reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 13-102 - Declaration of Findings and Purpose

    (a)    (1)    The General Assembly of Maryland finds that consumer protection is one of the major issues which confront all levels of government, and that there has been mounting concern over the increase of deceptive practices in connection with sales of merchandise, real property, and services and the extension of credit.        (2)    The General Assembly recognizes that there are federal and State laws which offer protection in these areas, especially insofar as consumer credit practices are concerned, but it finds that existing laws are inadequate, poorly coordinated and not widely known or adequately enforced.        (3)    The General Assembly of Maryland also finds, as a result of public hearings in some of the metropolitan counties during the 1973 interim, that improved enforcement procedures are necessary to help alleviate the growing problem of deceptive consumer practices and urges that favorable consideration be given to requests for increased budget allocation for increases in staff and other measures tending to improve the enforcement capabilities or increase the authority of the Division.    (b)    (1)    It is the intention of this legislation to set certain minimum statewide standards for the protection of consumers across the State, and the General Assembly strongly urges that local subdivisions which have created consumer protection agencies at the local level encourage the function of these agencies at least to the minimum level set forth in the standards of this title.        (2)    The General Assembly is concerned that public confidence in merchants offering goods, services, realty, and credit is being undermined, although the majority of business people operate with integrity and sincere regard for the consumer.        (3)    The General Assembly concludes, therefore, that it should take strong protective and preventive steps to investigate unlawful consumer practices, to assist the public in obtaining relief from these practices, and to prevent these practices from occurring in Maryland. It is the purpose of this title to accomplish these ends and thereby maintain the health and welfare of the citizens of the State.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 13-103 - Legislative Intent; Local Provisions; Enforcement

    (a)    This title is intended to provide minimum standards for the protection of consumers in the State.    (b)    A county, Baltimore City, municipality, or agency of either may adopt, within the scope of its authority, more stringent provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this title.    (c)    The provisions of this title shall be enforced by each agency of the State within the scope of its authority.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 13-104 - Exemptions

    This title does not apply to:         (1)    The professional services of a certified public accountant, architect, clergyman, professional engineer, lawyer, veterinarian, insurance company authorized to do business in the State, insurance producer licensed by the State, Christian Science practitioner, land surveyor, property line surveyor, chiropractor, optometrist, physical therapist, podiatrist, real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson, or medical or dental practitioner;        (2)    A public service company, to the extent that the company’s services and operations are regulated by the Public Service Commission; or        (3)    A television or radio broadcasting station or a publisher or printer of a newspaper, magazine, or other form of printed advertising who broadcasts, publishes, or prints an advertisement which violates this title, unless the station, publisher, or printer engages in an unfair or deceptive trade practice in the sale of its own goods or services or has knowledge that the advertising is in violation of this title.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 13-105 - Construction

    This title shall be construed and applied liberally to promote its purpose. It is the intent of the General Assembly that in construing the term “unfair or deceptive trade practices”, due consideration and weight be given to the interpretations of § 5 (a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act by the Federal Trade Commission and the federal courts.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 2 - Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council|Section 13-201 - Division of Consumer Protection Established

    (a)    There is a Division of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General.    (b)    The Division shall administer this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 2 - Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council|Section 13-202 - Consumer Council Established

    (a)    There is a Consumer Council in the Division. The Council shall advise the Division on general goals for the development of programs, undertake studies and issue reports, and foster cooperation among federal, State, and local agencies and private groups.    (b)    (1)    The Council consists of:            (i)    The Division Chief; and            (ii)    Nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.        (2)    The members appointed by the Governor shall be divided into three categories, as follows:            (i)    Three members to represent consumer groups or interests;            (ii)    Three members to represent business groups or interests; and            (iii)    Three members to represent the public sector.        (3)    The term of membership is six years, except that, of the original appointees, one of each category shall serve a six-year term, one of each category shall serve a four-year term, and one of each category shall serve a two-year term. A member serves until his successor is appointed and qualified. An appointment to a vacancy in an unexpired term is limited to the remainder of that term. The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for all expenses reasonably incurred. The Council shall elect annually a chairman from among its members and appoint a secretary.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 2 - Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council|Section 13-203 - Powers and Duties of Attorney General Generally

    In addition to any other of his powers and duties, the Attorney General:         (1)    May recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly legislation to protect the public from fraudulent promoters and the schemes they propose;        (2)    Shall appoint an assistant, whose salary shall be as provided in the budget, to perform the duties of assistant Attorney General in charge of consumer protection;        (3)    Shall employ the investigators and clerical staff which he considers necessary to carry out the purpose of this subtitle; and        (4)    May use the funds and employ the media which he considers necessary to:            (i)    Fully acquaint the public and business community with the provisions of this title;            (ii)    Educate the public as to nefarious schemes which might be foisted on the public;            (iii)    Generally study consumer problems from the standpoint of value received by the consumer; and            (iv)    Report periodically to the public.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 2 - Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council|Section 13-205 - Powers and Duties of Division -- Rule-Making Power

    (a)    (1)    After obtaining the advice of the Consumer Council and holding a public hearing, the Division may adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and standards appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle, including rules, regulations, or standards which further define specific unfair or deceptive trade practices.        (2)    These rules, regulations, and standards may not modify, expand or conflict with the definitions or standards set forth in this title.    (b)    In addition to any publication of notice required to be made in the Maryland Register by the State Documents Law, a notice of the hearing shall be published in two daily newspapers at least 15 days before the hearing.    (c)    If the Division adopts a rule, regulation, or standard, it shall issue a concise statement of:        (1)    The reasons for adoption; and        (2)    Any reasons against adoption which were rejected by the Division.    (d)    (1)    Any bona fide consumer group or trade association, the members of which are directly affected by a rule, regulation, or standard, has standing to challenge it in the name of the group or the association, even though the group or association may not be directly affected by the rule, regulation, or standard.        (2)    A challenge to a rule, regulation, or standard shall be made in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.    (e)    Copies of each rule, regulation, and standard shall be filed in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and the State Documents Law and shall be made available to the public.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 2 - Division of Consumer Protection; Consumer Council|Section 13-206 - Legal Assistance Organizations

    (a)    As used in this section, “legal assistance organization” means a firm, group, corporation, or other entity which recommends, furnishes, arranges, or pays for legal services for its own members or beneficiaries, whether or not for profit.    (b)    A legal assistance organization may not sell or offer its services for sale in Maryland except in accordance with this section.    (c)    A legal assistance organization annually shall file a report with the Division of its activities and its financial condition.    (d)    A legal assistance organization which sells or offers its legal services in the State is subject to the powers and duties of the Division within this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-302 - Deception or Damage Unnecessary

    Any practice prohibited by this title is a violation of this title, whether or not any consumer in fact has been misled, deceived, or damaged as a result of that practice.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-303 - Practices Generally Prohibited

    A person may not engage in any unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice, as defined in this subtitle or as further defined by the Division, in:        (1)    The sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of any consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services;        (2)    The offer for sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services;        (3)    The offer for sale of course credit or other educational services;        (4)    The extension of consumer credit;        (5)    The collection of consumer debts; or        (6)    The purchase or offer for purchase of consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer by a merchant whose business includes paying off consumer debt in connection with the purchase of any consumer goods or consumer realty from a consumer.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-304 - Referral Sales

    A seller may not use any general referral sales technique, plan, arrangement, or agreement by which a buyer is induced to purchase merchandise, real property, or intangibles on the representation or promise of the seller that if the buyer furnishes to the seller the names of other prospective buyers of like or identical merchandise, real property, or intangibles, he will receive a reduction in purchase price by means of a cash rebate, commission, or credit toward balance due or any other consideration.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-306 - Certificate When Gift or Other Inducement Not Available to Customer

    (a)    If a gift or other inducement offered to a customer in exchange for business is not available at the time the customer complies with the conditions attached to the offer, the offeror shall:        (1)    Give the customer a certificate which states in unequivocal language that:            (i)    The customer has complied with the conditions which entitle him to receive the gift or other inducement; and            (ii)    The offeror will give the customer an identical or substantially similar item of equal value on presentment of the certificate; and        (2)    Fully comply with the terms of the certificate.    (b)    The certificate may designate a period of not less than 90 days after the date the customer receives the certificate within which the certificate must be presented for redemption.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-307 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-307 - Repair Company to Furnish Written Bill for Cost

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.        (2)    (i)    “Home appliance” means any device the retail cost of which exceeds $100 and which is generally used in a private residence;            (ii)    “Home appliance” includes an air conditioner, washing machine, dishwasher, television set, stereo set, oil burner, and any similar item.        (3)    “Repair company” means any person who repairs home appliances for a fee or consideration.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a repair company shall furnish a written bill for the cost of repairing a home appliance to the person for whom the repair was made. The bill shall include the following information:        (1)    The hourly labor rate;        (2)    The time actually used to repair the home appliance;        (3)    The itemized cost of any new parts used to repair the home appliance;        (4)    The itemized cost of any used or reconditioned parts used to repair the home appliance and a statement that used or reconditioned parts were used; and        (5)    Any other charges.    (c)    This section does not apply if:        (1)    The repair work is done under a service contract; or        (2)    A flat price or firm estimate is given before repair of the home appliance.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-308 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-308 - Electrical Consumer Products

    (a)    A person may not sell or distribute an electrical consumer product which is intended ultimately for the personal use of a consumer in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, unless the product is clearly labeled, marked, or stamped with the symbol of an electrical testing laboratory which is certified by the State Fire Marshal to test products to determine that they are safe for use.    (b)    (1)    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.        (2)    The fire department of Baltimore City shall report to the Division any violation of this section which it finds.    (c)    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 $5,000.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-309 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-309 - Electrical Extension Cords

    (a)    An electrical extension cord which conducts electrical current in commercial or household use shall be labeled to designate the maximum number of amperes it may safely conduct.    (b)    Any manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer who sells or causes to be sold an electrical extension cord without a label as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for each sale.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-310 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-310 - Reserved Seat Tickets

    (a)    This section does not apply to nonprofit organizations.    (b)    A person who sells reserved seat tickets for an athletic, recreational, cultural, or entertainment event shall display prominently at the ticket-sale location a seating plan which clearly shows the location of every reserved seat and every physical obstruction to the viewing of the event.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-310.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-310.1 - Sale of Speculative Tickets

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    (i)    “Resale” means the second or subsequent sale of a ticket.            (ii)    “Resale” includes a sale by any means, including in person, by telephone, by mail, by e–mail, by facsimile, or through a website or other electronic means.        (3)    “Reseller” means a person who offers a ticket for resale.        (4)    (i)    “Speculative ticket” means a ticket that is not in the actual or constructive possession of a reseller at the time of sale.            (ii)    “Speculative ticket” includes a ticket sold by a reseller that, at the time of resale:                1.    Is not in the physical possession of the reseller;                2.    Is not owned by the reseller; or                3.    Is not under contract to be transferred to the reseller.        (5)    “Ticket” means physical, electronic, or other evidence, that grants the possessor of the evidence permission to enter a place of entertainment for one or more events at a specified date and time.    (b)    A reseller may not sell or offer to sell speculative tickets unless the reseller, clearly and conspicuously, discloses to a prospective purchaser at the outset of the sales transaction:        (1)    That the tickets are speculative tickets, and the reseller is not in possession of the tickets;        (2)    That the reseller is making an offer to procure the tickets for the prospective purchaser;        (3)    An approximate date on which the tickets will be delivered to the purchaser;        (4)    The name or a description of the event for which the tickets will permit entry;        (5)    The total number of tickets included in the transaction;        (6)    The number of tickets for seats that are together;        (7)    The zone or section number of the tickets, to the extent applicable to the venue; and        (8)    For reserved seat tickets:            (i)    The seat numbers of the tickets; or            (ii)    If applicable, that the reseller cannot guarantee the specific seats because the tickets are speculative tickets.    (c)    (1)    A reseller shall refund to a purchaser any consideration or deposit paid for tickets sold under this section if the reseller fails to obtain the tickets:            (i)    Within 24 hours after the approximate date of delivery specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section, but before the commencement of the event for which the tickets were sold; or            (ii)    In conformity with the disclosures required under this section.        (2)    A reseller shall make a refund required under this subsection not later than 10 days after the final day of the event for which the tickets were sold.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-311 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-311 - Service Contract Not Prerequisite to Sale of Merchandise

    A seller may not require as a condition of sale of any merchandise that the purchaser of the merchandise enter into a contract for the service of that merchandise.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-312 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-312 - Certification in Subpoena in Compliance With 1-304 of the Financial Institutions Article

    Any subpoena served on an entity which issues a credit card to a person in this State for information relating to the person’s account shall contain a certification that complies with § 1-304 of the Financial Institutions Article.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-313 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 3 - Unfair, Abusive, or Deceptive Trade Practices|Section 13-313 - Fire Resistant Insulating Material

    (a)    A person may not sell or distribute cellulose or foam insulating material which is intended ultimately for the installation in a permanent or temporary household or residence, unless the insulating material meets minimum standards of fire retardancy established by the State Fire Prevention Commission or the federal government.    (b)    The standards of fire retardancy shall be based on the results of tests conducted by a recognized fire testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal.    (c)    A person who sells or distributes cellulose or foam insulating material shall file with the State Fire Marshal a statement, on a form prescribed by the State Fire Marshal, for each brand and type of insulating material sold or distributed by the person, that the brand or type meets the fire retardancy standards established by the State Fire Prevention Commission or the federal government.    (d)    (1)    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.        (2)    The fire department of Baltimore City shall report to the Division of Consumer Protection any violation of this section which it finds.    (e)    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 $5,000.