reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-2901 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 29 - False Advertising and Related Crimes|Section 14-2901 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Advertise” means:        (1)    To publish, circulate, disseminate, or place before the public in any way or through any medium for the purpose of selling merchandise; and        (2)    Advertising by:            (i)    Exterior or interior signs, including neon or other electrical signs;            (ii)    Radio, telephone, or television; and            (iii)    Newspaper, magazine, book, notice, or any other method or material.    (c)    “Person” includes an association, firm, partnership, corporation, or an agent or employee of any of these entities.    (d)    “Property”, as used in § 14-2902(a) through (c) of this subtitle, includes:        (1)    Merchandise;        (2)    Real estate;        (3)    Securities;        (4)    Employment;        (5)    A loan made at interest;        (6)    Any contract relating to real estate, securities, service, employment, or the making of loans at interest; or        (7)    Anything else of value.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-2902 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 29 - False Advertising and Related Crimes|Section 14-2902 - False and Fraudulent Advertising

    (a)    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.    (b)    A person may not offer for sale repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand property, knowing the property to be repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand, unless:        (1)    The property is identified clearly as repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand; or        (2)    The circumstances of the sale make it clear to a reasonable purchaser that the property is repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand.    (c)    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.    (d)    (1)    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:            (i)    The voyage or the ticket that entitles or purports to entitle its owner, purchaser, or holder to the voyage;            (ii)    The vessel for which the voyage is sold or offered;            (iii)    The line that the vessel is part of; or            (iv)    If applicable, that the person is an agent for the line or vessel.        (2)    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.    (e)    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.    (f)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-2903 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 29 - False Advertising and Related Crimes|Section 14-2903 - Bait and Switch

    (a)    A person may not advertise for sale merchandise, commodities, or service through an advertisement describing the merchandise, commodities, or service:        (1)    As part of a plan or scheme with the intent not to sell the merchandise, commodity, or service at the advertised price; or        (2)    With the intent not to sell the merchandise, commodity, or service.    (b)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3001 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 30 - Commercial Electronic Mail|Section 14-3001 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    “Commercial electronic mail” means electronic mail that advertises real property, goods, or services for sale or lease.        (2)    “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.    (c)    (1)    “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.        (2)    “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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3002 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 30 - Commercial Electronic Mail|Section 14-3002 - Unauthorized, False, or Misleading Information Through Electronic Mail

    (a)    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.    (b)    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:        (1)    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        (2)    (i)    Uses a third party’s Internet domain name or electronic mail address without the permission of the third party;            (ii)    Contains false or misleading information about the origin or the transmission path of the commercial electronic mail; or            (iii)    Contains false or misleading information in the subject line that has the capacity, tendency, or effect of deceiving the recipient.    (c)    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.    (d)    An interactive computer service provider:        (1)    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        (2)    May not be held liable for an action under item (1) of this subsection that is voluntarily taken in good faith.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3003 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 30 - Commercial Electronic Mail|Section 14-3003 - Penalty

    A person who violates this subtitle is liable for reasonable attorney’s fees and for damages:         (1)    To the recipient of commercial electronic mail, in an amount equal to the greater of $500 or the recipient’s actual damages;        (2)    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        (3)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3101 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Carrier’s lien” means a lien established under § 7-307 of this article.    (c)    “Consumer” has the meaning stated in § 13-101 of this article.    (d)    “Household goods” means goods used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.    (e)    “Household goods mover” means a person who provides household goods moving services.    (f)    (1)    “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.        (2)    “Household goods moving services” does not include moving household goods for disposal or destruction.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3102 - Enforcement of Carrier's Lien in Intrastate Move Prohibited

    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3103 - Estimates and Charges

    (a)    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:        (1)    Are provided before or during an intrastate move; and        (2)    Are necessary because of circumstances that:            (i)    Are beyond the control of the household goods mover; and            (ii)    Could not have been reasonably anticipated by the household goods mover.    (b)    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.    (c)    The written estimate shall:        (1)    Separately identify each household goods moving service that the household goods mover will provide and the price of each service;        (2)    Separately identify each fee that the consumer will or may be required to pay;        (3)    State the estimated total price;        (4)    State the time and method of payment for the household goods moving services; and        (5)    Indicate clearly whether the estimate is binding on the consumer and household goods mover.    (d)    (1)    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.        (2)    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.    (e)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3104 - Written Receipt After Completion of Intrastate Move

    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:        (1)    The household goods mover’s legal name; and        (2)    The address and telephone number of:            (i)    The household goods mover’s resident agent in the State; or            (ii)    If the household goods mover does not have a resident agent in the State, the household goods mover’s principal place of business.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3105 - Violations; Penalties

    (a)    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.    (b)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3106 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 31 - Maryland Household Goods Movers Act|Section 14-3106 - Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Household Goods Movers Act.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 32 - Maryland Telephone Consumer Protection Act|Section 14-3201 - Violations of Certain Federal Laws and Regulations Prohibited

    A person may not violate:         (1)    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        (2)    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).
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 32 - Maryland Telephone Consumer Protection Act|Section 14-3202 - Violations; Remedies

    (a)    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.    (b)    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:        (1)    Reasonable attorney’s fees; and        (2)    Damages in the amount of the greater of:            (i)    $500 for each violation; or            (ii)    Actual damages sustained as a result of the violation.    (c)    For purposes of this section, each prohibited telephone solicitation and each prohibited practice during a telephone solicitation is a separate violation.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3301 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “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.    (c)    “Immigration consultant” means a person that provides nonlegal advice, guidance, information, or services to a client on an immigration matter for a fee.    (d)    “Immigration matter” means any legal proceeding, filing, or action that:        (1)    Affects the immigration status of a noncitizen; and        (2)    Arises under:            (i)    Any immigration and naturalization law, executive order, or presidential proclamation of the United States or any foreign country; or            (ii)    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.    (e)    (1)    “Legal services” means the legal representation of an individual.        (2)    “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.    (f)    “Secretarial services” means:        (1)    Writing, typing, or copying information as provided by an individual; or        (2)    Translating documents into English for an individual.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3302 - Applicability of Subtitle

    This subtitle does not apply to:         (1)    An attorney licensed to practice law in the State;        (2)    An individual authorized to represent individuals in immigration matters under 8 C.F.R. § 292.1;        (3)    A nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § 292.2;        (4)    A representative of a nonprofit organization that has been recognized under 8 C.F.R. § 292.2; or        (5)    A clinic affiliated with a law school in the State.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3303 - Prohibited Activities of Immigration Consultant

    An immigration consultant may not:         (1)    Provide legal advice or legal services concerning an immigration matter;        (2)    Make a misrepresentation or false statement to influence, persuade, or encourage a client to use services provided by the immigration consultant;        (3)    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;        (4)    Collect any fees or other compensation for services not yet performed;        (5)    Refuse to return documents supplied by, prepared by, or paid for by a client, at the client’s request; or        (6)    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.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3304 - Contract

    (a)    Before providing any assistance, an immigration consultant shall execute a written contract with the client that includes:        (1)    A detailed explanation of the services to be performed;        (2)    An itemization of all fees to be charged to the client;        (3)    A statement that the client has the right to consult an attorney before signing the contract;        (4)    A statement that the client has the right to rescind the contract within 72 hours of signing;        (5)    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        (6)    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.    (b)    The written contract shall be in English and in each language in which the immigration consultant provides services.    (c)    The immigration consultant shall provide a copy of the contract to the client on execution.    (d)    The immigration consultant shall return any documents provided by the client at the client’s request, even in the event of a fee dispute.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3305 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3305 - Required Posting

    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.”
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 33 - Maryland Immigration Consultant Act|Section 14-3306 - Remedies for Violations of Subtitle

    (a)    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.    (b)    An individual injured by a violation of any provision of this subtitle may bring an action to recover:        (1)    Any fees or other compensation paid to the immigration consultant; and        (2)    Reasonable attorney’s fees in an amount equal to the greater of:            (i)    $2,000;            (ii)    One-third of the amount obtained under item (1) of this subsection; or            (iii)    One-third of the amount obtained under subsection (c) of this section, if applicable.    (c)    The court may award up to three times the amount of damages authorized under subsection (b)(1) of this section.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  14-3401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions|Subtitle 34 - The Social Security Number Privacy Act|Section 14-3401 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “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.    (c)    (1)    “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.        (2)    “Person” does not include a unit of State or local government.    (d)    “Publicly post or display” means to intentionally communicate or otherwise make available to the general public.