing that the consumer report will not be used for a purpose listed in § 14–1202 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Whenever a consumer reporting agency prepares a consumer report it shall follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information concerning the individual about whom the report relates.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of § 14–1202 of this subtitle, a consumer reporting agency may furnish identifying information respecting any consumer, limited to his name, address, former addresses, places of employment, or former places of employment, to a governmental agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1206" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall, upon request and proper identification of a consumer, provide the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An exact copy of any file on that consumer except any part of the file which contains medical information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A written explanation of codes or trade language used;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A description of the rights of the consumer under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the Commissioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Whenever access to a file or a copy of a file has been furnished to a consumer, the consumer reporting agency may delete the sources of information acquired solely for use in an investigative report and used for no other purpose. If any action is brought by the consumer under this subtitle, the consumer reporting agency shall make such sources available to the plaintiff under appropriate discovery procedures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1207" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall make the disclosures required under § 14–1206(a) of this subtitle during normal business hours and on reasonable notice.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The disclosures required under § 14–1206(a) of this subtitle shall be made to the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In person if he appears in person and furnishes proper identification;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By telephone if he has made a written request, with proper identification, for telephone disclosure and the toll charge, if any, for the telephone call is prepaid by or charged directly to the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In writing if the consumer makes a written request and furnishes proper identification.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any consumer reporting agency shall provide trained personnel to explain to the consumer any information furnished to him pursuant to § 14–1206 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The consumer shall be permitted to be accompanied by one other person of his choosing, who shall furnish reasonable identification. A consumer reporting agency may require the consumer to furnish a written statement granting permission to the consumer reporting agency to discuss the consumer’s file in the person’s presence.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as provided in § 14–1221 of this subtitle, no consumer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except as to false information furnished with malice or willful intent to injure the consumer, bring any action or proceeding in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence with respect to the reporting of information against any consumer reporting agency, any user of information, based on information disclosed pursuant to this section or § 14–1206 or § 14–1212 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bring any action or proceeding against a person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence for unintentional error.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1208" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If the completeness or accuracy of any item of information contained in his file is disputed by a consumer, and the dispute is directly conveyed to the consumer reporting agency in writing by the consumer, the consumer reporting agency shall within 30 days reinvestigate and record the current status of that information unless it has reasonable grounds to believe that the dispute by the consumer is frivolous or irrelevant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If after reinvestigation the information is found to be inaccurate or can no longer be verified, the consumer reporting agency shall within 7 business days delete the information and mail:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Written notice of the correction to the consumer and to each person to whom the erroneous information was furnished; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement of the rights of the consumer under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If after reinvestigation the information is found to be accurate or is verified, the consumer reporting agency shall within 7 business days mail:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Written notice of the finding to the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement of the rights of the consumer under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Within 60 days after receiving the notice under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the consumer may request in writing that the consumer reporting agency disclose the name, address, and telephone number of each person contacted during the reinvestigation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving the consumer’s written request under this paragraph, the consumer reporting agency shall make the requested disclosure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A person contacted during the reinvestigation who determines that the information was inaccurate shall correct the information in the person’s records within 12 business days after the determination occurs.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The presence of contradictory information in the consumer’s file does not in and of itself constitute reasonable grounds for believing the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency finds that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, the agency within 7 business days shall mail:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Written notice of the finding, including the reasons for the finding, to the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of the rights of the consumer under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the reinvestigation does not resolve the dispute, the consumer may file a brief statement setting forth the nature of the dispute.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer reporting agency may limit statements to not more than 100 words if it provides the consumer with assistance in writing a clear summary of the dispute.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Whenever a statement of a dispute is filed, unless there is reasonable grounds to believe that it is frivolous or irrelevant, the consumer reporting agency shall, in any subsequent consumer report containing the information in question, clearly note that it is disputed by the consumer and provide either the consumer’s statement or a clear and accurate codification or summary of it.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Following any deletion of information which is found to be inaccurate or whose accuracy can no longer be verified or any notation as to disputed information, the consumer reporting agency shall, at the request of the consumer, furnish notification that the item has been deleted or the statement, codification or summary pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) of this section to any person specifically designated by the consumer who has within 2 years prior received a consumer report for employment purposes, or within 1 year prior received a consumer report for any other purpose, which contained the deleted or disputed information. The consumer reporting agency shall clearly and conspicuously disclose to the consumer his rights to make such a request. The disclosure shall be made at or prior to the time the information is deleted or the consumer’s statement regarding the disputed information is received.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1209" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, a consumer reporting agency may not impose a fee for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer report provided under § 14-1206(a) of this subtitle one time during a 12-month period;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer report or disclosure provided under §§ 14-1206(a) and 14-1208(e) of this subtitle if the consumer makes a request for the report within 30 days after receipt by the consumer of a notification under § 14-1212 of this subtitle or notification from a debt collection agency affiliated with a consumer reporting agency stating that the consumer’s credit rating may be or has been adversely affected; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A disclosure made under § 14-1208(e) of this subtitle to a person designated by the consumer of the deletion from the consumer report of information that is found to be inaccurate or can no longer be verified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may charge a consumer a reasonable fee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a second or subsequent report made during a 12-month period under § 14-1206(a) of this subtitle, not exceeding $5; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For furnishing information under § 14-1208(e) of this subtitle, not exceeding the fee that the consumer reporting agency would impose on each designated recipient for a consumer report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer reporting agency shall indicate the amount of the fee to the consumer before providing the report or furnishing the information.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1210" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>A consumer reporting agency which furnishes a consumer report for employment purposes and which for that purpose compiles and reports items of information on consumers which are matters of public record and are likely to have an adverse effect upon a consumer’s ability to obtain employment shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the time public record information is reported to the user of the consumer report, notify the consumer of the fact that public record information is being reported by the consumer reporting agency, together with the name and address of the person to whom the information is being reported; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain strict procedures designed to insure that whenever public record information which is likely to have an adverse effect on a consumer’s ability to obtain employment is reported it is complete and up to date. For purposes of this paragraph, items of public record relating to arrests, indictments, convictions, suits, tax liens, and outstanding judgments shall be considered up to date if the current public record status of the item at the time of the report is reported.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1211" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>Whenever a consumer reporting agency prepares an investigative consumer report, any adverse information in the consumer report (other than information which is a matter of public record) may not be included in a subsequent consumer report unless the adverse information has been verified in the process of making the subsequent consumer report or the adverse information was received within the three-month period preceding the date the subsequent report is furnished.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1212" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Whenever credit or insurance for personal, family, or household purposes, or employment involving a consumer is denied or the charge for credit or insurance is increased either wholly or partly because of information contained in a consumer report from a consumer reporting agency, the user of the consumer report shall so advise the consumer against whom the adverse action has been taken and supply the name and address of the consumer reporting agency making the report.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Whenever credit for personal, family, or household purposes involving a consumer is denied or the charge for credit is increased either wholly or partly because of information obtained from a person other than a consumer reporting agency bearing upon the consumer’s creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living, the user of the information shall, within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 30 days, upon the consumer’s written request for the reasons for the adverse action received within 60 days after learning of the adverse action disclose the nature of the information to the consumer. The user of the information shall clearly and accurately disclose to the consumer his right to make the written request at the time the adverse action is communicated to the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not be held liable for any violation of this section if he shows by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the alleged violation he maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1212.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Account review” includes activities related to account maintenance, account monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Security freeze” means a restriction placed on a consumer’s consumer report at the request of the consumer that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from releasing the consumer’s consumer report or any information derived from the consumer’s consumer report without the express authorization of the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section does not apply to the use of a consumer’s consumer report by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person, or a subsidiary, affiliate, agent, or assignee of the person, with which the consumer has, or prior to assignment had, an account, contract, or debtor–creditor relationship, for the purpose of account review or collecting the financial obligation owing for the account, contract, or debt;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person that was given access to the consumer’s consumer report under subsection (e) of this section for the purpose of facilitating an extension of credit to the consumer or another permissible use;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A person acting in accordance with a court order, warrant, or subpoena;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A unit of State or local government that administers a program for establishing and enforcing child support obligations;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health in connection with a fraud investigation conducted by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the Comptroller, or any other State or local taxing authority in connection with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An investigation conducted by the Department, Comptroller, or taxing authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The collection of delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders by the Department, Comptroller, or taxing authority; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The performance of any other duty provided for by law;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A person for the purpose of prescreening, as defined by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>A person administering a credit file monitoring subscription service to which the consumer has subscribed;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>A person providing a consumer with a copy of the consumer’s consumer report on request of the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>To the extent not prohibited by other State law, a person only for the purpose of setting or adjusting an insurance rate, adjusting an insurance claim, or underwriting an insurance risk.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A check services or fraud prevention services company that issues:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reports on incidents of fraud; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorizations for the purpose of approving or processing negotiable instruments, electronic funds transfers, or similar payment methods;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A deposit account information service company that issues reports regarding account closures due to fraud, substantial overdrafts, automated teller machine abuse, or similar negative information regarding a consumer to inquiring banks or other financial institutions for use only in reviewing a consumer request for a deposit account at the inquiring bank or financial institution; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A consumer reporting agency database or file that consists entirely of consumer information concerning, and used solely for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Criminal record information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Personal loss history information;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fraud prevention or detection;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Employment screening; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Tenant screening.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer may elect to place a security freeze on the consumer’s consumer report by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Written request sent by certified mail;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (6) of this subsection, telephone, by providing certain personal information that the consumer reporting agency may require to verify the identity of the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An electronic request transmitted through a secure connection made available by the consumer reporting agency on the website of the consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall require a consumer to provide proper identifying information when requesting a security freeze.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, a consumer reporting agency shall place a security freeze on a consumer’s consumer report within 3 business days after receiving a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Within 5 business days after placing a security freeze on a consumer’s consumer report, the consumer reporting agency shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Send a written confirmation of the security freeze to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide the consumer with a unique personal identification number or password to be used by the consumer when authorizing the release of the consumer’s consumer report to a specific person or for a specific period of time; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide the consumer with a written statement of the procedures for requesting the consumer reporting agency to remove or temporarily lift a security freeze.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a consumer reporting agency is not required to place a security freeze on a consumer report if the consumer reporting agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acts only as a reseller of credit information by assembling and merging information contained in a database of another consumer reporting agency or multiple consumer reporting agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not maintain a permanent database of credit information from which new consumer reports are produced.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A consumer reporting agency that acts as a reseller of credit information shall honor a security freeze placed on a consumer report by another consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>If a consumer requests placement of a security freeze by telephone under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, the consumer reporting agency may require the consumer to confirm the request in writing on a form that the consumer reporting agency provides to the consumer with the materials sent in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the consumer fails to return written confirmation that the consumer reporting agency requires under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the consumer reporting agency may remove the security freeze in accordance with subsection (g)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall develop procedures involving the use of secure connections to receive and process, in an expedited manner, an electronic request from a consumer to place a security freeze on the consumer’s consumer report.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may develop additional secure electronic methods to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection. </text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>While a security freeze is in place, a consumer reporting agency may not release a consumer’s consumer report or any information derived from a consumer’s consumer report without the express prior authorization of the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may advise a person that a security freeze is in effect with respect to a consumer’s consumer report.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not state or imply to any person that a security freeze on a consumer’s consumer report reflects a negative credit score, credit history, or credit rating.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a consumer wants to temporarily lift a security freeze to allow the consumer’s consumer report to be accessed by a specific person or for a specific period of time while a security freeze is in place, the consumer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Contact the consumer reporting agency by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Mail in the manner prescribed by the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Telephone in the manner prescribed by the consumer reporting agency; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An electronic request transmitted through a secure connection made available by the consumer reporting agency on the website of the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Request that the security freeze be temporarily lifted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide the following to the consumer reporting agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Proper identifying information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The unique personal identification number or password provided to the consumer under subsection (c)(4)(ii) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The proper information regarding the person that is to receive the consumer report or the time period during which the consumer report is to be available to users of the consumer report.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a consumer reporting agency shall comply with a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 3 business days after receiving the request.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall comply with a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 15 minutes after the consumer’s request is received by the consumer reporting agency if the request is made by telephone or by electronic request transmitted through a secure connection made available by the consumer reporting agency on the website of the consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer reporting agency that is unable to temporarily lift a security freeze under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall lift the security freeze as soon as it is reasonably capable of doing so.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall develop procedures involving the use of secure connections to receive and process, in an expedited manner, an electronic request from a consumer to temporarily lift or remove a security freeze on the consumer’s consumer report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If, in connection with an application for credit or for any other use, a person requests access to a consumer’s consumer report while a security freeze is in place and the consumer does not authorize access to the consumer report, the person may treat the application as incomplete.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a consumer reporting agency may remove or temporarily lift a security freeze placed on a consumer’s consumer report only on request of the consumer made under subsection (e) or (h) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may remove a security freeze placed on a consumer’s consumer report if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Placement of the security freeze was based on a material misrepresentation of fact by the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Made the request to place the security freeze by telephone under subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Failed to confirm the request in writing if required in accordance with subsection (c)(6) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency intends to remove a security freeze under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the consumer reporting agency shall notify the consumer in writing of its intent at least 5 business days before removing the security freeze.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (g)(2) of this section, a security freeze shall remain in place until the consumer requests that the security freeze be removed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a consumer wants to remove a security freeze from the consumer’s consumer report, the consumer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Contact the consumer reporting agency by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Mail in the manner prescribed by the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Telephone in the manner prescribed by the consumer reporting agency; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An electronic request transmitted through a secure connection made available by the consumer reporting agency on the website of the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Request that the security freeze be removed; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide the following to the consumer reporting agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Proper identifying information; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The unique personal identification number or password provided by the consumer reporting agency under subsection (c)(4)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall remove a security freeze within 3 business days after receiving a request for removal.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall develop procedures involving the use of secure connections to receive and process, in an expedited manner, an electronic request from a consumer to remove a security freeze on the consumer’s consumer report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer may not be charged for any service relating to a security freeze.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>At any time that a consumer is entitled to receive a summary of rights under § 609 of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act or § 14–1206 of this subtitle, the following notice shall be included:</text> <text>“NOTICE</text> <text>You have a right, under § 14–1212.1 of the Commercial Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to place a security freeze on your credit report. The security freeze will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing your credit report or any information derived from your credit report without your express authorization. The purpose of a security freeze is to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. A consumer reporting agency may not charge you a fee for any service relating to a security freeze, including for any placement, temporary lift, or removal of a security freeze.</text> <text>You may elect to have a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze on your credit report by written request sent by certified mail or by electronic mail or the Internet if the consumer reporting agency provides a secure electronic connection. The consumer reporting agency must place a security freeze on your credit report within 3 business days after your request is received. Within 5 business days after a security freeze is placed on your credit report, you will be provided with a unique personal identification number or password to use if you want to remove the security freeze or temporarily lift the security freeze to release your credit report to a specific person or for a specific period of time. You also will receive information on the procedures for removing or temporarily lifting a security freeze.</text> <text>If you want to temporarily lift the security freeze on your credit report, you must contact the consumer reporting agency and provide all of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The unique personal identification number or password provided by the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proper identifying information to verify your identity; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The proper information regarding the person who is to receive the credit report or the period of time for which the credit report is to be available to users of the credit report.</text> <text>A consumer reporting agency must comply with a request to temporarily lift a security freeze on a credit report within 3 business days after the request is received, or within 15 minutes for certain requests. A consumer reporting agency must comply with a request to remove a security freeze on a credit report within 3 business days after the request is received.</text> <text>If you are actively seeking credit, you should be aware that the procedures involved in lifting a security freeze may slow your own applications for credit. You should plan ahead and lift a security freeze, either completely if you are seeking credit from a number of sources, or just for a specific creditor if you are applying only to that creditor, a few days before actually applying for new credit.</text> <text>A security freeze does not apply if you have an existing account relationship and a copy of your credit report is requested by your existing creditor or its agents or affiliates for certain types of account review, collection, fraud control, or similar activities.”</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency violates a security freeze by releasing a consumer’s consumer report subject to a security freeze or any information derived from a consumer’s consumer report subject to a security freeze without authorization, the consumer reporting agency, within 5 business days after discovering or being notified of the release, shall notify the consumer in writing of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The specific information released; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of, or other available contact information for, the recipient of the consumer report or the information released.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The exclusive remedy for a violation of subsection (e)(2)(ii) of this section shall be a complaint filed with the Commissioner under § 14–1225 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1212.2" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Protected consumer” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Under the age of 16 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An incapacitated person or a protected person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed in accordance with Title 13 of the Estates and Trusts Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>85 years old or older;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A service member; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An incarcerated person in a State correctional facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Record” means a compilation of information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identifies a protected consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is created by a consumer reporting agency solely for the purpose of complying with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not be created or used to consider the protected consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living for any purpose listed in § 14–1201(e)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Representative” means a person who provides to a consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Security freeze” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s record in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s record except as provided in this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency has a file pertaining to the protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s consumer report in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s consumer report or any information derived from the protected consumer’s consumer report except as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>“Sufficient proof of authority” means documentation that shows a representative has authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Sufficient proof of authority” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An order issued by a court of law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lawfully executed and valid power of attorney; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A written, notarized statement signed by a representative that expressly describes the authority of the representative to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” means information or documentation that identifies a protected consumer or a representative of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration, or any other government–issued identification; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A copy of a bill, including a bill for telephone, sewer, septic tank, water, electric, oil, or natural gas services, that shows a name and home address.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to the use of a protected consumer’s consumer report or record by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person administering a credit file monitoring subscription service to which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The protected consumer has subscribed; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The representative of the protected consumer has subscribed on behalf of the protected consumer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person providing the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative with a copy of the protected consumer’s consumer report on request of the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An entity listed in § 14–1212.1(b)(2)(i) or (ii) or (c)(5) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall place a security freeze for a protected consumer if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The consumer reporting agency receives a request from the protected consumer’s representative for the placement of the security freeze under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The protected consumer’s representative:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submits the request to the consumer reporting agency at the address or other point of contact and in the manner specified by the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides to the consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of identification of the protected consumer and the representative; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provides to the consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of the protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer when the consumer reporting agency receives a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall create a record for the protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request that meets the requirements of subsection (c)(1) of this section, a consumer reporting agency shall place a security freeze for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless a security freeze for a protected consumer is removed in accordance with subsection (g) or (j) of this section, a consumer reporting agency may not release the protected consumer’s consumer report, any information derived from the protected consumer’s consumer report, or any record created for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A security freeze for a protected consumer placed under subsection (d) of this section shall remain in effect until:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative requests the consumer reporting agency to remove the security freeze in accordance with subsection (g) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The security freeze is removed in accordance with subsection (j) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a protected consumer or a protected consumer’s representative wishes to remove a security freeze for the protected consumer, the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit a request for the removal of the security freeze to the consumer reporting agency at the address or other point of contact and in the manner specified by the consumer reporting agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide to the consumer reporting agency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the case of a request by the protected consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Proof that the sufficient proof of authority for the protected consumer’s representative to act on behalf of the protected consumer is no longer valid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sufficient proof of identification of the protected consumer; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of a request by the representative of a protected consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sufficient proof of identification of the protected consumer and the representative; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of the protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request that meets the requirements of subsection (g) of this section, the consumer reporting agency shall remove the security freeze for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not charge a fee for any service performed under this section.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may remove a security freeze for a protected consumer or delete a record of a protected consumer if the security freeze was placed or the record was created based on a material misrepresentation of fact by the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the exclusive remedy for a violation of this section shall be a complaint filed with the Commissioner under § 14–1225 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Protected consumer” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Under the age of 16 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An incapacitated person or a protected person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed in accordance with Title 13 of the Estates and Trusts Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>85 years old or older;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An eligible service member; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>An incarcerated person in a State correctional facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Record” means a compilation of information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identifies a protected consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is created by a consumer reporting agency solely for the purpose of complying with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not be created or used to consider the protected consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living for any purpose listed in § 14–1201(e)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Representative” means a person who provides to a consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Security freeze” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s record in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s record except as provided in this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency has a file pertaining to the protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s consumer report in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s consumer report or any information derived from the protected consumer’s consumer report except as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>“Sufficient proof of authority” means documentation that shows a representative has authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Sufficient proof of authority” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An order issued by a court of law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lawfully executed and valid power of attorney; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A written, notarized statement signed by a representative that expressly describes the authority of the representative to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” means information or documentation that identifies a protected consumer or a representative of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration, or any other government–issued identification; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A copy of a bill, including a bill for telephone, sewer, septic tank, water, electric, oil, or natural gas services, that shows a name and home address.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1212.3" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Foster care” has the meaning stated in § 5–501(c) of the Family Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Local department” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A local department of social services created or continued in a county of the State or in Baltimore City under § 3–201 of the Human Services Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Protected consumer” means an individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is in the custody of a local department; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has been placed in a foster care setting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Record” means a compilation of information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identifies a protected consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is created by a consumer reporting agency solely for the purpose of complying with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not be created or used to consider the protected consumer’s creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living for any purpose listed in § 14–1201(e)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Representative” means a person who provides to a consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Representative” includes a local department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Security freeze” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s record in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s record except as provided in this section; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency has a file pertaining to the protected consumer, a restriction that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is placed on the protected consumer’s consumer report in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibits the consumer reporting agency from releasing the protected consumer’s consumer report or any information derived from the protected consumer’s consumer report except as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” means information or documentation that identifies a protected consumer or a representative of a protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Sufficient proof of identification” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration, or any other government–issued identification; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A copy of a bill, including a bill for telephone, sewer, septic tank, water, electric, oil, or natural gas services, that shows a name and home address.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to the use of a protected consumer’s consumer report or record by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A person administering a credit file monitoring subscription service to which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The protected consumer has subscribed; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The representative of the protected consumer has subscribed on behalf of the protected consumer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person providing the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative a copy of the protected consumer’s consumer report on request of the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An entity listed in § 14–1212.1(b)(2)(i) or (ii) or (c)(5) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall place a security freeze for a protected consumer if the consumer reporting agency receives a request from the Department for the placement of the security freeze as provided in subsection (j) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall submit the request to the consumer reporting agency by electronic transmission to the electronic mail address or other point of contact in the manner specified by the consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer when the consumer reporting agency receives a request under subsection (j) of this section, the consumer reporting agency shall create a record for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a consumer reporting agency has a file pertaining to a protected consumer, the local department shall act as the protected consumer’s representative to resolve any issues with the file.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request that meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, a consumer reporting agency shall place a security freeze for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless a security freeze for a protected consumer is removed in accordance with subsection (g) or (k) of this section, a consumer reporting agency may not release the protected consumer’s consumer report, any information derived from the protected consumer’s consumer report, or any record created for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A security freeze for a protected consumer placed under subsection (d) of this section shall remain in effect until:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The protected consumer or the Department requests the consumer reporting agency to remove the security freeze in accordance with subsection (g) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The security freeze is removed in accordance with subsection (k) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a protected consumer or the Department wishes to remove a security freeze for the protected consumer, the protected consumer or the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit a request for the removal of the security freeze to the consumer reporting agency at the address or other point of contact in the manner specified by the consumer reporting agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide to the consumer reporting agency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the case of a request by the protected consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Proof that the authority of the Department to act on behalf of the protected consumer is no longer valid; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sufficient proof of identification of the protected consumer; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of a request by the Department, sufficient proof of identification of the protected consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request that meets the requirements of subsection (g) of this section, the consumer reporting agency shall remove the security freeze for the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not charge a fee for any service performed under this section.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>At least annually, the Department shall send to each consumer reporting agency by electronic transmission a list of children who are in the custody of a local department and have been placed in a foster care setting for the first time.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall request a security freeze for each child on the list specified under paragraph (1) of this subsection on behalf of the protected consumer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may enter into an agreement with a consumer reporting agency concerning the transmission of information between the Department and a consumer reporting agency to facilitate the implementation of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may remove a security freeze for a protected consumer or delete a record of a protected consumer if the security freeze was placed or the record was created based on a material misrepresentation of fact by the protected consumer or the protected consumer’s representative.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the exclusive remedy for a violation of this section shall be a complaint filed with the Commissioner under § 14–1225 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>On the entry of an order for the adoption of a child who was in the custody of a local department under Title 5 of the Family Law Article, the Department shall provide notice to the adoptive parent of the provisions of § 14–1212.2 of this subtitle relating to the authority of the adoptive parent to request a security freeze by consumer reporting agencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall notify a protected consumer who becomes an adult of the provisions of § 14–1212.2 of this subtitle, including providing contact information of organizations that may provide assistance to the protected consumer in removing a security freeze.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1213" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “medical debt” means debt owed by a consumer to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person whose primary business is providing medical services, products, or devices; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The person’s agent or assignee for the provision of medical services, products, or devices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Medical debt” includes medical bills that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are not past due; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have already been paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Medical debt” does not include debt charged to a credit card unless the credit card is issued under an open–end or closed–end credit plan offered solely for the payment of health care services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer reporting agency may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Make, create, or furnish any consumer report containing, incorporating, or reflecting:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any adverse information that the consumer reporting agency knows or should know relates to medical debt incurred by the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any collection action against a consumer to collect medical debt; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Maintain in a file on a consumer any information relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Medical debt incurred by the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any collection action against the consumer to collect medical debt.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The prohibitions established under paragraph (1) of this subsection apply regardless of when medical debt was incurred by a consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not use medical debt information included in a consumer report to make a determination regarding the creditworthiness of the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1215" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall register each year with the Commissioner under this subtitle. </text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1216" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>To submit a registration, a consumer reporting agency shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit to the Commissioner a registration on the form that the Commissioner provides;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless granted an exemption by the Commissioner, file with the Commissioner a bond or bond alternative as required under § 14–1217 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fulfill any other requirements for registration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The registration shall include any information that the Commissioner requires by regulation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A registration is not complete unless it meets the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in § 14–1226 of this subtitle, all fees and other revenues collected under this subtitle shall be deposited into the Non–Depository Special Fund established under § 2–120 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Commissioner may require a consumer reporting agency to register through NMLS or through other means specified by the Commissioner by regulation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1217" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the Commissioner grants an exemption in accordance with subsection (b)(9) of this section and except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, with a new or renewal registration filed on or after June 1, 2019, a consumer reporting agency shall file a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit with the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The bond shall run to the Commissioner, as obligee, for the benefit of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any consumer who is injured by a violation of this subtitle committed by a consumer reporting agency; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any consumer who suffers actual damages as a result of the breach of the security of a system experienced by a consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The bond shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In an amount not exceeding $1,000,000, as determined by the Commissioner by regulation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Issued by a surety company that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is authorized to do business in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Holds a certificate of authority issued by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Conditioned that the consumer reporting agency shall comply with all State and federal laws and regulations governing consumer reporting agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The liability of the surety:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be continuous;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be aggregated or cumulative, whether or not the bond is renewed, continued, replaced, or modified;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not be determined by adding together the penal sum of the bond, or any part of the penal sum of the bond, in existence at any two or more points in time;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Shall be considered to be one continuous obligation, regardless of increases or decreases in the penal sum of the bond;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>May not be affected by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The insolvency or bankruptcy of the consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, failure to pay a premium, or any other act or omission of the consumer reporting agency or an agent of the consumer reporting agency; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The suspension of the consumer reporting agency’s registration;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>May not require an administrative enforcement action by the Commissioner as a prerequisite to liability; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Shall continue for 3 years after the later of the date on which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The bond is canceled; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer reporting agency, for any reason, ceases to be registered.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A bond may be canceled by the surety or the consumer reporting agency by giving notice of cancellation to the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notice under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be in writing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A cancellation of a bond under this paragraph is not effective until 90 days after receipt of a notice of cancellation by the Commissioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A claim against the bond may be filed with the surety by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A claimant; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commissioner for the benefit of a claimant or the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the amount of claims against a bond exceeds the amount of the bond, the surety:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall pay the amount of the bond to the Commissioner for pro rata distribution to claimants; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is relieved of liability under the bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If the penal amount of a bond is reduced by payment of a claim or judgment, the consumer reporting agency shall file a new or additional bond with the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>A penalty imposed against a consumer reporting agency under § 14–1226 of this subtitle may be collected and paid from the proceeds of a bond required under this section.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>In granting an exemption from the bonding requirement under subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner shall consider the conditions the Commissioner establishes by regulation.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>In determining the amount of the bond under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall consider the factors the Commissioner establishes by regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In lieu of the bonding requirement under subsection (a) of this section, a consumer reporting agency may file an irrevocable letter of credit from a financial institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation with the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The irrevocable letter of credit shall be in an amount equal to the bond required under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner shall adopt regulations establishing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The conditions under which the Commissioner may grant to a consumer reporting agency an exemption from the bonding requirement under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The factors the Commissioner shall consider in determining the amount of the bond under subsection (b)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1218" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer who has reason to believe that this subtitle, or any other law regulating consumer credit reporting, has been violated by a person may file with the Commissioner a written complaint setting forth the details of the alleged violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner may initiate an investigation if the Commissioner has reason to believe that this subtitle, or any other law regulating consumer credit reporting, has been violated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After receipt of a written complaint or initiating an investigation under this section, the Commissioner may inspect the books, records, letters, and contracts of a consumer reporting agency, and of each person who has furnished information to the consumer reporting agency relating to the specific written complaint.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1221" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Any consumer reporting agency or user of information which willfully fails to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Such amount of punitive damages as the court may allow; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any consumer reporting agency or user of information which is negligent in failing to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency or a user of information has no liability under this subtitle for any failure to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle with respect to any consumer if, within 30 days after discovering such failure to comply and prior to institution of an action under this subtitle or the receipt of written notice of the failure to comply from the consumer, such person or user notifies the consumer of the failure to comply and makes whatever adjustments are necessary to correct the noncompliance.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency or a user of information has no liability under this subtitle for any failure to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle where such person or user:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Unintentionally and in good faith fails to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Makes whatever adjustments are necessary to correct the noncompliance within 30 days after such person or user receives written notice of the failure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency or a user of information may not be held liable in an action brought under this subtitle for any failure to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle if such person or user shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the failure to comply was unintentional and resulted from a bona fide error, notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adapted to avoid any such error.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The burden shall be on the person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency or user of information to show that the failure to comply with any requirement under this subtitle was unintentional and in good faith.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1222" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>An action to enforce any liability created under this subtitle may be brought within two years from the date on which the liability arises, except that where a defendant has materially and willfully misrepresented any information required under this subtitle to be disclosed to an individual and the information so misrepresented is material to the establishment of the defendant’s liability to that individual under this subtitle, the action may be brought at any time within two years after discovery by the individual of the misrepresentation.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1223" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>Any person who knowingly and willfully obtains information on a consumer from a consumer reporting agency under false pretenses shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1224" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <text>Any officer or employee of a consumer reporting agency who knowingly and willfully provides information concerning an individual from the agency’s files to a person not authorized to receive that information shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1225" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Any consumer who has reason to believe that this subtitle, or any other law regulating consumer credit reporting, has been violated by any person may file with the Commissioner a complaint setting forth the details of an alleged violation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner may inspect the pertinent books, records, letters and contracts of any agency, and of any person who has furnished information to the agency relating to the specific written complaint.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1226" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner, in addition to taking any other action authorized by law, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hold a hearing on the complaint at a time and place in this State reasonably convenient to the parties involved;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subpoena and take depositions of witnesses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Conduct investigations that the Commissioner considers necessary;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Administer oaths;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Issue orders for compliance with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Issue cease and desist orders, if after a hearing the Commissioner finds a violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Instead of or in addition to any other action the Commissioner may take under this section or any other provision of law, the Commissioner may impose a civil penalty not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$1,000 for a first violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$2,500 for each subsequent violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the amount of civil penalty to be imposed under this subsection, the Commissioner shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The violator’s history of previous violations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The deleterious effect of the violation on the public and the credit granting industry;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The assets and financial status of the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Any other factors relevant to the determination of the financial penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commissioner shall pay all fines and penalties collected by the Commissioner under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a person fails to comply with any lawful order of the Commissioner or if any witness fails to appear and testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, on petition of the Commissioner setting forth the facts, the circuit court of any county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compel obedience to the requirements of the subpoena or order;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Compel the production of contracts, forms, files, and other evidence; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Order compliance with any lawful order issued by the Commissioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a person fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with the order of the court, the court may punish that person for contempt of court.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administrative Procedure Act, including its provisions for judicial review of a final decision in a contested case, applies to proceedings before the Commissioner pursuant to this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner shall adopt regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The regulations shall include procedures for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Achieving accuracy in information collected and maintained in consumer files;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Developing a system to facilitate correction of information in a consumer file at each credit reporting agency on correction at one consumer reporting agency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Periodically distributing to the public a current listing of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of consumer reporting agencies that maintain information or provide consumer reports on residents of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Calculating the required bond amounts under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A consumer reporting agency shall pay to the Commissioner a per–day fee set by the Commissioner for each of the Commissioner’s employees engaged in any investigation of the consumer reporting agency conducted under this section that the Commissioner considers necessary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1227" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The requirements under any federal law and Title 4, Subtitles 1 through 5 of the General Provisions Article regarding the privacy or confidentiality of information or material provided to NMLS, and any privilege arising under federal or state law, including the rules of any federal or state court with respect to that information or material, shall continue to apply to that information or material after the information or material has been disclosed to NMLS.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The information and material may be shared with all state and federal regulatory officials having authority over persons required to be registered under this subtitle, including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, without the loss of privilege or the loss of confidentiality protections provided by federal law or Title 4, Subtitles 1 through 5 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commissioner may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enter into information–sharing agreements with any federal or state regulatory agency having authority over consumer reporting agencies or with any federal or state law enforcement agency, including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor to these agencies if the agreements prohibit the agencies from disclosing any shared information without prior written consent from the Commissioner regarding disclosure of the particular information; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exchange information about a consumer reporting agency, including information obtained or generated during an investigation, with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any federal or state regulatory agency having authority over consumer reporting agencies; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any federal or state law enforcement agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Information or material that is subject to a privilege or confidentiality under subsection (a) of this section may not be subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Disclosure under any federal or state law governing the disclosure to the public of information held by an officer or agency of the federal government or a state that has received the information or material; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subpoena, discovery, or admission into evidence, in any private civil litigation or administrative process, unless, with respect to any privilege held by NMLS, the person to whom the information or material pertains waives, in whole or in part, that privilege.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any provisions of Title 4, Subtitles 1 through 5 of the General Provisions Article relating to the disclosure of any information or material described in subsection (a) of this section that are inconsistent with subsection (a) of this section shall be superseded by the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section does not apply to information or material relating to publicly adjudicated disciplinary and enforcement actions against a consumer reporting agency that is included in NMLS and designated for access by the public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12A" subtitle_name="Waterproofing"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advertising” means any oral, written, printed, or graphic statement or representation made in connection with the solicitation or sale of basement waterproofing services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Basement” means a subsurface or subterranean portion of a home, dwelling, or other building.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Basement waterproofing” means the use or application of materials or processes for the prevention or control of water leakage or water flow through the basement walls or flooring into the interior portion of a basement.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Engineer’s analysis” means a written report, from a professional engineer or architect licensed in this State, containing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An analysis of soil conditions, water tables or pressure, and other factors or conditions that affect the existence and correction of basement water problems; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An opinion as to the probability that the process and the particular substances or materials which are to be used in the performance of basement waterproofing services will or will not cure the basement water problem or have a significant waterproofing effect.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Seller” means a person, or an agent, representative, or employee of a person engaged in the business of basement waterproofing.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Seller’s analysis” means a written statement, by the seller, of the causes and conditions responsible for the buyer’s basement water problem and the specific processes and materials to be used to correct the problem.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Soil injection/pressure pumping” means a basement waterproofing process in connection with waterproofing services in which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A substance is injected into the ground adjacent to the basement walls or beneath the basement foundation or floor by pipes or other conduits; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Substances are poured into shallow trenches adjacent to basement walls for the purpose of protecting or sealing the basement walls, foundation, floors, or exterior soil against water penetration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Waterproofing technique” means any single process designed to prevent or control water leakage into a house or dwelling, but does not include the combination of two or more processes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12A-02" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12A" subtitle_name="Waterproofing"> <text>It is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article for a seller to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sell or offer to sell any basement waterproofing service that uses the soil injection/pressure pumping technique either alone or with any other waterproofing technique unless the need for, effectiveness of, and appropriateness of the method is established in a written seller’s analysis. The written seller analysis shall be separate from the service contract and verified by a signed engineer’s or architect’s analysis furnished to the buyer prior to the sale;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fail to describe separately and conspicuously on the seller’s analysis and the service contract the cost of a soil injection/pressure pumping procedure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit a seller’s analysis to the buyer that the seller knows or has reason to know is founded on incorrect facts or conclusions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Misrepresent directly or through an agent the need for, or the effectiveness of the soil injection/pressure pumping technique alone or in conjunction with other waterproofing techniques. This section also applies to misrepresentation by an engineer in connection with the sale of waterproofing services;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Advertise basement waterproofing services using the soil injection/pressure pumping technique without disclosing in the advertisement that an engineer’s analysis recommending this process is required as a condition of its use and that the analysis must be furnished to the buyer before a contract is signed. This disclosure shall be in 10 point boldface type; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Fail to itemize on the service contract the individual cost of each waterproofing technique used.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12A-03" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12A" subtitle_name="Waterproofing"> <text>Any person who violates any provisions of this subtitle is subject to the penalties provided for in Title 13 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12A-04" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12A" subtitle_name="Waterproofing"> <text>If a judgment is entered in favor of a complaining party, the court may award attorney fees to the complaining party.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-01" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Business day” means Monday through Friday.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Business day” includes Saturday if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The seller of health club services is open to members on Saturday; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The health club services contract specifically identifies Saturday as a business day for purposes of the cancellation provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Business day” does not include legal holidays.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” means the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Health club services agreement” means an agreement under which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The buyer of a health club service purchases, or becomes obligated to purchase, health club services to be rendered over a period longer than 3 months;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The seller of a health club services agreement collects more than 3 months’ payment in advance; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The service to be rendered under the agreement is for personal, family, or household use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Health club services agreement” includes agreements for services rendered by a health spa, figure salon, weight reduction center, self defense school, or other physical culture service enterprises offering facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement, or development of physical fitness or physical well–being.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Health club services agreement” does not include agreements for services rendered by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any nonprofit public or private school, college, or university;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State, or any of its political subdivisions; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any nonprofit religious, ethnic, community, or service organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-02" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>Each person who sells health club services in this State shall register with the Division on forms the Division provides. The person shall furnish the full name and address of each business location where health club services are sold as well as any other registration information the Division deems appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each person who registers under this subtitle shall pay a registration fee at the time of registration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On September 1 of each year following the initial registration, each registered person shall pay a renewal fee to the Division.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The fees for registration and renewal required under this subsection shall be set by the Division:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In an amount not exceeding $1,200 for a person who is required to purchase a surety bond or file an irrevocable letter of credit or cash under subsection (e) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In an amount not exceeding $300 for a person who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is exempt from the requirement to purchase a surety bond or file an irrevocable letter of credit or cash under subsection (e) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not meet the requirements of item (iii) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In an amount not exceeding $75 for a person who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is exempt from the requirement to purchase a surety bond or file an irrevocable letter of credit or cash under subsection (e) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not charge an initiation fee or other fee that is not identified as a payment for specified future services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not contractually obligate a buyer of health club services to pay in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Does not collect from a buyer of health club services any payment in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The fees collected under this subsection may only be used for the administration and enforcement of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least one member of the board of directors of each seller of health club services in this State shall be a resident of a county where a club of the seller is located and shall serve as a resident agent for receipt of service of process.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Division may bring an action for mandamus against a health club to require the club to register or to have and maintain the surety required by this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a person who sells health club services agreements shall purchase a surety bond in an amount not less than the aggregate value of outstanding liabilities to members, including all prepaid fees, membership fees, dues, deposits, initiation fees, and fees for health club services. For the purposes of this section, “liabilities” means the money actually received in advance from the members less the prorated value of services rendered by the health club facility. In the case of a lifetime contract, the liabilities shall be calculated on a prorated basis for not more than 36 months.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of the bond shall be based upon a report prepared by an independent certified public accountant describing the health club’s outstanding liabilities to the members using accepted standard accounting principles. In this section “outstanding liabilities” includes all amounts that would be required to be refunded to members if the health club facility ceases operations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The report shall be submitted at the time of initial registration and updated at each renewal under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of the bond shall be increased, or may be decreased, as necessary to take into account changes in the health club facility’s outstanding liabilities to members in the following cases, whichever comes first:</text> <level label="1"> <text>When the health club facility’s outstanding liabilities to members increase or decrease by $10,000; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On a quarterly basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a registrant’s outstanding liabilities to the members exceed the amount of the bond, and the registrant has failed to increase the bond, then the registrant shall immediately stop selling health club services agreements and shall refrain from selling health club services agreements until the requirements of this subsection have been satisfied.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>An irrevocable letter of credit in a form acceptable to the Division, or cash, may be filed with the Division instead of a surety bond.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a seller of health club services agreements does not have to file or maintain a bond, letter of credit, or cash in excess of $200,000 per health club services facility. The bonding requirement of this subsection applies to each location at which health club services are sold in any case where a person operates or plans to operate more than one facility within the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A buyer of health club services who suffers or sustains any loss or damage by reason of the closing of a facility or bankruptcy by the seller of the health club services agreement shall file a claim with the surety and, if the claim is not paid, may bring an action based on the bond and recover against the surety. In the case of a letter of credit or cash deposit that has been filed with the Division, the buyer may file a claim with the Division.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any claim under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be filed no later than 1 year from the date on which the facility closed or bankruptcy was filed. The Division shall notify each known buyer described in paragraph (1) of this subsection about the procedure for filing a claim, unless the seller of the health club services agreements has provided sufficient notice to each known buyer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Division may file a claim with the surety on behalf of any buyer in paragraph (1) of this subsection. The surety shall pay the amount of the claims to the Division for distribution to claimants entitled to restitution and shall be relieved of liability to that extent.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The liability of the surety under any bond may not exceed the aggregate amount of the bond, regardless of the number or amount of claims filed.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the claims filed should exceed the amount of the bond, the surety shall pay the amount of the bond to the Division for distribution to claimants entitled to restitution and shall be relieved of all liability under the bond.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Division may obtain reimbursement for postage and other reasonable nonsalary expenses incurred in notifying buyers and distributing claims by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Filing a priority claim for the expenses against the surety bond posted by the seller; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Applying to the expenses on a priority basis the proceeds of the letter of credit or cash deposit posted by the seller with the Division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>For any claim under paragraph (1), (3), or (5) of this subsection, the Division may not pay a claim of a buyer that is less than $5.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The provisions of this subsection do not apply where the buyer’s membership agreement provides for the transfer of membership privileges to a comparable new or existing facility within a reasonable distance of the closed facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person or business bonded under this section shall maintain accurate records of the bond and of premium payments on it. These records shall be open to inspection by the Division at any time during normal business hours.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person who sells health club services agreements shall maintain accurate records, updated as necessary, of the name, address, contract terms, and payments of each buyer of health club services. These records shall be open to inspection by the Division, upon reasonable notice, at any time during normal business hours.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In addition to any remedies otherwise available, the Division, after notice and a show cause hearing, may revoke the registration of any person who fails to maintain or produce the records described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Each person who sells health club services to be offered at a planned facility or a facility under construction shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Register under subsection (a) of this section before conducting any sales activities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Maintain a surety bond in an amount not less than $50,000 until the value of obligations to consumers exceeds that amount.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Until the time a person opens a health club services facility, the amount of the bond shall be increased as necessary to take into account increases in the person’s outstanding liabilities to the members with a final adjustment to be made at the time of opening.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Upon opening the facility, the person is subject to the provisions of subsections (a) through (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>For purposes of subsections (e) and (f) of this section, any initiation fee, or other fee, that exceeds $200 and that is not identified as a payment for specific future services will be deemed to be a payment for services to be delivered during the initial 2 years of the buyer’s membership term.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Any information received by the Division in the course of administering the registration program under this subtitle shall be made available to the public subject to the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-03" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Health Club Administration Fund which is established for the purpose of paying the expenses incurred in the administration and enforcement of the Health Club Services Act.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund shall be administered by the Division.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-04" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>If a buyer described in § 14-12B-01(d)(1)(i) of this subtitle becomes disabled during the membership term, the buyer is entitled to extend the membership contract for a period equal to the duration of the disability.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply unless the disability is confirmed by a physician and is for a period longer than 3 months.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a health club facility at which a buyer of health club services is provided with those services is closed for a period longer than 1 month through no fault of the buyer, the buyer is entitled to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Extend the membership contract for a period equal to the period during which the facility is closed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A prorated refund of the amount paid by the buyer under the contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the health club facility is closed through no fault of the seller, the choice of remedy described in subsection (c) of this section shall be made by the seller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the health club facility is closed through the fault of the seller, the choice of a remedy described in subsection (c) of this section shall be made by the buyer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-05" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>If a health club facility is not in existence on the date the health club services agreement is executed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The buyer may cancel the contract in the event the facility is not open for business on the date as provided by the agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The buyer may cancel the contract within 3 business days after the opening of the facility, or after receiving notice of the opening of the facility, whichever comes later, in the event the services or facilities are not available substantially as described in the agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the buyer cancels under this section, the health club facility shall refund any deposit, down payment, or payment on the agreement including any initiation, deposit, membership, or other fees.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-06" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>A health club services agreement may not contain an automatic renewal clause, unless the agreement provides for a renewal option for continued membership which must be accepted by the buyer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A buyer described in § 14-12B-01(d)(1)(i) of this subtitle may cancel a health club services agreement within 3 business days after receipt of a copy of the agreement by notifying the health club in writing. Written notification shall be delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, and if mailed shall be postmarked by midnight of the third business day.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the buyer cancels within 3 business days, the health club facility shall refund any deposit, down payment, or payment on the agreement including any initiation, deposit, membership, or other fees.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each contract for health club services shall conspicuously disclose under the heading “Notice of Consumer Rights”:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The seller’s health club registration number with the Division;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A description of whether the seller is bonded and the amount of the bond or, if not bonded, an explanation of the basis for the seller’s exemption from the bonding requirements;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The buyer’s right to cancel as defined in this section;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The buyer’s rights in the event of a disability or temporary closing under § 14-12B-04 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For those persons who register in accordance with § 14-12B-02(b)(3)(iii) of this subtitle, a statement that the facility does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Charge an initiation fee or other fee that is not identified as a payment for specific future services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contractually obligate a buyer of health club services to pay in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collect from a buyer of health club services any payment in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Each contract for the sale of health club services shall contain in a form acceptable to the Division:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A clear and conspicuous itemized description of any fees and charges; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the facility is not in operation, the expected date of opening and a description of the specific services and facilities that will be available upon opening.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who registers in accordance with § 14-12B-02(b)(3)(iii) of this subtitle shall post in a clear and conspicuous manner a sign in a prominent location in each health club facility that the person opens or operates that states that the facility does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Charge an initiation fee or other fee that is not identified as a payment for specific future services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contractually obligate a buyer of health club services to pay in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collect from a buyer of health club services any payment in advance of the date the services are provided to the buyer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-07" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <text>On the permanent closing of a facility or bankruptcy by the seller, the seller of the health club services shall provide the following information to the Division within 15 business days:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A list of the names and addresses of all members of the health club;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The original or a copy of all membership agreements; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A record of all payments received under the membership agreements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-12B-08" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="12B" subtitle_name="Health Club Services"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any remedies otherwise available, if the Division determines that a person is selling health club services agreements in violation of § 14-12B-02(e) of this subtitle, the Division may issue a cease and desist order without conducting a hearing under § 13-403 of this article. A cease and desist order shall grant the respondent an opportunity to request a hearing under § 13-403 of this article, and the hearing shall be held no later than 7 days after the request. If no request is made, any order entered under this section shall be final 30 days after entry.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each sale of a health club services agreement that violates any provision of this subtitle, or a violation of § 14-12B-07 of this subtitle, is an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1301" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Merchandise” means any commodity, object, wares, or goods.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <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="d"> <text>“Sale” includes any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sale of or offer or attempt to sell merchandise 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="e"> <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; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Repair, installation, or other servicing of any plumbing, heating, electrical, or mechanical device.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1302" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Amounts paid by the debtor” shall include all amounts paid by the debtor and any remaining amount due under the contract.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Business arrangement” means any understanding, procedure, course of dealing, or arrangement, formal or informal, between a creditor and a seller, in connection with the sale of goods or services to consumers or the financing thereof.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Consumer” means a natural person who seeks or acquires goods or services for personal, family, or household use.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Consumer credit contract” means any instrument which evidences or embodies a debt arising from a “purchase money loan” transaction or a “financed sale” as defined in paragraphs (9) and (11) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Contract” means any oral or written agreement, formal or informal, between a creditor and a seller, which contemplates or provides for cooperative or concerted activity in connection with the sale of goods or services to consumers or the financing thereof.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Credit card issuer” means a person who extends to cardholders the right to use a credit card in connection with purchases of goods or services.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Creditor” means a person who, in the ordinary course of business, lends purchase money or finances the sale of goods or services to consumers on a deferred payment basis if that person is not acting, for the purposes of a particular transaction, in the capacity of a credit card issuer.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Financing a sale” means extending credit to a consumer in connection with a “credit sale” within the meaning of the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>“Person” means an individual, corporation, or any other business organization.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>“Purchase money loan” means a cash advance which is received by a consumer in return for a “finance charge” within the meaning of the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, which is applied, in whole or substantial part, to a purchase of goods or services from a seller who (i) refers consumers to the creditor or (ii) is affiliated with the creditor by common control, contract, or business arrangement.</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>“Seller” means a person who, in the ordinary course of business, sells goods or services to consumers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In connection with any sale or lease in this State of goods or services to consumers, it is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article for a seller, directly or indirectly, to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take or receive a consumer credit contract which fails to contain the following provision in at least ten point, boldface type:</text> <text>NOTICE</text> <text>Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds hereof. Recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder.</text> <text>Or,</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Accept, as full or partial payment for such sale, the proceeds of any purchase money loan, unless any consumer credit contract made in connection with such purchase money loan contains the following provision in at least ten point, boldface type:</text> <text>NOTICE</text> <text>Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services obtained with the proceeds hereof. Recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section do not apply where the seller:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Does not require a consumer credit contract which is a negotiable instrument or which contains any provision pursuant to which the consumer agrees to limit or waive claims or defenses which he may have against the seller as to any holder of the consumer credit contract; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not transfer, sell, pledge or assign a consumer credit contract except under conditions where any transferee is subject to all claims and defenses which the consumer has against the seller to the same extent as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1303" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “consumer transaction” means a transaction in which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Credit is extended by one regularly engaged in the business of extending credit in credit transactions of the same type;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The creditor acquires a security interest in tangible personal property of the debtor; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The debt is incurred by an individual primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a consumer transaction, a waiver by the debtor of his right as a defendant in an action of replevin to a hearing or to notice of an opportunity to be heard before seizure of property securing the transaction is void if made before service of notice of the opportunity to be heard.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1304" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not offer any merchandise for sale in any manner or by any means if the offer includes the voluntary and unsolicited sending of merchandise not actually ordered or requested by the recipient orally or in writing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a person receives any merchandise offered for sale in violation of this subsection, it is an unconditional gift to him for all purposes. He may use or dispose of the merchandise in any manner without any obligation on his part to the sender.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a member of an organization making retail sales of merchandise to its members notifies the organization by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, of his termination of membership, any unordered merchandise sent to the member after 30 days following execution of the return receipt by the organization is an unconditional gift to him for all purposes. He may use or dispose of the merchandise in any manner without any obligation on his part to the organization.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not relieve a person from liability for damages to which he might otherwise be subject if his termination of membership breaches any agreement with the organization. However, he may not be subject to any damages with respect to the merchandise considered under this subsection to be an unconditional gift to him.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After the receipt of any merchandise considered to be an unconditional gift under this section, if the sender continues to send any bill, statement of account, or request for payment with respect to the merchandise, the recipient may bring an action to enjoin the sender’s conduct. In that action, the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1305" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if a credit card or card of identification for credit is issued to a person without his prior request or application, the card is not considered accepted until he signifies acceptance in writing or uses it to obtain credit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Until an unrequested card is accepted, the issuer of the card:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assumes the risk of its loss, theft, or unauthorized use; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is barred from any recovery against the person to whom the card is issued for any damages occasioned by that loss, theft, or unauthorized use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply if the card is issued for the purpose of renewal or replacement of an existing card originally applied for or accepted by the cardholder.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1306" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Appliance” means any device used for a specific purpose, including any device run by electrical or mechanical means.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Service contract” means a contract between the owner of an appliance and another person under which the owner agrees to pay a specified amount of money in exchange for any necessary upkeep or repair to the appliance over a specified period.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Service contractor” means the person obligated to perform any upkeep or repair under a service contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The duration of a service contract is extended automatically for each day an appliance is in the custody of a service contractor for upkeep or repair under a service contract, if it is in his custody:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For 15 or more consecutive days; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a total of 15 or more days in any 30-day period for the same upkeep or repairs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For purposes of this section, the number of days during which the service contractor has custody of an appliance does not include any day:</text> <level label="1"> <text>During which the owner has possession of the appliance; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the day on which the owner receives notice that the service is completed and, without fault of the service contractor, fails to take possession of the appliance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section applies to a service contract executed after June 30, 1974.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1307" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>A person may not sell any ladder manufactured after July 1, 1976, which is made with material capable of conducting an electrical current unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A warning is affixed in a prominent place on the ladder which indicates that the ladder is a conductor of electricity; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ladder is made in a manner to prevent the conduction of an electrical current.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1308" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>A person may not sell any photographic film manufactured after July 1, 1977, except black and white film, unless the cartridge or roll of film is marked with sufficient processing instructions so that a commercial photographic processor can identify the required chemical and developing procedures.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1309" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, distribute, or install any new hand-fired heating stove or freestanding fireplace that is intended ultimately for installation in a permanent or temporary residence unless the stove or fireplace is accompanied with complete instructions on the safe installation and operation of the appliance, including information on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The safe clearance of structural members, as established by the National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet 89M, “Clearances for Heat Producing Appliances”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The type of fuel to be burned in the appliance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Proper starting instructions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Proper storage of fuel;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Safe disposal of ashes; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Proper chimney maintenance.</text> </level> </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 any violation of this section to the Division of Consumer Protection.</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 $500.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1310" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>With the written consent of the property owner, a person may use unvented portable kerosene-fired heaters in single family dwelling units and in commercial establishments in this State if the heaters otherwise comply with the State Fire Prevention Code regulations in effect on January 1, 1982.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Commercial establishment” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Places of public assembly capable of accommodating more than 50 persons;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Child care centers;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Educational occupancies;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Health care occupancies;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Hotels and motels; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Buildings (other than office facilities) where open flame devices would readily ignite flammable liquid vapor, explosives, or dust, or buildings over 3 stories in height.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In commercial establishments, portable kerosene heaters may not be located in such a manner as to obstruct exits.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This section shall not be construed to prohibit or allow the prohibition of the demonstration or repair of unvented portable kerosene–fired heaters in any commercial establishment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The manufacturer shall affix to each portable kerosene heater, in a safe and prominent place, a nondetachable warning label which states:</text> <text>WARNING.</text> </level> <level label="1"> <text>This unit must be used in an area which has proper ventilation. Consult owner’s manual for details and instructions.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use of this heater may possibly be dangerous to persons with respiratory or circulatory disorders.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Only “water-clear” kerosene meeting 1-K (ASTM) specifications should be used in this heater.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In Baltimore City, this section does not affect or supersede any local law or ordinance which is more stringent or imposes a higher standard regarding the use or sale of portable kerosene heaters.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1311" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer goods” means any new goods used for personal, family, or household purposes where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The purchaser of the goods has entered into an agreement to purchase an extended warranty on the goods purchased; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The actual cash sales price of the goods paid by the purchaser is in excess of $50.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer goods” includes household appliances.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Extended warranty” means a written warranty that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Covers consumer goods offered for sale by a guarantor or manufacturer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Includes terms or conditions beyond those offered in any express warranty originally included as part of the contract of sale for the consumer goods; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is purchased at the time of the sale of the consumer goods.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Guarantor” means a person who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is engaged in the business of making consumer products available to consumers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Makes a warranty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Manufacturer” includes a manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any extended warranty sold by a guarantor or manufacturer to a purchaser of consumer goods may not supersede any original express warranty and shall be offered in addition to the original express warranty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section applies only to an agreement to purchase an extended warranty which is executed on or after July 1, 1984.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1312" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Acceptor” means a seller, lender, or credit grantor to whom a discharged check was originally issued.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Discharged check” means a check or other instrument that has been:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issued to a seller, lender, or credit grantor by a buyer or borrower in full or partial satisfaction of an underlying obligation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reacquired by the buyer or borrower in his own right.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, if an acceptor requires a buyer or borrower to submit to the acceptor a discharged check, rather than a facsimile thereof, for the purpose of verifying the full or partial payment of the obligation for which the check was issued, the acceptor shall return the discharged check directly to the buyer or borrower when payment or nonpayment has been verified.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An acceptor may not return the discharged check directly to the financial institution on which the discharged check was drawn if the check was submitted to the acceptor under the circumstances outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The failure of an acceptor to return a discharged check directly to a buyer or borrower as provided in subsection (b) of this section shall make the acceptor liable to the buyer or borrower for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of the check; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any charges made against the buyer’s or borrower’s account by the financial institution on which the check was drawn if those charges are a direct result of the acceptor’s noncompliance with subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1313" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <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>“Commercial solicitation” means the unsolicited electronic or telephonic transmission in the State to a facsimile device to encourage a person to purchase goods, realty, or services.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Commercial solicitation” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An electronic or telephonic transmission made in the course of prior negotiations; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An electronic or telephonic transmission made in the course of a preexisting business relationship with the person receiving the transmission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Facsimile device” means a machine that receives and copies reproductions or facsimiles of documents or photographs that have been transmitted electronically or telephonically over telecommunications lines.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not make intentionally an electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device for the purpose of commercial solicitation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General may initiate a civil action against any person who violates this section to recover for the State a penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the purposes of this section, each prohibited commercial solicitation is a separate violation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1314" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Law enforcement agency” means a police department of the State or of a county or municipal corporation of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Response time” means the period of time from the moment an alarm from a security system is activated to the moment a law enforcement agency responds to the alarm sounding.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Security system” means any burglary alarm system or robbery alarm system.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Security system” includes the service of monitoring the property to which a security system is attached in case of an alarm sounding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Seller” means a person who sells or offers for sale a security system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In connection with a sale or offer for sale of a security system, a seller may not state that the seller can or will provide, as part of the security system, a response time by a law enforcement agency to an alarm sounding that is shorter in time than the response time by the law enforcement agency to a general distress call.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1315" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer contract” means a contract involving the sale, lease, or provision of goods or services which are for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Contract”, unless specifically provided otherwise, includes consumer, commercial, and business contracts, covenants, leases of any kind, and tariffs on file with any regulatory authority.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Late fee” means any charge or fee imposed because a payment is not made when the payment is due under the terms of a contract.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Late fee” includes a fee imposed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph that is described:</text> <level label="1"> <text>As a flat rate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As a percentage of the amount due; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In any other terms.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The parties to a contract may agree to require the payment of a late fee when a party fails to make a payment when the payment is due.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A contract that requires the payment of a late fee shall disclose, by its terms or by notice:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of the late fee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The conditions under which the late fee will be imposed; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The timing for the imposition of the late fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A late fee imposed under this section is not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interest;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A finance charge;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Liquidated damages; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section does not affect a late fee, a finance charge, interest, or any other fee or charge otherwise allowed under applicable law.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section is subject to one of the following limitations:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of the late fee may be up to $5 per month, or up to 10% per month of the payment amount that is past due, whichever is greater; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No more than 3 monthly late fees may be imposed for any single payment amount that is past due, regardless of the period during which the payment remains past due; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The amount of the late fee may be up to 1.5% per month of the payment amount that is past due.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the late fee under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be disclosed, in the consumer contract or by notice, in size equal to at least 10-point bold type.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section may not be imposed until 15 days after the date the bill was rendered for the goods or services provided.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a bill is not rendered, a late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section may not be imposed until 15 days after the payment amount becomes due.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A late fee imposed under this section is subject to any additional limitations or conditions prescribed by any federal, State, or local regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over entities imposing late fees regulated by this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1316" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Bedding” means a mattress or box spring that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is stuffed or filled wholly or partly with concealed matter; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Can be used by an individual for sleeping or reclining.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer” means an actual or a prospective purchaser of goods that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Used” means preowned or having a component that was used previously for any purpose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not recover bedding that is intended to be sold or offered for sale to a consumer in the State unless the person clearly marks the bedding as used.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1317" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not purchase or fraudulently receive from any person engaged in transporting coal, iron, lumber, merchandise, or property consigned to another:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Without the consent of the owner of the property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With knowledge that the property is consigned.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is liable to the owner of the property in a civil action for damages equal to double the value of the property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An action brought under this section may be brought in the name of either the consignor or consignee of the property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1318" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “payment device number” means any code, account number, or other means of account access, other than a check, draft, or similar paper instrument, that can be used to obtain money, goods, services, or anything of value, or for purposes of initiating a transfer of funds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Payment device number” includes a credit card number and a debit card number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies only to receipts that are electronically printed in connection with the purchase of consumer goods or consumer services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to receipts where the sole means of recording the payment device number is by handwriting, imprinting, or copying the payment device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person that accepts a payment device number for the transaction of business may not print more than five digits of the payment device number or the expiration date of the payment device on a receipt that is provided to the holder of the payment device at the point of sale or transaction or retained by the person.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General may initiate a civil action against a person that violates this section to recover for the State a civil penalty not exceeding $25 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For the purposes of this section, each instance in which a payment device number or expiration date is printed when prohibited by this section is a separate violation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1319" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “gift certificate” means a device constructed of paper, plastic, or any other material that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sold or issued by a person for a cash value that can be used to purchase goods or services; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Issued as a store credit for returned goods.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Gift certificate” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A prepaid telephone calling card;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A prepaid technical support card;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A prepaid card for Internet services;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A coupon for discounted goods or services;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A gift certificate that is distributed to an individual under an awards, loyalty, or promotional program in which the recipient does not give money or value for the gift certificate; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A gift card that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods or services.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or issue a gift certificate that, within 4 years after the date of purchase, is subject to expiration or a fee or charge of any kind.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any term or condition concerning expiration or a fee or charge that takes effect more than 4 years after the date of purchase must be printed clearly in at least 10 point type in a visible place on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The front or back of the gift certificate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sticker permanently affixed to the gift certificate; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An envelope containing the gift certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (c) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A gift certificate that is sold or issued in violation of this section shall be considered valid and may not be subject to expiration or any fee or charge.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A violation of any provision of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1320" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to a gift card that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods and services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A gift card may be subject to expiration or a postsale fee, including a service fee, dormancy fee, account maintenance fee, cash-out fee, gift card replacement fee, activation fee, or reactivation fee, if the following disclosures are printed clearly in a visible place on the front or back of the gift card in at least 10 point type:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With respect to the expiration date, the date on which the gift card expires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to a postsale fee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of the fee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The circumstances under which the fee will be imposed;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The frequency with which the fee will be imposed; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Whether the fee is triggered by inactivity.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the disclosures required under subsection (b) of this section are hidden by the packaging of the gift card, the seller or issuer shall give the purchaser a written statement of the disclosures before the gift card is sold or issued.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In addition to printing the information required under subsection (b) of this section on a gift card:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If a gift card is sold or issued by electronic means, the seller or issuer shall include a conspicuous written statement of the information in the electronic message offering the gift card; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a gift card is sold or issued by telephonic means, the seller or issuer, before the gift card is sold, shall state the information to the purchaser.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (b) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A violation of any provision of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1321" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Account” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A credit card account;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A debit card account;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A bank account; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other financial account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer goods” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Consumer services” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Merchant” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A merchant that provides consumer goods or consumer services over the Internet under a contract with a consumer that requires the consumer to make periodic payments for the consumer goods or consumer services and allows the merchant to collect the payments directly from the consumer’s account shall include in a prominent place on its website:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A toll–free telephone number that a consumer may call to cancel the contract; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An address to which a consumer may write to cancel the contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1322" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Billing agent” means a person that submits charges for products or services to a telephone company or reseller on behalf of the person submitting the charges or on behalf of a third–party vendor.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Customer” means a customer of a telephone company or reseller.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Express authorization” means an express, affirmative act by an ordering customer in the form of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A written authorization;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An oral authorization verified and recorded by an independent party; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A recorded electronic authorization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Ordering customer” means a customer or another person ordering services that will appear on the customer’s telephone bill.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Reseller” means a person that provides wireline telephone voice service by using the transmission facilities of another person.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Telephone company” means a person that provides wireline telephone voice services.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Third–party vendor” means an entity not affiliated with a telephone company or reseller that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides products or services to a customer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Seeks to charge the customer through third–party vendor billing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>“Third–party vendor billing” means the use of a telephone company’s or reseller’s billing system, either directly or through a billing agent, to charge a customer for products or services provided by a third–party vendor.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Third–party vendor billing” does not include billing for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Products or services offered by, or bundled with the products or services of, a telephone company, a reseller, or an affiliate of a telephone company or reseller;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Long distance services that a customer initiates by dialing 1+, 0+, 0–, or 1010XXX; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Commercial mobile radio services.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless the third–party vendor or billing agent first obtains an ordering customer’s express authorization, a third–party vendor or billing agent may not submit charges to a telephone company or reseller.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The express authorization required under subsection (b) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be separate from any solicitation material or entry forms for sweepstakes or contests; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name and telephone number of the ordering customer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date of authorization;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An explanation of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The product or service offered; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All applicable charges; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An affirmation by the ordering customer that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The ordering customer is at least 18 years of age and authorized to order services that will appear on the customer’s telephone bill; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Third–party vendor billing charges may be billed using the customer’s telephone bill.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A third–party vendor or billing agent shall retain a copy of the express authorization required under subsection (b) of this section for 2 years after the date of authorization.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A customer is not liable for third–party vendor billing charges unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The customer has been given notice that the telephone company or reseller may allow third–party vendor billing and that free blocking of certain third–party vendor billing may be available to the customer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The customer is provided access to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An itemization of the third–party vendor billing charges identifying them separately from other charges; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The name and telephone number of the third–party vendor or its billing agent.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Unless the third–party vendor or billing agent provides a copy of the authorization required under subsection (b) of this section to the customer and to the telephone company or reseller, a customer is not liable for third–party vendor billing charges if the customer, in good faith and in a reasonably timely manner, but not outside the time period specified in subsection (d) of this section, disputes that the charges were authorized.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>An agreement for third–party vendor billing entered into by a telephone company or reseller and a third–party vendor or billing agent on or after October 1, 2010, is void and unenforceable to the extent that it does not require the third–party vendor to comply with subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A violation of this section by a third–party vendor or billing agent:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except for the provisions of § 13–411 of this article, is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1323" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” means a purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods, consumer services, or consumer credit.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer credit”, “consumer goods”, and “consumer services” mean, respectively, credit, goods, and services that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Consumer credit contract” means a written agreement for the provision of consumer credit between a person and a consumer who resides in the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Prohibited risk factor” means the identity of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A person from whom a consumer lawfully obtains consumer credit, consumer goods, or consumer services; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person who makes or holds a mortgage loan on a consumer’s home.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not include or enforce a provision in a consumer credit contract, without the consumer’s prior written consent, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Triggers a default under the consumer credit contract based on a prohibited risk factor; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorizes a party to the consumer credit contract to use a prohibited risk factor for the purpose of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Accelerating a payment owed under the consumer credit contract;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Increasing the interest rate payable under the consumer credit contract;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reducing the credit limit available under the consumer credit contract; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Altering a term of the consumer credit contract in any other manner adverse to the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A provision included in a consumer credit contract in violation of subsection (b) of this section is void and unenforceable.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit a person from using information to detect or prevent fraudulent activity in connection with the provision of consumer credit.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1324" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to the operator of a website that charges a fee to remove an arrest or detention photograph or digital image.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may request an operator of a website to remove the individual’s photograph or digital image from the operator’s website if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The photograph or digital image was taken during the arrest or detention of the individual for a criminal or traffic charge or suspected violation of a criminal or traffic law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image was expunged under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The individual has successfully petitioned a court to have the court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image shielded or otherwise removed from public inspection; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The individual has successfully petitioned a court to vacate the judgment that resulted from the arrest or detention.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual shall make a request for removal of a photograph or digital image under subsection (b) of this section by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Written request sent by certified mail; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Electronic mail using an electronic postmark if the operator makes available a secure electronic mail connection on the operator’s website.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An operator of a website shall remove the photograph or digital image of an individual within 30 days after receiving a request under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Within 5 business days after removing a photograph or digital image of an individual, the operator of a website shall send a written confirmation of the removal to the individual.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An operator of a website may not charge an individual for the removal of the individual’s photograph or digital image under this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1325" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” means an actual or a prospective purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods or services.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer goods or services” means goods or services that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services may not include a provision waiving the consumer’s right to make any statement concerning:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seller or lessor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employees or agents of the seller or lessor; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The consumer goods or services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Threaten or seek enforcement of a contract provision prohibited under subsection (b) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Penalize a consumer for making any statement protected under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A waiver of any provision of this section is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section may not be construed to prohibit or limit a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That hosts online consumer reviews or comments from removing a statement that is otherwise lawful to remove;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From including in a contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services a provision prohibiting a consumer from disclosing proprietary information, techniques, or processes; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>From bringing an action alleging that a statement made by a consumer is defamatory.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair and deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1326" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Caller identification information” means information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origin of, a call made using a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Caller ID spoofing” means the practice of using an application or other technology in connection with a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service, to knowingly cause any caller identification service to transmit false or misleading caller identification information to an individual receiving a call.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual or person may not perform caller ID spoofing when contacting another individual in the State with the intent to defraud, harass, cause harm to, or wrongfully obtain anything of value from another.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The blocking of caller identification information;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A federal intelligence or security agency; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A communications service provider, including a telecommunications, broadband, or Voice over Internet Protocol service provider, that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Acting in the communications service provider’s capacity as an intermediary for the transmission of telephone service between the caller and the recipient;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Providing or configuring a service or service feature as requested by the customer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Acting in a manner that is authorized or required by applicable law; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Engaging in other conduct that is necessary to provide service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1327" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Advanced driver assistance system” means an electronic system that uses automated technology including cameras and sensors to detect nearby obstacles and driver errors to assist a driver in the safe operation of a motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Motor vehicle” has the meaning stated in Title 11 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Motor vehicle safety glass facility” means a person that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Repairs or replaces motor vehicle safety glass; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides related recalibration of an advanced driver assistance system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Recalibration” means the readjustment of cameras, sensors, and other technology in an advanced driver assistance system to ensure proper working order in accordance with motor vehicle manufacturer specifications.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before repairing or replacing motor vehicle glass, if a motor vehicle is equipped with an advanced driver assistance system, a motor vehicle safety glass facility shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Inform the customer if the recalibration of an advanced driver assistance system is required; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide the customer with a written statement that the work to be performed on the motor vehicle will meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer specifications.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a motor vehicle safety glass facility is not limited to motor vehicle glass, tooling, equipment, or repair procedures provided by the vehicle manufacturer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recalibration of an advanced driver assistance system performed by a motor vehicle safety glass facility shall meet or exceed the motor vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A motor vehicle safety glass facility may not charge for services that are not performed or successfully completed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A motor vehicle safety glass facility shall inform the customer if recalibration of an advanced driver assistance system is required and is not performed or successfully completed.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A violation of this section by a motor vehicle safety glass facility is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1328" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consumer contract” means a contract involving the sale, lease, or provision of goods or services that are for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer contract for a service provided by a self–service storage facility, as defined in § 18–501 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A service regulated by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Maryland Public Service Commission;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Federal Communications Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person or business licensed to provide security system services under Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following provisions in a consumer contract are against State public policy, illegal, and void:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A provision that waives, limits, impairs, or disclaims the following remedies if authorized by federal or State law:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Statutory damages;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Punitive damages, including for intentional, knowing, or reckless violations of law;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Declaratory relief; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Injunctive relief; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A provision that sets a shorter time to bring an action under or on the consumer contract than required by State law when the consumer contract was issued or delivered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provision in a consumer contract may limit recovery of statutory or punitive damages authorized by federal or State law to the extent of the applicable limit of insurance coverage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a consumer contract contains a provision that is illegal under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A court:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not give effect to the provision; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall enforce the remainder of the consumer contract to the extent practicable; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A defense to liability under the consumer contract may not be based on the provision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This section shall be construed to apply equally and without favorable treatment to a consumer contract with or without an arbitration provision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section may not be construed to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Invalidate an arbitration provision that is enforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Create a right or remedy not otherwise provided by federal or State law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A provision of this section may not be waived by agreement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1329" future_version_removed="true" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" /> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1330" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Confidential substance” means any ingredient:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For which a claim has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for inclusion on the confidential portion of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical Substance Inventory;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For which the manufacturer of the menstrual product or the supplier of the ingredient claims protection under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That is generally recognized as safe by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration under 21 C.F.R. § 170.30.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Ingredient” means any intentionally added substance in a menstrual hygiene product that serves a technical or functional purpose in the finished product, including any fragrance or coloring.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Menstrual hygiene product” means a disposable or reusable product used for the purpose of absorbing or containing menstruation or vaginal discharge, including sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning April 1, 2028, a manufacturer of menstrual hygiene products shall include a list of all ingredients listed in order of predominance and displayed prominently in conspicuous type on each consumer–facing package of menstrual hygiene products sold in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A manufacturer may list a confidential substance by its common name to protect confidentiality.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1331" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a person that sends to an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A convenience check for the sole purpose of accessing an existing credit line of the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A prescreened firm offer of unsecured credit subject to regulation under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not send a check or other negotiable instrument to an individual if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The check or other negotiable instrument is sent in connection with an offer to extend secured credit to the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The individual has not submitted an application for or otherwise requested the extension of secured credit before receiving the check or other negotiable instrument; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The check or other negotiable instrument is sent as part of an unsolicited offer to purchase real property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual who is sent a check or other negotiable instrument in violation of subsection (b) of this section is not liable for the amount of the check or other negotiable instrument unless the individual actually receives and negotiates the check or other negotiable instrument.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction subject to a fine not exceeding $500.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1332" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer goods” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Essential consumer good” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Food, including human and animal food;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Water, including ice, and other beverages;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Personal hygiene products, including toiletries and cleaning products;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Health products, including medicine, medical supplies and equipment, and personal protective equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Fuel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Merchant” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Retail establishment” means an establishment that sells consumer goods to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies only to an in–person transaction at a retail establishment totaling less than $300.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A telephone, mail, or Internet transaction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A vending machine or kiosk transaction;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A transaction with a merchant that sells to the public primarily:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Food or beverages for on–premises consumption; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A limited variety of gourmet or specialty foods, including cheeses, fruits, nuts, candy, spices, and oils; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The purchase of fuel from a merchant that sells fuel to the public but requires a paid membership to purchase the fuel.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. a merchant may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prohibit a person from making a cash payment to purchase an essential consumer good;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require a person to use a credit or debit card to purchase an essential consumer good; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Charge or collect from a person a higher price than charged or collected for an equivalent cashless transaction, whether or not the difference in price is described as a fee, for making a cash payment for the purchase of an essential consumer good.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A merchant may prohibit a person from making a cash payment for the purchase of a consumer good:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In a cash denomination greater than $20; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the merchant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provides and maintains a device on the premises of the establishment that converts cash into a prepaid card that a person may use to purchase a consumer good at the establishment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not charge any fee or require a deposit; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the device malfunctions or becomes inoperable, accepts payment in cash in accordance with this section until the device resumes normal operations.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A merchant may collect from a person an additional amount not exceeding 4 cents when rounding the price for an essential consumer good in accordance with applicable law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Sections 13–410(a) and (b) and 13–411 of this article do not apply to a violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General shall provide a merchant who violates this section with at least two separate opportunities to comply with the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A merchant who violates this section after two separate opportunities to comply under paragraph (2) of this subsection is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A merchant who violates this section after having been fined under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each subsequent violation.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The fines provided for in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are civil penalties recoverable in accordance with § 13–410(c) of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be set in accordance with § 13–410(d) of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1401" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Adjustment program” means a program or policy:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That expands or extends a warranty beyond its stated limit; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Under which a manufacturer undertakes or offers to pay or reimburse a consumer, whether directly or indirectly, for all or a part of the cost of repairing a condition that may substantially affect the durability, reliability, or performance of a motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adjustment program” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Service provided under a safety or emissions related recall campaign; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Adjustments made by a manufacturer on a case–by–case basis.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a new motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lessee of a motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person to whom a new motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to the motor vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A person who is entitled under the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Dealer” means a person who sells or leases motor vehicles under a retail agreement with a manufacturer or distributor, or an agent of a manufacturer or distributor.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Lessee” means a consumer who leases a motor vehicle under a written lease that provides that the lessee is responsible for repairs to the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Manufacturer” means a person who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Manufactures or assembles new motor vehicles for sale or distribution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is engaged in the business of importing new motor vehicles for sale or distribution to dealers or through distributors or factory branches.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is used for the private transportation of individuals and their personal belongings; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has a maximum capacity of 10 individuals, including the driver.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1402" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall establish procedures under which each consumer in the State who owns or leases a motor vehicle to which an adjustment program of the manufacturer applies:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is notified of the adjustment program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On request, is provided with a copy of any service bulletin or any other document issued by the manufacturer pertaining to an adjustment program or to a condition that may substantially affect motor vehicle durability, reliability, or performance; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 90 days after the establishment of a new adjustment program, is sent written notice by first–class mail of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall ensure that the purchaser of a new motor vehicle receives, at the time of purchase, a written notice describing the rights and remedies provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The written notice shall be considered sufficient if stated in substantially the following form:</text> <text>“Sometimes (insert manufacturer’s name) offers a special adjustment program to pay all or part of the cost of certain repairs beyond the terms of the warranty. Check with your dealer to determine whether any adjustment program is applicable to your motor vehicle.”</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A manufacturer shall provide to its dealers information about each adjustment program of the manufacturer in a format that facilitates the disclosure of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program to a consumer seeking repairs at the dealer’s repair facility.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A manufacturer that establishes an adjustment program shall implement procedures to ensure reimbursement of each consumer who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is eligible under the adjustment program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Incurs expenses for the repair of a condition subject to the adjustment program before the consumer knows about the adjustment program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reimbursement under this subsection shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the particular adjustment program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A consumer shall make a claim for reimbursement under this subsection in writing to the manufacturer within the later of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>2 years after the date of the consumer’s payment for the repair of the condition; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>1 year after the date the manufacturer sends the notice required under subsection (a)(3) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The manufacturer shall notify the consumer within 21 business days after receiving a claim for reimbursement whether the claim will be approved or denied.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the claim is denied, the manufacturer shall state in writing the specific reasons for the denial.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1403" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1501" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a new motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person to whom a new motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to such motor vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other person who is entitled to enforce the obligations of the warranty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Dealer” has the meaning provided in § 15-101(c) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor” means a person, partnership, association, corporation, or entity engaged in the business of manufacturing or assembling motor vehicles or of distributing motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers as defined in § 15-201(b), (c), and (e) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Manufacturer’s warranty period” means the earlier of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The period of the motor vehicle’s first 18,000 miles of operation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>24 months following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not extend any manufacturer’s express warranty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that is registered in this State as a:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Class A (passenger) vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Class D (motorcycle) vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Class E (truck) vehicle with a 3/4 ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Class M (multipurpose) vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Motor vehicle” does not include a motor home. For the purpose of administering this subtitle, the Motor Vehicle Administration shall promulgate a regulation defining a motor home.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Warranty” means warranties as defined in §§ 2-312, 2-313, 2-314, and 2-315 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1502" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If the manufacturer’s warranty period is to include those miles of operation when the new motor vehicle is in the possession of any person other than the consumer, the manufacturer shall state that fact in 12 point bold face type in the manufacturer’s written warranty.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable warranties during the warranty period, the consumer shall, during such period, report the nonconformity, defect, or condition by giving written notice to the manufacturer or factory branch by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice of this procedure shall be conspicuously disclosed to the consumer in writing at the time of sale or delivery of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer shall provide an opportunity for the manufacturer or factory branch, or its agent to cure the nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The manufacturer or factory branch, its agent, or its authorized dealer shall correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition at no charge to the consumer, even if repairs are made after the expiration of the warranty period. The corrections shall be completed within 30 days of the manufacturer’s receipt of the consumer’s notification of the nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If, during the warranty period, the manufacturer or factory branch, its agent, or its authorized dealer is unable to repair or correct any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value of the motor vehicle to the consumer after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer or factory branch, at the option of the consumer, shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Replace the motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle acceptable to the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Accept return of the motor vehicle from the consumer and refund to the consumer the full purchase price including all license fees, registration fees, and any similar governmental charges, less:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle not to exceed 15 percent of the purchase price; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A reasonable allowance for damage not attributable to normal wear but not to include damage resulting from a nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The manufacturer or factory branch shall make refunds under this section to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as their interests appear on the records of ownership maintained by the Motor Vehicle Administration.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>It is an affirmative defense to any claim under this section that the nonconformity, defect, or condition:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not substantially impair the use and market value of the motor vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>It shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform a motor vehicle to the applicable warranties if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The same nonconformity, defect, or condition has been subject to repair 4 or more times by the manufacturer or factory branch, or its agents or authorized dealers, within the warranty period but such nonconformity, defect, or condition continues to exist;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of 1 or more nonconformities, defects, or conditions for a cumulative total of 30 or more days during the warranty period; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonconformity, defect, or condition resulting in failure of the braking or steering system has been subject to the same repair at least once within the warranty period, and the manufacturer has been notified and given the opportunity to cure the defect, and the repair does not bring the vehicle into compliance with the motor vehicle safety inspection laws of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The term of any warranty, the warranty period, and the 30 day out of service period shall be extended by any time during which repair services are not available to the consumer by reason of war, invasion, strike, or fire, flood, or other natural disaster.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>It shall be the duty of a dealer to notify the manufacturer of the existence of a nonconformity, defect, or condition within 7 days when the motor vehicle is delivered to the same dealer for a fourth time for repair of the same nonconformity or when the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of one or more nonconformities, defects, or conditions for a cumulative total of 20 days.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The notification shall be sent by certified mail and a copy of the notification shall be sent to the Motor Vehicle Administration; however, failure of the dealer to give the required notice required under this subsection shall not affect the consumer’s right under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a motor vehicle is returned to a manufacturer or factory branch either under this subtitle, or by judgment, decree, arbitration award, or by voluntary agreement, the manufacturer or factory branch shall notify the Motor Vehicle Administration in writing within 15 days of the fact that the vehicle was returned.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If a motor vehicle that is returned to the manufacturer under either this subtitle or by judgment, decree, arbitration award, settlement agreement, or by voluntary agreement in this or any other state and is then transferred to a dealer in Maryland, the manufacturer shall disclose this information to the dealer.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The manufacturer’s disclosure under this paragraph shall be in writing on a separate piece of paper in 10 point all capital type and shall state in a clear and conspicuous manner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That the motor vehicle was returned to the manufacturer or factory branch;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The nature of the defect, if any, that resulted in the return; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The condition of the motor vehicle at the time that it is transferred to the dealer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the returned vehicle is then made available for resale, the seller shall provide a copy of the manufacturer’s disclosure form to the consumer prior to sale.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the returned vehicle is sold, the seller shall send a copy of the manufacturer’s disclosure form, signed by the consumer, to the Administration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>This section does not limit the rights or remedies that are otherwise available to a consumer under any other law, including any implied warranties.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>If a manufacturer or factory branch has established an informal dispute settlement procedure which complies in all respects with the provisions of Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 703, as amended, a consumer may resort to that procedure before subsection (c) of this section applies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer who has resorted to an informal dispute settlement procedure may not be precluded from seeking the rights or remedies available by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>Any agreement entered into by a consumer for the purchase of a new motor vehicle that waives, limits, or disclaims the rights set forth in this section shall be void.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rights available to a consumer under this section shall inure to a subsequent transferee of a new motor vehicle for the duration of the applicable warranties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Any action brought under this section shall be commenced within 3 years of the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>A court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to a prevailing plaintiff under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If it appears to the satisfaction of the court 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> <level label="m"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a fleet purchase of five or more motor vehicles.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1502.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The Motor Vehicle Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop a notice that describes the rights provided to consumers under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make the notice available to all dealers that sell new motor vehicles in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Adopt regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The notice shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be written in simple and readable plain language; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contain sufficient detail to fully inform consumers about the rights and remedies available under this subtitle and the procedures to follow to enforce those rights and remedies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each dealer that sells a new motor vehicle in the State shall provide to the purchaser, at the time of the sale or delivery of the motor vehicle, a copy of the notice developed by the Motor Vehicle Administration under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1503" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If a dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor is required under a judgment, decree, arbitration award, or settlement agreement to accept, or by voluntary agreement accepts, return of a motor vehicle from a consumer, the consumer shall be entitled to recover from the Motor Vehicle Administration the excise taxes originally paid by the consumer, subject to subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If a dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor replaces a motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle under § 14-1502(c)(1)(i) of this subtitle, the Motor Vehicle Administration shall allow a credit against the excise tax imposed for the replacement vehicle in the amount of the excise taxes originally paid by the consumer for the returned vehicle, subject to subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>If the excise tax on the replacement vehicle exceeds the credit allowed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the dealer shall collect only that portion of excise tax due; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the excise tax on the vehicle being replaced exceeds the excise tax on the replacement vehicle, the consumer shall be entitled to recover from the Motor Vehicle Administration the excess of the excise tax paid.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The excise taxes that a consumer is entitled to recover under this section shall be calculated based on the amount of the purchase price or any portion of the purchase price of the motor vehicle that the dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor refunds to the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor who is required under a judgment, decree, arbitration award, or settlement agreement to accept, or who accepts, by voluntary agreement, return of a motor vehicle shall notify the consumer in writing that the consumer is entitled to recover the excise taxes from the Motor Vehicle Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1504" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any other remedies that may be available under this subtitle, if a manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor is found to have acted in bad faith, the court may award the consumer damages of up to $10,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-15A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15A"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Agricultural equipment” means any self–propelled vehicle designed primarily for and used in the occupation or business of farming.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Agricultural equipment” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An off–road vehicle as defined in § 6–401(b) of the Criminal Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An all–terrain vehicle as defined in § 11–103.3 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Special mobile equipment as defined in § 11–159 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Equipment under 25 horsepower;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A lawn tractor; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A lawn mower.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The purchaser of new agricultural equipment other than for purposes of resale;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person to whom new agricultural equipment is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to the agricultural equipment; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other person who is entitled to enforce the obligations of the warranty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Manufacturer, factory branch, or authorized dealer” means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing, assembling, or dealing agricultural equipment, as applicable.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Season of use” means any period when the agricultural equipment is actively employed in the routine operations of a farming business.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Warranty” includes a warranty as described in §§ 2–312 through 2–315 of this article, as applicable.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Warranty period” means the later of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The period of time stated under the terms of an express written warranty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The first year immediately following the original date of delivery of the equipment to the first consumer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-15A-02" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15A"> <text>This subtitle applies only to agricultural equipment sold on or after January 1, 2026.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-15A-03" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15A"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If agricultural equipment does not conform to all applicable warranties during the warranty period, the consumer, during the warranty period, shall report the nonconformity, defect, or condition by providing written notice to the manufacturer or factory branch by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>It shall be the duty of a dealer to notify the manufacturer of any notice received under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer shall provide an opportunity for the manufacturer or factory branch or its agent or dealer to correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The manufacturer or factory branch, its agent, or its authorized dealer shall correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At no charge to the consumer regardless of whether the repairs are made after the expiration of the warranty period; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 30 days after the manufacturer’s or factory dealer’s receipt of the consumer’s notification of the nonconformity, defect, or condition under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if, after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer or factory branch, its agent, or its authorized dealer is unable to repair or correct any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value of the agricultural equipment to the consumer, the manufacturer or factory branch, at the option of the consumer, shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Replace the agricultural equipment with comparable agricultural equipment that is acceptable to the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Accept return of the agricultural equipment from the consumer and refund to the consumer the full purchase price, including all license fees, registration fees, and any similar governmental charges, less a reasonable allowance for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The consumer’s use of the equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Damage that is not attributable to normal wear or a nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The manufacturer or factory branch shall make refunds under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as the interests of the consumer and lienholder, if any, appear.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>It is an affirmative defense to a claim under paragraph (1) of this subsection that the nonconformity, defect, or condition:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not substantially impair the use and market value of the agricultural equipment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the agricultural equipment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>It shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been made to conform agricultural equipment to the applicable warranties if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The same nonconformity, defect, or condition has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or factory branch or its agents or authorized dealers within the warranty period, but the nonconformity, defect, or condition continues to exist; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the agricultural equipment is out of service during the season of use for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days during the warranty period due to the repair or attempted repair of one or more nonconformities, defects, or conditions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The 30–day period described under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection does not include a day on which a consumer has been offered or provided by a manufacturer or factory branch or its authorized dealers the use of other agricultural equipment that performs the same function as the consumer’s agricultural equipment being repaired.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The term of a warranty, the warranty period, and the 30–day out–of–service period described under subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section shall be extended by any time during which repair services are not available to the consumer by reason of war, invasion, strike, or fire, flood, or other natural disaster.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The presumption described under subsection (c) of this section does not apply against a manufacturer if a consumer has not provided:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prior direct written notification in accordance with subsection (a)(1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The opportunity to correct the alleged nonconformity, defect, or condition in accordance with subsection (a)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a consumer who suffers a loss because of a violation of a provision of this section may bring a civil action to enforce the provision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An action brought under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be commenced not later than 24 months after the earlier of 600 hours of operation or the date of original delivery of the agricultural equipment to the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-15A-04" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15A"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to limit or impair a right or remedy that is otherwise available to a consumer under any other law.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-15A-05" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="15A"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any other remedies that may be available under this subtitle, if a manufacturer or factory branch or its agent or authorized distributor is found to have acted in bad faith, the court may award the consumer damages up to $5,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1601" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Video Movie Sales and Rentals"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Official rating” means an official rating of the Motion Picture Association of America.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or any other legal or commercial entity.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Video movie” means a videotape or video disc copy of a motion picture film.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1602" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Video Movie Sales and Rentals"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell at retail or rent, or attempt to sell at retail or rent, a video movie in this State unless the official rating of the motion picture from which it is copied is clearly displayed on the outside of any cassette, case, jacket, or other covering of the video movie.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to any video movie of a motion picture which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has not been given an official rating; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has been altered in any way subsequent to receiving an official rating.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1602.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Video Movie Sales and Rentals"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Member” means a person who has a membership in a video club.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Membership” means an agreement between a video club and a member that enables the member to buy or rent a video or video equipment from the video club under circumstances specified in a membership contract.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Membership” does not include sales by mail.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Video” means a videotape or video disc copy of a motion picture film, television show, or recording of a live event.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Video” includes a video movie as defined in § 14–1601(d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Video club” means a person, corporation, partnership, or any commercial entity that is in the business of selling at retail or renting videos or video equipment.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Video equipment” includes a videotape or video disc player or recorder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any agreement or contract for membership in a video club that requires a member to leave a signed credit card authorization with the video club shall include provisions that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Specify the maximum amount and type of fees that the video club may charge to a member on the member’s signed credit card authorization without the member’s approval, as each fee is charged; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State the maximum length of time, which may be no longer than 6 months, that the video club may charge fees to a member under paragraph (1) of this subsection before the video club shall renew the member’s credit card authorization.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1603" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Video Movie Sales and Rentals"> <text>Any person who sells or rents, or attempts to sell or rent, a video movie in violation of this subtitle shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed $25 for each violation.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1701" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Adverse action” means a denial or revocation of credit, a change in the terms of an existing credit arrangement, or a refusal to grant credit in substantially the amount or on substantially the terms requested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adverse action” does not include a refusal to extend additional credit under an existing credit arrangement where the applicant is delinquent or otherwise in default, or where such additional credit would exceed a previously established credit limit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“File” means file as defined in § 14–1201(h) of this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Lender” or “credit grantor” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any lender or credit grantor regulated under Title 12 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A credit union making a loan under § 6–601(e) of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1702" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, within 30 days after receipt of a completed application for credit, a lender or credit grantor shall notify the applicant of its action on the application.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, if the lender or credit grantor has acted adversely against or denied an application for credit by a consumer, that lender must furnish the consumer with a written statement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1703" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <text>The written statement required by § 14-1702 of this subtitle shall disclose to the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The applicant’s right to a statement of reasons within 30 days after receipt by the lender or credit grantor of a request made within 60 days after notification, made under § 14-1702(a) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The identity of the person or office from which the statement of reasons may be obtained; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The right of the applicant to have the statement of reasons confirmed in writing on written request.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1704" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <text>The written statement of reasons only meets the requirements of this subtitle if it contains the specific reasons for any adverse action taken.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1705" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subtitle, compliance with Subchapter IV of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act and regulations promulgated thereunder shall constitute compliance with this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1706" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Denial of Credit -- Disclosure"> <level label="a"> <text>If a written complaint for violation of any provision of this subtitle or any other law of this State regulating loans or other extensions of credit is filed with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the Commissioner may investigate the complaint and hold a hearing on it in accordance with § 11-413 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner shall give to the credit grantor against whom a complaint is filed written notice of the complaint and the time and place of any hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in writing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the credit grantor’s principal place of business at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If, after the hearing, the Commissioner finds that the credit grantor has engaged or is engaging in any act or practice prohibited by this subtitle, the Commissioner shall order the person to cease and desist from the act or practice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The order of the Commissioner shall comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If no appeal is filed, the order becomes final after expiration of the time allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act for appeals from the Commissioner’s orders.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an appeal is filed, the order becomes final after a final decision of a court affirming the order or dismissing the appeal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For the purposes of this section, the Commissioner’s order may not apply to any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Incorporated bank, savings institution, or trust company;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Savings and loan association; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Federal or State credit union.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1801" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” has the same meaning as that term has in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Dealer” means a person who engages in the business of selling or leasing household goods to consumers residing in Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Estimated delivery date” means the date established under § 14-1802 or § 14-1803 of this subtitle on which the dealer reasonably anticipates to deliver the ordered household good to the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Household good” means any article or set of articles used to furnish or supply a residential dwelling such as a sofa, cabinet, rug, carpeting, washing machine, refrigerator, television, dining room set, or range.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Household good” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any article taken by the consumer on the date the article was ordered;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any article ordered by mail; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any permanent fixture.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1802" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, when a consumer orders a household good, the dealer shall provide to the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An estimated delivery date written clearly and conspicuously on any document evidencing the agreement of sale or lease for the household good; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that is part of or accompanies the document evidencing the agreement of sale or lease for the household good and is in boldface type of a minimum size of 10 points which is in substantially the following form:</text> <text>If the dealer fails to provide you, the buyer, with an estimated delivery date or fails to deliver the ordered household good within 2 weeks of the estimated delivery date, you may (1) cancel the contract and receive a full refund or credit equal to your deposit, (2) modify the contract by selecting another household good, or (3) negotiate with the dealer a new delivery date. The dealer is not required to allow you to exercise these rights if the dealer cannot cancel the order with the manufacturer or supplier.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The estimated delivery date shall take into account the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions, recent delivery experience with the manufacturer or supplier, and the dealer’s own delivery schedules.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1803" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, if the dealer fails to provide the consumer with any estimated date required by this subtitle or fails to deliver the household good to the consumer within 2 weeks of the latest estimated delivery date properly established under this subtitle, the consumer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Cancel the contract and receive a full refund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cancel the contract and receive a credit equal to the deposit;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Negotiate with the dealer a new delivery date; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Modify the contract by selecting other household goods.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a consumer cancels a contract and requests a full refund or credit, the dealer shall provide to the consumer the full refund or credit within 2 weeks of the consumer’s request.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the dealer’s option, the dealer may, immediately following the consumer’s request for a full refund or credit, require the consumer to sign a written request for the full refund or credit on a dealer’s self-addressed postcard or a form which shall include a dealer’s self-addressed envelope, to be supplied to the consumer by the dealer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section do not apply if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Due primarily to the conduct of the consumer, a delivery prearranged between the dealer and the consumer was unsuccessful and, following the unsuccessful attempt to deliver, the dealer provided written or oral notice of the attempted delivery to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The delay in delivery is caused by a work stoppage or an act of God; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The dealer’s inability to deliver by the estimated date is due to the manufacturer’s or supplier’s failure to deliver to the dealer in a timely manner the household goods as ordered, and where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Despite good faith efforts to cancel the contract with the manufacturer, the dealer is liable to the manufacturer or supplier to complete the purchase under applicable law; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The dealer’s liability to the manufacturer or supplier is not caused by the dealer’s delay in canceling the order when requested by the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If oral notice is given under subsection (c)(1) of this section, the dealer shall record in writing, the date and time of the notification and the signature of the person who made the notification.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the event that paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c) of this section is applicable, the dealer shall promptly inform the consumer of the delay and provide the consumer written notice of a new estimated delivery date which may not exceed any delay caused by a work stoppage, act of God, or manufacturer’s delay.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1804" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <text>It shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article if a dealer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fails to comply with the requirements of § 14–1802 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Denies a consumer the remedies provided by § 14–1803 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1805" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <level label="a"> <text>In any action brought to enforce this subtitle, a court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to a prevailing plaintiff, other than the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If it appears to the satisfaction of the court that an action is brought in bad faith or is of a frivolous nature, the court may order the offending plaintiff to pay to the defendant reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1806" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Merchandise Delivery"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle shall limit any remedies otherwise available under Maryland law.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1901" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer” means any individual who is solicited to purchase or who purchases for personal, family, or household purposes the services of a credit services business.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Consumer reporting agency”, “consumer report”, “investigative consumer report”, and “file” shall have the meaning ascribed to each under § 14–1201 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Credit services business” means any person who, with respect to the extension of credit by others, sells, provides, or performs, or represents that such person can or will sell, provide, or perform, any of the following services in return for the payment of money or other valuable consideration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Improving a consumer’s credit record, history, or rating or establishing a new credit file or record, or providing advice or assistance to a consumer with regard to improving the consumer’s credit record, history, or rating or establishing a new credit file or record; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Obtaining an extension of credit for a consumer, or providing advice or assistance to a consumer with regard to obtaining an extension of credit for the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Credit services business” includes a person who sells or attempts to sell written materials containing information that the person represents will enable a consumer to establish a new credit file or record.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Credit services business” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any person authorized to make loans or extensions of credit under the laws of this State or the United States who is actively engaged in the business of making loans or other extensions of credit to residents of this State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any bank, trust company, savings bank, or savings and loan association whose deposits or accounts are eligible for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any credit union organized and chartered under the laws of this State or the United States;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3));</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any person licensed as a real estate broker, an associate real estate broker, or a real estate salesperson by this State where the person is acting within the course and scope of that license;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any person licensed as a mortgage lender by this State;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>An individual admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Maryland when the individual renders services within the course and scope of practice by the individual as a lawyer and does not engage in the credit services business on a regular and continuing basis;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any broker–dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission where the broker–dealer is acting within the course and scope of that regulation;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any consumer reporting agency as defined in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 – 1681t) or in § 14–1201(f) of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>An individual licensed by the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy when the individual renders services within the course and scope of practice by the individual as a certified public accountant and does not engage in the credit services business on a regular and continuing basis; or</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2013, a mortgage assistance relief service provider regulated under Title 7, Subtitle 5 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Extension of credit” means the right to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment, offered or granted primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> <level label="f–1"> <text>“License” means a license issued in any form by the Commissioner under this subtitle to engage in the business of a credit services business, including as provided for through NMLS.</text> </level> <level label="f–2"> <text>“Licensee” means a person licensed under this subtitle to engage in the business of a credit services business.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Person” includes an individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, 2 or more persons having a joint or common interest, and any other legal or commercial entity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1902" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <text>A credit services business, its employees, and independent contractors who sell or attempt to sell the services of a credit services business shall not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Receive any money or other valuable consideration from the consumer, unless the credit services business has secured from the Commissioner a license under Title 11, Subtitle 3 of the Financial Institutions Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receive any money or other valuable consideration solely for referral of the consumer to a retail seller or to any other credit grantor who will or may extend credit to the consumer, if the credit extended to the consumer is substantially the same terms as those available to the general public;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make, or assist or advise any consumer to make, any statement or other representation that is false or misleading, or which by the exercise of reasonable care should be known to be false or misleading, to a consumer reporting agency, government agency, or person to whom the consumer applies or intends to apply for an extension of credit, regarding a consumer’s creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, or true identity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Make or use any false or misleading representations in the offer or sale of the services of a credit services business;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Engage, directly or indirectly, in any act, practice, or course of business which operates as a fraud or deception on any person in connection with the offer or sale of the services of a credit services business;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Charge or receive any money or other valuable consideration prior to full and complete performance of the services that the credit services business has agreed to perform for or on behalf of the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Charge or receive any money or other valuable consideration in connection with an extension of credit that, when combined with any interest charged on the extension of credit, would exceed the interest rate permitted for the extension of credit under the applicable title of this article;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Create, assist a consumer to create, or provide a consumer with information on how to create, a new consumer report, credit file, or credit record by obtaining and using a different name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, or employer tax identification number; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Assist a consumer to obtain an extension of credit at a rate of interest which, except for federal preemption of State law, would be prohibited under Title 12 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1903" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any election of law or designation of situs in any contract, this subtitle applies to any contract for credit services if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The credit services business offers or agrees to sell, provide, or perform any services to a resident of this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A resident of this State accepts or makes the offer in this State to purchase the services of the credit services business; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The credit services business makes any verbal or written solicitation or communication that originates either inside or outside of this State but is received in the State by a resident of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A credit services business is required to be licensed under this subtitle and is subject to the licensing, investigatory, enforcement, and penalty provisions of this subtitle and Title 11, Subtitle 3 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A license required by this subtitle shall be issued by the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The unique identifier of the licensee shall constitute the license number for the license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person not included within the definition of a credit services business as provided in § 14-1901(e)(3) of this subtitle is exempt from licensure requirements under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1903.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <text>A person who advertises a service described in § 14-1901(e)(1) of this subtitle, whether or not a credit services business, shall clearly and conspicuously state in each advertisement the number of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The license issued under § 14-1903 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If not required to be licensed, the exemption provided by the Commissioner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1904" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a credit services business providing the services described in § 14–1901(e)(1)(ii) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before either the execution of a contract or agreement between a consumer and a credit services business or the receipt by the credit services business of any money or other valuable consideration, the credit services business shall provide the consumer with a written information statement containing all of the information required under § 14–1905 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The credit services business shall maintain on file for a period of 2 years from the date of the consumer’s acknowledgment a copy of the information statement signed by the consumer acknowledging receipt of the information statement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1905" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The information statement required under § 14-1904 of this subtitle shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An accurate statement of the consumer’s right to review any file on the consumer maintained by any consumer reporting agency, and the right of the consumer to receive a copy of a consumer report containing all information in that file as provided under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681g) and under § 14-1206 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement that a copy of the consumer report containing all information in the consumer’s file will be furnished free of charge by the consumer reporting agency if requested by the consumer within 30 days of receiving a notice of a denial of credit as provided under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681j) and under § 14-1209 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that a nominal charge not to exceed $5 may be imposed on the consumer by the consumer reporting agency for a copy of the consumer report containing all the information in the consumer’s file, if the consumer has not been denied credit within 30 days from receipt of the consumer’s request;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A complete and accurate statement of the consumer’s right to dispute the completeness or accuracy of any item on the consumer contained in any file that is maintained by any consumer reporting agency, as provided under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681i) and under § 14-1208 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A complete and detailed description of the services to be performed by the credit services business for or on behalf of the consumer, and the total amount the consumer will have to pay for the services; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A statement that accurately reported information may not be permanently removed from the file of a consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A credit services business required to obtain a license pursuant to § 14-1902 of this subtitle shall include in the information statement required under § 14-1904 of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A statement of the consumer’s right to file a complaint pursuant to § 14-1911 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The address of the Commissioner where such complaints should be filed; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that a bond exists and the consumer’s right to proceed against the bond under the circumstances and in the manner set forth in § 14-1910 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1906" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Every contract between a consumer and a credit services business for the purchase of the services of the credit services business shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be in writing, dated, and signed by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a credit services business providing the services described in § 14–1901(e)(1)(i) of this subtitle, include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A conspicuous statement in size equal to at least 10–point bold type, in immediate proximity to the space reserved for the signature of the consumer as follows:</text> <text>“You, the buyer, may cancel this contract at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right.”;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The terms and conditions of payment, including the total of all payments to be made by the consumer, whether to the credit services business or to some other person;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A complete and detailed description of the services to be performed and the results to be achieved by the credit services business for or on behalf of the consumer, including all guarantees and all promises of full or partial refunds and a list of the adverse information appearing on the consumer’s credit report that the credit services business expects to have modified and the estimated date by which each modification will occur; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The principal business address of the credit services business and the name and address of its agent in this State authorized to receive service of process; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a credit services business providing the services described in § 14–1901(e)(1)(ii) of this subtitle, include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A statement of the consumer’s right to file a complaint under § 14–1911 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The address of the Commissioner where a consumer can file a complaint under § 14–1911 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement that a bond exists and the consumer’s right to proceed against the bond under the circumstances and in the manner set forth under § 14–1910 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The principal business address of the credit services business.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The contract shall be accompanied by a form completed in duplicate, captioned “NOTICE OF CANCELLATION”, which shall be attached to the contract and easily detachable, and which shall contain in at least 10–point bold type the following statement:</text> <text>“NOTICE OF CANCELLATION </text> <text>You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date the contract is signed. </text> <text>If you cancel, any payment made by you under this contract will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice. </text> <text>To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, to </text> <text>(Name of seller) </text> <text>At ............................................................................................................................</text> <text>(Address of seller) </text> <text>.................................................................................................................................</text> <text>(Place of business) </text> <text>Not later than midnight.........................................................................................</text> <text>(Date) </text> <text>I hereby cancel this transaction.</text> <text>.................................................................................................................................</text> <text>(Date) (Buyer’s signature)”</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A credit services business providing the services described in § 14–1901(e)(1)(ii) of this subtitle shall provide the consumer with a copy of the contract between the credit services business and the consumer before the consumer executes the contract.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A copy of the completed contract and all other documents the credit services business requires the consumer to sign shall be given by the credit services business to the consumer at the time they are signed.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1907" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any breach by a credit services business of a contract under this subtitle, or of any obligation arising under it, shall constitute a violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any contract for services from a credit services business that does not comply with the applicable provisions of this subtitle shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to the public policy of this State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Any waiver by a consumer of any of the provisions of this subtitle shall be deemed void and unenforceable by a credit services business as contrary to the public policy of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any attempt by a credit services business to have a consumer waive rights given by this subtitle shall constitute a violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In any proceeding involving this subtitle, the burden of proving an exemption or an exception from a definition is upon the person claiming it.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1908" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <text>A credit services business is required to obtain a surety bond pursuant to Title 11, Subtitle 3 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1909" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <text>The surety bond shall be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this State.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1910" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any person claiming against the surety bond for a violation of this subtitle may maintain an action against the credit services business and against the surety.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The surety shall be liable only for actual damages and not for the punitive damages permitted under § 14-1912 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The aggregate liability of the surety to all persons damaged by a credit services business’s violation of this subtitle may not exceed the amount of the surety bond.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1911" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any consumer who has reason to believe that this subtitle has been violated by any credit services business or by any other person may file a written complaint setting forth the details of the alleged violation with the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After receiving the complaint, the Commissioner may inspect the pertinent books, records, letters and contracts of any credit services business, and of any person who has furnished information to the credit services business relating to the specific written complaint.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner may investigate the complaint and hold a hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hold a hearing on the complaint at a time and place in this State reasonably convenient to the parties involved;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subpoena witnesses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Take depositions of witnesses residing without the State, in the manner provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Administer oaths;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Issue orders for compliance with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Issue cease and desist orders, after finding a pattern and practice of violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner shall give to the credit services business, or the salesperson, agent, representative, or independent contractor acting on behalf of the credit services business against whom a complaint is filed, written notice of the complaint and the time and place of any hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in writing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be sent by certified mail, to the principal place of business of the credit services business or the principal place of business or residence address of the salesperson, agent, representative, or independent contractor acting on behalf of the credit services business, at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If, after the hearing, the Commissioner finds that the credit services business, or the salesperson, agent, representative, or independent contractor acting on behalf of the credit services business, has engaged or is engaging in any act or practice prohibited by this subtitle, the Commissioner shall order the credit services business or the person or both to cease and desist from the act or practice and may order that restitution be paid to an aggrieved consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The order of the Commissioner shall comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If an appeal is not filed, the order of the Commissioner becomes final after expiration of the time allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act for appeals from the Commissioner’s orders.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an appeal is filed, the order of the Commissioner becomes final after a final decision of a court affirming the order or dismissing the appeal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>If a credit services business or any other person fails to comply with any lawful order of the Commissioner pursuant to this subtitle or if any witness fails to appear and testify to any matter regarding which he may be lawfully interrogated, on petition of the Commissioner setting forth the facts, the circuit court of any county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compel obedience to the requirements of the subpoena or order;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Compel the production of contracts, forms, files, and other evidence; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Order compliance with any lawful order issued by the Commissioner under the provisions of subsection (d)(5) or (6) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>If the credit services business or any other person fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with the order of the court, the court may punish that person for contempt of court.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Administrative Procedure Act, including its provisions for judicial review of a final decision in a contested case, applies to proceedings before the Commissioner pursuant to this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1912" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Any credit services business which willfully fails to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A monetary award equal to 3 times the total amount collected from the consumer, as ordered by the Commissioner;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Such amount of punitive damages as the court may allow; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any credit services business which is negligent in failing to comply with any requirement imposed under this subtitle with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the cost of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1913" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An action to enforce any liability created under this subtitle shall be brought within 2 years from the date the violation at issue occurred.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Where a defendant has materially and willfully misrepresented any information required to be disclosed to a consumer by this subtitle and the information is material to establishing defendant’s liability, the action may be brought at any time within 2 years of the discovery of the misrepresentation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1914" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Each sale of the services of a credit services business that violates any provision of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General has reason to believe that any credit services business, or any salesperson, agent, representative, or independent contractor acting on behalf of a credit services business, has violated any provision of this subtitle, the Division may institute a proceeding under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1915" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both, in addition to any civil penalties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not be imprisoned for violation of any provision of an order of the Commissioner or of the Attorney General entered pursuant to this subtitle or Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1916" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2001" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Adjusted capitalized cost” means the amount which serves as the basis for determining the base lease payment, computed by subtracting from the capitalized cost any capitalized cost reduction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adjusted capitalized cost” is amortized during the lease term to the estimated residual value by the application of a portion of each scheduled lease payment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Capitalized cost” means the amount which, when reduced by the amount of the capitalized cost reduction, equals the adjusted capitalized cost.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Capitalized cost” shall include all items that are capitalized in the lease and, after the application of the capitalized cost reduction, amortized by the scheduled lease payments over the term of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Capitalized cost” shall include to the extent capitalized and amortized as set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Taxes, registration, license, acquisition, administration, assignment, and other similar fees;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Charges for insurance, an extended warranty, mechanical repair contract, service contract, vehicle maintenance agreement, and any other similar charge;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Charges for a waiver of the contractual obligation to pay the gap amount;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Charges for accessories and installation of accessories;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Charges for delivering, servicing, repairing, or improving the vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Charges for other goods, services, and benefits incidental to the consumer lease transaction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Capitalized cost” also shall include, to the extent capitalized and amortized as set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection, with respect to a vehicle or other property traded–in in connection with a lease, the unpaid balance of any amount financed under an outstanding vehicle loan agreement or vehicle retail installment contract or the unpaid portion of the early termination obligation under any lease or other obligation of the lessee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Capitalized cost reduction” means any payments made by cash, check, rebates, or similar means that are in the nature of down payments made by the lessee and any net trade–in allowance granted by the lessor at the inception of the consumer lease for the purpose of reducing the capitalized cost.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Capitalized cost reduction” does not include any base lease payments due at the inception of the lease or all of the lease payments if they are all paid at the inception of the lease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Consumer Leasing Act” means that act of Congress codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 1667 through 1667e, and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Dealer” means a dealer as defined in § 15–101(c) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Lease” or “leasing” means a contract in the form of a bailment or lease for the use of a motor vehicle by an individual primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, for a period of time exceeding 4 months, including renewal periods, whether or not the lessee has the option to purchase or otherwise become the owner of the motor vehicle at the expiration of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lease” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A lease intended as security as defined in § 11–127.1(a) of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A lease which meets the definition of a credit sale in Federal Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. § 226.2(A);</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A lease for agricultural, business, or commercial purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lease made to an organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Lessee” means an individual who leases under, or who is offered, a motor vehicle lease.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Lessor” means a person who during any 12–month period leases or offers to lease five or more motor vehicles or who is assigned five or more leases.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lessor” does not include the holder of a security interest in leases to secure an obligation or a holder of an interest in a trust that owns leases.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor” means a person, partnership, association, corporation, or entity engaged in the business of manufacturing or assembling motor vehicles or of distributing motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers as defined in § 15–201(b), (c), and (e) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is registered in this State as a:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Class A (passenger) motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Class E (truck) motor vehicle with a 3/4 ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Class M (multipurpose) motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Motor vehicle” does not include a motor home as defined by the Motor Vehicle Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Original lessor” means the person identified in the lease as the lessor of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Original lessor” does not include any assignee of the lease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Warranty” means the written warranty, so labeled, of the manufacturer of a new motor vehicle including any terms or conditions precedent to the enforcement of obligations under that warranty and shall include any motor vehicle subject to a lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Warranty” includes any implied warranties provided for by federal or State law, including the federal Magnusson Moss Warranty Act and the Maryland Uniform Commercial Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Warranty period” means the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The period of the motor vehicle’s first 15,000 miles of operation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>15 months following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to the lessee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2002" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>A lease shall be in writing and signed by the lessor and the lessee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The printed portion of the lease, other than directions for completion of the lease and the text of any assignment between the original lessor and an assignee, shall be printed in a size equal to at least 8 point type. The lease shall contain the following items printed or written in a conspicuous manner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the top of the lease, the words “Motor Vehicle Lease Agreement”;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If physical damage or liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused to others is not included in the lease, a notice substantially similar to the following: “No physical damage or liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused to others is included in this lease”;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Directly above the acknowledgment permitted by subsection (c) of this section, a written notice substantially similar to the following: “Notice to the lessee: This is a lease. You have no ownership rights in the motor vehicle unless and until you exercise your option to purchase the motor vehicle, if this lease contains a purchase option. Do not sign this lease before you read it or if it contains any blank space. You are entitled to a completely filled in copy of this lease when you sign it”;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A statement substantially similar to the following: “Early termination may require you to pay a substantial amount”; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The following provision in at least 10 point boldface type:</text> <text>“Notice</text> <text>Any holder of this consumer lease is subject to all claims and defenses which the lessee could assert against the lessor of the motor vehicle. Recovery hereunder by the lessee shall not exceed amounts paid by the lessee under this lease.”</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The lessor shall deliver to the lessee, or mail to the lessee at the lessee’s address shown on the lease, a copy of the lease signed by the lessor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any acknowledgment by the lessee of delivery of a copy of the lease shall be conspicuous and shall appear directly above the space reserved for the lessee’s signature.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The lease shall state the names of the original lessor and lessee, the place of business of the original lessor, the residence of the lessee as specified by the lessee, and a description of the motor vehicle, including its make, model year, model, and, if known, the motor vehicle’s identification number or marks.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The lease shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All items required to be disclosed by the Consumer Leasing Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A disclosure of the capitalized cost; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A provision briefly describing the lessee’s rights upon default.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the lessee is obligated under the lease to maintain liability insurance or other insurance on the motor vehicle and if subsequent to execution of the lease the lessee fails to maintain the required insurance, if the lease permits, the lessor may procure insurance for either the interests of the lessee and the lessor or the interest of either of them insuring substantially the same risks required to be insured by the lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lease may also provide that the amount of the premium paid by the lessor may be the subject of a lease charge as though such amount was part of the capitalized cost, and shall be subject to the default provisions of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the lessor from pursuing any other remedy for default set forth in the lease or provided by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If the lease permits, a lessor may impose on the lessee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A late or delinquency charge for payments or portions of payments that are in default under the lease;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A collection charge, which may include all court and other collection costs actually incurred by the lessor and, if the lease is referred for collection to an attorney who is not a salaried employee of the lessor, a reasonable attorney’s fee; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If any payment is made to the lessor with a check that is dishonored on the second presentment, a charge not to exceed $15.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No more than one late or delinquency charge may be imposed for any single payment or portion of payment, regardless of the period during which it remains in default.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as permitted by paragraph (2) of this subsection, no lease shall be signed by any party if it contains blank spaces to be filled in after it has been signed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If delivery of the motor vehicle is not made at the time of execution of the lease, the motor vehicle’s identifying numbers, marks, or similar information and the due date of the first payment may be filled in after execution of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The lessee’s written acknowledgment, conforming to the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, of delivery of a copy of the lease shall be conclusive proof of delivery of a copy of the consumer lease in any action or proceeding by or against an assignee of the lease without knowledge to the contrary at the time of the assignment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this subtitle or other laws of this State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the rights of the lessee under the lease, a lessor may sell a lease, a leased motor vehicle, or an interest in a lease on such terms and conditions and for such price as may be mutually agreed upon between the lessor and the lessor’s assignee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No filing of the assignment, no notice to the lessee of the assignment, and no requirement that the lessor be deprived of dominion over payments upon the lease or over the motor vehicle if repossessed by or returned to the lessor, shall be necessary to the validity of a written assignment of a lease as against creditors, subsequent purchasers, pledgees, mortgagees, or encumbrancers of the lessor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>Until the lessee has notice of assignment of a lease, payment made by the lessee to the last known holder of the lease shall be binding upon all subsequent assignees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If requested by the lessee, the assignee shall furnish reasonable proof that the assignment has been made and the lessee may pay the original lessor until reasonable proof of the assignment has been furnished.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The lessor shall provide the lessee with a written receipt for any payment made in cash.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>Upon written request from a lessee, the lessor shall give or forward to the lessee a written statement of the dates and amounts of the payments that have been made under the lease and the amount of the lessee’s remaining payments and any other amounts owed to the lessor as reflected on the lessor’s books and records at the time of the notice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Upon written request from a lessee, the lessor shall give or forward to the lessee a written estimate of the lessee’s total early termination liability under the lease.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>No charge may be imposed on the lessee for preparation of the statements provided for in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, except a lessor may impose a reasonable fee, not to exceed $5 per statement, if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The lessee requests more than one statement under paragraph (1) of this subsection or more than one statement under paragraph (2) of this subsection in any 12-month period; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The charge is disclosed in the lease.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>A lease may not contain any provision by which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In the absence of the lessee’s default, the lessor may, arbitrarily and without reasonable cause, accelerate maturity of any part or all of the amount owing under the lease;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor may accelerate maturity of any part or all of the amount owing under the lease solely because the lessor deems itself insecure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A power of attorney is given to confess judgment, or an assignment of wages is given;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The lessor, or other person acting on behalf of the lessor, is given authority to enter upon the lessee’s premises unlawfully, or to commit any breach of the peace in the repossession of the motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The lessee waives any right of action against the lessor, or other person acting on behalf of the lessor, for any illegal act committed in the collection of payments under the lease or in the repossession of the motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The lessee executes a power of attorney appointing the lessor, or other person acting on behalf of the lessor, as the lessee’s agent in collection of payments under the lease or in the repossession of the motor vehicle; provided, however, that this paragraph shall not prohibit the inclusion in a lease of a limited power of attorney or other provision authorizing the lessor to execute in the lessee’s name any proofs of insurance claims or losses, to execute in the lessee’s name any titling and registration documents, or to endorse the lessee’s name on any insurance settlement or premium rebate draft or check the proceeds of which are applicable to the lessee’s obligations under the lease;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The lessor is relieved from liability for any legal remedy which the lessee may have against the lessor under the lease, or any separate instrument executed in connection therewith;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The maturity of any part or all of the amount owing under the lease is accelerated where, following a default consisting solely of the failure to make timely payments, a lessee who has the right to redeem the lease makes timely payment of an amount sufficient to redeem the lease under § 14-2008(h) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The lessee waives any right provided to the lessee by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>Any clause or provision prohibited by subsection (l) of this section shall be unenforceable but shall not otherwise affect the lease’s continuing validity and enforceability.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalties provided in § 14-2007 of this subtitle or in § 13-408 of this article do not apply to violations of subsection (l) of this section unless a lessor attempts to enforce a provision prohibited by that subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2003" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who leases vehicles to lessees may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make any false, falsely disparaging, or misleading oral or written statement, visual description, or other representation of any kind that has the capacity, tendency, or effect of deceiving or misleading a consumer or lessee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By any means advertise or offer to the public any motor vehicle without intent to lease it as advertised or offered;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Misrepresent a lease of a motor vehicle as a sale;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Fail to include any dealer processing or freight charges in determining the adjusted capitalized cost used to calculate the base lease payment shown in an advertisement for a leased vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Advertise to the general public a capitalized cost reduction to the lessee unless the capitalized cost reduction is offered to all potential lessees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as allowed by paragraph (2) of this subsection, in offering to allow a lessee to cure a default by entering into a new lease for the same motor vehicle, a lessor may not include in the new lease any material provision that is less favorable to the lessee than the provisions of the original lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lessor may include in a lease under paragraph (1) of this subsection an increase in one or more of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The security deposit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The down payment paid to the lessor; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The lease payments, so long as the total of scheduled lease payments over the term of the new lease does not exceed the total of scheduled lease payments under the original lease.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2004" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent that §§ 2–313 through 2–318, inclusive, of this article apply to the purchase of a motor vehicle, the rights and remedies provided for in those sections shall apply to the lease of a motor vehicle and may be exercised by any lessee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the warranty period is to include those miles of operation when the new motor vehicle is in the possession of any person other than the lessee, the manufacturer shall state that fact in 12 point boldface type in the manufacturer’s written warranty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable warranties during the warranty period, the lessee shall, during the warranty period, report the nonconformity, defect, or condition by giving written notice to the manufacturer, factory branch, or lessor by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notice of this procedure shall be conspicuously disclosed to the lessee in writing at the time of lease of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessee shall provide an opportunity for the manufacturer or factory branch, its agent or authorized dealer, or the lessor or the lessor’s agent to cure the nonconformity, defect, or condition.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The manufacturer or factory branch, its agent or its authorized dealer, or the lessor or the lessor’s agent shall correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition at no charge to the lessee, even if repairs are made after the expiration of the warranty period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If, during the warranty period, the manufacturer or factory branch, its agent or authorized dealer, or the lessor or the lessor’s agent is unable to repair or correct any nonconformity, defect, or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value of the motor vehicle to the lessee after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer or factory branch, at the option of the lessee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Replace the motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle acceptable to the lessee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Accept return of the motor vehicle from the lessee and refund to the lessee all money paid by the lessee to repair the defect, condition, or nonconformity pursuant to a lease, including all excise tax, license fees, registration fees, and any similar governmental charges, less a reasonable allowance for the lessee’s unimpaired use of the vehicle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the event a motor vehicle is replaced under paragraph (1)(i)1 of this subsection and provided that the lessee meets the lessor’s then current credit criteria with respect to the lease, the lessor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Transfer the title of the defective motor vehicle to the manufacturer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Accept title to the comparable replacement motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Transfer possession of the comparable replacement motor vehicle to the lessee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Execute a lease agreement with the lessee with the same time period, terms, and conditions of the original lease.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In the event a manufacturer accepts return of a motor vehicle, under paragraph (1)(i)2 of this subsection, the lessee shall be compensated by the manufacturer for any money paid during the period in which the motor vehicle was not available due to the defect, condition, or nonconformity and the lessor shall be paid by the manufacturer all amounts due to the lessor under the terms of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>This subsection shall be construed to provide a mechanism through which the lessee and the lessor shall be made whole for losses incurred as a result of a motor vehicle’s nonconformity, defect, or condition, and actions taken to conform the motor vehicle to applicable warranties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a manufacturer, factory branch, dealer, or lessor accepts return of a motor vehicle as described under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the lessee may not be obligated to pay any penalties, early termination fees, or other charges as a consequence of the return of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>It shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform a motor vehicle to the applicable warranties if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The same nonconformity, defect, or condition has been subject to repair 4 or more times by the manufacturer or factory branch, or its agents or authorized dealers, within the warranty period but such nonconformity, defect, or condition continues to exist;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The motor vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of 1 or more nonconformities, defects, or conditions for a cumulative total of 30 or more days during the warranty period; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonconformity, defect, or condition resulting in failure of the braking or steering system has been subject to the same repair at least once within the warranty period, and the manufacturer has been notified and given the opportunity to cure the defect, and the repair does not bring the vehicle into compliance with the motor vehicle safety inspection laws of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The term of any warranty, the warranty period, and the 30–day out–of–service period shall be extended by any time during which repair services are not available to the lessee by reason of war, invasion, strike, or fire, flood, or other natural disaster.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a motor vehicle is returned to a manufacturer or factory branch under subsection (d)(1)(i) of this section, the manufacturer or factory branch shall notify the Motor Vehicle Administration of the fact that the vehicle was returned under this subtitle as defective.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>If a motor vehicle that is returned under this subtitle is then made available for resale or subsequent lease, the seller or lessor shall disclose prior to sale or lease in writing in a clear and conspicuous manner, on a separate piece of paper in 10 point all capital type, to a lessee or buyer the material fact that this motor vehicle was returned to the manufacturer or factory branch, the nature of the defect which resulted in the return, and the condition of the motor vehicle at the time of resale or subsequent lease.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2005" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>Title 2A of this article shall not apply to motor vehicle leases governed by this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, this subtitle does not limit the rights or remedies that are otherwise available to a lessee under any other law, including any implied warranties, including the federal Magnusson Moss Warranty Act and the Maryland Uniform Commercial Code.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If a manufacturer or factory branch has established an informal dispute settlement procedure which complies in all respects with the provisions of Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 703, as amended, a lessee need not resort to that procedure before § 14-2004(c) of this subtitle applies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lessee who has resorted to an informal dispute settlement procedure may not be precluded from seeking the rights or remedies available by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, any agreement entered into by a lessee for the lease of a new motor vehicle that waives, limits, or disclaims the rights set forth in this subtitle shall be void.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a lessor permits the lessee to assign any interest in the lease or in the motor vehicle, upon such assignment the rights available to a lessee under this subtitle shall inure to an assignee of the lessee’s rights under the lease or a subsequent transferee of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to permit a lessee to sublease a motor vehicle in violation of § 8-408 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Any action brought under this subtitle may not be brought more than 1 year after termination of the lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding the limitation in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a lessee at any time may assert a violation of this subtitle in an action to collect the debt as a matter of defense, by recoupment or setoff.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a lessor may charge fees for excess wear and use or excess mileage if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The right to charge the fees and method for calculating the fees are disclosed in the lease in at least 8 point bold capital letters;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At the time the vehicle is returned, the lessor conducts a visual inspection of the vehicle and provides the lessee with a reasonable opportunity to be present at the inspection. If the lessee is present, in addition to the notice required by subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the lessor shall provide the lessee at the time of the inspection with a written statement of the mileage and of the excess wear to the motor vehicle identified through the visual inspection. If the lessee is not present at the inspection, the lessor is only required to provide the lessee with the notice required by subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Within 30 days after obtaining possession of the motor vehicle, the lessor delivers or mails to the lessee at the lessee’s last known address:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An itemized list of excess wear to the motor vehicle and the estimated or actual cost of repairing or replacing each item listed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of the number of miles above the amount permitted by the lease and the total charge to the lessee for the excess mileage.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lessor may not charge fees for excess wear and use or excess mileage if the lessee exercises an option to purchase the leased motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2006" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle applies only to the lease of a motor vehicle where the lessee has signed or been offered the lease in this State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to a fleet lease of 5 or more motor vehicles.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lessor, manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or dealer may not exclude or limit the operation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2007" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a lessor who fails to comply with any requirement imposed by this subtitle with respect to a person shall be liable to the person for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any actual damage sustained by the person as a result of the failure; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An amount equal to 25% of the total amount of monthly payments under the lease, but not less than $100 nor greater than $1,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to a prevailing party under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If it appears to the satisfaction of the court that an action is brought in bad faith or is of a frivolous nature, the court may order the offending party to pay the other party reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A violation of this subtitle shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article, except that a person who recovers damages under this section for a violation of this subtitle shall not be entitled to recover damages for the same violation under § 13–408 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A lessee may not recover damages in an action under this subtitle or under Title 13 of this article for any failure to comply with any provision of this subtitle if, within 60 days after discovering an error and prior to the institution of an action under this subtitle or under Title 13 of this article or the receipt of written notice of the error from the lessee, the lessor notifies the lessee of the error and makes whatever adjustments are necessary to correct the error.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a complaint for violation of any provision of this subtitle is filed with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the Commissioner may investigate the complaint and hold a hearing on it in accordance with § 11-413 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall give to the person against whom a complaint is filed at least 10 days’ written notice of the complaint and the time and place of any hearing. The notice shall be in writing and sent by registered or certified mail to the person’s principal place of business.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If, after the hearing, the Commissioner finds that a person has engaged or is engaging in any act or practice prohibited by this subtitle, the Commissioner shall order the person to cease and desist from the act or practice.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The order of the Commissioner shall comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>If no appeal is filed, the order becomes final after expiration of the time allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act for appeals from the Commissioner’s order.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If an appeal is filed, the order becomes final after final decision of the court affirming the order or dismissing the appeal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For purposes of this section, the Commissioner’s order may not apply to any:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Incorporated bank, savings institution, or trust company;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Savings and loan association; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Federal credit union or state chartered credit union.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “notice” means the first to occur of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>When the lessor receives a written notice from the lessee notifying the lessor of an error or violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>When the lessor receives a written notice from the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or the appropriate regulatory authority notifying the lessor of an error or violation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>When the lessor receives service of process in a civil action for an error or violation instituted by a lessee in a court of competent jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The penalty provided under subsection (a)(2) of this section does not apply where a lessor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Unintentionally and in good faith fails to comply with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Corrects the error or violation and makes the lessee whole for all losses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and interest, where appropriate, within 10 days after the lessor receives notice of the error or violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The burden shall be on the lessor to show that the lessor’s failure to comply with this subtitle was unintentional and in good faith.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A lessor who knowingly violates any provision of this subtitle shall be liable to the lessee for 3 times the amount of fees and charges collected in excess of that authorized by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2008" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A lessor may repossess a leased motor vehicle if the lessee is in default or a law enforcement agency has seized the motor vehicle and will not unconditionally return the motor vehicle to the lessor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor may repossess the leased motor vehicle from a lessee only by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Legal process; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Self-help, without use of force.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Nothing in this section authorizes a violation of criminal law.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 10 days before a lessor repossesses any leased motor vehicle, the lessor may serve a written notice on the lessee of the intention to repossess the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State the default and any period at the end of which the leased motor vehicle will be repossessed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Briefly state the rights of the lessee in case the leased motor vehicle is repossessed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The notice may be delivered to the lessee personally or sent to the lessee at the lessee’s last known address by registered or certified mail.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Within 5 days after the lessor repossesses the leased motor vehicle, the lessor shall deliver to the lessee personally or send to the lessee at the lessee’s last known address by registered or certified mail a written notice which states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The right of the lessee to redeem the leased motor vehicle and the amount payable for it;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rights of the lessee as to a sale of the motor vehicle and the lessee’s liability for a deficiency; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The exact location where the leased motor vehicle is stored and the address where any payment is to be made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For 15 days after the lessor gives the notice required by subsection (e) of this section, the lessor shall retain the repossessed motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>During the period provided for in subsection (f) of this section, the lessee may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Redeem and retake possession of the motor vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Resume the performance of the lease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>To redeem the leased motor vehicle, the lessee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tender the amount due under the lease at the time of redemption, without giving effect to any provision which allows acceleration of any amounts otherwise payable after that time;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Tender performance of any other promise for the breach of which the motor vehicle was repossessed; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the discretionary notice provided for in subsection (c) of this section was given, pay the actual and reasonable expenses of retaking and storing the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>This section does not apply, and the lessor shall have the right to enforce the lease according to its terms, including the default and early termination provisions of the lease and any provision that requires the lessee to pay an amount due at early termination, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date of the default under the lease that led to the present repossession occurred within 18 months after the last repossession; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessee was guilty of fraudulent conduct, intentionally and wrongfully concealed, removed, damaged, or destroyed the motor vehicle, or attempted to do so, and the motor vehicle was repossessed because of that conduct.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2009" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies if the lease provides that the motor vehicle is to be sold after repossession and the lessee is to be responsible for any deficiency arising from the sale of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The lessor shall sell the motor vehicle that was repossessed at:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a private sale; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A public auction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 10 days before the sale, the lessor shall notify the lessee in writing of the time and place of the sale, by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the lessee’s last known address.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any sale of a repossessed motor vehicle must be accomplished in a commercially reasonable manner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In all cases of a private sale of a repossessed motor vehicle under this section, a full accounting shall be made to the lessee in writing. This accounting shall contain the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The unpaid balance at the time the motor vehicle was repossessed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The refund credit of unearned insurance premiums, if any;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The remaining net balance;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The proceeds of the sale of the motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The remaining deficiency balance, if any, or the amount due to the lessee; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>All expenses incurred as a result of the sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner of Financial Regulation may make a determination concerning any private sale that the sale was not accomplished in a commercially reasonable manner. Upon that determination, the Commissioner may enter an order disallowing any claim for a deficiency balance.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The proceeds of a sale to which this section applies shall be applied, in the following order, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The actual and reasonable costs of the sale;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The actual and reasonable costs of retaking and storing the property; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The unpaid balance owing under the lease agreement at the time the property was repossessed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor shall furnish to the lessee a written statement which shows the distribution of the proceeds.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the provisions of this subtitle, including the requirement of furnishing a notice following repossession, are not followed, the lessor shall not be entitled to any deficiency judgment to which it would be entitled under the lease agreement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2010" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Consumer Motor Vehicle Leasing Contracts"> <text>Any penalties or charges set forth in the lease or claimed by the lessor in the event of early termination or default must comply with the standards set forth in the Consumer Leasing Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2101" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Rental Motor Vehicles -- Collision Damage Waivers"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Car sharing period” has the meaning stated in § 19–520 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Collision damage waiver” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>With respect to a rental agreement, any contract, whether separate from or part of a rental agreement, in which the lessor agrees, for a charge, to waive all or part of any claims against the lessee for damages to the rental motor vehicle during the term of the rental agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>With respect to a peer–to–peer car sharing program agreement, a provision in the peer–to–peer car sharing program agreement in which it is agreed, for a charge, that all or part of any claims against a shared vehicle driver for damages to a shared motor vehicle during a car sharing period are waived.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Lessee” means any person obtaining the use of a rental motor vehicle from a lessor under the terms of a rental agreement.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Lessor” means any person in the business of providing rental motor vehicles to the public.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Passenger car” means any motor vehicle that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A Class A (passenger) vehicle under § 13–912 of the Transportation Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle under § 13–937 of the Transportation Article if the vehicle is used primarily for transporting passengers; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A Class E (truck) vehicle that is used primarily for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes and that, under § 13–917 of the Transportation Article, does not exceed a three–quarter ton capacity or 7,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Peer–to–peer car sharing program agreement” has the meaning stated in § 19–520 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>“Rental agreement” means a written agreement setting forth the terms and conditions governing the use of a rental motor vehicle by a lessee for a period of less than 180 days.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>“Rental motor vehicle” means a passenger car which, on execution of a rental agreement, is made available to a lessee for the lessee’s use.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>“Shared motor vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 19–520 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>“Shared vehicle driver” has the meaning stated in § 19–520 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Division shall develop a form for collision damage waivers for lessors and for peer–to–peer car sharing programs, and shall make it available to all lessors and peer–to–peer car sharing programs in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The form shall meet the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A lessor may not deliver or issue for delivery in this State a rental motor vehicle agreement containing a collision damage waiver, unless the lessor uses a separate collision damage waiver form provided by the Division that meets the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A peer–to–peer car sharing program may not deliver or issue for delivery in the State a peer–to–peer car sharing program agreement containing a collision damage waiver, unless the peer–to–peer car sharing program uses a separate collision damage waiver form provided by the Division that meets the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The collision damage waiver form shall contain the following requirements:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The collision damage waiver shall be understandable and written in simple and readable plain language;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the collision damage waiver, including, but not limited to, any conditions or exclusions applicable to the collision damage waiver, shall be prominently displayed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All restrictions, conditions, or provisions in, or endorsed on, the collision damage waiver are printed in type at least as large as Brevier or 10 point type;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The collision damage waiver shall include a statement of the total charge for the anticipated rental period or car sharing period or the anticipated total daily charge;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The agreement containing the collision damage waiver shall display the following notice on the face of the agreement, set apart and in boldface type, and in type at least as large as 10 point type:</text> <text>“Notice:</text> <text>This contract offers, for an additional charge, a collision damage waiver to cover your responsibility for damage to the vehicle. Before deciding whether to purchase the collision damage waiver, you may wish to determine whether your own automobile insurance affords you coverage for damage to the rental vehicle or shared motor vehicle and the amount of the deductible under your own insurance coverage. The purchase of this collision damage waiver is not mandatory and may be waived. Maryland law requires that all Maryland residents’ insurance policies with collision coverage automatically extend that collision coverage to passenger cars rented or motor vehicles shared by the insureds named in the policy for a period of 30 days or less.”; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any additional information that the Division considers reasonable and necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A failure by a lessor to comply with subsection (d) of this section is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13, Subtitle 3 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2201" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” means an actual or prospective purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods, consumer services, or consumer realty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer goods”, “consumer realty”, and “consumer services” mean, respectively, goods, real property, and services which are primarily for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, “consumer services” does not include financial services or securities sales.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Consumer services” includes any solicitation offering credit services where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The consumer is required to call a telephone number;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer is charged a separate toll fee for the call; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person making the solicitation receives any portion of the separate telephone toll fee paid by the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Credit services” means providing or offering to provide any service in return for the payment of money or other consideration, where the service is held out to provide assistance to a consumer with regard to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Improving the consumer’s credit history, credit rating, or credit record; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtaining an extension of credit for the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Merchant” means a person who, directly or indirectly, offers or makes available to consumers any consumer goods, consumer services, or consumer realty.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Merchant” does not include a person who is exempt under § 13-104 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Telephone solicitation” means the attempt by a merchant to sell or lease consumer goods, services, or realty to a consumer located in this State that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Made entirely by telephone; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Initiated by the merchant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2202" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle do not apply to a transaction:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Made in accordance with prior negotiations in the course of a visit by the consumer to a merchant operating a retail business establishment which has a fixed permanent location and where consumer goods are displayed or offered for sale on a continuing basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In which the person making the solicitation or the business enterprise for which the person is calling:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has made a previous sale to the consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has a preexisting business relationship with the consumer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Which is covered by the provisions of Subtitle 3 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The consumer may obtain a full refund for the return of undamaged and unused goods to the seller within 7 days of receipt by the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The seller will process the refund within 30 days of receipt of the returned merchandise by the consumer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In which the consumer purchases goods or services pursuant to an examination of a television, radio, or print advertisement or a sample, brochure, catalogue, or other mailing material of the merchant that contains:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the merchant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A description of the goods or services being sold; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any limitations or restrictions that apply to the offer; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In which the merchant is a bona fide charitable organization as defined in § 6-101 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, this subtitle applies to any solicitation offering credit services where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The consumer is required to call a telephone number;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer is charged a separate toll fee for the call; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person making the solicitation receives any portion of the separate telephone toll fee paid by the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2203" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A contract made pursuant to a telephone solicitation is not valid and enforceable against a consumer unless made in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A contract made pursuant to a telephone solicitation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be reduced to writing and signed by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall comply with all other applicable laws and regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall match the description of goods or services as that principally used in the telephone solicitation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the seller, the total price of the contract, and a detailed description of the goods or services being sold;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Shall contain, in at least 12 point type, immediately preceding the signature, the following statement:</text> <text>“You are not obligated to pay any money unless you sign this contract and return it to the seller.”; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>May not exclude from its terms any oral or written representations made by the merchant to the consumer in connection with the transaction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2204" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act"> <text>A merchant engaging in a telephone solicitation may not make or submit any charge to the consumer’s credit account until after the merchant receives from the consumer a copy of the contract which complies with this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2205" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Solicitations Act"> <text>In addition to any remedies otherwise available at law, a violation of this subtitle shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13, Subtitle 3 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the violation involves a solicitation offering credit services, a violation of the Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2301" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Automotive Crash Parts Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Aftermarket crash parts” means crash parts:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Manufactured by a person other than the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle to be repaired; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For which the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle has not authorized the use of its name or trademark by the manufacturer of the crash parts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Body shop” means any person that removes, replaces, reconditions, or repairs sheet metal or fiberglass motor vehicle crash parts.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Crash parts” means exterior or interior sheet metal or fiberglass panels and parts which form the superstructure or body of a motor vehicle including but not limited to fenders, bumpers, quarter panels, door panels, hoods, grills, firewalls, permanent roofs, wheelwells, and front and rear lamp display panels.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Genuine crash parts” means crash parts:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Manufactured by or for the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle to be repaired; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Which are authorized to carry the name or trademark of the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Motor vehicle” means a passenger car as defined under § 11–144.2 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Motor vehicle” does not include a motor home, as defined by the Motor Vehicle Administration.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2302" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Automotive Crash Parts Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Before beginning repair work on crash parts, a body shop shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide a list to the vehicle owner of the replacement crash parts that the body shop intends to use in making repairs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Specify whether the replacement parts are genuine crash parts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the replacement crash parts to be used by the body shop in the repair work are aftermarket crash parts, the body shop shall include with its estimate the following written statement: “This estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket crash parts that are not manufactured by the original manufacturer of the vehicle or by a manufacturer authorized by the original manufacturer to use its name or trademark. The use of certain aftermarket crash parts may modify the original manufacturer’s warranty on the crash parts being replaced. Upon request of the customer, the body shop shall provide, if available, a copy of any warranty for an aftermarket crash part used.”</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The notices and statements required under this section shall be made in writing in a clear and conspicuous manner in 10 point capital type.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section may not be construed to replace or alter any provisions of law under Subtitle 10 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2303" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Automotive Crash Parts Act"> <text>This subtitle does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prohibit a person from filing an action for damages against a body shop; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require a person first to exhaust any administrative remedy he may have.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2304" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Automotive Crash Parts Act"> <text>A violation of any provision of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2401" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Vacation Club Membership"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Purchaser” means a person who has contracted to acquire a vacation club membership.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sales agent” means a person who has contracted to sell a vacation club membership.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sales agent” includes the developer of a vacation club membership plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Vacation accommodation” means a place of lodging and related facilities over which the user does not have permanent exclusive control.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Vacation club membership” means an interest in a vacation club membership plan that entitles the purchaser to the use or occupancy of a vacation accommodation on a recurring basis, whether or not the exercise of the right to use or occupy depends on the availability of a vacation accommodation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Vacation club membership” includes an interest in a club that provides or arranges for the use or occupancy of campgrounds, condominiums, or other vacation accommodations.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Vacation club membership” does not include a time-share defined under Title 11A of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Vacation club membership plan” means a plan in which the purchaser has the right to the use or occupancy of any number of vacation accommodations on a recurring basis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2402" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Vacation Club Membership"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 10 calendar days after the execution of the contract to purchase a vacation club membership, either party may cancel the contract without penalty by mailing or delivering a notice of cancellation to the other party at the address specified in the contract.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Cancellation of a vacation club membership shall entitle the purchaser to a refund of the entire consideration paid for the contract, including the cost of financing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sales agent shall deliver the refund to the purchaser at the address specified in the contract within 15 business days after receipt of the notice of cancellation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The right of cancellation may not be waived or otherwise surrendered.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A contract to purchase a vacation club membership shall contain the following statement:</text> <text>“You may cancel this contract without penalty or obligation within 10 days from the date of this contract. If you decide to cancel this contract, you must provide notice of the cancellation in writing to (the sales agent) at (address of sales agent). Any attempt to obtain a waiver of your cancellation rights is unlawful. Cancellation entitles you to a refund of all money within 15 business days after receipt of notice of cancellation.”</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The statement required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in at least 14 point bold–faced type; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Appear immediately before and on the same page as the space designated for signature of the purchaser.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle applies to vacation club membership plans that provide accommodations in time–share units.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The requirements of this section do not apply to a time–share estate, time–share plan, or time–share exchange program or any renewal thereof that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Required to provide a consumer with a 10–day right to cancel under § 11A–114 of the Real Property Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Regulated under Title 11A of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2403" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Vacation Club Membership"> <level label="a"> <text>It is a deceptive trade practice for a sales agent to violate any requirement of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the sales agent violates any provision of this subtitle, the purchaser:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May cancel the contract by notifying the seller in any manner, by any means, and at any time of the purchaser’s intention to cancel; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to a refund of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>All money paid; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Until the refund is made, interest of 1% for each month after the date of cancellation.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2501" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <text>In this subtitle, “hearing aid” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any instrument or device that is designed for or represented as being capable of improving or correcting impaired human hearing; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any part or accessory of the instrument or device.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2502" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle are in addition to any other provision of law.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2502.1" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The seller of a hearing aid must bill any fee for diagnostic tests separately from any charges for the purchase and fitting of a hearing aid.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A separately billed fee for a diagnostic test is not subject to refund under § 14-2503 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2503" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 30 days of the date of delivery, a purchaser of a hearing aid may cancel the purchase for any reason, by mailing or delivering a notice of cancellation to the seller of the hearing aid at the address specified in the contract.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Cancellation of the purchase entitles the purchaser to a refund of the entire consideration paid, less 10 percent for services and payments made for diagnostic tests.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the actual documented expenses incurred by the seller for the fitting, delivery, and return of the hearing aid to the manufacturer are in excess of 10 percent of the purchase price, the seller may retain an amount equal to these expenses only if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount is conspicuously identified as “nonrefundable” on the contract or bill of sale for the hearing aid; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The total amount retained does not exceed 20 percent of the purchase price of the hearing aid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The seller shall deliver the refund to the purchaser if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The purchase is made at a place other than the place of business of the seller, within 30 days after the receipt of the notice of cancellation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The purchase agreement is made at the place of business of the seller, within 30 days after the return of the hearing aid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a hearing aid is sold in a hospital or related institution, the seller must initiate a refund request with the accounting department of the selling hospital or related institution within 10 days after receiving the notice of cancellation from the purchaser.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After cancellation of the purchase, if the hearing aid has been delivered to the purchaser, the purchaser must make the hearing aid available to the seller in substantially as good condition as when received.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The right of cancellation may not be waived or otherwise surrendered.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The contract or bill of sale for the purchase of a hearing aid shall contain the following statement:</text> <text>“You may cancel this purchase for any reason, at any time within 30 </text> <text>days after the date of delivery of the hearing aid. To cover the costs of </text> <text>dispensing the hearing aid, the seller may withhold from the refund 10</text> <text>percent of the purchase price or the seller’s actual costs up to 20 percent</text> <text>of the purchase price.”</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The statement required under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in bold and conspicuous type of at least 10 point type; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Appear on the same page as and above the space for the purchaser’s signature.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The seller shall provide to the purchaser at the time of delivery of the hearing aid a notice of cancellation that states the total refundable amount and contains the following information:</text> <text>“Notice of Cancellation</text> <text>You may cancel this purchase of a hearing aid within 30 days from the date of delivery of the hearing aid.</text> <text>If you decide to cancel this contract:</text> </level> </level> <level label="1"> <text>You must provide notice of the cancellation in writing, within 30 days of the date of delivery of the hearing aid, to (the seller) at address of seller; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>You must make the hearing aid available to the seller, in substantially as good condition as when you received it.</text> <text>The seller may not attempt to obtain a waiver of your rights to cancel.”</text> <level label="2"> <text>If the hearing aid is sold at the seller’s place of business and the seller is not located within a hospital or other related institution, the notice shall contain the following statement:</text> <text>“Cancellation entitles you to a refund of all money you paid, less (choose either </text> <text>10 percent or the actual cost to the seller as provided in this section), within 30</text> <text>days after you return the hearing aid to the seller.”</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the hearing aid is sold by a seller affiliated with a hospital or other related institution, the notice shall contain the following statement:</text> <text>“Cancellation entitles you to a refund of all money you paid, less (choose either</text> <text>10 percent or the actual cost to the seller as provided in this section). The seller</text> <text>must initiate a request for the refund from the selling institution’s accounting</text> <text>department within 10 days after you return the hearing aid to the seller.”</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the hearing aid is sold at a place other than the seller’s place of business the notice shall contain the following statement:</text> <text>“Cancellation entitles you to a refund of all money you paid less (choose either</text> <text>10 percent or the actual cost to the seller as provided in this section) within 30</text> <text>days after the seller receives your notice of cancellation.”</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The notice of cancellation shall be in 10 point type.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>At the time of delivery, the seller shall complete the notice of cancellation by including the date of delivery and the date by which cancellation must be made.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2504" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <text>It is a deceptive trade practice for a seller of hearing aids to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Misrepresent in any way the purchaser’s right to cancel;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fail to inform a purchaser in writing at the time of the purchase, and at the time of delivery of the right to cancel the contract at any time up to 30 days after the hearing aid has been delivered;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Before furnishing the “Notice of Cancellation” to the purchaser, fail to complete the notice by entering:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name of the seller;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The address of the seller’s place of business;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The date of delivery; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The date, not earlier than 30 days after the date of delivery, by which the purchaser may give notice of cancellation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include in any sales contract or receipt any confession of judgment or waiver of any right to which the purchaser is entitled under this subtitle, including specifically the right to cancel the sale in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Fail to honor a valid notice of cancellation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Within 30 days of receiving a purchaser’s notice of cancellation, fail to notify the purchaser whether the seller intends to repossess or to abandon the delivered hearing aid; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Fail to refund all payments, less 10 percent or the amount allowed under § 14-2503(b)(2) of this subtitle and payments made for diagnostic tests, made under the purchase agreement within 30 days after:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Receipt of the notice of cancellation if the purchaser’s agreement to purchase is made at a place other than the place of business of the seller; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Return of the hearing aid, if the purchaser’s agreement to purchase is made at the place of business of the seller.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2505" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a seller violates any provision of this subtitle, the buyer may cancel the sale by notifying the seller, in any manner and by any means, of the buyer’s intention to cancel.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a seller fails to refund all payments in the time required, after the purchase complies with the requirements of the notice of cancellation a purchaser is entitled to payment of an additional 1 percent for each month or part of a month that the refund is not paid.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2506" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Hearing Aid Sales Act"> <text>Violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the provisions of Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-25A-01" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="25A" subtitle_name="Hearing Aids and Telephones"> <level label="a"> <text>A distributor of telephone equipment, receivers, or components may not sell, rent, lease, or install telephones that include equipment, receivers, or components preventing the effective use of hearing aid devices unless the distributor notifies the customer that the equipment is incompatible with hearing aid devices.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2601" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Maryland Door-to-Door Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” means a natural person.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Disclosure statement” means a written statement that includes the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A statement that a copy of the current financial statement of the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made is available on request; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name of the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made and the address and telephone number where requests for a copy of the financial statement should be directed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Door-to-door solicitation” means a single or multiple request, directly or indirectly, for money or other valuable consideration or for a pledge or subsequent contribution of money or other valuable consideration, whether or not it is made in exchange for any tangible or intangible item:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That promotes the programs or goals of the organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That is made in person by the solicitor; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Where the consumer’s payment, pledge, or promise is made at the consumer’s home or residence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Door-to-door solicitation” does not include a transaction that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The consumer debt collection law, Subtitle 2 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Door-to-Door Sales Act, Subtitle 3 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Telephone Solicitation Act, Subtitle 22 of this title;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is made in the regular course of business by any person licensed or regulated under:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Insurance Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Title 11 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Business Occupations and Professions Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is made in the regular course of business by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any person defined as a financial institution under the Financial Institutions Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A corporation regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A broker-dealer or investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Maryland Securities Commissioner; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Is a solicitation by or on behalf of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A charitable organization, as defined in § 6-101 of the Business Regulation Article, that is exempt from federal income taxation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A fraternal organization of fire fighters, rescue or ambulance personnel, or police or other law enforcement organization soliciting for charitable purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Organization” means any group, trust fund, foundation, association, corporation, society, or any combination of entities and includes an entity that is affiliated with an organization that is organized or has its principal place of business outside the State.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Solicitor” means the individual making a door-to-door solicitation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2602" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Maryland Door-to-Door Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A person making a door-to-door solicitation for any purpose shall comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Violation of this subtitle shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any payment, pledge, or promise made as a result of a solicitation made in violation of this subtitle is voidable by the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2603" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="26" subtitle_name="Maryland Door-to-Door Solicitations Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>When making a door-to-door solicitation, a solicitor may not accept or receive, at the time the solicitation is made, any money, check, or other negotiable instrument, or any other consideration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to any door-to-door solicitation resulting in the acceptance or receipt by the solicitor, at the time the solicitation is made, of less than $200 in any money or any other consideration, including the amount of a pledge or promise of subsequent contribution of any money or any other consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When making a door-to-door solicitation, the solicitor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Give the consumer a pledge form;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Inform the consumer of the consumer’s right to rescind a pledge made pursuant to a door-to-door solicitation at any time after the door-to-door solicitation and that a pledge to contribute is not an enforceable contract;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notify the consumer that the solicitor may not accept or receive, at the time the door-to-door solicitation is made, any money, or any other consideration, including the amount of a pledge or promise of subsequent contribution of any money or other consideration, that equals or exceeds $200;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Inform the consumer of the consumer’s right to a refund or return of any contribution made pursuant to a door-to-door solicitation if requested within 30 days after the contribution is made;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide a disclosure statement to the consumer prior to accepting a door-to-door solicitation; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Mail within 30 days of a request by a consumer pursuant to a door-to-door solicitation a current financial statement of the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made at no charge to the person who requested it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The pledge form given to the consumer shall contain the following information:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name of the solicitor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name and address of the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitor has made the door-to-door solicitation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement of the general purpose or purposes for which the contribution will be used;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A disclosure statement, as specified in § 14-2601(c) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The date and amount of the door-to-door solicitation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The name and address of the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A statement that the consumer has a right to rescind the pledge at any time after the date of the door-to-door solicitation and that the pledge to contribute is not an enforceable contract; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>A statement that the consumer has a right to a refund or return of any contribution made pursuant to a door-to-door solicitation, if a request for a refund or return is made in writing within 30 days after the contribution is made, and is delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Within 30 days after receiving a request, a solicitor shall mail a current financial statement at no charge to the person who requested it. The financial statement shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name, address, and telephone number of the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of gross revenue received from contributions and the amount and percentage of gross revenue used by the individual or organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made for its management and general expenses, fund-raising expenses, and program service expenses during the preceding fiscal year; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the organization on whose behalf the solicitation is made is newly organized, the estimated percentage of contributions being sought that will be used for its management and general expenses, fund-raising expenses, and program service expenses.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A pledge to contribute under this section is not an enforceable contract.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>To receive a refund or return of a contribution made pursuant to a door-to-door solicitation, the consumer must request the refund or return in writing within 30 days after the contribution is made.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The request must be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consumer’s contribution shall be refunded or returned to the consumer within 10 days after receipt of a request for a refund or return of the consumer’s contribution.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2701" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Collateral costs” means expenses incurred by a consumer in connection with the repair of a nonconformity, including the costs of obtaining an alternative wheelchair or other device used for mobility assistance.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer” means any of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The purchaser of a motorized wheelchair, if the motorized wheelchair was purchased from a motorized wheelchair dealer or manufacturer for purposes other than resale;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person to whom the motorized wheelchair is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person who may enforce the warranty; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A person who leases a motorized wheelchair from a motorized wheelchair lessor under a written lease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Demonstrator” means a motorized wheelchair used primarily for the purpose of demonstration to the public.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Early termination cost” means any expense or obligation that a motorized wheelchair lessor incurs as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motorized wheelchair to a manufacturer under § 14–2703(c)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Early termination cost” includes a penalty for prepayment under a finance arrangement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Early termination savings” means any expense or obligation that a motorized wheelchair lessor avoids as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motorized wheelchair to a manufacturer under § 14–2703(c)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Early termination savings” includes an interest charge that the motorized wheelchair lessor would have paid to finance the motorized wheelchair or, if the motorized wheelchair lessor does not finance the motorized wheelchair, the difference between the total amount for which the lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease term remaining after the early termination and the present value of that amount at the date of the early termination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Manufacturer” means a person who manufactures motorized wheelchairs, and any warrantors of the manufacturer’s motorized wheelchairs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Manufacturer” does not include a motorized wheelchair dealer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Motorized wheelchair” means any motor–driven wheelchair, scooter, or other wheeled device that is designed to provide mobility assistance for an individual with a disability, including a demonstrator, that a consumer purchases or accepts transfer of in the State.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Motorized wheelchair dealer” means a person who is in the business of selling motorized wheelchairs.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Motorized wheelchair lessor” means a person who leases a motorized wheelchair to a consumer, or who holds the lessor’s rights, under a written lease.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Nonconformity” means a condition or defect that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motorized wheelchair or any of its component parts, and that is covered by an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair or to a component of the motorized wheelchair, but does not include a condition or defect that is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modification or alteration of the motorized wheelchair by a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Reasonable attempt to repair” means any of the following occurring within the term of an express warranty applicable to a new motorized wheelchair or within 1 year after first delivery of the motorized wheelchair to a consumer, whichever is sooner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The same nonconformity with the warranty is subject to repair at least four times by the manufacturer, motorized wheelchair lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motorized wheelchair dealers and the nonconformity continues; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The motorized wheelchair is out of service for an aggregate of at least 30 days because of warranty nonconformities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2702" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A manufacturer who sells a new motorized wheelchair to a consumer, either directly or through a motorized wheelchair dealer, shall furnish the consumer with an express written warranty for the new motorized wheelchair warranting parts and performance.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The duration of the express written warranty may not be less than 1 year after first delivery of the new motorized wheelchair to the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a manufacturer fails to furnish an express written warranty as required by this section, the new motorized wheelchair shall be covered by an express warranty, as if the manufacturer had furnished an express written warranty to the consumer as required by this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2703" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a new motorized wheelchair does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the motorized wheelchair lessor, or to any of the manufacturer’s authorized motorized wheelchair dealers, and makes the motorized wheelchair available for repair before 1 year after first delivery of the motorized wheelchair to a consumer, the nonconformity shall be repaired at the manufacturer’s expense to correct the nonconformity regardless of whether the repairs are made after expiration of the warranty rights period.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If in any subsequent proceeding it is determined that the consumer’s repair did not qualify for repair under this article, and the manufacturer was not otherwise obligated to repair the motorized wheelchair, the consumer shall be liable to the manufacturer for costs of repair.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the nonconformity is not repaired, the manufacturer shall carry out the requirement under paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, whichever is appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the direction of the consumer, except a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair, the manufacturer shall do one of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Accept return of the motorized wheelchair or any of its component parts and replace it with a comparable new motorized wheelchair or any of its component parts and refund any collateral costs.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Accept return of the motorized wheelchair and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the consumer’s motorized wheelchair, as their interest may appear, the full purchase price plus any finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use. The reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the full purchase price of the motorized wheelchair by a fraction, the denominator of which is 1,825 and the numerator of which is the number of days that the motorized wheelchair was driven before the consumer first reported the nonconformity to the motorized wheelchair dealer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the direction of a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair, the manufacturer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Accept return of the motorized wheelchair;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the motorized wheelchair, as their interest may appear, the current value of the written lease as defined in subsection (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Refund to the consumer the amount that the consumer paid under the written lease plus any collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use as defined in subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The current value of the written lease equals the total amount for which that lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease remaining after its early termination plus the motorized wheelchair dealer’s early termination costs and the value of the motorized wheelchair at the lease expiration date if the lease sets forth that value, less the motorized wheelchair lessor’s early termination savings.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the total amount for which the written lease obligates the consumer by a fraction, the denominator of which is 1,825 and the numerator of which is the number of days that the consumer drove the motorized wheelchair before first reporting the nonconformity to the manufacturer, motorized wheelchair lessor, or motorized wheelchair dealer.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>To receive a comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund due under subsection (c)(1) or (2) of this section, a consumer, except a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair, shall offer to transfer possession of the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer of that motorized wheelchair. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with a comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund. When the manufacturer provides the new motorized wheelchair or refund, the consumer shall return the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer, along with any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>To receive a refund due under subsection (c)(3) of this section, a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair shall offer to return the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer of that motorized wheelchair. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To receive a refund due under subsection (c)(3) of this section, a motorized wheelchair lessor shall offer to transfer possession of the motorized wheelchair having the nonconformity to the manufacturer of that motorized wheelchair. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the motorized wheelchair lessor shall provide any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person may not enforce the lease against the consumer after the consumer receives a refund due under subsection (c)(3) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A motorized wheelchair returned by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in this State under subsection (c) of this section, or by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in another state under a similar law of that state, may not be sold or leased again in this State unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2704" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle may not be deemed to limit rights or remedies available to a consumer under any other law or contract.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer’s rights under this subtitle may not be limited by the provisions of Title 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any waiver by a consumer of rights under this subtitle is void.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2705" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to pursuing any other remedy, a consumer may bring an action to recover for any damages caused by a violation of this subtitle. The court shall award a consumer who prevails in such an action twice the amount of any pecuniary loss together with costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees and any equitable relief that the court determines is appropriate.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2706" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as “The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2801" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Blind” means that an individual’s visual acuity:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exceeds 20/200 but with a field of vision that at the widest diameter subtends an angle not greater than 20 degrees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Direct labor hours” includes all hours spent in the manufacture and assembly of a product made by blind individuals.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Direct labor hours” does not include time spent in the administration, supervision, shipping, and inspection of a product made by blind individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <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="e"> <text>“Product made by the blind” means a product if not less than 75% of the total personnel engaged in the direct labor hours in the manufacture and assembly of the product are blind workers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2802" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <text>This subtitle does not authorize the identification of products as made by blind individuals if the direct labor performed by blind individuals in connection with the products consists solely of the packaging or packing of the products, and not the manufacture and assembly of the products.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2803" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale any product falsely represented to be a product made by the blind.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2804" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The offer to sell or sale of products known as “blinds”; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual whose given name is “blind”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person that has products for sale may not use the word “blind” in the name or title of the person, association, or corporation unless the person limits its sales to products made by the blind.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2805" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to products made and sold by self-employed blind individuals who reside in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Products made by the blind may not be sold without a mark on the products that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identifies the products as made by the blind; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identifies the organization that made the products.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2806" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <level label="a"> <text>Each person that is engaged in the State in the business of telephone solicitation or door-to-door sales of products made by the blind shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Register with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtain a permit for each person selling or soliciting the sale of products made by the blind.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A product made by the blind may not be sold in the State unless the seller holds a valid permit issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Unless earlier revoked for good cause shown, a permit issued under this section is valid for 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The fee for each permit and each renewal of a permit shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>50 cents for a person that resides or has its main office in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$5.00 for a person that does not reside or have its main office in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Blind Industries and Services of Maryland shall investigate, under rules and regulations that it adopts for the administration of this subtitle, each application filed under this section to ensure that the applicant actually is engaged in the manufacture or distribution of products made by the blind.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Blind Industries and Services of Maryland may register, without investigation, nonresident persons and out-of-state associations and corporations on proof that the persons, associations, or corporations are recognized and approved by the state of their residence or organization under a law of that state that imposes requirements substantially similar to those prescribed under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2807" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="28" subtitle_name="Products Made by the Blind"> <level label="a"> <text>A person that violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A fine not exceeding $100 and the costs of prosecution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In default of payment of the amount provided in item (1) of this subsection, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each sale of, or offer to sell, products in violation of this subtitle is a separate offense.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2901" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="29" subtitle_name="False Advertising and Related Crimes"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advertise” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To publish, circulate, disseminate, or place before the public in any way or through any medium for the purpose of selling merchandise; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Advertising by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Exterior or interior signs, including neon or other electrical signs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Radio, telephone, or television; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Newspaper, magazine, book, notice, or any other method or material.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Clear and conspicuous” means in a manner that clearly calls attention to the language, including text that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In larger type than the surrounding text;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a contrasting type, font, or color to the surrounding text; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Set off from the surrounding text by symbols or other marks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Digital application or game” means any application or game that a person accesses and manipulates using a specialized electronic gaming device, computer, mobile device, tablet, or other device with a display screen, including any add–ons or additional content for the application or game.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Digital audio work” means a work that results from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds that are transferred electronically, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prerecorded or live songs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Music;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Readings of books or other written materials;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Speeches;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Ringtones; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Other sound recordings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Digital audiovisual work” means a series of related images that, when shown in succession, impart an impression of motion, together with accompanying sounds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Digital audiovisual work” includes motion pictures, musicals, videos, news and entertainment programs, and live events.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Digital book” means a work that is generally recognized as a book and is transferred electronically, including a work of fiction or nonfiction.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Digital code” means a code that grants the person holding the code a right to obtain an additional digital good regardless of whether the code is designated as a song code, video code, or book code.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Digital code” includes a code used to access or obtain any specified digital goods, or any additional digital goods that have been previously purchased.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Digital good” means a digital application or game, digital audio work, digital audiovisual work, digital book, or digital code, whether electronically or digitally delivered or accessed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Digital good” does not include a cable television service, satellite relay television service, or any other distribution of television, video, or radio service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Person” includes an association, firm, partnership, corporation, or an agent or employee of any of these entities.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Property”, as used in § 14–2902(a) through (c) of this subtitle, includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Merchandise;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Real estate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Securities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Employment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A loan made at interest;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any contract relating to real estate, securities, service, employment, or the making of loans at interest; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Anything else of value.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2902" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="29" subtitle_name="False Advertising and Related Crimes"> <level label="a"> <text>For the purpose of purchasing, selling, or disposing of property or a service, a person may not advertise a statement containing a representation of fact that the person knows, or by the exercise of reasonable care should know, to be untrue, deceptive, or misleading.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not offer for sale repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand property, knowing the property to be repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand, unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The property is identified clearly as repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The circumstances of the sale make it clear to a reasonable purchaser that the property is repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not knowingly advertise for sale property or a service that the person does not possess or control for the purpose of inducing or increasing the sale of other property or service that the person possesses or controls.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who issues, sells, or offers to sell a passenger ticket to board a vessel may not omit reference to the country of registry of the vessel in any advertisement or any other similar printed paper or notice, written or oral, regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The voyage or the ticket that entitles or purports to entitle its owner, purchaser, or holder to the voyage;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The vessel for which the voyage is sold or offered;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The line that the vessel is part of; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If applicable, that the person is an agent for the line or vessel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reference in a printed advertisement to the country of registry of the vessel shall be no less prominently displayed than the balance of the material appearing in the advertisement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person may not advertise for sale property subject to a ground rent at a stated price or on terms stating the amount of any installment payments without also stating the amount of the annual ground rent for the property.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2903" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="29" subtitle_name="False Advertising and Related Crimes"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not advertise for sale merchandise, commodities, or service through an advertisement describing the merchandise, commodities, or service:</text> <level label="1"> <text>As part of a plan or scheme with the intent not to sell the merchandise, commodity, or service at the advertised price; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the intent not to sell the merchandise, commodity, or service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-2904" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="29" subtitle_name="False Advertising and Related Crimes"> <level label="a"> <text>A person that is a seller may not advertise or offer for sale a digital good using terminology that a reasonable person would understand to confer an unrestricted ownership interest in the digital good, unless, before executing the sale:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seller receives an affirmative acknowledgment from the purchaser of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That the purchaser is receiving a license to access a digital good;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A complete list of restrictions and conditions of the license; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That access to the digital good may be unilaterally revoked by the seller if the purchaser no longer holds a right to the digital good; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The seller provides to the purchaser a clear and conspicuous statement that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>States in plain language that the purchaser is buying a license for the digital good; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Includes a digital method to access the license details, terms, and conditions.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The affirmative acknowledgment required under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be distinct and separate from any other statement that the purchaser acknowledges.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The clear and conspicuous statement required under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be distinct and separate from any other statements, details, terms, or conditions.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Require a person to download a digital good; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibit a person from storing a digital good on a server that can be accessed through the Internet.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section does not apply to a person who advertises or offers for sale:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A subscription–based service that provides access to a digital good only for the duration of the subscription;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Access to a digital good without the requirement for monetary consideration; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A digital good for which the seller is unable to revoke access after completion of the sale, including a digital good that is, at the time of purchase, available for permanent offline download to an external storage source to be used without a connection to the Internet.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except §§ 13–408 and 13–411 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3001" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Commercial Electronic Mail"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Commercial electronic mail” means electronic mail that advertises real property, goods, or services for sale or lease.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Commercial electronic mail” does not include electronic mail to which an interactive computer service provider has attached an advertisement in exchange for free use of an electronic mail account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Interactive computer service provider” means an information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Interactive computer service provider” includes a service or system that provides access to the Internet and systems operated or services offered by a library or educational institution.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3002" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Commercial Electronic Mail"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to an interactive computer service provider or a telecommunication utility to the extent that the interactive computer service provider or the telecommunication utility merely handles, retransmits, or carries a transmission of commercial electronic mail.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not initiate the transmission, conspire with another person to initiate the transmission, or assist in the transmission of commercial electronic mail that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is from a computer in the State or is sent to an electronic mail address that the sender knows or should have known is held by a resident of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Uses a third party’s Internet domain name or electronic mail address without the permission of the third party;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contains false or misleading information about the origin or the transmission path of the commercial electronic mail; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contains false or misleading information in the subject line that has the capacity, tendency, or effect of deceiving the recipient.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person is presumed to know that the intended recipient of commercial electronic mail is a resident of the State if the information is available on request from the registrant of the Internet domain name contained in the recipient’s electronic mail address.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An interactive computer service provider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May block the receipt or transmission through its interactive computer service of commercial electronic mail that it reasonably believes is or will be sent in apparent violation of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not be held liable for an action under item (1) of this subsection that is voluntarily taken in good faith.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3003" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Commercial Electronic Mail"> <text>A person who violates this subtitle is liable for reasonable attorney’s fees and for damages:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the recipient of commercial electronic mail, in an amount equal to the greater of $500 or the recipient’s actual damages;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the third party without whose permission the third party’s Internet domain name or electronic mail address was used, in an amount equal to the greater of $500 or the third party’s actual damages; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To an interactive computer service provider, in an amount equal to the greater of $1,000 or the interactive computer service provider’s actual damages.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3101" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Carrier’s lien” means a lien established under § 7-307 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer” has the meaning stated in § 13-101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Household goods” means goods used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Household goods mover” means a person who provides household goods moving services.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Household goods moving services” means the loading, packing, moving, transporting, storing while in transit, unloading, or otherwise taking possession or control from a consumer of household goods for the purpose of moving them to another location at the direction of the consumer for a fee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Household goods moving services” does not include moving household goods for disposal or destruction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3102" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <text>A household goods mover may not enforce or threaten to enforce a carrier’s lien against, or refuse to deliver, a consumer’s household goods when providing household goods moving services for an intrastate move.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3103" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “excess charges” means an amount, in excess of the estimate provided to a consumer, charged by a household goods mover for additional services that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are provided before or during an intrastate move; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Are necessary because of circumstances that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are beyond the control of the household goods mover; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Could not have been reasonably anticipated by the household goods mover.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (e) of this section, a household goods mover shall provide a written estimate to a consumer before providing household goods moving services for an intrastate move.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The written estimate shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Separately identify each household goods moving service that the household goods mover will provide and the price of each service;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Separately identify each fee that the consumer will or may be required to pay;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the estimated total price;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>State the time and method of payment for the household goods moving services; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Indicate clearly whether the estimate is binding on the consumer and household goods mover.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer who receives a binding estimate from a household goods mover may not be required to pay more than the estimated total price stated in the estimate for the household goods moving services described in the estimate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer who receives a nonbinding estimate from a household goods mover may not be required to pay more than 125% of the estimated total price stated in the estimate for the household goods moving services described in the estimate, plus any applicable excess charges.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A consumer may waive the right to receive a written estimate under subsection (a) of this section if the waiver is made voluntarily and without coercion by the household goods mover.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3104" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <text>On completion of household goods moving services for an intrastate move for a consumer, a household goods mover shall provide the consumer with a written receipt that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The household goods mover’s legal name; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The address and telephone number of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The household goods mover’s resident agent in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the household goods mover does not have a resident agent in the State, the household goods mover’s principal place of business.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3105" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to being subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, a household goods mover that violates this subtitle is subject to any other civil or criminal action provided by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3106" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Maryland Household Goods Movers Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Household Goods Movers Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3201" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Consumer Protection Act"> <text>A person may not violate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 6101 through 6108, as implemented by the Federal Trade Commission in the Telemarketing Sales Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 310); or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227, as implemented by the Federal Communications Commission in the Restrictions on Telemarketing and Telephone Solicitations Rule (47 C.F.R. Part 64, Subpart L).</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3202" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Maryland Telephone Consumer Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the remedies provided in § 13-408 of this article, an individual who is affected by a violation of this subtitle may bring an action against a person that violates this subtitle to recover:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonable attorney’s fees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Damages in the amount of the greater of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$500 for each violation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Actual damages sustained as a result of the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For purposes of this section, each prohibited telephone solicitation and each prohibited practice during a telephone solicitation is a separate violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3301" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Client” means a noncitizen or any person seeking to sponsor a noncitizen for whom an immigration consultant performs or offers to perform a service relating to the noncitizen’s immigration status.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Immigration consultant” means a person that provides nonlegal advice, guidance, information, or services to a client on an immigration matter for a fee.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Immigration matter” means any legal proceeding, filing, or action that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Affects the immigration status of a noncitizen; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Arises under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any immigration and naturalization law, executive order, or presidential proclamation of the United States or any foreign country; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An action of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Justice, or the United States Department of Commerce.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Legal services” means the legal representation of an individual.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Legal services” includes providing forms to an individual, completing forms on behalf of an individual, filing forms on behalf of an individual, advising an individual to file forms, or applying for a benefit on behalf of an individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Secretarial services” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Writing, typing, or copying information as provided by an individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Translating documents into English for an individual.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3302" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An attorney licensed to practice law in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual authorized to represent individuals in immigration matters under 8 C.F.R. § 292.1;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § 292.2;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A representative of a nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § 292.2; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A clinic affiliated with a law school in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3303" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <text>An immigration consultant may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide legal advice or legal services concerning an immigration matter;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make a misrepresentation or false statement to influence, persuade, or encourage a client to use services provided by the immigration consultant;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make a statement that the immigration consultant can or will obtain special favors from or has special influence with the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Justice, or the United States Department of Commerce;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Collect any fees or other compensation for services not yet performed;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Refuse to return documents supplied by, prepared by, or paid for by a client, at the client’s request; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Represent, advertise, or communicate in any manner that the immigration consultant possesses titles or credentials that would qualify the immigration consultant to provide legal advice or legal services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3304" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Before providing any assistance, an immigration consultant shall execute a written contract with the client that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A detailed explanation of the services to be performed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An itemization of all fees to be charged to the client;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement that the client has the right to consult an attorney before signing the contract;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A statement that the client has the right to rescind the contract within 72 hours of signing;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The statement, “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in Maryland, and may not provide legal forms, provide legal advice, or provide legal services”, which shall be conspicuously placed in the contract in at least 12 point type; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The statement, “I cannot accept a fee for referring a client to another person for services that I cannot or will not perform”, which shall be conspicuously placed in the contract in at least 12 point type.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The written contract shall be in English and in each language in which the immigration consultant provides services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The immigration consultant shall provide a copy of the contract to the client on execution.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The immigration consultant shall return any documents provided by the client at the client’s request, even in the event of a fee dispute.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3305" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <text>An immigration consultant shall post, in a conspicuous location at each place of business at which the immigration consultant provides immigration consulting services, a sign that states, “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in Maryland, and may not provide legal forms, provide legal advice, or provide legal services.”</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3306" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="33" subtitle_name="Maryland Immigration Consultant Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An immigration consultant that violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both, in addition to any civil penalties imposed under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual injured by a violation of any provision of this subtitle may bring an action to recover:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any fees or other compensation paid to the immigration consultant; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonable attorney’s fees in an amount equal to the greater of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One-third of the amount obtained under item (1) of this subsection; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One-third of the amount obtained under subsection (c) of this section, if applicable.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The court may award up to three times the amount of damages authorized under subsection (b)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3401" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="The Social Security Number Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Interactive computer service provider” means an entity that provides a service that provides or enables computer access via the Internet by multiple users to a computer server or similar device used for the storage of images, information, or data.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <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 commercial entity.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Person” does not include a unit of State or local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Publicly post or display” means to intentionally communicate or otherwise make available to the general public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3402" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="The Social Security Number Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Publicly post or display an individual’s Social Security number;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Print an individual’s Social Security number on a card required for the individual to access products or services provided by the person;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Require an individual to transmit the individual’s Social Security number over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the individual’s Social Security number is encrypted;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Initiate the transmission of an individual’s Social Security number over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the Social Security number is encrypted;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Require an individual to use the individual’s Social Security number to access an Internet website, unless a password, unique personal identification number, or other authentication device is also required to access the website; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Unless required by State or federal law:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Print an individual’s Social Security number on any material that is mailed to the individual;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include an individual’s Social Security number in any material that is electronically transmitted to the individual, unless the connection is secure or the individual’s Social Security number is encrypted; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Include an individual’s Social Security number in any material that is transmitted by facsimile to the individual.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The collection, release, or use of an individual’s Social Security number as required by State or federal law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The inclusion of an individual’s Social Security number in an application, form, or document sent by mail, electronically transmitted, or transmitted by facsimile:</text> <level label="i"> <text>As part of an application or enrollment process;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To establish, amend, or terminate an account, contract, or policy; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To confirm the accuracy of the individual’s Social Security number;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The use of an individual’s Social Security number for internal verification or administrative purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An interactive computer service provider’s or a telecommunications provider’s transmission or routing of, or intermediate temporary storage or caching of, an individual’s Social Security number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not impose a duty on an interactive computer service provider or a telecommunications provider actively to monitor its service or affirmatively to seek evidence of the transmission of Social Security numbers on its service.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3501" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or any other business entity, whether or not organized to operate at a profit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Business” includes a financial institution organized, chartered, licensed, or otherwise authorized under the laws of this State, any other state, the United States, or any other country, and the parent or subsidiary of a financial institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Encrypted” means the protection of data in electronic or optical form using an encryption technology that renders the data indecipherable without an associated cryptographic key necessary to enable decryption of the data.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Health information” means any information regarding an individual’s medical history, medical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Personal information” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An individual’s first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when the data elements are not encrypted, redacted, or otherwise protected by another method that renders the information unreadable or unusable:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a passport number, or other identification number issued by the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A driver’s license number or State identification card number;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An account number, a credit card number, or a debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password, that permits access to an individual’s financial account;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Health information, including information about an individual’s mental health;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A health insurance policy or certificate number or health insurance subscriber identification number, in combination with a unique identifier used by an insurer or an employer that is self–insured, that permits access to an individual’s health information;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Biometric data of an individual generated by automatic measurements of an individual’s biological characteristics such as a fingerprint, voice print, genetic print, retina or iris image, or other unique biological characteristic, that can be used to uniquely authenticate the individual’s identity when the individual accesses a system or account; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>For purposes of the notifications required under § 14–3504(b)(2), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this subtitle, genetic information with respect to an individual;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A user name or e–mail address in combination with a password or security question and answer that permits access to an individual’s e–mail account; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For the purposes of the requirements of this title other than the notifications required under § 14–3504(b)(2), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this subtitle, genetic information with respect to an individual when the genetic information is not encrypted, redacted, or otherwise protected by another method that renders the information unreadable or unusable, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Data, regardless of its format, that results from the analysis of a biological sample of the individual or from another source that enables equivalent information to be obtained and that concerns genetic material;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Deoxyribonucleic acids;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Ribonucleic acids;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Genes;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Chromosomes;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Alleles;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Genomes;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Alterations or modifications to deoxyribonucleic acids or ribonucleic acids;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Single nucleotide polymorphisms;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Uninterrupted data that results from the analysis of a biological sample from the individual or other sources; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Information extrapolated, derived, or inferred from item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 of this item.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Personal information” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, State, or local government records;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information that an individual has consented to have publicly disseminated or listed; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Information that is disseminated or listed in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Records” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3502" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “customer” means an individual residing in the State who provides personal information to a business for the purpose of purchasing or leasing a product or obtaining a service from the business.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When a business is destroying a customer’s, an employee’s, or a former employee’s records that contain personal information of the customer, employee, or former employee, the business shall take reasonable steps to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the personal information, taking into account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sensitivity of the records;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The nature and size of the business and its operations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The costs and benefits of different destruction methods; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Available technology.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3503" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>To protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, modification, or disclosure, a business that owns, maintains, or licenses personal information of an individual residing in the State shall implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices that are appropriate to the nature of the personal information owned, maintained, or licensed and the nature and size of the business and its operations.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A business that uses a nonaffiliated third party as a service provider to perform services for the business and discloses personal information about an individual residing in the State under a written contract with the third party shall require by contract that the third party implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are appropriate to the nature of the personal information disclosed to the nonaffiliated third party; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are reasonably designed to help protect the personal information from unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure, or destruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection shall apply to a written contract that is entered into on or after January 1, 2009.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3504" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“Breach of the security of a system” means the unauthorized acquisition of computerized data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the personal information maintained by a business; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Breach of the security of a system” does not include the good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of a business for the purposes of the business, provided that the personal information is not used or subject to further unauthorized disclosure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A business that owns, licenses, or maintains computerized data that includes personal information of an individual residing in the State, when it discovers or is notified that it incurred a breach of the security of a system, shall conduct in good faith a reasonable and prompt investigation to determine the likelihood that personal information of the individual has been or will be misused as a result of the breach.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subsection (c)(4) of this section, unless the business reasonably determines that the breach of the security of the system does not create a likelihood that personal information has been or will be misused, the owner or licensee of the computerized data shall notify the individual of the breach.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the notification required under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be given as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 45 days after the business discovers or is notified of the breach of the security of a system.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If after the investigation required under paragraph (1) of this subsection is concluded, the business determines that notification under paragraph (2) of this subsection is not required, the business shall maintain records that reflect its determination for 3 years after the determination is made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A business that maintains computerized data that includes personal information of an individual residing in the State that the business does not own or license, when it discovers or is notified of a breach of the security of a system, shall notify, as soon as practicable, the owner or licensee of the personal information of the breach of the security of a system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the notification required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be given as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 10 days after the business discovers or is notified of the breach of the security of a system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A business that is required to notify an owner or licensee of personal information of a breach of the security of a system under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall share with the owner or licensee information relative to the breach.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>If the business that incurred the breach of the security of a system is not the owner or licensee of the computerized data, the business may not charge the owner or licensee of the computerized data a fee for providing information that the owner or licensee needs to make a notification under subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner or licensee of the computerized data may not use information relative to the breach of the security of a system for purposes other than:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Providing notification of the breach;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Protecting or securing personal information; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Providing notification to national information security organizations created for information–sharing and analysis of security threats, to alert and avert new or expanded breaches.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The notification required under subsections (b) and (c) of this section may be delayed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If a law enforcement agency determines that the notification will impede a criminal investigation or jeopardize homeland or national security; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To determine the scope of the breach of the security of a system, identify the individuals affected, or restore the integrity of the system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If notification is delayed under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, notification shall be given as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a notification required under subsection (b) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>7 days after the law enforcement agency determines that it will not impede a criminal investigation and will not jeopardize homeland or national security if the original 45–day period has already elapsed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The end of the original 45–day period; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a notification required under subsection (c) of this section, 7 days after the law enforcement agency determines that it will not impede a criminal investigation and will not jeopardize homeland or national security.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The notification required under subsection (b) of this section shall be given:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By written notice sent to the most recent address of the individual in the records of the business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By electronic mail to the most recent electronic mail address of the individual in the records of the business, if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The individual has expressly consented to receive electronic notice; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The business conducts its business primarily through Internet account transactions or the Internet;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By telephonic notice, to the most recent telephone number of the individual in the records of the business; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>By substitute notice if the business does not have sufficient contact information to give notice in accordance with item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Substitute notice under subsection (e)(4) of this section shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Electronically mailing the notice to an individual entitled to notification under subsection (b) of this section, if the business has an electronic mail address for the individual to be notified;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conspicuous posting of the notice on the website of the business, if the business maintains a website; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notification to major print or broadcast media in geographic areas where the individuals affected by the breach likely reside.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, the notification required under subsection (b) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the extent possible, a description of the categories of information that were, or are reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person, including which of the elements of personal information were, or are reasonably believed to have been, acquired;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contact information for the business making the notification, including the business’ address, telephone number, and toll–free telephone number if one is maintained;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The toll–free telephone numbers and addresses for the major consumer reporting agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The toll–free telephone numbers, addresses, and website addresses for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Federal Trade Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office of the Attorney General; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that an individual can obtain information from these sources about steps the individual can take to avoid identity theft.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Prior to giving the notification required under subsection (b) of this section and subject to subsection (d) of this section, a business shall provide notice of a breach of the security of a system to the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include, at a minimum:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The number of affected individuals residing in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A description of the breach of the security of a system, including when and how it occurred;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any steps the business has taken or plans to take relating to the breach of the security of a system; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The form of notice that will be sent to affected individuals and a sample notice.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>In the case of a breach of the security of a system involving personal information that permits access to an individual’s e–mail account under § 14–3501(e)(1)(ii) of this subtitle and no other personal information under § 14–3501(e)(1)(i) of this subtitle, the business may comply with the notification requirement under subsection (b) of this section by providing the notification in electronic or other form that directs the individual whose personal information has been breached promptly to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Change the individual’s password and security question or answer, as applicable; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Take other steps appropriate to protect the e–mail account with the business and all other online accounts for which the individual uses the same user name or e–mail and password or security question or answer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the notification provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be given to the individual by any method described in this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the notification provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be given to the individual by sending notification by e–mail to the e–mail account affected by the breach.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The notification provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be given by a clear and conspicuous notice delivered to the individual online while the individual is connected to the affected e–mail account from an Internet Protocol address or online location from which the business knows the individual customarily accesses the account.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>A waiver of any provision of this section is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Compliance with this section does not relieve a business from a duty to comply with any other requirements of federal law relating to the protection and privacy of personal information.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3505" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle are exclusive and shall preempt any provision of local law.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3506" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a business is required under § 14–3504 of this subtitle to give notice of a breach of the security of a system to 1,000 or more individuals, the business also shall notify, without unreasonable delay, each consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis, as defined by 15 U.S.C. § 1681a(p), of the timing, distribution, and content of the notices.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not require the inclusion of the names or other personal identifying information of recipients of notices of the breach of the security of a system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3507" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “affiliate” means a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a business described in subsection (c)(1) or (d)(1) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A business that complies with the requirements for notification procedures, the protection or security of personal information, or the destruction of personal information under the rules, regulations, procedures, or guidelines established by the primary or functional federal or State regulator of the business shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A business that is subject to and in compliance with § 501(b) of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801, § 216 of the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681w, the federal Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards, and the federal Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice, and any revisions, additions, or substitutions, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An affiliate that complies with § 501(b) of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801, § 216 of the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681w, the federal Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards, and the federal Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice, and any revisions, additions, or substitutions, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A business that is subject to and in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An affiliate that is in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3508" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Maryland Personal Information Protection Act"> <text>A violation of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3601" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Halal Food Products"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advertisement” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Disclosure statement” means the form provided by the Attorney General for the purpose of disclosing to consumers practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of any unpackaged food represented to be halal.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Food” or “food product” means any food, food product, or food preparation, whether:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Raw, solid, or liquid; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prepared for human consumption.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Food” or “food product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any meat, meat product, or meat preparation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any poultry or poultry product.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Halal” means prepared or processed in accordance with Islamic religious requirements.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Meat” includes any meat product or meat preparation.</text> </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"> <level label="1"> <text>“Represents to the public” means any direct or indirect statement, oral or written, and any letter, word, sign, emblem, insignia, or mark which could reasonably lead a consumer to believe that a representation is being made that the final food product sold to the consumer is halal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Represents to the public” includes an advertisement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3602" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Halal Food Products"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that represents to the public that any unpackaged food that is sold or served is halal shall prominently and conspicuously display on the premises on which the food is sold or served a complete disclosure statement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Develop a form for disclosure statements; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make the form available to any person on request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The disclosure statement shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be understandable and written in simple and readable plain language;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Disclose to the public the basis for a representation that any unpackaged food sold or served is halal, including a specification of practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of the food; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contain any additional information or conform to any additional requirements that the Division considers reasonable and necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A person that displays a disclosure statement in accordance with this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Retain a copy of the disclosure statement, and any amendment to the disclosure statement, for at least 3 years from the date on which the person no longer represents to the public that any unpackaged food that is sold or served on the premises is halal; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide a copy of the disclosure statement to the Division within 2 business days after the person’s receipt of a request from the Division for a copy of the disclosure statement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A person shall conform its practices with respect to the sale or serving of unpackaged food that is represented to the public as halal to the standard displayed in the disclosure statement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale any food represented to the public as halal, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, if, in the same place of business, the person also offers for sale any food, not represented to the public as halal, unless the person includes on each window sign and display advertisement in block letters at least 4 inches high the words “halal and nonhalal food sold here” or, as to the sale of meat alone, “halal and nonhalal meat sold here”.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not sell or offer for sale any food product, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, and falsely represent it to the public as halal.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person may not falsely represent, with intent to defraud, any food product or the contents of any package or container to be halal, by having or permitting to be inscribed on the package or container the word “halal” in English.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person may not display for sale, with intent to defraud, any food represented to the public as halal, whether for consumption in the person’s place of business or elsewhere, if, in the same show window or other location on or in the place of business, the person also displays any food not represented to the public as halal, unless the person displays over the halal and nonhalal food signs that read, in block letters at least 4 inches high, “halal food” and “nonhalal food”, respectively, or, as to the display of meat alone, “halal meat” and “nonhalal meat”, respectively.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “Arabic character” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any Arabic word or letter; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any symbol, emblem, sign, insignia, or other mark that simulates an Arabic word or letter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In connection with any place of business that sells or offers for sale any food, a person may not display, whether in a window, door, or other location on or in the place of business, in any handbill or other printed matter distributed in or outside of the place of business, or otherwise in any advertisement, any Arabic characters, or any other representation to the public that the place of business sells or offers for sale halal food or meat, unless the person also displays in conjunction with the Arabic characters or other representation, in English, letters of at least the same size as the Arabic characters, the words “we sell halal meat and food only”, “we sell nonhalal meat and food only”, or “we sell both halal and nonhalal meat and food”, as appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Possession of nonhalal food in any place of business advertising the sale of halal food only is presumptive evidence that the person in possession offers the nonhalal food for sale with intent to defraud.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3603" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Halal Food Products"> <text>A person may not: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Willfully mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or in any other way or by any other means of identification represent, or cause to be marked, stamped, tagged, branded, labeled, or represented, as halal a food product that is not halal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Willfully remove, deface, obliterate, cover, alter, or destroy, or cause to be removed, defaced, obliterated, covered, altered, or destroyed, the original slaughterhouse plumba or any other mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or any other means of identification affixed to food products to indicate that those food products are halal; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Knowingly sell, dispose of, or have in the person’s possession, for the purpose of resale to another person as halal:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any food product not having affixed to the food product the original slaughterhouse plumba or any other mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or other means of identification employed to indicate that the food product is halal; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any food product to which the slaughterhouse plumba, mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or other means of identification has been fraudulently affixed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3604" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Halal Food Products"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3701" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Child” means an individual under the age of 18 years.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Computer network” means the computer network commonly known as the Internet and any other local, regional, or global computer network that is similar to or is a predecessor of or successor to the Internet.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Internet” means the international computer network of both federal and nonfederal interoperable packet–switched data networks.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Internet access provider” means a provider that offers directly to residential customers an interactive computer service to obtain access to the Internet in exchange for consideration, such as through a paid subscription or through an agreement to view specific advertising or other content.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Internet access provider” does not include a library or educational institution that operates or offers an interactive computer service to obtain access to the Internet.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Interactive computer service” means an information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Interactive computer service” includes a service or system that provides access to the Internet and systems operated or services offered by a library or educational institution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Parental control” means a product or service to control the access of a child to the Internet.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3702" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that this subtitle promote the dissemination of qualifying parental controls for the protection of children in the State subject to appropriate and beneficial oversight by their parents and families.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3703" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <text>This subtitle applies to an Internet access provider that knows or has reason to know that a subscriber currently resides in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3704" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an Internet access provider shall make a parental control that satisfies the requirements of this section available to each subscriber in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Internet access provider may not be required to provide a parental control that is not reasonably and commercially available for the technology that the subscriber uses to obtain access to the Internet.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A parental control shall allow the subscriber, in a commercially reasonable manner, to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Block all access to the Internet; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Block a child’s access to websites by specifying prohibited websites or by selecting a category of sites to block;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Restrict a child’s access exclusively to websites that the subscriber approves or a category of websites that the subscriber approves;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Restrict a child’s access to websites that the parental control provider designates; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Monitor a child’s use of the Internet by providing a report to the subscriber indicating:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each specific website that the child has attempted to visit but was unable to view because the subscriber blocked or restricted access to the website; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each specific website that the child has visited.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3705" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The Internet access provider shall make available to the subscriber, at or near the time of subscription, a parental control that satisfies the requirements of § 14–3704 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Internet access provider may make the parental control available to the subscriber either directly or through a link to a third party.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Internet access provider or third party may charge for the parental control.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3706" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Online Child Safety Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Online Child Safety Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3801" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Consumer” means an individual who, individually or in conjunction with another individual, is solicited for, applies for, or receives a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Creditor” means a person who makes a refund anticipation loan or who takes an assignment of a refund anticipation loan.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Facilitator” means a person who, individually or in conjunction or cooperation with another person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Processes, receives, or accepts an application or agreement for a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Services or collects on a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Facilitates the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Facilitator” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A bank, savings and loan association, or credit union;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An affiliate or subsidiary of a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union that, in connection with refund anticipation loans or refund anticipation checks, acts solely as a servicer for the financial institution with which it is affiliated or of which it is a subsidiary; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A person who acts solely as an intermediary and does not deal with the public in the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Refund anticipation check” means a check, stored value card, or other payment mechanism:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That represents the proceeds of a consumer’s tax refund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That was issued by a depository institution or other person that received a direct deposit of the consumer’s tax refund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For which the consumer has paid a fee or other consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Refund anticipation loan” means a loan arranged to be paid directly or indirectly from the proceeds of a consumer’s tax refund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Refund anticipation loan” includes a sale, assignment, or purchase of a consumer’s tax refund at a discount or for a fee, whether or not the consumer is required to repay the buyer or assignee if the Internal Revenue Service denies or reduces the consumer’s tax refund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Refund anticipation loan fee” means any charge, fee, or other consideration charged or imposed directly or indirectly for the making of or in connection with a refund anticipation loan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Refund anticipation loan fee” includes a charge, fee, or other consideration for a deposit account that is used for receipt of a consumer’s tax refund to repay the amount owed on a refund anticipation loan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3802" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <text>Unless the facilitator has complied with this subtitle, a facilitator, or an officer, agent, employee, or representative of a facilitator, individually or in conjunction or cooperation with another person, may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Solicit the execution of, process, receive, or accept an application or agreement for a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Facilitate the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3803" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>A facilitator shall display, in a prominent place at each business location of the facilitator, a schedule of the fees charged for facilitating refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A facilitator shall include on each fee schedule the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Examples of the annual percentage rate charged for refund anticipation loans in the amounts of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$250;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$500;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>$2,500;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in at least 14 point type, stating:</text> <text>“NOTICE CONCERNING REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS”; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The following statement:</text> <text>“When you take out a refund anticipation loan, you are borrowing money against your tax refund. If your tax refund is less than expected, you will still owe the entire amount of the refund anticipation loan. If your tax refund is delayed, you may have to pay additional costs. You usually can get your tax refund in 8 to 15 days without paying any extra fees for a refund anticipation loan. You can have your tax return filed electronically and your refund direct deposited into your own bank account without obtaining a refund anticipation loan or paying fees for an extra product.”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The fee schedule and disclosures required under subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be printed in at least 14 point type on a sign not less than 16 by 20 inches.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A facilitator may not charge any fee to a consumer for facilitating a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check that is not disclosed on or is different from the fee shown on the schedule required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3804" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation loan, the facilitator shall disclose to the consumer, on a form that is separate from the application, in 14 point type, the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The fee for the refund anticipation loan, including any fee for tax preparation or other fees charged to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual percentage rate payable on the refund anticipation loan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The time within which the proceeds of the refund anticipation loan will be paid to the consumer if the refund anticipation loan is approved;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in 18 point type, stating:</text> <text>“NOTICE”; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The statement:</text> <text>“This is a loan. You are borrowing money against your tax refund. If your tax refund is less than expected, you will still owe the entire amount of the loan. If your tax refund is delayed, you may have to pay additional costs. You usually can get your tax refund in 8 to 15 days without getting a loan or paying extra fees. You can have your tax return filed electronically and your tax refund direct deposited into your bank account without obtaining a loan or other paid product.”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The annual percentage rate for a refund anticipation loan shall be calculated using the guidelines established under the federal Truth in Lending Act.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation check, the facilitator shall disclose to the consumer, on a form that is separate from the application, in 14 point type, the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The fee for the refund anticipation check, including any fee for tax preparation or other fees charged to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The time within which the proceeds of the refund anticipation check will be paid to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in 18 point type, stating:</text> <text>“NOTICE”; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The statement:</text> <text>“You are paying (amount of refund anticipation check fee) to get your tax refund check through (name of issuer of the refund anticipation check). You can avoid this fee and still receive your tax refund in the same amount of time by having your tax refund direct deposited into your bank account. You also can wait for the Internal Revenue Service to mail you a tax refund check.”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before completing a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check transaction, a facilitator shall provide to a consumer, in a form that can be retained by the consumer, the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The disclosures required by this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A copy of the completed refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check application and agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For a refund anticipation loan, the disclosures required by the federal Truth in Lending Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The disclosures required by this section shall be provided in English and in the language primarily used for oral communication between the facilitator and the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3805" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation loan, the facilitator orally shall inform the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That the product is a loan that lasts 1 to 2 weeks;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That if the consumer’s tax refund is less than expected, the consumer is liable for the full amount of the refund anticipation loan and must repay any difference;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The amount of the refund anticipation loan fee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The annual percentage rate payable on the refund anticipation loan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation check, the facilitator orally shall inform the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Of the amount of the refund anticipation check; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That the consumer may receive a tax refund in the same amount of time without paying a fee if the consumer’s tax return is filed electronically and the consumer direct deposits the tax refund into the consumer’s own bank account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The disclosures required by this section shall be provided in the language primarily used for oral communication between the facilitator and the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3806" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>A facilitator may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Require a consumer to enter into a loan agreement in order to complete a tax return;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Charge any fee to a consumer or require any other consideration for making or facilitating a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check other than the fee imposed by the creditor or other person that provides the refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Engage in a transaction, practice, or course of business that operates a fraud on a consumer in connection with a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check, including making oral statements that contradict any of the information required to be disclosed under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Arrange, directly or indirectly, for any third party to charge any interest or fee related to a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check, other than the refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check fee imposed by the creditor, including charges for insurance, attorney’s fees, collection costs, or check cashing;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Misrepresent a material fact or condition of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Fail to process an application for a refund anticipation loan promptly after the consumer applies for the refund anticipation loan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a)(2) of this section does not prohibit a charge or fee, including a fee for tax return preparation, that is imposed by a facilitator on all of its customers if the same charge or fee, in the same amount, is imposed on customers who do not receive refund anticipation loans, refund anticipation checks, or other tax–related financial products.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3807" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="38" subtitle_name="Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the remedies provided under Title 13 of this article, a facilitator who willfully fails to comply with any provision of this subtitle is liable to the consumer for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Actual and consequential damages;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Statutory damages in the amount of $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3901" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Transparency in Consumer Arbitrations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Arbitration activity” means the initiation, conduct, sponsorship, or administration of, or the appointment of an arbitrator in, a consumer arbitration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Arbitration organization” means a nongovernmental association, agency, board, commission, corporation, or other entity that performs arbitration activities.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Consumer” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A resident of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An actual or prospective purchaser or lessee of any goods, services, real property, or credit primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer arbitration” means a binding arbitration conducted in accordance with a consumer arbitration agreement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer arbitration” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the provisions of a policy of property insurance, casualty insurance, or surety insurance, as those terms are defined in § 1–101 of the Insurance Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An arbitration governed by rules adopted by a securities self–regulatory organization and approved by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under federal law; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An arbitration between a consumer and a related institution that is licensed by the Maryland Department of Health, if the consumer arbitration agreement between the consumer and the related institution is not mandated as a condition of admission of the consumer to the related institution.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer arbitration agreement” means a standardized contract that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is between a consumer and another person who is not a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides for the sale or lease of any goods, services, real property, or credit primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Requires that disputes arising under the contract be submitted to binding arbitration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer arbitration agreement” does not include a public or private sector collective bargaining agreement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Related institution” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3902" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Transparency in Consumer Arbitrations Act"> <text>This subtitle applies to an arbitration organization that performs an arbitration activity related to 50 or more consumer arbitrations during a 5–year period.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3903" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Transparency in Consumer Arbitrations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An arbitration organization subject to this subtitle shall collect, publish, and make available to the public the following information regarding each consumer arbitration for which it performed an arbitration activity during the preceding 5–year period:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the nonconsumer party is a corporation or other business entity, the name of that party;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether the dispute involved goods, services, real property, or credit;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The type of claim or cause of action alleged;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Whether the consumer or nonconsumer party was the prevailing party;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The number of times during the reporting period that the nonconsumer party has been a party in a consumer arbitration for which the arbitration organization performed an arbitration activity;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Whether the consumer party was represented by an attorney and, if so, the name of the attorney;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The date the arbitration organization received the demand for the consumer arbitration, the date the arbitrator was appointed, and the date of disposition by the arbitrator or arbitration organization;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>If known, the type of disposition of the dispute, including withdrawal, abandonment, settlement, award after hearing, award without hearing, default, or dismissal without hearing;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The amount of the claim, the amount of the award, and any other relief granted;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The name of the arbitrator, the arbitrator’s total fee for conducting the consumer arbitration, and the percentage of the arbitrator’s fee allocated to each party; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The address of the premises where the consumer arbitration was conducted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The information required under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be reported beginning on the first day of the month immediately following the month an arbitration organization becomes subject to this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall be updated at least quarterly thereafter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An arbitration organization that becomes subject to this subtitle before July 1, 2016, shall report the information required under subsection (a) of this section to the extent it is available.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The information required under subsection (a) of this section shall be made available to the public:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In a computer–searchable format that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is accessible at the Internet website of the arbitration organization; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be downloaded without a fee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In writing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>On request; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At a fee that does not exceed the actual cost to the arbitration organization of copying the information.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3904" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Transparency in Consumer Arbitrations Act"> <text>The information provided by an arbitration organization under § 14–3903 of this subtitle may be considered in determining whether a consumer arbitration agreement is unconscionable or otherwise unenforceable under law.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-3905" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Transparency in Consumer Arbitrations Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An arbitration organization is not liable for collecting, publishing, or distributing the information required under § 14–3903 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Failure to comply with § 14–3903 of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not be the sole reason to refuse to enforce an award made in a consumer arbitration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be considered as a factor in determining whether a consumer arbitration agreement is unconscionable or otherwise unenforceable under law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer or the Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit an arbitration organization that has engaged in or is engaging in a violation of § 14–3903 of this subtitle from continuing or engaging in the violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The arbitration organization is liable to the person bringing the action for an injunction for the person’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The court issues the injunction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The arbitration organization voluntarily complies with § 14–3903 of this subtitle after the action is filed.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4001" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Interference With Internet Ticket Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Entertainment event” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A performance;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A recreation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amusement;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A diversion;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A spectacle;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A show; or</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any similar event.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Entertainment event” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A theatrical or musical performance;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A concert;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A film;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A game;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A ride; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A sporting event.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Lower–level domain name” means the portion of text in a URL that is to the left of top–level domains such as .com, .net, or .org.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lower–level domain name” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A second–level domain name;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A third–level domain name; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other subdomain name.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Ticket” means a ticket for admission to an entertainment event.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Ticket website” means a website:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Advertising the sale or resale of tickets;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Offering the sale or resale of tickets; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Facilitating a secondary ticket exchange or electronic marketplace that enables consumers to sell, purchase, and resell tickets to an entertainment event in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“URL” means the Uniform Resource Locator for a website.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Venue” means a theater, a stadium, a field, a hall, a convention center, a fairground, or any other facility where an entertainment event takes place. </text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4002" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Interference With Internet Ticket Sales"> <text>A person may not intentionally sell or use software to circumvent a security measure, an access control system, or any other control or measure on a ticket seller’s website that is used to ensure an equitable ticket buying process.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4003" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Interference With Internet Ticket Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a person who is acting on behalf of a venue.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who owns, operates, or controls a ticket website may not use in the URL of the ticket website a lower–level domain name that contains:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name of the venue for which the ticket grants admission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name of the entertainment event, including the name of an individual or a group scheduled to perform or appear at the event; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A name substantially similar to the name in item (1) or (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4004" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Interference With Internet Ticket Sales"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4101" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Financial Consumer Protection"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Office” means the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4102" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Financial Consumer Protection"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to support vigorous enforcement by and funding of the Office and the Commissioner to protect the State’s residents when conducting financial transactions and receiving financial services. </text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4103" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Financial Consumer Protection"> <text>Whenever the Office and the Commissioner consider it appropriate, the Office and the Commissioner shall use their authority under § 1042 of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to bring civil actions or other appropriate proceedings authorized under the Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4104" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Financial Consumer Protection"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 only, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $700,000 in special funds for the Office for the purposes of enforcement of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consumer protection laws under this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consumer protection laws under Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Financial consumer protection laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $350,000 in special funds for the Office for the purposes of enforcement of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consumer protection laws under this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consumer protection laws under Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Financial consumer protection laws.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office shall use the funds under paragraph (1) of this subsection for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Staffing costs associated with hiring new employees; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Investigations of alleged violations of consumer protection laws in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include an appropriation of at least $300,000 in general funds in the State budget for the Commissioner for the purposes of enforcement of financial consumer protection laws.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall use the funds under paragraph (1) of this subsection for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Staffing costs associated with hiring new employees; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Investigations of alleged violations of consumer protection laws in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4201" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Mobile Home Retail Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Consumer borrower” means an individual receiving a loan or other extension of credit for personal, household, or family purposes.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Mobile home” has the meaning stated in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Mobile home retailer” means a person that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sells mobile homes at retail;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provides information regarding financing products to a borrower for the purchase of a mobile home; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A mortgage lender, as defined in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A mortgage originator, as defined in § 11–601 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4202" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Mobile Home Retail Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “steer” means, in connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by a mobile home, to direct a prospective consumer borrower to complete a transaction in any way based on the fact that a mobile home retailer will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from a lender or credit grantor that is in excess of any compensation or gain received in a comparable cash transaction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A mobile home retailer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has a duty of good faith and fair dealing in providing financial information to a prospective consumer borrower, including providing financial information in a manner that is not misleading or deceptive and that discloses all material facts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not steer a prospective consumer borrower to financing products that offer less favorable terms; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall provide a written statement to a prospective consumer borrower in accordance with § 14–4203 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4203" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Mobile Home Retail Sales"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The statement required under § 14–4202(b)(3) of this subtitle shall be on a form prescribed by the Commissioner by regulation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the form prescribed by the Commissioner is included in other documents provided by the mobile home retailer to a prospective consumer borrower, the form shall be conspicuous, such as through the use of a different font or separated with a box around it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The statement required under § 14–4202(b)(3) of this subtitle shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A disclosure that describes any corporate affiliation between the mobile home retailer and a financing source about which the mobile home retailer provides information to the prospective consumer borrower;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A disclosure that the prospective consumer borrower may obtain financing from any lender and is not required to obtain financing from a lender suggested by the mobile home retailer; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Information regarding the rights of a prospective consumer borrower under this subtitle and the procedure for filing a complaint with the Commissioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The mobile home retailer shall provide the statement required under § 14–4202(b)(3) of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To a prospective consumer borrower at the time the mobile home retailer provides information to the prospective consumer borrower regarding financing or potentially available lenders; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By posting the statement in a prominent location at all of the mobile home retailer’s places of business and on the mobile home retailer’s website, if any.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4204" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Mobile Home Retail Sales"> <text>Failure of a mobile home retailer to comply with this subtitle does not affect the validity of an otherwise valid financing transaction.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4205" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Mobile Home Retail Sales"> <text>The Commissioner may enforce this subtitle by exercising any of the powers authorized under §§ 2–113 through 2–116 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4301" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit"> <text>In this subtitle, “Unit” means the Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4302" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit"> <text>There is a Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit in the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4303" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Unit is to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial crimes under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Unit may bring a civil action under § 13–204(a)(15) of this article or § 11–209(a) of the Corporations and Associations Article for damages against a person who violates § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <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 (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4304" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the State budget at least $250,000 to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the direction of the Attorney General, the Unit shall use the funds included in the State budget under subsection (a) of this section to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hire new staff for the Unit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Investigate and assist the Unit in bringing civil actions.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4401" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Biological sample” means a material part or a derivative of or discharge from a material part of a human known to contain DNA.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Biological sample” includes human tissue, blood, urine, and saliva.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Deidentified data” means data that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Cannot reasonably be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Used to infer information about a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Linked to an identifiable consumer; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Administrative and technical measures to ensure that the data cannot be associated with a particular consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public commitment by the company to maintain and use data in a deidentifiable form and not attempt to reidentify data; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Legally enforceable contractual obligations that prohibit a recipient of the data from attempting to reidentify the data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Direct–to–consumer genetic testing company” means an entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Offers genetic testing products or services directly to a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collects, uses, or analyzes genetic data that resulted from a direct–to–consumer genetic testing product or service that was provided to the company by a consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“DNA” means deoxyribonucleic acid.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Express consent” means an affirmative response by a consumer to a specific, discrete, freely given, and unambiguous notice regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of the consumer’s genetic data for a specific purpose.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Genetic data” means data, in any format, that concerns the genetic characteristics of a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Genetic data” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Raw sequence data that result from sequencing of a consumer’s complete extracted DNA or a portion of the consumer’s complete extracted DNA;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Genotypic and phenotypic information that results from analyzing raw sequence data;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Information extrapolated, derived, or inferred from the analysis of raw sequence data; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Self–reported health information submitted to a direct–to–consumer genetic testing company by a consumer regarding the consumer’s health conditions:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That is used for scientific research or product development; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Analyzed in connection with the consumer’s raw sequence data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Genetic data” does not include deidentified data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Genetic testing” means a laboratory test of the complete DNA, regions of DNA, chromosomes, genes, or gene products of a consumer to determine the genetic characteristics of the consumer.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Marketing” does not include the providing of customized content or offers on the websites or through the applications or services provided by the direct–to–consumer genetic testing company with the first–party relationship to the consumer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4402" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Protected health information that is collected by a covered entity or business associate as defined in 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Genetic data or biological samples collected for the purpose of research, as defined in 45 C.F.R. 164.501, that is conducted in accordance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The federal policy for the protection of human subjects established in 45 C.F.R. Part 46;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Good Clinical Practice Guidelines issued by the International Council for Harmonisation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Protection of Human Subjects under 21 C.F.R. Parts 50 and 56.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4403" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A direct–to–consumer genetic testing company shall provide a consumer with clear and complete information regarding the company’s policies and procedures for collecting, using, or disclosing genetic data, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A high–level overview of the company’s privacy policy that includes basic and essential information about how the company collects, uses, and discloses genetic data; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A privacy notice that, at a minimum, includes information about the company’s data collection, consent, use, access, disclosure, transfer, security, and retention and deletion practices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The information required to be provided under subsection (a) of this section shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Made publicly available; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Placed in a prominent area of the direct–to–consumer genetic testing company’s website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4404" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <text>A direct–to–consumer genetic testing company, at a minimum, shall obtain the following consents from a consumer before collecting, using, or disclosing the consumer’s genetic data:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Initial express consent that clearly:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Describes the uses of the genetic data collected through the genetic testing product or service; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Specifies:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Who has access to the results of the genetic testing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>How the genetic data may be shared;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Express consent for transferring or disclosing the consumer’s genetic data to a person other than the company’s vendors and service providers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Express consent for using genetic data beyond the primary purpose of the genetic testing product or service requested by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Express consent for the retention of a biological sample provided by the consumer after the initial testing service requested by the consumer is completed;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Express consent to be marketed to by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The direct–to–consumer genetic testing company based on the consumer’s genetic data; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A third party based on the consumer having ordered or purchased a genetic testing product or service; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Informed consent in compliance with the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects for transfer or disclosure of the consumer’s genetic data to third parties for research purposes or research conducted under the control of the company for the purpose of publication or generalizable knowledge.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4405" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A direct–to–consumer genetic testing company shall establish legal policies and processes for disclosing genetic data to law enforcement or another government agency without a consumer’s express written consent.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A direct–to–consumer genetic testing company shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security program to protect consumers’ genetic data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A direct–to–consumer genetic testing company shall establish a process for a consumer to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Access the consumer’s genetic data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Delete the consumer’s account and genetic data; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Request the destruction of the consumer’s biological sample.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a direct–to–consumer genetic testing company may not, without the consumer’s written consent, disclose a consumer’s genetic data to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An entity offering health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, or long–term care insurance; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer of the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4406" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this section is an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not prevent an individual from pursuing any other remedy provided by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4407" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <text>The disclosure of genetic data in accordance with this subtitle shall comply with all State and federal laws for the protection of privacy and security.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4408" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Genetic Information Privacy Act"> <text>This subtitle may be known and cited as the Maryland Genetic Information Privacy Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4501" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Telephone Solicitations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Called party” means a person who is a regular user of a telephone number that receives a telephone solicitation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Caller identification service” means a service that allows a telephone subscriber to have the telephone number and, where available, the name of the calling party transmitted simultaneously with the telephone call and displayed on a device connected to the subscriber’s telephone.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Prior express written consent” means a written agreement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bears the signature of the called party;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Clearly authorizes the person making or allowing the placement of a telephone solicitation by telephone call, text message, or voicemail to deliver or cause to be delivered to the called party:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A telephone solicitation using an automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The playing of a recorded or artificial voice message when a connection is completed to a number called; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The transmission of a prerecorded voicemail; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The telephone number to which the signatory authorizes a telephone solicitation to be delivered; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A clear and conspicuous disclosure informing the called party that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By executing the agreement, the called party authorizes the person making or allowing the placement of a telephone solicitation to deliver or cause to be delivered a telephone solicitation to the called party using:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>An automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The playing of a recorded message when a connection is completed to a number called; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The called party is not required to directly or indirectly:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Sign the written agreement; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Agree to enter into the agreement as a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Signature” includes an electronic or digital signature to the extent that the form of signature is recognized as a valid signature under applicable federal law or State contract law.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Telephone solicitation” has the meaning stated in § 8–205 of the Public Utilities Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4502" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Telephone Solicitations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A telephone solicitation that is an isolated transaction and not performed in the course of a pattern of repeated transactions of a similar nature;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a noncommercial telephone solicitation for religious, charitable, political, or educational purposes;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A business–to–business sale where the telephone solicitor has been lawfully operating continuously for at least 3 years under the same business name;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A person who solicits contracts for the maintenance or repair of goods previously purchased from the person making the solicitation or on whose behalf the solicitation is made;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A single telephone solicitation made to a customer or client in response to an inquiry or request from the customer or client;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A communication between a business and a customer that have an existing business contract or relationship with each other if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The communication is initially intended for informational purposes only; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Based on further inquiry from the customer, the communication becomes a telephone solicitation; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A noncommercial telephone solicitation for the purpose of public opinion research.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person soliciting for noncommercial purposes under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection is exempt only if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The person is soliciting for a nonprofit entity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The entity is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Registered with the Secretary of State in accordance with Title 6 of the Business Regulation Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3), (4), or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Without the prior express written consent of the called party, a person may not make or cause to be made a telephone solicitation that involves:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The playing of a recorded message when a connection is completed to the number called.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who makes or causes to be made a telephone solicitation may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fail to transmit or cause not to be transmitted:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The originating telephone number; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When made available by the caller’s carrier, the name of the caller to any caller identification service in use by a called party;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Intentionally act to prevent the transmission of the telephone solicitor’s name or telephone number to the called party when the equipment or service used by the telephone solicitor is capable of creating and transmitting the telephone solicitor’s name and telephone number; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In order to conceal the true identity of the caller, use technology that deliberately displays a different caller identification number than the number the call is originating from.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is not a violation of this subsection to substitute for the name and telephone number used in or billed for making the call:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name of the seller or other entity for whom the telephone solicitation is placed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The customer service telephone number of the seller or other entity.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not make or cause to be made a telephone solicitation, including a call made through automated dialing or a recorded message:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To a called party during the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. in the called party’s time zone;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>More than three times to the same called party during a 24–hour period on the same subject matter or issue, regardless of the telephone numbers used to make the call; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By intentionally altering the voice of the caller in an attempt to disguise or conceal the identity of the caller in order to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Defraud, confuse, or financially or otherwise injure the called party; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Obtain personal information from the called party that may be used in a fraudulent or unlawful manner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4503" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Telephone Solicitations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A called party who is aggrieved by a person who violates this subtitle may bring an action in accordance with § 13–408 of this article to enjoin further violations and to recover damages up to $500 or actual damages, whichever is greater.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the court finds the defendant willfully or knowingly violated this subtitle, the court may award damages up to three times the amount of damages under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a rebuttable presumption that a telephone solicitation made to any area code in the State is made to a resident or a person who is reasonably presumed to reside or have a place of business in the State at the time the call is made.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This subtitle does not preclude the applicability of §§ 8–204 and 8–205 and Title 13 of the Public Utilities Article to a telephone solicitation subject to this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in § 14–4502(a)(3) of this subtitle, the requirements and remedies provided under this subtitle may not be waived by an agreement, unless the agreement is part of a settlement of a legal dispute or action.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle prohibits an agreement from establishing more extensive requirements or remedies than the requirements and remedies contained in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4601" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="46" subtitle_name="Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Program” means the Forensic Nurse Examiner Training Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Qualified health care provider” has the meaning stated in § 11–926 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Self–administered sexual assault evidence collection kit” means materials advertised or marketed as a means for a person other than a qualified health care provider to collect physical evidence of a sexual crime.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Sexual crime” has the meaning stated in § 10–925 of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4602" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="46" subtitle_name="Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a self–administered sexual assault evidence collection kit that is issued by the Maryland Department of Health.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute a self–administered sexual assault evidence collection kit.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A violation of this section is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In addition to any penalty imposed under Title 13 of this article, a person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The civil penalty under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is recoverable by the State in a civil action or an administrative cease and desist action under § 13–403(a) and (b) of this article or after an administrative hearing has been held under § 13–403(d)(3) and (4) of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Only the Attorney General may enforce this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>All fines, penalties, and damages collected for violations of this section shall be deposited into the Forensic Nurse Examiner Training Grant Program Fund established under § 14–4604 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4603" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="46" subtitle_name="Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Forensic Nurse Examiner Training Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to assist nonprofit entities that provide resources for victims of sexual assault in the State to fund training for nurses in the State to develop skills in conducting forensic examinations of victims of sexual assault.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An application process for nonprofit entities and higher education institutions and colleges in the State to apply for grant funding from the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Eligibility criteria for selecting recipients for grant funding from the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4604" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="46" subtitle_name="Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Forensic Nurse Examiner Training Grant Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Forensic Nurse Examiner Training Grant Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for grants awarded under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue distributed to the Fund under § 14–4602 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only to fund grants to nonprofit entities through the Program.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4701" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Affiliate” means a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person, such that the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Owns or has the power to vote more than 50% of the outstanding shares of any voting class of the other person’s securities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has the power to elect or influence the election of a majority of the directors, members, or managers of the other person;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has the power to direct the management of the other person; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is subject to the other person’s exercise of the powers described in item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Authenticate” means to use reasonable means to determine that a request to exercise a consumer right in accordance with § 14–4705 of this subtitle is being made by, or on behalf of, a consumer who is entitled to exercise the consumer right with respect to the personal data at issue.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Biometric data” means data generated by automatic measurements of the biological characteristics of a consumer that can be used to uniquely authenticate a consumer’s identity.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Biometric data” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A fingerprint;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A voice print;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An eye retina or iris image; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other unique biological characteristics that can be used to uniquely authenticate a consumer’s identity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Biometric data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A digital or physical photograph;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An audio or video recording; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any data generated from a digital or physical photograph or an audio or video recording, unless the data is generated to identify a specific consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Business associate” has the meaning stated in HIPAA.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Child” has the meaning stated in COPPA.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consent” means a clear affirmative act signifying a consumer’s freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous agreement to allow the processing of personal data relating to the consumer for a particular purpose.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consent” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A written statement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A written statement by electronic means; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other unambiguous affirmative action.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Consent” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Acceptance of a general or broad terms of use or similar document that contains descriptions of personal data processing along with other unrelated information;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Hovering over, muting, pausing, or closing a piece of content; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Agreement obtained through the use of dark patterns.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer” means an individual who is a resident of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An individual acting in a commercial or employment context; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual acting as an employee, an owner, a director, an officer, or a contractor of a company, a partnership, a sole proprietorship, a nonprofit organization, or a governmental unit whose communications or transactions with a controller occur only within the context of the individual’s role with the company, partnership, sole proprietorship, nonprofit organization, or governmental unit.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer health data” means personal data that a controller uses to identify a consumer’s physical or mental health status.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer health data” includes data related to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Gender–affirming treatment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reproductive or sexual health care.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Control” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Ownership of or the power to vote more than 50% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any manner of control over the election of a majority of the directors of a business, or individuals exercising similar functions; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The power to exercise a controlling influence over the management of a business.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Controller” means a person that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of processing personal data.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“COPPA” means the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 and the regulations, rules, guidance, and exemptions adopted under the Act, and as the Act and the regulations, rules, guidance, and exemptions may be amended.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Covered entity” has the meaning stated in HIPAA.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Dark pattern” means a user interface designed or manipulated with the substantial effect of subverting user autonomy, decision making, or choice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Dark pattern” includes any practice the Federal Trade Commission refers to as a “dark pattern”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer” means decisions that result in the provision or denial of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Financial or lending services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Housing;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Education enrollment or opportunity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Criminal justice;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Employment opportunities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Health care services; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Access to essential goods or services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“De–identified data” has the meaning stated in § 14–4401 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="p–1"> <text>“Division” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Gender–affirming treatment” has the meaning stated in § 15–151(a) of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Genetic data” has the meaning stated in § 14–4401 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <level label="1"> <text>“Geofence” means technology that establishes a virtual geographical boundary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Geofence” includes boundaries that are established or monitored through the use of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Global positioning technology;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cell tower connectivity;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Cellular data;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Radio frequency identification;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Wireless fidelity technology; or</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Any other form of location determination technology.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“HIPAA” means the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Identified or identifiable consumer” means a consumer who can readily be identified, either directly or indirectly.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Mental health facility” means a health care facility in which not less than 70% of health care services offered are mental health services.</text> </level> <level label="w"> <level label="1"> <text>“Personal data” means any information that is linked or can be reasonably linked to an identified or identifiable consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Personal data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>De–identified data; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publicly available information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="x"> <level label="1"> <text>“Precise geolocation data” means information derived from technology that can precisely and accurately identify, within a radius of 1,750 feet, the specific location of a consumer, a mobile device, or a vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Precise geolocation data” includes global positioning system level latitude and longitude coordinates or other similar mechanisms.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Precise geolocation data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The content of communications;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Data generated by or connected to an advanced utility metering infrastructure system; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Data generated by equipment used by a utility company.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="y"> <level label="1"> <text>“Process” means an operation or set of operations performed by manual or automated means on personal data.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Process” includes collecting, using, storing, disclosing, analyzing, deleting, or modifying personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="z"> <text>“Processor” means a person that processes personal data on behalf of a controller.</text> </level> <level label="aa"> <text>“Profiling” means any form of automated processing performed on personal data to evaluate, analyze, or predict personal aspects related to an identified or identifiable consumer’s economic situation, health, demographic characteristics, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements.</text> </level> <level label="bb"> <text>“Protected health information” has the meaning stated in HIPAA.</text> </level> <level label="cc"> <level label="1"> <text>“Publicly available information” means information that a person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Lawfully obtains from a record of a governmental entity, if the person complies with each restriction or term of use that the governmental entity imposes as a condition for providing the information to the person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reasonably believes a consumer or widely distributed media have lawfully made available to the general public; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the consumer has not restricted the information to a specific audience, obtains from a person to whom the consumer disclosed the information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Publicly available information” does not include biometric data collected by a business about a consumer without the consumer’s knowledge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="dd"> <text>“Reproductive or sexual health care” means a health care–related service or product rendered or provided concerning a consumer’s reproductive system or sexual well–being, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A service or product provided related to an individual health condition, status, disease, diagnosis, test, or treatment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A social, psychological, behavioral, or medical intervention;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A surgery or procedure;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase or use of a medication, including a medication purchased or used for the purposes of an abortion;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A service or product related to a bodily function, vital sign, or symptom;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A measurement of a bodily function, vital sign, or symptom; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>An abortion, and medical and nonmedical services, products, diagnostics, counseling, and follow–up services for an abortion.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ee"> <text>“Reproductive or sexual health care facility” means a health care facility where not less than 70% of services offered are reproductive or sexual health care services.</text> </level> <level label="ff"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sale of personal data” means the exchange of personal data by a controller, a processor, or an affiliate of a controller or processer to a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sale of personal data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The disclosure of personal data to a processor that processes personal data on behalf of a controller if limited to the purposes of the processing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The disclosure of personal data to a third party for purposes of providing a product or service affirmatively requested by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The disclosure or transfer of personal data to an affiliate of the controller;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The disclosure of personal data where the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Directs the controller to disclose the personal data; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Intentionally uses the controller to interact with a third party;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The disclosure of personal data that the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Intentionally made available to the general public through a channel of mass media; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Did not restrict to a specific audience; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The disclosure or transfer of personal data to a third party as an asset that is part of an actual or proposed merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction where the third party assumes control of all or part of the controller’s assets.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="gg"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sensitive data” means personal data that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Data revealing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Racial or ethnic origin;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Religious beliefs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Consumer health data;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Sex life;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Sexual orientation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Status as transgender or nonbinary;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>National origin; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Citizenship or immigration status;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Genetic data or biometric data;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Personal data of a consumer that the controller knows or has reason to know is a child; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Precise geolocation data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sensitive data” includes data inferred by a controller based on personal data that, alone or in combination with other data, is used to indicate any data described under paragraph (1)(i) through (iv) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="hh"> <level label="1"> <text>“Targeted advertising” means displaying advertisements to a consumer or on a device identified by a unique identifier, where the advertisement is selected based on personal data obtained or inferred from the consumer’s activities over time and across nonaffiliated websites or online applications that are unaffiliated with each other, in order to predict the consumer’s preferences or interests.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Targeted advertising” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Advertisements based on the context of a consumer’s current search query, visit to a website, or online application;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Advertisements based on a consumer’s activities within a controller’s websites or online applications;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Advertisements directed to a consumer in response to the consumer’s request for information or feedback; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Processing personal data solely to measure or report advertising frequency, performance, or reach.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Third party” means a person other than the relevant consumer, controller, processor, or affiliate of the controller or processor of relevant personal data.</text> </level> <level label="jj"> <text>“Trade secret” has the meaning stated in § 11–1201 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4702" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <text>This subtitle applies to a person that conducts business in the State or provides products or services that are targeted to residents of the State, and that during the preceding calendar year did any of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Controlled or processed the personal data of at least 35,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Controlled or processed the personal data of at least 10,000 consumers and derived more than 20% of its gross revenue from the sale of personal data.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4703" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A regulatory, administrative, advisory, executive, appointive, legislative, judicial body or instrumentality of the State, including a board, bureau, commission, or unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A national securities association that is registered under § 15 of the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or a registered futures association designated in accordance with § 17 of the federal Commodity Exchange Act;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A financial institution, an affiliate of a financial institution, or data that is subject to Title V of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act and regulations adopted under that act; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A nonprofit controller that processes or shares personal data solely for the purposes of assisting:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Law enforcement agencies in investigating criminal or fraudulent acts relating to insurance; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>First responders in responding to catastrophic events.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The following information and data are exempt from this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Protected health information under HIPAA;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Patient–identifying information for purposes of 42 U.S.C. § 290dd–2;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identifiable private information that is used for purposes of the federal policy for the protection of human subjects in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 46;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Identifiable private information to the extent that it is collected and used as part of human subjects research in accordance with the ICH 36 Good Clinical Practice Guidelines issued by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use or the protection of human subjects under 21 C.F.R. §§ 50 and 56;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Patient safety work product that is created and used for purposes of patient safety improvement in accordance with 42 C.F.R. § 3, established in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §§ 299b–21 through 299b–26;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Information to the extent it is used for public health, community health, or population health activities and purposes, as authorized by HIPAA, when provided by or to a covered entity or when provided by or to a business associate in accordance with the business associate agreement with a covered entity;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information that is a medical record under § 4–301 of the Health – General Article if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The information is held by an entity that is a covered entity or business associate under HIPAA because it collects, uses, or discloses protected health information; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The entity applies the same standards for the collection, use, and disclosure of the information as required for protected health information under HIPAA and medical records under § 4–301 of the Health – General Article, including specific standards regarding legally protected health care; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Information that is de–identified in accordance with the requirements for de–identification set forth in 45 C.F.R. 164.514 that is derived from individually identifiable health information as described in HIPAA or personal information consistent with the human subject protection requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The collection, maintenance, disclosure, sale, communication, or use of personal information bearing on a consumer’s creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living by a consumer reporting agency, furnisher, or user that provides information for use in a consumer report, and by a user of a consumer report, but only to the extent that the activity is regulated by and authorized under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Personal data collected, processed, sold, or disclosed as required by the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Personal data regulated by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Personal data collected, processed, sold, or disclosed in compliance with the federal Farm Credit Act;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Data processed or maintained:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the course of an individual applying to, employed by, or acting as an agent or independent contractor of a controller, processor, or third party, to the extent that the data is collected and used within the context of the role;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As the emergency contact information of a consumer if the data is used for emergency contact purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Necessary to retain to administer benefits for another individual relating to the consumer who is the subject of the information under item (i) of this item; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used for the purposes of administering the benefits;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Personal data collected, processed, sold, or disclosed in relation to price, route, or service by an air carrier subject to the federal Airline Deregulation Act to the extent this subtitle is preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Personal data collected by or on behalf of a person regulated under the Insurance Article or an affiliate of such a person, in furtherance of the business of insurance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Controllers and processors that comply with the verifiable parental consent requirements of COPPA shall be considered compliant with an obligation to obtain parental consent in accordance with this subtitle with respect to a consumer who is a child.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4704" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide an employee or a contractor access to consumer health data unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The employee or contractor is subject to a contractual or statutory duty of confidentiality; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Confidentiality is required as a condition of employment of the employee;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide a processor access to consumer health data unless the person providing access to the consumer health data and the processor comply with § 14–4708 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Use a geofence to establish a virtual boundary that is within 1,750 feet of any mental health facility or reproductive or sexual health facility for the purpose of identifying, tracking, or collecting data from, or sending any notification to a consumer regarding the consumer’s consumer health data.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4705" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Nothing in this section may be construed to require a controller to reveal a trade secret.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A consumer shall have the right to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a controller is processing a consumer’s personal data, access the consumer’s personal data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Considering the nature of the consumer’s personal data and the purposes of the processing of the personal data, correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s personal data;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Require a controller to delete personal data provided by, or obtained about, the consumer unless retention of the personal data is required by law;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the processing of personal data is done by automatic means, obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data processed by the controller in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, readily usable format that allows the consumer to easily transmit the data to another controller without hindrance;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Obtain a list of the categories of third parties to which the controller has disclosed the consumer’s personal data or a list of the categories of third parties to which the controller has disclosed any consumer’s personal data if the controller does not maintain this information in a format specific to the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Opt out of the processing of personal data for purposes of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Targeted advertising;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sale of personal data; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Profiling in furtherance of solely automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A controller shall establish a secure and reliable method for a consumer to exercise a consumer right under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer may exercise a consumer right under this section by the method established by the controller under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer may designate an authorized agent in accordance with § 14–4706 of this subtitle to opt out of the processing of the consumer’s personal data under subsection (b)(7) of this section on behalf of a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A parent or legal guardian of a child may exercise a consumer right listed in subsection (b) of this section on the child’s behalf regarding the processing of personal data.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A guardian or conservator of a consumer subject to a guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective arrangement may exercise a consumer right listed in subsection (b) of this section on the consumer’s behalf regarding the processing of personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a controller shall comply with a request by a consumer to exercise a consumer right listed in this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A controller shall respond to a consumer request not later than 45 days after the controller receives the consumer request.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A controller may extend the completion period by an additional 45 days if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It is reasonably necessary to complete the request based on the complexity and number of the consumer’s requests; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The controller informs the consumer of the extension and the reason for the extension within the initial 45–day response period.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a controller declines to act regarding a consumer’s request, the controller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Inform the consumer without undue delay, but not later than 45 days after receiving the request, of the justification for declining to act; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide instructions for how to appeal the decision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A controller shall provide information to a consumer in response to a consumer’s request to exercise rights under this subtitle free of charge once during any 12–month period.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If requests from a consumer are manifestly unfounded, excessive, technically infeasible, or repetitive, a controller may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Charge the consumer a reasonable fee to cover the administrative costs of complying with the request; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Decline to act on the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The controller has the burden of demonstrating the manifestly unfounded, excessive, technically infeasible, or repetitive nature of the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If a controller is unable to authenticate a request to exercise a consumer right afforded under subsection (b)(1) through (5) of this section using commercially reasonable efforts, the controller:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not be required to comply with a request to initiate an action in accordance with this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall provide notice to the consumer that the controller is unable to authenticate the request to exercise the right until the consumer provides additional information reasonably necessary to authenticate the consumer and the consumer’s request to exercise the consumer’s rights.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A controller may not be required to authenticate an opt–out request.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A controller that has obtained personal data about a consumer from a source other than the consumer shall be considered compliant with the consumer’s request to delete the consumer’s data in accordance with subsection (b)(4) of this section by retaining a record of the deletion request and the minimum data necessary for the purpose of ensuring that the consumer’s personal data:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Remains deleted from the controller’s records; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not being used for any other purpose.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A controller shall establish a process for a consumer to appeal the controller’s refusal to act on a consumer rights request within a reasonable period after the consumer receives the decision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The appeal process shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conspicuously available; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Similar to the process for submitting requests to initiate an action in accordance with this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Not later than 60 days after receiving an appeal, a controller shall inform the consumer in writing of any action taken or not taken in response to the appeal, including a written explanation of the reasons for the decisions.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a controller denies an appeal, the controller shall provide the consumer with an online mechanism, if available, through which the consumer may contact the Division to submit a complaint.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4706" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A consumer may designate an individual to serve as the consumer’s authorized agent and act on the consumer’s behalf to opt out of the processing of the consumer’s personal data for one or more of the purposes specified in § 14–4705(b)(7) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A consumer may designate an authorized agent by an Internet link or a browser setting, browser extension, global device setting, or other similar technology, indicating a consumer’s intent to opt out of the processing of the consumer’s personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A controller shall comply with an opt–out request received from an authorized agent if, using commercially reasonable efforts, the controller is able to authenticate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The identity of the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The authorized agent’s authority to act on the consumer’s behalf.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4707" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A controller may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except where the collection or processing is strictly necessary to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the consumer to whom the personal data pertains, collect, process, or share sensitive data concerning a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sell sensitive data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Process personal data in violation of State or federal laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Process the personal data of a consumer for the purposes of targeted advertising if the controller knew or should have known that the consumer is under the age of 18 years;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Sell the personal data of a consumer if the controller knew or should have known that the consumer is under the age of 18 years;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Knowingly sell the personal data of a consumer to a federal, State, or local governmental unit that, within the 6 months that immediately precede the sale of the personal data, has engaged in or supported civil immigration enforcement through the provision of personnel or material resources;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Discriminate against a consumer for exercising a consumer right contained in this subtitle, including denying goods or services, charging different prices or rates for goods or services, or providing a different level of quality of goods or services to the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Collect, process, or transfer personal data or publicly available data in a manner that unlawfully discriminates in or otherwise unlawfully makes unavailable the equal enjoyment of goods or services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, unless the collection, processing, or transfer of personal data is for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The controller’s self–testing to prevent or mitigate unlawful discrimination;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The controller’s diversifying of an applicant, participant, or customer pool; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A private club or group not open to the public, as described in § 201(e) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Unless the controller obtains the consumer’s consent, process personal data for a purpose that is neither reasonably necessary to, nor compatible with, the disclosed purposes for which the personal data is processed, as disclosed to the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A controller shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Limit the collection of personal data to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the consumer to whom the data pertains;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical data security practices to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of personal data appropriate to the volume and nature of the personal data at issue; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide an effective mechanism for a consumer to revoke the consumer’s consent under this section that is at least as easy as the mechanism by which the consumer provided the consumer’s consent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a consumer revokes consent under this section, the controller shall stop processing the consumer’s personal data as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after receiving the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Nothing in subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Require a controller to provide a product or service that requires the personal data of a consumer that the controller does not collect or maintain; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibit a controller from offering a different price, rate, level, quality, or selection of goods or services to a consumer, including offering goods or services for no fee, if the offering is in connection with a consumer’s voluntary participation in a bona fide loyalty, rewards, premium features, discounts, or club card program, provided that the selling of personal data is not a condition of participation in the program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A controller shall provide a consumer with a reasonably accessible, clear, and meaningful privacy notice that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The categories of personal data processed by the controller, including sensitive data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The controller’s purpose for processing personal data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>How a consumer may exercise the consumer’s rights under this subtitle, including how a consumer may appeal a controller’s decision regarding the consumer’s request or may revoke consent;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The categories of third parties with which the controller shares personal data with a level of detail that enables a consumer to understand the type of, business model of, or processing conducted by each third party;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The categories of personal data, including sensitive data, that the controller shares with third parties; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>An active e–mail address or other online mechanism that a consumer may use to contact the controller.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a controller sells personal data to third parties or processes personal data for targeted advertising or for the purposes of profiling the consumer in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects, the controller shall clearly and conspicuously disclose the sale or processing, as well as the manner in which a consumer may exercise the right to opt out of the sale or processing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The disclosure required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be prominently displayed, and use clear, easy to understand, and unambiguous language, to state whether the consumer’s information will be sold or shared with a third party.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The privacy notice under subsection (d) of this section shall establish one or more secure and reliable methods for a consumer to submit a request to exercise a consumer right in accordance with this subtitle that take into account:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The ways in which consumers normally interact with the controller;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The need for secure and reliable communication of consumer requests; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The ability of the controller to verify the identity of a consumer making the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A controller may not require a consumer to create a new account in order to exercise a consumer right.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A controller may require a consumer to use an existing account to exercise a consumer right.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A controller may utilize the following methods to satisfy paragraph (1) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Providing a clear and conspicuous link on the controller’s website to a webpage that allows a consumer, or an authorized agent of the consumer, to opt out of the targeted advertising or the sale of the consumer’s personal data; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On or before October 1, 2025, allowing a consumer to opt out of any processing of the consumer’s personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, or any sale of personal data, through an opt–out preference signal sent, with the consumer’s consent, by a platform, technology, or mechanism to the controller indicating the consumer’s intent to opt out of the processing or sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A platform, technology, or mechanism used in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be consumer–friendly and easy to use by the average consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Use clear, easy to understand, and unambiguous language;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Be as consistent as possible with any other similar platform, technology, or mechanism required by any federal or State law or regulation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Enable the controller to reasonably determine whether the consumer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a resident of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has made a legitimate request to opt out of any sale of the consumer’s personal data or targeted advertising; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Require a consumer to make an affirmative, unambiguous, and voluntary choice in order to opt out of any processing of the consumer’s personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A platform, technology, or mechanism used in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Unfairly disadvantage another controller; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Use a default setting to opt a consumer out of any processing of the consumer’s personal data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If a consumer’s decision to opt out of the processing of the consumer’s personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, or the sale of personal data through an opt–out preference signal sent in accordance with subsection (f)(3) of this section conflicts with the consumer’s existing controller–specific privacy setting or the consumer’s voluntary participation in a controller’s bona fide loyalty, rewards, premium features, discounts, or club card program, the controller may notify the consumer of a conflict and provide the choice to confirm controller–specific privacy settings or participation in a program listed in this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A controller that recognizes signals approved by other states shall be considered in compliance with this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4708" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If a controller uses a processor to process the personal data of consumers, the controller and the processor shall enter into a contract that governs the processor’s data processing procedures with respect to processing performed on behalf of the controller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The contract shall be binding and shall clearly set forth:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Instructions for processing data;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The nature and purpose of processing;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The type of data subject to processing;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The duration of processing; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The rights and obligations of both parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The contract shall require that the processor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Ensure that each person processing personal data is subject to a duty of confidentiality with respect to the personal data;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical data security practices to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of personal data, considering the volume and nature of the personal data;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Stop processing data on request by the controller made in accordance with a consumer’s authenticated request;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>At the controller’s direction, delete or return all personal data to the controller as requested at the end of the provision of service, unless retention of the personal data is required by law;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>On the reasonable request of the controller, make available to the controller all information in the processor’s possession necessary to demonstrate the processor’s compliance with the obligations in this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>After providing the controller an opportunity to object, engage a subcontractor to assist with processing personal data on the controller’s behalf only in accordance with a written contract that requires the subcontractor to meet the processor’s obligations regarding the personal data under the processor’s contract with the controller; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Allow and cooperate with reasonable assessments by the controller, the controller’s designated assessor, or a qualified and independent assessor arranged for by the processor to assess the processor’s policies and technical and organizational measures in support of the obligations under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>On request, the processor shall provide a report of an assessment required by paragraph (3)(v) of this subsection to the controller.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An assessment conducted in accordance with paragraph (3)(v) of this subsection shall be conducted using an appropriate and accepted control standard or framework and assessment procedure for the assessments.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A processor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adhere to the contract and instructions of a controller;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Assist the controller in meeting the controller’s obligations under this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By appropriate technical and organizational measures as much as reasonably practicable to fulfill the controller’s obligation to respond to consumer rights requests, considering the nature of processing and the information available to the processor; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>By assisting the controller in meeting the controller’s obligations in relation to the security of processing the personal data and in relation to the notification of a breach of the security of a system, as defined in § 14–3504 of this title; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide necessary information to enable the controller to conduct and document data protection assessments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Nothing in this section may be construed to relieve a controller or a processor from the liabilities imposed on the controller or processor by virtue of the controller’s or processor’s role in the processing relationship in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The determination of whether a person is acting as a controller or a processor with respect to a specific processing of data is a fact–based determination that depends on the context in which personal data is being processed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person is considered to be a controller if the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is not limited in the person’s processing of specific personal data in accordance with a controller’s instructions; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Fails to adhere to a controller’s instructions with respect to a specific processing of personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A processor that continues to adhere to a controller’s instructions with respect to a specific processing of personal data remains a processor.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a processor or third party begins, alone or jointly with others, determining the purposes and means of the processing of personal data, the processor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is a controller with respect to the processing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be subject to an enforcement action under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Nothing in this section may be construed to alter a controller’s obligation to limit a person’s processing of personal data or to take steps to ensure that a processor adheres to the controller’s instructions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4709" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a third party uses or shares a consumer’s information in a manner inconsistent with promises made to the consumer at the time of collection of the information, the third party shall provide an affected consumer with notice of the new or changed practice before implementing the new or changed practice.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The notice provided under subsection (a) of this section shall be provided in a manner and at a time reasonably calculated to allow a consumer to exercise the rights provided under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4710" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “processing activities that present a heightened risk of harm to a consumer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The processing of personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sale of personal data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The processing of sensitive data; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The processing of personal data for the purposes of profiling, in which the profiling presents a reasonably foreseeable risk of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Unfair, abusive, or deceptive treatment of a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Having an unlawful disparate impact on a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Financial, physical, or reputational injury to a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A physical or other intrusion on the solitude or seclusion or the private affairs or concerns of a consumer in which the intrusion would be offensive to a reasonable person; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Other substantial injury to a consumer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A controller shall conduct and document, on a regular basis, a data protection assessment for each of the controller’s processing activities that present a heightened risk of harm to a consumer, including an assessment for each algorithm that is used.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A data protection assessment conducted in accordance with this section shall identify and weigh the benefits that may flow directly and indirectly from the processing to the controller, the consumer, other interested parties, and the public against:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The potential risks to the rights of the consumer associated with the processing as mitigated by safeguards that may be employed by the controller to reduce these risks; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The necessity and proportionality of processing in relation to the stated purpose of the processing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The controller shall factor into a data protection assessment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The use of de–identified data;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The reasonable expectations of consumers;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The context of the processing; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The relationship between the controller and the consumer whose personal data will be processed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Division may require that a controller make available to the Division a data protection assessment that is relevant to an investigation conducted by the Division.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Division may evaluate a data protection assessment for compliance with the responsibilities established in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A controller’s data protection assessment may be used in an action to enforce this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A data protection assessment is confidential and is exempt from disclosure under the federal Freedom of Information Act or the Public Information Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A single data protection assessment may address a comparable set of processing operations that include similar activities.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If a controller conducts a data protection assessment for the purpose of complying with another applicable law or regulation, the data protection assessment shall be considered to satisfy the requirements established in this section if the data protection assessment is reasonably similar in scope and effect to the data protection assessment that would otherwise be conducted in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>To the extent that any information contained in a data protection assessment disclosed to the Division includes information subject to attorney–client privilege or work product protection, the disclosure may not constitute a waiver of that privilege or protection.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A data protection assessment conducted under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall apply to processing activities that occur on or after October 1, 2025; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not required for processing activities that occur before October 1, 2025.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4711" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to require a controller or a processor to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Re–identify de–identified data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain data in an identifiable form; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collect, obtain, retain, or access any data or technology in order to be capable of associating an authenticated consumer request with personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to require a controller or processor to comply with an authenticated consumer rights request if the controller:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is not reasonably capable of associating the request with the personal data or it would be unreasonably burdensome for the controller to associate the request with the personal data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Does not use the personal data to recognize or respond to the specific consumer who is the subject of the personal data or associate the personal data with other personal data about the same specific consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Does not sell the personal data to a third party or otherwise voluntarily disclose the personal data to a third party other than a processor, except as otherwise allowed in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A controller that discloses de–identified data shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Exercise reasonable oversight to monitor compliance with any contractual commitments to which the de–identified data is subject; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Take appropriate steps to address any breaches of any contractual commitments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The determination of whether oversight is reasonable and whether appropriate steps were taken in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall take into account whether the disclosed data includes data that would be considered sensitive data if the data were re–identified.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4712" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to restrict a controller’s or processor’s ability to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Comply with federal, State, or local laws or regulations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, comply with a civil, criminal, or regulatory subpoena or summons by a federal, State, local, or other governmental authority;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, cooperate with law enforcement agencies concerning conduct or activity that the controller or processor reasonably and in good faith believes may violate federal, State, or local laws or regulations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Investigate, establish, exercise, prepare for, or defend a legal claim;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Provide a product or service specifically requested by a consumer;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Perform under a contract to which a consumer is a party, including fulfilling the terms of a written warranty;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Take steps at the request of a consumer before entering into a contract;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Take immediate steps to protect an interest that is essential for the life or physical safety of a consumer or another individual and when the processing cannot be manifestly based on another legal basis;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Prevent, detect, protect against, investigate, prosecute those responsible, or otherwise respond to a security incident, identity theft, fraud, harassment, malicious or deceptive activity, or any other type of illegal activity;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Preserve the integrity or security of systems; or</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Assist another controller, processor, or third party with an obligation under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph does not apply if a controller or processor is presented with a valid warrant issued by a federal or State court that particularly describes the personal data to be accessed.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection does not apply to a controller’s or processor’s compliance with a subpoena or summons that is derived from a federal, State, or local governmental unit that, within the 6 months that immediately precede the issuance of the subpoena or summons, has engaged in or supported civil immigration enforcement through the provision of personnel or material resources.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection does not apply to a controller or processor that knows the law enforcement agency requesting the cooperation has, within the 6 months that immediately precede the request for cooperation, engaged in or supported civil immigration enforcement through the provision of personnel or material resources.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Division may post materials on its website to provide consumer education and other resources regarding civil immigration enforcement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an obligation required under § 14–4711 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An obligation imposed on a controller or processor under this subtitle may not restrict a controller’s or processor’s ability to collect, use, or retain personal data for internal use to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Effectuate a product recall;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify and repair technical errors that impair existing or intended functionality; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Perform internal operations that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably aligned with the expectations of the consumer or can be reasonably anticipated based on the consumer’s existing relationship with the controller; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise compatible with processing data in furtherance of:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The provision of a product or service specifically requested by a consumer; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The performance of a contract to which the consumer is a party.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An obligation imposed on a controller or a processor under this subtitle does not apply when compliance by the controller or processor with the subtitle would violate an evidentiary privilege under State law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to prevent a controller or processor from providing personal data concerning a consumer to a person covered by an evidentiary privilege under State law as part of a privileged communication.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A controller or processor that discloses personal data to a processor or a third–party controller in compliance with this subtitle is not in violation of this subtitle if the processor or third–party controller that receives the personal data violates this subtitle and:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at the time the disclosing controller or processor disclosed the personal data, the disclosing controller or processor did not have actual knowledge that the receiving processor or third–party controller would violate this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the disclosing controller was, and remained, in compliance with its obligations as the discloser of the personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A third–party controller or processor that receives personal data from a controller or processor in compliance with this subtitle is not in violation of this subtitle for the independent misconduct of the controller or processor from which the third–party controller or processor received the personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Impose an obligation on a controller or a processor that adversely affects the rights or freedoms of any person, including the rights of a person to freedom of speech or freedom of the press as guaranteed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Apply to a person’s processing of personal data during the person’s personal or household activities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If a controller or processor processes personal data in accordance with an exemption under this section, the controller or processor shall demonstrate that the processing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Qualifies for an exemption; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Complies with the requirements of subsection (g) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Personal data processed by a controller or processor in accordance with this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be subject to reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of the personal data; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reduce reasonably foreseeable risks of harm to consumers relating to the collection, use, or retention of personal data; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be processed to the extent that the processing is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reasonably necessary and proportionate to the purposes listed in this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the specific purposes listed in this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A person that processes personal data for a purpose expressly identified in this section may not be considered a controller solely based on the processing of personal data.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4713" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except for § 13–408 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not prevent a consumer from pursuing any other remedy provided by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4714" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Online Data Privacy Act"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to an enforcement action under § 14–4713 of this subtitle for an alleged violation that occurs on or before April 1, 2027.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before initiating any action under § 14–4713 of this subtitle, the Division may issue a notice of violation to the controller or processor if the Division determines that a cure is possible.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Division issues a notice of violation under subsection (b) of this section, the controller or processor shall have at least 60 days to cure the violation after receipt of the notice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the controller or processor fails to cure the violation within the time period specified by the Division, the Division may bring an enforcement action under § 14–4713 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In determining whether to grant a controller or processor an opportunity to cure an alleged violation, the Division may consider the following factors:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of violations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The size and complexity of the controller or processor;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nature and extent of the controller’s or processor’s processing activities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The likelihood of injury to the public;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The safety of persons or property;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Whether the alleged violation was likely caused by a human or technical error; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The extent to which the controller or processor has violated this subtitle or similar laws in the past.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4801" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Aggregate consumer information” means information:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That relates to a group or category of consumers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>From which individual consumer identities have been removed; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>That is not linked or reasonably linkable to any consumer or household, including by a device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Aggregate consumer information” does not include individual consumer records that have been de–identified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Best interests of children” means a covered entity’s use of the personal data of children or the design of an online product in a way that does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Benefit the covered entity to the detriment of children; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Result in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Severe and reasonably foreseeable psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Biometric data” means data generated by automatic measurements of an individual’s biological characteristics.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Biometric data” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A fingerprint;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A voiceprint;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An eye retina or iris pattern; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other unique biological pattern or characteristic that is used to identify a specific individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Biometric data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A digital or physical photograph;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An audio or video recording; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Data generated from a digital or physical photograph, or an audio or video recording, unless the data is generated to identify a specific individual.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Child” means a consumer who is under the age of 18 years.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Collect” means to buy, rent, gather, obtain, receive, or access personal data relating to a consumer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Collect” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Receiving data from the consumer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Observing the consumer’s behavior.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Consumer” means an individual who is a resident of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Consumer” does not include an individual acting in a commercial or employment context or as an employer, an owner, a director, an officer, or a contractor of a company, partnership, sole proprietorship, nonprofit organization, or governmental unit whose communications or transactions with the covered entity occur solely within the context of that individual’s role with the company, partnership, sole proprietorship, nonprofit organization, or governmental unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Covered entity” means a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, or any other legal entity that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or other owners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Collects consumers’ personal data or uses another entity to collect consumers’ personal data on its behalf;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Alone, or jointly with its affiliates or subsidiaries, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal data;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Does business in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <level label="1"> <text>Has annual gross revenues in excess of $25,000,000, adjusted every odd–numbered year to reflect adjustments in the Consumer Price Index;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Annually buys, receives, sells, or shares the personal data of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices, alone or in combination with its affiliates or subsidiaries, for the covered entity’s commercial purposes; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Derives at least 50% of its annual revenues from the sale of consumers’ personal data.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Covered entity” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An entity that controls or is controlled by a business and that shares a name, service mark, or trademark that would cause a reasonable consumer to understand that two or more entities are commonly owned; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A joint venture or partnership composed of businesses in which each has at least a 40% interest in the joint venture or partnership.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Dark pattern” means a user interface designed or manipulated with the purpose of subverting or impairing user autonomy, decision making, or choice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Dark pattern” includes any practice identified by the Federal Trade Commission as a dark pattern.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Data protection impact assessment” or “assessment” means a systematic survey to assess compliance with the duty to act in the best interests of children.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Default” means a preselected option adopted by the covered entity for an online product.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Online product” means an online service, product, or feature.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Online product” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A telecommunications service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 153;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sale, delivery, or use of a physical product sold by an online retailer; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A broadband Internet access service, as defined in 47 C.F.R. § 8.1(b).</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Personal data” means information that is linked or reasonably able to be linked to an identified or identifiable individual.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Personal data” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>De–identified data; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publicly available information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>“Precise geolocation” means information derived from technology that can precisely and accurately identify the specific location of a consumer within a radius of 1,750 feet.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Precise geolocation” includes latitude and longitude coordinates of similar precision to those produced by a global positioning system or a similar mechanism.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Precise geolocation” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The content of communications;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Data generated by or connected with a utility company’s advanced metering infrastructure; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Data generated by equipment used by a utility company.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Process” means to perform an operation or set of operations by manual or automated means on personal data.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Process” includes collecting, using, storing, disclosing, analyzing, deleting, or modifying personal data.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Profiling” means any form of automated processing of personal data that uses personal data to evaluate, analyze, or predict certain aspects relating to an individual, including an individual’s economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <level label="1"> <text>“Publicly available information” means information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is lawfully made available from federal, state, or local government records; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A covered entity has a reasonable basis to believe is lawfully made available to the general public by the consumer or by widely distributed media.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Publicly available information” does not include biometric data collected by a covered entity about a consumer without the consumer’s knowledge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Reasonably likely to be accessed by children” means it is reasonable to expect that the online product would be accessed by children, based on satisfying any of the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The online product is directed to children as defined in the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The online product is determined, based on competent and reliable evidence regarding audience composition, to be routinely accessed by a significant number of children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The online product is substantially similar or the same as an online product that satisfies item (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The online product features advertisements marketed to children;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The covered entity’s internal research findings determine that a significant amount of the online product’s audience is composed of children; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The covered entity knows or should have known that a user is a child.</text> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <level label="1"> <text>“Sell” means to transfer, rent, release, disclose, disseminate, make available, or otherwise communicate, whether orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal data, in a transaction for monetary or other valuable consideration between a covered entity and a third party.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Sell” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The disclosure of personal data to the service provider that processes personal data on behalf of the covered entity;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The disclosure of personal data to a third party for purposes of providing a product or service requested by the consumer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The disclosure or transfer of personal data to an affiliate or subsidiary of the covered entity;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The disclosure of personal data where the consumer directs the covered entity to disclose the personal data or intentionally uses the covered entity to interact with a third party; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The disclosure or transfer of personal data to a third party as an asset that is part of an actual or proposed merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction, in which the third party assumes control of all or part of the covered entity’s assets.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Service provider” means a person that processes personal data on behalf of a covered entity and that receives from or on behalf of the covered entity a consumer’s personal data for business purposes in accordance with a written contract, if the contract prohibits the person from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Selling or sharing the personal data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal data for any purpose other than for the business purposes specified in the contract for the covered entity, including retaining, using, or disclosing the personal data for a commercial purpose other than the business purposes specified in the contract with the covered entity, or as otherwise allowed under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Retaining, using, or disclosing the personal data outside the direct business relationship between the service provider and the covered entity; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Combining the personal data that the service provider receives from, or on behalf of, the covered entity with personal data that it receives from, or on behalf of, another person or persons, or collects from its own interaction with the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Share” means to rent, release, disseminate, make available, transfer, or otherwise communicate, whether orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal data to a third party for cross–context behavioral advertising whether or not for monetary or other valuable consideration, including in a transaction between a covered entity and a third party for targeted advertising for the benefit of a covered entity in which no money is exchanged.</text> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Third party” means a person who is not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The covered entity with which the consumer intentionally interacts and that collects personal data from the consumer as part of the consumer’s interaction with the covered entity; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A service provider for the covered entity.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4802" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Data subject to a statute or regulation identified under item (i) of this item that is controlled by a covered entity or service provider that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Required to comply with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Title V of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Regulations promulgated under § 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In compliance with the information security requirements of applicable statutes or regulations identified in item (i) of this item; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information collected as part of a clinical trial subject to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, in accordance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Good clinical practice guidelines issued by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Human subject protection requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4803" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Children should be afforded protections not only by online products specifically directed at them, but by all online products they are reasonably likely to access;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Covered entities that develop and provide online products that children are reasonably likely to access shall ensure the best interests of children when designing, developing, and providing those online products;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All covered entities that operate in the State and process children’s data in any capacity shall do so in a manner consistent with the best interests of children;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a conflict arises between commercial interests and the best interests of children, covered entities that develop online products likely to be accessed by children shall prioritize the privacy, safety, and well–being of children;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to require a covered entity to monitor or censor third–party content or otherwise impact the existing rights and freedoms of any person; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to discriminate against children on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4804" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a covered entity that provides an online product reasonably likely to be accessed by children shall prepare a data protection impact assessment for the online product.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before April 1, 2026, a covered entity shall prepare a data protection impact assessment for any online product that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meets the criteria under paragraph (1) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is offered to the public on or before April 1, 2026; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Will continue to be offered to the public after July 1, 2026.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For an online product that meets the criteria under paragraph (1) of this subsection and is initially offered to the public after April 1, 2026, a covered entity shall complete a data protection impact assessment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The data protection impact assessment shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify the purpose of the online product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify how the online product uses children’s data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Determine whether the online product is designed in a manner consistent with the best interests of children reasonably likely to access the online product through consideration of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whether the data management or processing practices of the online product could lead to children experiencing or being targeted by contacts that would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whether the data management or processing practices of the online product could permit children to participate in or be subject to conduct that would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Whether the data management or processing practices of the online product are reasonably expected to allow children becoming party to or exploited by a contract through the online product that would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Whether the online product uses system design features to increase, sustain, or extend the use of the online product, including the automatic playing of media, rewards for time spent, and notifications that would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Whether, how, and for what purpose the online product collects or processes personal data of children and whether those practices would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Whether and how data collected to understand the experimental impact of the product reveals data management or design practices that would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Whether algorithms used by the online product would result in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and material physical or financial harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reasonably foreseeable and extreme psychological or emotional harm to children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A highly offensive intrusion on children’s reasonable expectation of privacy; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discrimination against children based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any other factor that may indicate that the online product is designed in a manner that is inconsistent with the best interests of children; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include a description of steps that the covered entity has taken and will take to comply with the duty to act in a manner consistent with the best interests of children.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A data protection impact assessment prepared by a covered entity for the purpose of compliance with any other law complies with this section if the assessment meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A single data protection impact assessment may contain multiple similar processing operations that present similar risks only if each relevant online product is addressed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4805" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>A covered entity required to complete a data protection impact assessment under § 14–4804 of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain documentation of the assessment for as long as the online product is likely to be accessed by children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Review each data protection impact assessment as necessary to account for material changes to processing pertaining to the online product within 90 days of such material changes;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, configure all default privacy settings provided to children by the online product to offer a high level of privacy, unless the covered entity can demonstrate a compelling reason that a different setting is in the best interests of children;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide any privacy information, terms of service, policies, and community standards concisely, prominently, and using clear language suited to the age of children likely to access the online product; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide prominent, accessible, and responsive tools to help children or their parents or guardians, if applicable, exercise their privacy rights and report concerns.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4806" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A covered entity that provides an online product that is accessed or reasonably likely to be accessed by children may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Process the personal data of a child in a way that is inconsistent with the best interests of children reasonably likely to access the online product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Profile a child by default, unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The covered entity can demonstrate that the covered entity has appropriate safeguards in place to ensure that profiling is consistent with the best interests of children who access or are reasonably likely to access the online product; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Profiling is necessary to provide the requested online product, and is done only with respect to the aspects of the online product that the child is actively and knowingly engaged with; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The covered entity can demonstrate a compelling reason that profiling is in the best interests of children;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Process personal data of a child that is not reasonably necessary to provide an online product that the child is actively and knowingly engaged with;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Process the personal data of a child end user for any reason other than a reason for which that personal data was collected;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Process any precise geolocation data of a child by default, unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The collection of the precise geolocation data is strictly necessary for the covered entity to provide the online product; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The precise geolocation data is processed only for the limited time that is necessary to provide the online product;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Process any precise geolocation data of a child without providing an obvious signal to the child for the duration that the precise geolocation data is being collected;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Use dark patterns to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Cause a child to provide personal data beyond what is reasonably expected to provide the online product;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Circumvent privacy protections; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Take any action that the covered entity knows, or has reason to know, is not in the best interests of children who access or are reasonably likely to access the online product;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Process any personal data for the purpose of estimating the age of a child that is actively and knowingly engaged with an online product that is not reasonably necessary to provide the online product; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Allow a person other than a child’s parent or guardian to monitor the child’s online activity without first notifying the child and the child’s parent or guardian.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A covered entity that provides an online product that is accessed or reasonably likely to be accessed by children may allow a child’s parent or guardian to monitor the child’s online activity or track the child’s location, without providing an obvious signal to the child when the child is being monitored or tracked.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In making a determination as to whether an online product is reasonably likely to be accessed by children, a covered entity may not collect or process any personal data beyond what is reasonably necessary to make the determination.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4807" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 5 business days after receiving a written request from the Division, a covered entity that provides an online product reasonably likely to be accessed by children shall provide to the Division a list of all data protection impact assessments the covered entity has completed under § 14–4804 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 7 business days after receiving a written request from the Division, a covered entity shall provide to the Division any data protection impact assessment completed under § 14–4804 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Division may extend beyond 7 days the amount of time allowed for a covered entity to produce a data protection impact assessment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To the extent that any disclosure required under subsection (b) of this section includes information subject to attorney–client privilege or work–product protection, the disclosure may not constitute a waiver of that privilege or protection.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4808" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except for § 13–410 of this article, is subject to the enforcement provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A covered entity that violates this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$2,500 per affected child for each negligent violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$7,500 per affected child for each intentional violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Division shall pay all fines, penalties, and expenses collected by the Division under this subsection into the General Fund with the intent that fines, penalties, and expenses be used to fully offset any costs incurred by the Division in connection with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4809" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>If a covered entity is in substantial compliance with the requirements of §§ 14–4804 through 14–4806 of this subtitle, the Division shall provide written notice to the covered entity before filing an action under § 14–4808 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notice given under subsection (a) of this section shall identify the specific provisions of this subtitle that the Division alleges have been or are being violated.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A covered entity may not be liable for a civil penalty for a violation for which notice is given under subsection (a) of this section if the covered entity:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has completed a data protection impact assessment under § 14–4804(a)(2) of this subtitle for existing online products that are reasonably likely to be accessed by children;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has completed a data protection impact assessment under § 14–4804(a)(3) of this subtitle prior to offering to the public a new online product that is reasonably likely to be accessed by children;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Cures the violation specified in the Division’s notice within 90 days after issuance of the notice under subsection (a) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provides the Division with a written statement that the alleged violation has been cured; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Takes measures to prevent any future violation that the Division agreed to be sufficient.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4810" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be interpreted or construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide a private right of action under this subtitle or any other law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Impose liability in a manner that is inconsistent with 47 U.S.C. § 230;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prevent or preclude a child from deliberately or independently searching for or specifically requesting content; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Require a covered entity to implement an age–gating requirement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4811" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, a data protection impact assessment is protected as confidential and shall be exempt from public disclosure, including under the Maryland Public Information Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4812" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Wherever possible, law relating to consumers’ personal data should be construed to harmonize with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In the event of a conflict between other laws and this subtitle, the provisions of the law that afford the greatest protection for the right of privacy for consumers shall control.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4813" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Age–Appropriate Design Code Act.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4901" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Closed–loop gift card” means a card, code, or device that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issued to a consumer on a prepaid basis primarily for personal, family, or household purposes in a specified amount, regardless of whether that amount may be increased or reloaded in exchange for payment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Redeemable on presentation by a consumer at a single merchant or a group of affiliated merchants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Division” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Merchant” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Open–loop gift card” means a card, code, or device that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Issued to a consumer on a prepaid basis primarily for personal, family, or household purposes in a specified amount, regardless of whether that amount may be increased or reloaded in exchange for payment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Payment card network branded; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Redeemable on presentation at multiple unaffiliated merchants for goods or services within the payment card network; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Usable at an automated teller machine.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Third–party gift card reseller” means a merchant who, without authorization from or affiliation with the business entity issuing an open– or a closed–loop gift card, is engaged in the business of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Buying open– or closed–loop gift cards on behalf of consumers; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reselling open– or closed–loop gift cards to consumers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4902" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a merchant may not knowingly sell an open– or a closed–loop gift card to a consumer unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The merchant conspicuously displays a notice in substantially the same form as the model notice created under § 14–4904(1) of this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For an in–person sale, at or near the physical location where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The gift card is displayed for sale; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sale occurs; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For an online sale, on the webpage:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Where the gift card is offered for sale; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That is displayed before the sale is finalized;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For an in–person sale of an open–loop gift card, the gift card is enclosed in secure packaging that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is sealed in a manner that is not easily opened without signs of tampering;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except as provided in item (iii) of this item, conceals all numeric codes specific to the activation or redemption of the gift card, including any bar code, CVV number, PIN number, or activation code;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Displays an activation code, bar code, or other activation data only if the packing used is more secure than it otherwise would be if the data were fully concealed; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Includes a warning that states the following or uses language substantially similar to the following:</text> <text>“Do not sell or purchase if packaging has been broken or indicates tampering”; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For an in–person sale of a closed–loop gift card, the gift card is presented in packaging that:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Conceals or covers, in a manner that is not easily removed or replaced without signs of tampering, all numeric codes specific to the redemption of the gift card; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If made more secure through partial concealment or covering than full concealment or covering under item 1 of this item, partially conceals or covers, in a manner that is not easily removed or replaced without signs of tampering, all numeric codes specific to redemption of the gift card; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Includes a warning that states the following or uses language substantially similar to the following:</text> <text>“Do not sell or purchase if packaging has been broken or indicates tampering.”.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A merchant may sell an open– or a closed–loop gift card that is not enclosed in secure packaging as required under subsection (a)(2) of this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The gift card is a chip–enabled, numberless card that is activated by a consumer after registering the card on the card issuer’s website; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The gift card:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is sold exclusively by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A merchant for use only at the retail establishment of the merchant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A group of affiliated merchants for use only at the retail establishments of the affiliated merchants; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is secured in a physical location within the merchant’s retail establishment that is accessible only by an employee of the merchant.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4903" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <text>A merchant that displays an open– or a closed–loop gift card for sale at a retail establishment shall provide training to all employees of the merchant whose duties regularly include the sale of open– or closed–loop gift cards to consumers on how to identify and respond to gift card fraud in accordance with the guidelines established under § 14–4904(2) of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4904" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <text>The Division shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Create a model notice regarding open– and closed–loop gift cards for use by merchants that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Cautions a consumer about gift card scams;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Instructs a consumer on what to do if the consumer suspects the consumer may be a victim of a gift card scam; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Indicates a gift card may not be used to pay debt;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issue guidelines regarding the detection and prevention of open– and closed–loop gift card fraud that include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Information that raises public awareness about gift card fraud;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information about how common gift card fraud schemes work; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Best practices for a merchant to prevent gift card fraud; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make available online and periodically update the model notice and guidelines required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4905" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to third–party gift card resellers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, when a third–party gift card reseller buys or sells an open– or a closed–loop gift card as part of a transaction occurring in the State, the third–party gift card reseller shall record and for at least 3 years maintain a copy of the following information, as applicable:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date of the transaction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The name of the person who conducted the transaction;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The name, age, and address of the seller of the gift card;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The seller’s and consumer’s driver’s license number or identification card number;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A description of the purchased gift card, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The retailer for which the gift card is intended for use; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The gift card number;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The specific amount issued on the gift card;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The prices paid to conduct the transaction; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The signature of the consumer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The information recorded and maintained under subsection (b) of this section shall chronologically be written in ink or logged into a secure database, software system, or other similar technology platform.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, recorded information may not be destroyed, altered, or erased.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A handwritten correction may be made to an entry of information by drawing a line of ink through the entry in a manner that retains legibility.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Information recorded under this section shall be open to inspection by any duly authorized law enforcement officer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>During the ordinary business hours of the third–party gift card reseller; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At any reasonable time.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A third–party gift card reseller, including an agent or employee of the third–party gift card reseller, may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fail to make an entry of or falsify, destroy, or remove any information required to be recorded and maintained under this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Refuse to allow any duly authorized law enforcement officer to inspect a record of information or open– or closed–loop gift cards in the third–party gift card reseller’s possession during the ordinary business hours of the reseller or at any reasonable time; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Fail to maintain a record of each open– or closed–loop gift card transaction for at least 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On the filing of an official report to a law enforcement agency by any person alleging to be a victim of theft of one or more open– or closed–loop gift cards with an aggregate value exceeding $500, the law enforcement agency may request that the issuer of the gift cards or the issuer’s agents preserve and provide to the law enforcement agency all relevant evidence reasonably foreseeable as of assistance to future criminal actions in accordance with State law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-4906" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Gift Card Fraud"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except for § 13–408 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before initiating an enforcement action for a violation of this subtitle, the Division may issue a notice of violation to the alleged violator if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Division determines that it is possible to cure the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No consumer was harmed as a result of the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The alleged violator has not previously violated this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Division issues a notice of violation under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Division shall provide the alleged violator not less than 10 days after the notice of violation is issued to cure the violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the alleged violator fails to cure the violation within the time period specified by the Division, the Division may initiate an enforcement action for a violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-5001" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Powered Wheelchairs Repair"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Authorized repair provider” means a person that is unaffiliated with a manufacturer and, for the purpose of offering to provide services to an owner of the manufacturer’s equipment regarding the owner’s equipment or part, has:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An arrangement with the manufacturer under which the manufacturer grants to the person a license to use a trade name, a service mark, or any other proprietary identifier; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Authorization under another arrangement to act on behalf of the manufacturer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Authorized repair provider” includes a manufacturer when the manufacturer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Offers to provide services to an owner of the manufacturer’s equipment regarding the owner’s equipment or part; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not have any arrangement described in paragraph (1) of this subsection with an unaffiliated person.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Documentation” means any manual, diagram, reporting output, service code description, schematic, or other information, whether in electronic or tangible format, that a manufacturer provides to an authorized repair provider for the purpose of assisting the authorized repair provider with services performed on the manufacturer’s equipment or part.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Embedded software” means programmable instructions provided on firmware delivered with an electronic component of equipment or a part to restore or improve operation of the equipment or part.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Embedded software” includes all relevant patches and fixes that the manufacturer makes to equipment or a part to restore or improve the equipment or part.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Equipment” means a powered wheelchair.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Fair and reasonable terms and costs” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With respect to obtaining from a manufacturer any documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools in order to provide services:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Terms that are equivalent to the most favorable terms the manufacturer offers to an authorized repair provider; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Costs that do not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, calculated using net costs incurred and accounting for any discounts, rebates, or incentives offered;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to obtaining from a manufacturer any documentation to provide services, terms and costs on which the manufacturer agrees to provide the documentation and any relevant updates at no charge other than, at most, a charge for the manufacturer’s actual costs to prepare and send the printed copy of the documentation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>With respect to obtaining from a manufacturer tools that are software programs, terms and costs on which the manufacturer agrees to provide the tools:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At no charge and without requiring authorization or Internet access, or imposing impediments to access or use the tools;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>During the course of performing a diagnosis, maintenance, or a repair and in a manner that enables full functionality of the equipment or part; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In a manner that does not impair the efficient and cost–effective performance of the equipment or part.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Firmware” means a software program or set of instructions programmed on equipment or a part to allow the equipment or part to communicate with itself or with other computer hardware.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Independent repair provider” means a person in the State that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection, neither a manufacturer’s authorized repair provider nor affiliated with a manufacturer’s authorized repair provider; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Engaged in offering or providing services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Independent repair provider” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An authorized repair provider if the authorized repair provider is offering or providing services for a different manufacturer other than the manufacturer with whom the authorized repair provider has an arrangement as described in subsection (b)(1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A manufacturer that offers or provides services for another manufacturer’s equipment or part.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Manufacturer” means a person doing business in the State and engaged in the business of selling, leasing, or supplying new equipment or parts manufactured by or on behalf of itself to any individual, business, or other entity.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Owner” means a person that owns equipment or an agent of the owner.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Part” means a new or used replacement component for equipment that a manufacturer offers for sale or makes available for the purpose of providing services.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Powered wheelchair” means a motorized wheeled device designed for use by a person with a physical disability.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Services” means diagnostics, maintenance, or repairs performed on equipment or parts.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Tool” means any software program, hardware implement, or other apparatus used for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of equipment or parts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Tool” includes software or other mechanisms that provide, program, or pair a new part, calibrate functionality, or perform any other function required to return the equipment or part to fully functional condition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Trade secret” has the meaning stated in § 11–1201 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-5002" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Powered Wheelchairs Repair"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools that are necessary for an independent repair provider or owner to perform services with respect to the following parts:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Batteries and battery chargers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nonprogrammable joysticks;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Joystick housings or brackets;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Wheel assemblies;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Nonpositioning accessories;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Anti–tip devices;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Except for positioning components designed for adjustment by a therapist or an assistive technology professional, armrests;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Caster spheres;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Cosmetic shrouding; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Nonpowered leg lowerers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to provide services for equipment in the State, a manufacturer shall, on fair and reasonable terms and costs, make available to an independent repair provider or owner of the manufacturer’s equipment any documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools that are intended for use with the equipment or any part, including updates to documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For equipment that contains an electric security lock or other security–related functions, a manufacturer shall, on fair and reasonable terms and costs, make available to independent repair providers any documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools needed to reset the lock or function when disabled in the course of providing services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The manufacturer may make the documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools available to independent repair providers and owners through appropriate secure release systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The requirements of subsection (b) of this section do not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A part that is no longer available to the original manufacturer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Conduct that would require the manufacturer to divulge a trade secret, unless compliance with subsection (b) of this section is necessary to provide services on the grounds that the documentation, part, embedded software, firmware, or tool is itself a trade secret.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A manufacturer may make redactions to remove trade secrets from the documentation before providing the documentation if the usability of the redacted documentation is not diminished for purposes of providing services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A manufacturer is not liable for faulty or improper repairs provided by independent repair providers or owners, including faulty or improper repairs that cause:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Damage to equipment that occurs during the repairs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any direct, incidental, special, or consequential damages; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An inability to use, or a reduced functionality of, equipment that results from the faulty or improper repair.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-5003" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Powered Wheelchairs Repair"> <level label="a"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Limit the liability of a person under a products liability claim; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require a manufacturer to provide an independent repair provider or owner access to information, other than documentation necessary for compliance with this subtitle, that the manufacturer provides to an authorized repair provider under a contract or other arrangement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The requirements and remedies provided under this subtitle may not be waived or limited by a contract or other arrangement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-5004" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Powered Wheelchairs Repair"> <text>A violation of this subtitle is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section>