# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions

### Subtitle 45. Telephone Solicitations

#### Section 14-4501

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Called party" means a person who is a regular user of a telephone number that receives a telephone solicitation.

(c) "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.

(d) "Prior express written consent" means a written agreement that:

  (1) Bears the signature of the called party;

  (2) 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:

    (i) A telephone solicitation using an automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers;

    (ii) The playing of a recorded or artificial voice message when a connection is completed to a number called; or

    (iii) The transmission of a prerecorded voicemail; and

  (3) Includes:

    (i) The telephone number to which the signatory authorizes a telephone solicitation to be delivered; and

    (ii) A clear and conspicuous disclosure informing the called party that:

      (1) 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:

      (A) An automated system for the selection or dialing of telephone numbers; or

      (B) The playing of a recorded message when a connection is completed to a number called; and

      (2) The called party is not required to directly or indirectly:

      (A) Sign the written agreement; or

      (B) Agree to enter into the agreement as a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services.

(e) "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.

(f) "Telephone solicitation" has the meaning stated in Sec. 8-205 of the Public Utilities Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Com. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)