reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 28 - Products Made by the Blind › Section 14-2806 - Registration and Permit Required for Sales of Products

(a)    Each person that is engaged in the State in the business of telephone solicitation or door-to-door sales of products made by the blind shall:
(1)    Register with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland; and
(2)    Obtain a permit for each person selling or soliciting the sale of products made by the blind.
(b)    A product made by the blind may not be sold in the State unless the seller holds a valid permit issued under this section.
(c)    Unless earlier revoked for good cause shown, a permit issued under this section is valid for 1 year.
(d)    The fee for each permit and each renewal of a permit shall be:
(1)    50 cents for a person that resides or has its main office in the State; and
(2)    $5.00 for a person that does not reside or have its main office in the State.
(e)    (1)    Blind Industries and Services of Maryland shall investigate, under rules and regulations that it adopts for the administration of this subtitle, each application filed under this section to ensure that the applicant actually is engaged in the manufacture or distribution of products made by the blind.
(2)    Blind Industries and Services of Maryland may register, without investigation, nonresident persons and out-of-state associations and corporations on proof that the persons, associations, or corporations are recognized and approved by the state of their residence or organization under a law of that state that imposes requirements substantially similar to those prescribed under this subtitle.
(f)    A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 28 - Products Made by the Blind › Section 14-2807 - Penalties for Violation of Subtitle

(a)    A person that violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    A fine not exceeding $100 and the costs of prosecution; or
(2)    In default of payment of the amount provided in item (1) of this subsection, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days.
(b)    Each sale of, or offer to sell, products in violation of this subtitle is a separate offense.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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).
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.”
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 34 - The Social Security Number Privacy Act › Section 14-3402 - Display of Social Security Number Prohibited

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person may not:
(1)    Publicly post or display an individual’s Social Security number;
(2)    Print an individual’s Social Security number on a card required for the individual to access products or services provided by the person;
(3)    Require an individual to transmit the individual’s Social Security number over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the individual’s Social Security number is encrypted;
(4)    Initiate the transmission of an individual’s Social Security number over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the Social Security number is encrypted;
(5)    Require an individual to use the individual’s Social Security number to access an Internet Web site, unless a password, unique personal identification number, or other authentication device is also required to access the Web site; or
(6)    Unless required by State or federal law:
(i)    Print an individual’s Social Security number on any material that is mailed to the individual;
(ii)    Include an individual’s Social Security number in any material that is electronically transmitted to the individual, unless the connection is secure or the individual’s Social Security number is encrypted; or
(iii)    Include an individual’s Social Security number in any material that is transmitted by facsimile to the individual.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    The collection, release, or use of an individual’s Social Security number as required by State or federal law;
(2)    The inclusion of an individual’s Social Security number in an application, form, or document sent by mail, electronically transmitted, or transmitted by facsimile:
(i)    As part of an application or enrollment process;
(ii)    To establish, amend, or terminate an account, contract, or policy; or
(iii)    To confirm the accuracy of the individual’s Social Security number;
(3)    The use of an individual’s Social Security number for internal verification or administrative purposes; or
(4)    An interactive computer service provider’s or a telecommunications provider’s transmission or routing of, or intermediate temporary storage or caching of, an individual’s Social Security number.
(c)    This section does not impose a duty on an interactive computer service provider or a telecommunications provider actively to monitor its service or affirmatively to seek evidence of the transmission of Social Security numbers on its service.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 35 - Maryland Personal Information Protection Act › Section 14-3502 - Protection Against Unauthorized Access or Use

(a)    In this section, “customer” means an individual residing in the State who provides personal information to a business for the purpose of purchasing or leasing a product or obtaining a service from the business.
(b)    When a business is destroying a customer’s, an employee’s, or a former employee’s records that contain personal information of the customer, employee, or former employee, the business shall take reasonable steps to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the personal information, taking into account:
(1)    The sensitivity of the records;
(2)    The nature and size of the business and its operations;
(3)    The costs and benefits of different destruction methods; and
(4)    Available technology.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 35 - Maryland Personal Information Protection Act › Section 14-3503 - Security Procedures

(a)    To protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, modification, or disclosure, a business that owns, maintains, or licenses personal information of an individual residing in the State shall implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices that are appropriate to the nature of the personal information owned, maintained, or licensed and the nature and size of the business and its operations.
(b)    (1)    A business that uses a nonaffiliated third party as a service provider to perform services for the business and discloses personal information about an individual residing in the State under a written contract with the third party shall require by contract that the third party implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices that:
(i)    Are appropriate to the nature of the personal information disclosed to the nonaffiliated third party; and
(ii)    Are reasonably designed to help protect the personal information from unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure, or destruction.
(2)    This subsection shall apply to a written contract that is entered into on or after January 1, 2009.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 35 - Maryland Personal Information Protection Act › Section 14-3506 - Notification to Credit Reporting Agencies

(a)    If a business is required under § 14–3504 of this subtitle to give notice of a breach of the security of a system to 1,000 or more individuals, the business also shall notify, without unreasonable delay, each consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis, as defined by 15 U.S.C. § 1681a(p), of the timing, distribution, and content of the notices.
(b)    This section does not require the inclusion of the names or other personal identifying information of recipients of notices of the breach of the security of a system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 35 - Maryland Personal Information Protection Act › Section 14-3507 - Compliance With Subtitle

(a)    In this section, “affiliate” means a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a business described in subsection (c)(1) or (d)(1) of this section.
(b)    A business that complies with the requirements for notification procedures, the protection or security of personal information, or the destruction of personal information under the rules, regulations, procedures, or guidelines established by the primary or functional federal or State regulator of the business shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    A business that is subject to and in compliance with § 501(b) of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801, § 216 of the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681w, the federal Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards, and the federal Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice, and any revisions, additions, or substitutions, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.
(2)    An affiliate that complies with § 501(b) of the federal Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801, § 216 of the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681w, the federal Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards, and the federal Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice, and any revisions, additions, or substitutions, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    A business that is subject to and in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.
(2)    An affiliate that is in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 35 - Maryland Personal Information Protection Act › Section 14-3508 - Violations; Penalties

A violation of this subtitle:
(1)    Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 36 - Halal Food Products › Section 14-3601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Advertisement” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.
(c)    “Disclosure statement” means the form provided by the Attorney General for the purpose of disclosing to consumers practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of any unpackaged food represented to be halal.
(d)    “Division” means the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.
(e)    (1)    “Food” or “food product” means any food, food product, or food preparation, whether:
(i)    Raw, solid, or liquid; or
(ii)    Prepared for human consumption.
(2)    “Food” or “food product” includes:
(i)    Any meat, meat product, or meat preparation; and
(ii)    Any poultry or poultry product.
(f)    “Halal” means prepared or processed in accordance with Islamic religious requirements.
(g)    “Meat” includes any meat product or meat preparation.
(h)    “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.
(i)    (1)    “Represents to the public” means any direct or indirect statement, oral or written, and any letter, word, sign, emblem, insignia, or mark which could reasonably lead a consumer to believe that a representation is being made that the final food product sold to the consumer is halal.
(2)    “Represents to the public” includes an advertisement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 36 - Halal Food Products › Section 14-3603 - Prohibited Acts

A person may not:
(1)    Willfully mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or in any other way or by any other means of identification represent, or cause to be marked, stamped, tagged, branded, labeled, or represented, as halal a food product that is not halal;
(2)    Willfully remove, deface, obliterate, cover, alter, or destroy, or cause to be removed, defaced, obliterated, covered, altered, or destroyed, the original slaughterhouse plumba or any other mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or any other means of identification affixed to food products to indicate that those food products are halal; or
(3)    Knowingly sell, dispose of, or have in the person’s possession, for the purpose of resale to another person as halal:
(i)    Any food product not having affixed to the food product the original slaughterhouse plumba or any other mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or other means of identification employed to indicate that the food product is halal; or
(ii)    Any food product to which the slaughterhouse plumba, mark, stamp, tag, brand, label, or other means of identification has been fraudulently affixed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 36 - Halal Food Products › Section 14-3604 - Violations; Penalties

A violation of this subtitle is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 37 - Online Child Safety Act › Section 14-3701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Child” means an individual under the age of 18 years.
(c)    “Computer network” means the computer network commonly known as the Internet and any other local, regional, or global computer network that is similar to or is a predecessor of or successor to the Internet.
(d)    “Internet” means the international computer network of both federal and nonfederal interoperable packet–switched data networks.
(e)    (1)    “Internet access provider” means a provider that offers directly to residential customers an interactive computer service to obtain access to the Internet in exchange for consideration, such as through a paid subscription or through an agreement to view specific advertising or other content.
(2)    “Internet access provider” does not include a library or educational institution that operates or offers an interactive computer service to obtain access to the Internet.
(f)    (1)    “Interactive computer service” 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” includes a service or system that provides access to the Internet and systems operated or services offered by a library or educational institution.
(g)    “Parental control” means a product or service to control the access of a child to the Internet.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 37 - Online Child Safety Act › Section 14-3704 - Parental Control

(a)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an Internet access provider shall make a parental control that satisfies the requirements of this section available to each subscriber in the State.
(2)    The Internet access provider may not be required to provide a parental control that is not reasonably and commercially available for the technology that the subscriber uses to obtain access to the Internet.
(b)    A parental control shall allow the subscriber, in a commercially reasonable manner, to:
(1)    Block all access to the Internet; and
(2)    (i)    Block a child’s access to Web sites by specifying prohibited Web sites or by selecting a category of sites to block;
(ii)    Restrict a child’s access exclusively to Web sites that the subscriber approves or a category of Web sites that the subscriber approves;
(iii)    Restrict a child’s access to Web sites that the parental control provider designates; or
(iv)    Monitor a child’s use of the Internet by providing a report to the subscriber indicating:
1.    Each specific Web site that the child has attempted to visit but was unable to view because the subscriber blocked or restricted access to the Web site; or
2.    Each specific Web site that the child has visited.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 37 - Online Child Safety Act › Section 14-3705 - Availability and Charge

(a)    The Internet access provider shall make available to the subscriber, at or near the time of subscription, a parental control that satisfies the requirements of § 14–3704 of this subtitle.
(b)    The Internet access provider may make the parental control available to the subscriber either directly or through a link to a third party.
(c)    The Internet access provider or third party may charge for the parental control.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 38 - Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks › Section 14-3801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Consumer” means an individual who, individually or in conjunction with another individual, is solicited for, applies for, or receives a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.
(c)    “Creditor” means a person who makes a refund anticipation loan or who takes an assignment of a refund anticipation loan.
(d)    (1)    “Facilitator” means a person who, individually or in conjunction or cooperation with another person:
(i)    Processes, receives, or accepts an application or agreement for a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check;
(ii)    Services or collects on a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check; or
(iii)    Facilitates the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.
(2)    “Facilitator” does not include:
(i)    A bank, savings and loan association, or credit union;
(ii)    An affiliate or subsidiary of a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union that, in connection with refund anticipation loans or refund anticipation checks, acts solely as a servicer for the financial institution with which it is affiliated or of which it is a subsidiary; or
(iii)    A person who acts solely as an intermediary and does not deal with the public in the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.
(e)    “Refund anticipation check” means a check, stored value card, or other payment mechanism:
(1)    That represents the proceeds of a consumer’s tax refund;
(2)    That was issued by a depository institution or other person that received a direct deposit of the consumer’s tax refund; and
(3)    For which the consumer has paid a fee or other consideration.
(f)    (1)    “Refund anticipation loan” means a loan arranged to be paid directly or indirectly from the proceeds of a consumer’s tax refund.
(2)    “Refund anticipation loan” includes a sale, assignment, or purchase of a consumer’s tax refund at a discount or for a fee, whether or not the consumer is required to repay the buyer or assignee if the Internal Revenue Service denies or reduces the consumer’s tax refund.
(g)    (1)    “Refund anticipation loan fee” means any charge, fee, or other consideration charged or imposed directly or indirectly for the making of or in connection with a refund anticipation loan.
(2)    “Refund anticipation loan fee” includes a charge, fee, or other consideration for a deposit account that is used for receipt of a consumer’s tax refund to repay the amount owed on a refund anticipation loan.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 38 - Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks › Section 14-3802 - Actions Prohibited Without Compliance With Subtitle

Unless the facilitator has complied with this subtitle, a facilitator, or an officer, agent, employee, or representative of a facilitator, individually or in conjunction or cooperation with another person, may not:
(1)    Solicit the execution of, process, receive, or accept an application or agreement for a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check; or
(2)    Facilitate the making of a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 38 - Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks › Section 14-3803 - Fee Schedules

(a)    A facilitator shall display, in a prominent place at each business location of the facilitator, a schedule of the fees charged for facilitating refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks.
(b)    A facilitator shall include on each fee schedule the following:
(1)    Examples of the annual percentage rate charged for refund anticipation loans in the amounts of:
(i)    $250;
(ii)    $500;
(iii)    $1,000; and
(iv)    $2,500;
(2)    A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in at least 14 point type, stating:
“NOTICE CONCERNING REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS”; and
(3)    The following statement:
“When you take out a refund anticipation loan, you are borrowing money against your tax refund. If your tax refund is less than expected, you will still owe the entire amount of the refund anticipation loan. If your tax refund is delayed, you may have to pay additional costs. You usually can get your tax refund in 8 to 15 days without paying any extra fees for a refund anticipation loan. You can have your tax return filed electronically and your refund direct deposited into your own bank account without obtaining a refund anticipation loan or paying fees for an extra product.”.
(c)    The fee schedule and disclosures required under subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be printed in at least 14 point type on a sign not less than 16 by 20 inches.
(d)    A facilitator may not charge any fee to a consumer for facilitating a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check that is not disclosed on or is different from the fee shown on the schedule required under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 38 - Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks › Section 14-3804 - Written Disclosures and Loan Procedures

(a)    At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation loan, the facilitator shall disclose to the consumer, on a form that is separate from the application, in 14 point type, the following:
(1)    The fee for the refund anticipation loan, including any fee for tax preparation or other fees charged to the consumer;
(2)    The annual percentage rate payable on the refund anticipation loan;
(3)    The time within which the proceeds of the refund anticipation loan will be paid to the consumer if the refund anticipation loan is approved;
(4)    A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in 18 point type, stating:
“NOTICE”; and
(5)    The statement:
“This is a loan. You are borrowing money against your tax refund. If your tax refund is less than expected, you will still owe the entire amount of the loan. If your tax refund is delayed, you may have to pay additional costs. You usually can get your tax refund in 8 to 15 days without getting a loan or paying extra fees. You can have your tax return filed electronically and your tax refund direct deposited into your bank account without obtaining a loan or other paid product.”.
(b)    The annual percentage rate for a refund anticipation loan shall be calculated using the guidelines established under the federal Truth in Lending Act.
(c)    At the time a consumer applies through a facilitator for a refund anticipation check, the facilitator shall disclose to the consumer, on a form that is separate from the application, in 14 point type, the following:
(1)    The fee for the refund anticipation check, including any fee for tax preparation or other fees charged to the consumer;
(2)    The time within which the proceeds of the refund anticipation check will be paid to the consumer;
(3)    A legend, centered and in bold capital letters in 18 point type, stating:
“NOTICE”; and
(4)    The statement:
“You are paying (amount of refund anticipation check fee) to get your tax refund check through (name of issuer of the refund anticipation check). You can avoid this fee and still receive your tax refund in the same amount of time by having your tax refund direct deposited into your bank account. You also can wait for the Internal Revenue Service to mail you a tax refund check.”.
(d)    Before completing a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check transaction, a facilitator shall provide to a consumer, in a form that can be retained by the consumer, the following:
(1)    The disclosures required by this section;
(2)    A copy of the completed refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check application and agreement; and
(3)    For a refund anticipation loan, the disclosures required by the federal Truth in Lending Act.
(e)    The disclosures required by this section shall be provided in English and in the language primarily used for oral communication between the facilitator and the consumer.