reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-314 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-314 - Work-at-Home Advertisements

    A person who places any advertisement that represents that any person can earn money at home by stuffing or addressing envelopes, mailing circulars, clipping newspaper or magazine articles, or performing similar work:         (1)    Shall pay compensation to others for performing the represented tasks; and        (2)    May not require the person who will perform the represented tasks to advance any monetary payment or deposit to the person who placed the advertisement on any instructional booklets, brochures, kits, programs or similar information materials, mailing lists, directories, memberships in cooperative associations, or other items or services.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-315 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-315 - Firestat or Fusible Link in Attic Fan

    A person may not sell or install a temperature activated attic fan unless the fan has a preset, nonadjustable firestat or a fusible link.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-316 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-316 - Mortgage Servicers

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Mortgage” includes a mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, or other lien on 1 to 4 family residential real estate located in this State.        (3)    “Servicer” means a person responsible for collection and payment of principal, interest, escrow, and other moneys under an original mortgage.    (b)    Within 7 days of acquiring mortgage servicing, a servicer shall send to the mortgagor a written notice containing the following information regarding the mortgage on the date of transfer:        (1)    The name, address, and telephone number of the new servicer and the address where mortgage payments are to be forwarded;        (2)    The principal balance and escrow balance;        (3)    The telephone number of the contact designated under subsection (c) of this section;        (4)    The responsibilities of the contact under subsection (c) of this section; and        (5)    A statement that the servicer’s violation of this section will result in the servicer being held liable under subsection (e) of this section.    (c)    (1)    A servicer shall designate a contact to whom mortgagors may direct complaints and inquiries.        (2)    The contact shall respond in writing to each written complaint or inquiry within 15 days if requested.    (d)    (1)    A servicer shall make timely payments of the taxes or insurance premiums due under the mortgage so long as the mortgagor has paid an amount sufficient to pay the tax or insurance premium due and, with regard to the taxes, so long as the servicer is in possession of either the tax bill or notice from the taxing authority.        (2)    A servicer shall make timely payment of the water and sewer facilities assessments due under a lien on the residential real property for public water and wastewater facilities provided that:            (i)    The mortgagor has paid an amount sufficient to pay the assessment due; and            (ii)    The servicer is in possession of the assessment bill.    (e)    (1)    If a servicer fails to comply with any provision of this section, the servicer is liable for any economic damages caused by the violation.        (2)    The penalties provided in this section are in addition to any other applicable remedies.    (f)    A servicer shall provide a toll–free telephone number through which any borrower residing in this State may direct telephone inquiries on outstanding loans during regular business hours.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-317 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-317 - Use of Consumer Identification Information in Connection With Credit Card Payments

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, as a condition of accepting a credit card or device as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services, a person may not record the address or telephone number of the credit card holder.    (b)    A person may record the address or telephone number of a credit card holder if:        (1)    The information is necessary for:            (i)    The shipping, delivery, or installation of consumer goods; or            (ii)    Special orders of consumer goods or services;        (2)    Authorization from the credit card issuer as to the availability of credit is not required by the issuer to complete the credit card transaction; or        (3)    The person processes credit card transactions by mailing transaction forms to a designated bankcard center for settlement.    (c)    A person accepting a credit card or device as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services may request that the credit card holder display a form of identification.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-318 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-318 - Use of Credit Card Information in Connection With Payment by Check

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Draft” does not include a credit or debit card sales draft.        (3)    “Drawer” means the individual who makes or signs a check or other draft.    (b)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, as a condition of accepting a check or other draft as payment for consumer credit, goods, realty, or services, a person may not request or record the account number of any credit card of the drawer of the check or other draft.    (c)    The provisions of this section do not prohibit a person from:        (1)    Requesting the drawer to display a credit card for purposes only of identification or credit worthiness;        (2)    Requesting or recording the type or issuer of a credit card of the drawer; or        (3)    Recording the number and expiration date of a credit card if the person requesting the information has agreed with the credit card issuer to cash checks as a service to the issuer’s cardholders and the issuer has agreed to guarantee payment of cardholder checks cashed by that person.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-319 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-319 - Statement That Rebate Is Only Available by Mail

    If a merchant advertises a rebate for consumer goods that is available only if a consumer mails in a rebate form, the advertisement shall clearly state that the rebate is only available by mail.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-401 - Consumer's Complaint

    (a)    A consumer who is subjected to a violation of this title may file with the Division a written complaint which states:        (1)    The name and address of the person alleged to have committed the violation complained of;        (2)    The particulars of the violation; and        (3)    Any other information required by the Division.    (b)    After the filing of a complaint, the Division shall investigate the allegations to ascertain issues and facts. If appropriate, the Division shall refer a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.    (c)    The Division may seek the cooperation of the licensing authorities and contracting departments of the State in connection with its investigation of a person who is licensed to do business in the State or who has a contractual relationship with the State.    (d)    If the Division determines that the complaint lacks reasonable grounds on which to base a violation of this subtitle, it may:        (1)    Dismiss the complaint; or        (2)    Conduct any further investigation it considers necessary.    (e)    This section does not prevent a consumer from:        (1)    Exercising any right or seeking any remedy to which he might otherwise be entitled; or        (2)    Filing a complaint with any other agency or court.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-402 - Conciliation

    (a)    (1)    If the Division determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, it shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), attempt to conciliate the matter by methods of conference and persuasion with all interested parties and any representatives which they may choose to assist them.        (2)    If the Division determines that violations are occurring which are causing immediate, substantial and irreparable injury, the Attorney General may seek an ex parte or interlocutory injunction pursuant to § 13-406, without first attempting conciliation.        (3)    The terms of any conciliation agreed to by the parties may be made part of a written assurance of discontinuance or settlement agreement to be signed by the Division and each party. The assurance or agreement is for conciliation purposes only and does not constitute an admission by any party that the law has been violated.    (b)    (1)    A written assurance of discontinuance or a settlement agreement may include a stipulation or condition for the violator or alleged violator to:            (i)    Pay the costs of investigation by the Division;            (ii)    Make restitution to the consumer of money, property, or any other thing received from the consumer in connection with a violation or alleged violation of this title;            (iii)    Pay economic damages;            (iv)    Post a performance bond or other security; and            (v)    Provide information to the Division that is appropriate to assist the public in obtaining relief or to prevent future violations.        (2)    When a violator or alleged violator agrees or is ordered to post a performance bond or other security, in determining the amount of security to be posted, the Division shall consider:            (i)    The nature of the violation;            (ii)    The amount of money, property, or any other thing received from the consumer in connection with the violation;            (iii)    Whether full restitution has been paid to the consumer; and            (iv)    The risk of future harm to consumers.        (3)    In addition to the stipulations and conditions listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Division may use any other stipulation, condition, or remedy necessary to correct a violation of this title.        (4)    A cease and desist order issued under § 13-403 of this subtitle may include any stipulation or condition listed in this subsection.    (c)    (1)    It is a violation of this title to fail to adhere to any provision contained in a written assurance of discontinuance or settlement agreement.        (2)    A failure by the Division to enforce a violation of any provision of the assurance or agreement does not constitute a waiver of any other provision or of any right of the Division.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-404 - Arbitration of Disputes

    (a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Division may enter into an agreement with a person in the State to submit a dispute arising under this title to arbitration in accordance with the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act.    (b)    (1)    The Division may administer a program of voluntary arbitration of consumer disputes, including:            (i)    The recruitment and training of volunteer arbitrators; and            (ii)    The education of the public and business community as to the benefits of arbitration.        (2)    The Division shall provide clerical help and office space for arbitration tribunals.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-405 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-405 - Subpoena Power

    (a)    In the course of any examination, investigation, or hearing conducted by him, the Attorney General may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine an individual under oath, and compel production of records, books, papers, contracts, and other documents.    (b)    Information obtained under this section is not admissible in a later criminal proceeding against the person who provides the evidence.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-406 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-406 - Injunction

    (a)    The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this title from continuing or engaging in the violation.    (b)    The Attorney General shall serve notice of the general relief sought on the alleged violator at least seven days before the action for an injunction is filed.    (c)    The court may enter any order of judgment necessary to:        (1)    Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;        (2)    Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from him by means of any prohibited practice; or        (3)    Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this title.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-407 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-407 - Aggrieved Party May Institute Other Proceedings

    If a person is aggrieved by an order or decision of the Division, he may institute any appropriate proceeding he considers necessary.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-408 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-408 - Action for Damages

    (a)    In addition to any action by the Division or Attorney General authorized by this title and any other action otherwise authorized by law, any person may bring an action to recover for injury or loss sustained by him as the result of a practice prohibited by this title.    (b)    Any person who brings an action to recover for injury or loss under this section and who is awarded damages may also seek, and the court may award, reasonable attorney’s fees.    (c)    If it appears to the satisfaction of the court, at any time, that an action is brought in bad faith or is of a frivolous nature, the court may order the offending party to pay to the other party reasonable attorney’s fees.    (d)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a person may not bring an action under this section to recover for injuries sustained as a result of the professional services provided by a health care provider, as defined in § 3-2A-01 of the Courts Article.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-409 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-409 - Recovery of Costs by Attorney General

    In any action brought by the Attorney General under the provisions of this title, the Attorney General is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-410 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-410 - Civil Penalty -- Merchants

    (a)    A merchant who engages in a violation of this title is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.    (b)    A merchant who has been found to have engaged in a violation of this title and who subsequently repeats the same violation is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 for each subsequent violation.    (c)    The fines provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of this section are civil penalties and are recoverable by the State in a civil action or an administrative cease and desist action under § 13–403(a) and (b) of this subtitle or after an administrative hearing has been held under § 13–403(d)(3) and (4) of this subtitle.    (d)    The Consumer Protection Division shall consider the following in setting the amount of the penalty imposed in an administrative proceeding:        (1)    The severity of the violation for which the penalty is assessed;        (2)    The good faith of the violator;        (3)    Any history of prior violations;        (4)    Whether the amount of the penalty will achieve the desired deterrent purpose; and        (5)    Whether the issuance of a cease and desist order, including restitution, is insufficient for the protection of consumers.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-411 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4 - Enforcement and Penalties|Section 13-411 - Criminal Penalties

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, unless another criminal penalty is specifically provided elsewhere, on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both, in addition to any civil penalties.    (b)    A person may not be imprisoned for violation of any provision of an order of the Attorney General or an agreement of a party relating to unit pricing under Title 14, Subtitle 1 of this article.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-4A-01 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4A - Health Education and Advocacy Unit|Section 13-4A-01 - Created

    There is a Health Education and Advocacy Unit in the Division.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-4A-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4A - Health Education and Advocacy Unit|Section 13-4A-02 - Duties

    (a)    The Unit may implement an educational and advocacy program designed to:        (1)    Enable health care consumers to make more informed choices in the health marketplace, and to be able to participate in decisions concerning their health care; and        (2)    Otherwise promote the interest of health consumers in the health marketplace.    (b)    (1)    (i)    The Unit may assist health care consumers in understanding their health care bills and third party coverage, in identifying improper billing or coverage determinations, and in reporting any billing or coverage problems to appropriate entities, including the Division, the Attorney General or other governmental agencies, insurers, or providers.            (ii)    Whenever the Unit requests information from an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization in order to assist a health care consumer for the purposes provided in this paragraph, the insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization shall provide the information to the Unit no later than 7 working days from the date the insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or health maintenance organization received the request.        (2)    Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns the adequacy or propriety of any services or treatment, the Unit shall refer the matter to an appropriate professional, licensing, or disciplinary body, as applicable. The Unit may monitor the progress of the concerns raised by health consumers through such referrals.        (3)    Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner, the Unit shall refer the matter to the Commissioner. The Unit may monitor the progress of the concerns raised by health consumers through such referrals.        (4)    The Unit shall work with the Maryland Department of Health to assist with resolving any billing or coverage questions as necessary.    (c)    The Unit may:        (1)    Recommend to the Attorney General, the Governor, the General Assembly, or other appropriate governmental agencies any measures that will promote the interests of health consumers in the health marketplace; and        (2)    Present for consideration relevant information on the effects on health care consumers generally in any agency proceeding which is otherwise open to the public.    (d)    Nothing in this section shall mean that the Unit may have authority to bring any civil action seeking review of a State agency determination.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-4A-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4A - Health Education and Advocacy Unit|Section 13-4A-03 - Funds for Administration and Operation of Unit

    To the extent possible, the Attorney General’s Office shall include in its annual budget funds for the administration and operation of the Unit.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-4A-04 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 4A - Health Education and Advocacy Unit|Section 13-4A-04 - Annual and Quarterly Reports

    The Unit shall prepare each annual and quarterly report required under Title 15, Subtitle 10A of the Insurance Article.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 5 - Short Title|Section 13-501 - Short Title

    This title may be cited as the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 1 - Unit Pricing|Section 14-101 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Consumer commodity” means any food, drug, cosmetic, or other article, product, or commodity of any kind or class which is:        (1)    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        (2)    Usually consumed or expended in the course of that use or performance other than by wear or deterioration from use.    (c)    “Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.    (d)    “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.    (e)    “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:        (1)    Per pound for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in pounds, ounces, or both;        (2)    Per kilogram (1000 grams) for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in kilograms, grams, or both;        (3)    Per meter (100 centimeters) for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in meters, centimeters, millimeters, or a combination of them;        (4)    Per quart for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in quarts, pints, fluid ounces, or a combination of them;        (5)    Per liter for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in liters and milliliters, or a combination of them;        (6)    Per 100 feet for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in yards, feet, inches, or a combination of them;        (7)    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        (8)    Per 100 units for an item the net quantity of which is expressed in terms of a numerical count.