# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 17. Disposition of Abandoned Property

### Subtitle 3. Abandoned Property in This State

#### Section 17-318

(a)

  (1) Any person who claims a legal interest in any property delivered to the State under this title must:

    (i) File a claim to the property or to the proceeds from its sale on the form prescribed by the Administrator; and

    (ii) Verify the claim as to its completeness and accuracy.

  (2) After a claim is filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator shall allow or deny the claim and provide the claimant notice of the decision.

  (3) If a claim filed in accordance with this subsection is denied:

    (i) The Administrator shall inform the claimant of the reason for the denial and specify what additional evidence, if any, is required for the claim to be allowed;

    (ii) The claimant may file an amended claim with the Administrator or commence an action under Sec. 17-320 of this subtitle; and

    (iii) The Administrator shall consider an amended claim filed under item (ii) of this paragraph as the initial claim.

  (4) If the Administrator does not take action on a claim during the 6-month period immediately following the filing of a claim under this subsection, the claim shall be deemed denied.

(b)

  (1) The Administrator may waive the filing requirement under subsection (a) of this section if:

    (i) The person receiving the property or payment is the apparent owner included in a report filed under Sec. 17-310 of this subtitle;

    (ii) The Administrator reasonably believes the person is entitled to receive the property or payment; and

    (iii) The property or payment has a value of $5,000 or less.

  (2) If the Administrator waives the filing requirement in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator shall make payment in accordance with Sec. 17-319(b) of this subtitle.

(c) The Administrator shall pay or deliver property to a claimant under this section if the Administrator receives evidence sufficient to the satisfaction of the Administrator to establish that the claimant is the owner of the property.

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