reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Employee” includes an employee whether he is a resident or nonresident of the State.
(c)    “Wages” means all monetary remuneration paid to any employee for his employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-601.1 - Exemption From Attachment

(a)    In this section, “disposable wages” means the part of wages that remain after deduction of any amount required to be withheld by law.
(b)    The following are exempt from attachment:
(1)    The greater of:
(i)    75 percent of the disposable wages due; or
(ii)    30 times the State minimum hourly wage in effect at the time the wages are due, multiplied by the number of weeks during which the wages due were earned; and
(2)    Any medical insurance payment deducted from an employee’s wages by the employer.
(c)    The amount subject to attachment shall be calculated per pay period.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-602 - Continuing Lien; Application and Waiver of Limitations in 15-601.1

(a)    When an attachment is levied against the wages of a judgment debtor, it shall constitute a lien on all attachable wages that are payable at the time the attachment is served or which become payable until the judgment, interest, and costs, as specified in the attachment, are satisfied.
(b)    Any waiver of the limitations contained in § 15-601.1(b)(1) and (2) of this subtitle is void.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-603 - Duties of Employer

(a)    While the attachment remains a lien, the employer/garnishee shall withhold all attachable wages payable to the judgment debtor and remit the amount withheld to the judgment creditor or his legal representative within 15 days after the close of the last pay period in each month.
(b)    If the employer/garnishee is served with more than one attachment against the same judgment debtor, then the attachments shall be satisfied in the order in which they were served, and each prior attachment must be satisfied before any effect can be given to a subsequent attachment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-604 - Resignation or Dismissal of Employee

If a judgment debtor resigns or is dismissed from his employment while an attachment upon his wages is wholly or partly unsatisfied, the attachment shall lapse and no further deduction may be made unless the judgment debtor is reinstated or reemployed within 90 days of the resignation or dismissal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-605 - Duties of Judgment Creditor

(a)    Within 15 days after the end of each month, the judgment creditor shall furnish the employer/garnishee and the judgment debtor a written statement showing all payments that were credited to the account of the judgment debtor during that month. However, this subsection shall not apply if no payments were received by the judgment creditor during that month.
(b)    The judgment creditor shall within 15 days after the satisfaction of the judgment, interest, and costs notify in writing the employer/garnishee and the clerk of the court of the satisfaction.
(c)    All payments received by a judgment creditor shall be credited first against the accrued interest on the unpaid balance of the judgment, if any, second upon the principal amount of the judgment, and third upon those attorney’s fees and costs actually assessed in the cause.
(d)    If the judgment creditor fails to comply with the obligations imposed by this section, then the court may set aside the attachment and order the judgment creditor to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of the party seeking to set aside the attachment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-606 - Discharge of Employee Because of Attachment Prohibited in Certain Cases

(a)    An employer may not discharge his employee because the employee’s wages are subjected to attachment for any one indebtedness within a calendar year.
(b)    Any employer who willfully violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Attachment of Wages › Section 15-607 - Wages Due From State or Political Subdivisions; Additional Charge

(a)    Wages, due from or payable by the State, or a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision, and the public officers of the State or a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision to an individual, are subject to attachment process brought for the enforcement of the private legal obligations of the individual in the same manner and to the same extent as if the State, county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision, and their respective public officers, were a private person.
(b)    The State, or a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision, and their respective public officers, may deduct and retain from the individual’s wages an additional $2 for each deduction made under the attachment process of this subtitle or under Title 31, U.S.C. § 3720D.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Offsets › Section 15-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Consumer debt” means any debt arising from a transaction for consumer goods as defined in § 9-109 of this article.
(c)    “Offset” means the seizure by a bank of personal property, belonging to a customer, in the bank’s possession or under its control on deposit to settle delinquent debts.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Offsets › Section 15-702 - Offsets Against Consumer Debts Prohibited

For the purposes of this article, a bank or financial institution may not offset any property in its possession or money from a customer’s savings or checking account for the settlement of a delinquent consumer debt unless:
(1)    The offset is authorized in writing by the customer; or
(2)    A court order is obtained to permit the offset.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Dishonored Checks and Other Instruments -- Collection › Section 15-801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Check” has the meaning provided in § 3-104(f) of this article.
(c)    “Dishonor” has the meaning provided in § 3-502 of this article.
(d)    “Drawer” has the meaning provided in § 3-103(a)(3) of this article.
(e)    “Holder” has the meaning provided in § 1-201(20) of this article.
(f)    “Holder in due course” has the meaning provided in § 3-302 of this article.
(g)    “Instrument” has the meaning provided in § 3-104(b) of this article.
(h)    “Issue” has the meaning provided in § 3-105 of this article.
(i)    “Maker” has the meaning provided in § 3-103(a)(5) of this article.
(j)    “Negotiation” has the meaning provided in § 3-201 of this article.
(k)    “Notice of dishonor” has the meaning provided in § 3-503 of this article.
(l)    “Stop payment order” has the meaning provided in § 4-403 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Dishonored Checks and Other Instruments -- Collection › Section 15-802 - Dishonored Checks or Other Instruments

(a)    When a check or other instrument has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment and has not been paid within 10 days, the holder to whom the check or other instrument was issued or negotiated may send a notice of dishonor to the maker or drawer as provided under this section.
(b)    If a check or other instrument has not been paid within 30 days after the holder has sent a notice of dishonor to the maker or drawer, the maker or drawer of a check or other instrument that has been dishonored shall be liable for:
(1)    The amount of the check or instrument;
(2)    A collection fee of up to $35; and
(3)    An amount up to 2 times the amount of the check, but not more than $1,000.
(c)    (1)    (i)    The holder of a check or other instrument that has been dishonored may seek the damages provided under this section in the District Court of Maryland 30 days after a notice of dishonor has been sent by mail to the last known address of the maker or drawer.
(ii)    For each notice sent by the holder under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the holder shall:
1.    Obtain a certificate of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service; or
2.    Execute an affidavit that attests to the mailing of the notice in compliance with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(2)    A notice of dishonor sent by a holder under this section to a maker or drawer of a dishonored check or other instrument shall substantially comply with the form prescribed in § 15-803 of this subtitle.
(d)    A holder may not recover any damages under subsection (b)(3) of this section if:
(1)    The holder has demanded of, and received from, the maker or drawer:
(i)    Collection costs in excess of the collection fee provided under subsection (b)(2) of this section; or
(ii)    Collection costs within 30 days after the mailing of the notice of dishonor, under subsection (c) of this section; or
(2)    The dishonored check or other instrument provides for the payment of collection costs in the event of dishonor.
(e)    (1)    It shall be a complete defense to any action brought under this section by any holder of a dishonored check or other instrument that, within 30 days from the mailing of the notice of dishonor, the maker or drawer has paid to the holder the full amount of the check or other instrument and collection costs of not more than $35.
(2)    It shall be a complete defense to any action brought under this section by a holder to whom a dishonored check or other instrument was issued that the dishonor of the check or other instrument was due to a justifiable stop payment order or to the attachment of the account.
(3)    In any action brought under this section by a holder or holder in due course to whom a dishonored check or other instrument was negotiated, the action is subject to all valid defenses that may be raised by the maker or drawer against the holder or holder in due course under Title 3 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 15 - Debt Collection -- Special Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Dishonored Checks and Other Instruments -- Collection › Section 15-804 - Applicability and Construction of Subtitle

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, §§ 15-802 and 15-803 of this subtitle do not apply to any check:
(1)    Tendered by a maker or drawer in complete or partial satisfaction of a preexisting credit or loan obligation incurred by the maker or drawer under Title 12 of this article; or
(2)    That is not a bad check as described under § 8-103 of the Criminal Law Article.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, §§ 15-802 and 15-803 of this subtitle shall be construed to grant any holder to whom the check or other instrument was issued or negotiated a right of recourse which is alternative to any other right of recourse granted to that holder under Title 3 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 16-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “County” includes Baltimore City.
(c)    “Owner” includes a person lawfully in possession.
(d)    “Person” includes the State, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, or any of their units, or 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.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Aircraft” includes any part of an aircraft.
(c)    “Boat” includes any part of a boat.
(d)    “Clerk of the court” means the clerk of the circuit court of a county.
(e)    “Mobile home” has the meaning stated in § 8A–101(c) of the Real Property Article.
(f)    (1)    “Motor vehicle” has the meaning stated in Title 11 of the Transportation Article.
(2)    “Motor vehicle” includes any part of a motor vehicle.
(g)    “Park owner” has the meaning stated in § 8A–101(f) of the Real Property Article.
(h)    “Property” means any aircraft, boat, mobile home, or motor vehicle.
(i)    “Resident” has the meaning stated in § 8A–101(j) of the Real Property Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-202 - Creation of Lien

(a)    (1)    Any person who, with the consent of the owner, has custody of an aircraft and who, at the request of the owner, provides a service to or materials for the aircraft, has a lien on the aircraft for any charge incurred for any:
(i)    Inspection, maintenance, repair, servicing, or rebuilding;
(ii)    Storage, parking, handling, or tiedown; or
(iii)    Parts, accessories, materials, or supplies.
(2)    The operator of any airport on which an aircraft lands or which is otherwise used by an aircraft has a lien on the aircraft for any landing fee, flight fee, or other charge so incurred.
(3)    A lien is created under this subsection when any charges giving rise to the lien are incurred.
(b)    (1)    Any person who, with the consent of the owner, has custody of a boat and who, at the request of the owner, provides a service to or materials for the boat, has a lien on the boat for any charge incurred for any:
(i)    Repair, rebuilding, maintenance, servicing, or wet or dry wharfage;
(ii)    Storage; or
(iii)    Parts or accessories.
(2)    A lien is created under this subsection when any charges giving rise to the lien are incurred.
(c)    (1)    Any person who, with the consent of the owner, has custody of a motor vehicle and who, at the request of the owner, provides a service to or materials for the motor vehicle, has a lien on the motor vehicle for any charge incurred for any:
(i)    Repair or rebuilding;
(ii)    Storage; or
(iii)    Tires or other parts or accessories.
(2)    A lien is created under this subsection when any charges set out under paragraph (1) of this subsection giving rise to the lien are incurred.
(d)    (1)    A park owner has a lien against a resident’s mobile home, if the park owner obtains a judgment against the resident under Title 8A, Subtitle 17 of the Real Property Article, and the resident fails to yield and render possession of the premises as ordered by the court.
(2)    A lien under this subtitle shall be:
(i)    Stayed if the resident files an appeal in accordance with Title 8A, Subtitle 17 of the Real Property Article; and
(ii)    Extinguished if the resident redeems the premises in accordance with Title 8A, Subtitle 17 of the Real Property Article.
(3)    A lien is created under this subsection when the resident fails to yield and render possession of the premises as ordered by the court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-203 - Retention of Possession by Lienor; Notice of Lien

(a)    The lienor may retain possession of the property subject to the lien until:
(1)    The charges which give rise to the lien are paid; or
(2)    The lien is otherwise discharged in accordance with this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, within 30 days after the creation of a lien under this subtitle, including a lien created under § 16-207(c) of this subtitle, the lienor shall send notice of the lien by registered or certified mail to all holders of perfected security interests in the property who:
1.    Are known to the lienor; or
2.    Can be identified through a search of the public records where filings are made to perfect security interests in the property.
(ii)    For a lien created under § 16-202(b) of this subtitle, the lienor shall send the notice required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph within 45 days after the creation of the lien.
(2)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sent to the address shown on the document that creates or otherwise gives notice of the perfected security interest.
(ii)    For a lien created under this subtitle in a motor vehicle registered in this State, the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be sent to the addresses of all holders of perfected security interests in the motor vehicle that are listed in the certified records issued to the lienor by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
(3)    The lienor shall send the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection prior to publishing and sending the notice required under § 16-207(b) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-204 - Effect of Surrender of Possession

Surrender or delivery of the property subject to the lien discharges that lien against a third person who is without notice of the lien, but does not discharge the lien against the owner or against a third party who has notice of the lien.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-205 - Subordination of Lien

(a)    An aircraft lien is subordinate only to the rights of the holder of any of the following instruments relating to the aircraft, executed and recorded with the Federal Aviation Administration before the time the lien becomes effective:
(1)    Bill of sale;
(2)    Contract of conditional sale;
(3)    Conveyance; or
(4)    Mortgage or assignment of mortgage.
(b)    A motor vehicle lien is subordinate only to a security interest perfected as required by law, except in the case of a motor vehicle sold under § 16-207 of this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    In this subsection, “preferred ship mortgage” means a preferred mortgage as defined in 46 U.S.C. § 31322 on a vessel of the United States that is filed in accordance with 46 U.S.C. §§ 31321 through 31330.
(2)    (i)    A boat lien is subordinate to a preferred ship mortgage that is filed with the Secretary of Transportation before the boat is sold under § 16-207 of this subtitle.
(ii)    Except in the case of a boat sold under § 16-207 of this subtitle, a boat lien is subordinate to a security interest perfected as required by law.
(d)    A mobile home lien is subordinate only to a security interest perfected as required by law, except in the case of a mobile home sold under § 16-207 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-206 - Proceedings if Charge Disputed

(a)    (1)    If the owner of property subject to a lien disputes any part of the charge for which the lien is claimed, he may institute appropriate judicial proceedings.
(2)    Institution of the proceedings stays execution under the lien until a final judicial determination of the dispute.
(b)    (1)    If the owner of property subject to a lien disputes any part of the charge for which the lien is claimed, he immediately may repossess his property by filing a corporate bond for double the amount of the charge claimed.
(2)    The bond shall be filed with and is subject to the approval of the clerk of the court of the county where the services or materials for which the lien is claimed were provided.
(3)    The bond shall be conditioned on:
(i)    Full payment of the final judgment of the claim, together with interest;
(ii)    All costs incident to the bringing of suit; and
(iii)    All cost and expenses which result from the enforcement of the lien and are incurred before the lienor was notified that the bond was filed.
(4)    Filing of the bond stays execution under the lien until final judicial determination of the dispute.
(5)    If service of process by a lienor on the owner is returned non est after filing of a bond, service may be made by publication as in the case of a suit against a nonresident.
(6)    If suit is not instituted by the lienor within six months after the bond is filed, the bond is discharged.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-208 - Replevy of Property by Owner

(a)    If the owner of property subject to a lien institutes an action of replevin and establishes a right to the issuance of a writ but for the defendant’s alleged lien under this subtitle, the court shall issue the writ.
(b)    (1)    In the trial of the replevin action, the court shall determine:
(i)    The amount of the lien claim, if any; and
(ii)    The amount of any expenses properly incurred or accrued before the trial, including storage and advertising.
(2)    If judgment is for the defendant:
(i)    It may include reasonable attorney’s fees; and
(ii)    It shall be either for the property replevied or for the amounts determined in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)    The defendant has the burden of proof to establish his lien claim to the same extent as if he were a plaintiff in an action to secure judgment on an open account.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 2 - Lien on Aircraft, Boats, Mobile Homes, and Motor Vehicles › Section 16-209 - Other Remedies Not Precluded

The remedies provided in this subtitle for enforcing a lien do not:
(1)    Preclude use of any other remedy allowed by law for enforcement of a lien against personal property; or
(2)    Bar a right to recover any part of the lienor’s claim that is not paid by proceeds from the sale of the property subject to the lien.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 3 - Artisan's Lien › Section 16-302 - Lien for Repair of Goods

(a)    Any artisan who, with the consent of the owner, has possession of goods for repair, mending, improving, dry cleaning, laundering, or other work which includes storage of goods in the case of a dry cleaner or launderer, has a lien on the goods for the costs of the work done.
(b)    If the costs which give rise to the lien are due and unpaid 90 days after the work is completed or in the case of a dry cleaner or launderer goods are due to be retrieved from storage, the artisan may sell the goods to which the lien attaches at public or private sale. The artisan, launderer, or dry cleaner shall post a notice in a conspicuous place on the premises to the effect that clothing must be retrieved in 90 days or it will be subject to sale, after notice.
(c)    The artisan shall give at least 30 days notice before any sale or disposal to the owner by mailing the notice to the owner at his last known address. If the owner’s address is unknown, the notice may be given by:
(1)    Posting it on the door of the courthouse or on a bulletin board in the immediate vicinity of the door of the courthouse of the county in which the work was done;
(2)    Publishing it once a week for two successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county in which the work was done; or
(3)    (i)    Posting it at the artisan’s place of business in a plain and prominent manner, provided that the notice is imprinted on a sign that is clearly visible and states that the goods may be sold on or after 90 days from the day the work is completed; and
(ii)    Imprinting the notice on the receipt or invoice given to the owner or the owner’s agent.
(d)    (1)    The proceeds of the sale shall be applied, in the following order, to:
(i)    The expenses of the sale; and
(ii)    The amount of the lien claim.
(2)    After application of the proceeds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, any remaining balance shall be paid to the owner of the goods.
(e)    As an alternative to (b) and (c) above, if the costs which give rise to the lien are due and unpaid 6 months after dry-cleaned or laundered goods are due to be retrieved from storage, the dry cleaner or launderer may dispose of the goods in any manner. The artisan, launderer, or dry cleaner shall post a notice in a conspicuous place on the premises to the effect that clothing must be retrieved in 6 months or the goods may be disposed of.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 4 - Lien on Livestock › Section 16-401 - Lien for Care and Custody

(a)    The owner or operator of a livery stable or other establishment who gives care or custody to any livestock has a lien on the livestock for any reasonable charge incurred for:
(1)    Board and custody;
(2)    Training;
(3)    Veterinarians’ and blacksmiths’ services; and
(4)    Other proper maintenance expenses.
(b)    If the charges which give rise to the lien are due and unpaid for 30 days and the lienor is in possession of the livestock, the lienor may sell the livestock to which the lien attaches at public sale.
(c)    (1)    The lienor shall publish notice of the sale once a week for two successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county where the livestock is located.
(2)    In addition, the lienor shall send notice by registered or certified mail at least 30 days before the sale to the owner of the livestock at his last known address. If the owner’s address is unknown, the notice may be given by posting it on the door of the courthouse or on a bulletin board in the immediate vicinity of the door of the courthouse of the county where the livestock is located.
(d)    (1)    The proceeds of the sale shall be applied, in the following order, to:
(i)    The expenses of the sale; and
(ii)    The amount of the lien claim.
(2)    After application of the proceeds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, any remaining balance shall be paid to the owner of the livestock.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 5 - Hotel's Lien › Section 16-502 - Hotel Keeper's Lien

(a)    A hotel keeper has a lien on the baggage or other property in the hotel which belong to or are under the control of a guest for any charge due or to become due to the hotel keeper for:
(1)    The price or value of food or accommodation;
(2)    The amount of any loan or advance; or
(3)    The amount provided by cashing a check, draft, or otherwise.
(b)    The hotel keeper may retain possession of the property to which the lien attaches until all charges due or to become due to him are paid.
(c)    If the charges which give rise to the lien are unpaid 15 days after they become due, the hotel keeper may sell the property to which the lien attaches at public sale.
(d)    The hotel keeper shall publish notice of the time, place, and terms of the sale at least twice in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county where the hotel is located. The first publication of notice shall be at least 10 days before the sale.
(e)    (1)    The proceeds of the sale shall be applied, in the following order, to:
(i)    The expenses of the sale; and
(ii)    The amount of the lien claim.
(2)    After application of the proceeds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, any remaining balance shall be paid to the owner of the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 5 - Hotel's Lien › Section 16-503 - Lien of Person Taking in Boarders

(a)    Any person who takes boarders or lodgers into his house has a lien on the furniture or other property which the boarder or lodger has on the person’s premises for the contract price due or to become due for the room or board furnished.
(b)    The person may retain possession of the property to which the lien attaches until all charges due or to become due to him are paid.
(c)    If the charges which give rise to the lien are unpaid after they become due, the person may sell the property to which the lien attaches at public or private sale.
(d)    The person shall give at least 10 days reasonable notice of the sale to the boarder or lodger.
(e)    (1)    The proceeds of the sale shall be applied, in the following order, to:
(i)    The expenses of the sale; and
(ii)    The amount of the lien claim.
(2)    After application of the proceeds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, any remaining balance shall be paid to the boarder or lodger.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 6 - Hospital's Lien › Section 16-601 - Lien for Medical and Related Services

(a)    A hospital which furnishes medical or other services to a patient injured in an accident not covered by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act has a lien on 50 percent of the recovery or sum which the patient or, in case of death, the heirs or personal representative of the patient collect in judgment, settlement, or compromise of the patient’s claim against another for damages on account of the injuries.
(b)    (1)    The lien secures the reasonable and necessary charges of the hospital for treatment, care, and maintenance provided to the patient.
(2)    However, the charges secured may not exceed those allowed by the State Workers’ Compensation Commission for medical services rendered to individuals coming under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act.
(c)    A hospital’s lien is subordinate only to an attorney’s lien for professional services for collecting or obtaining damages.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 6 - Hospital's Lien › Section 16-602 - Notice of Claim

(a)    A lien is not effective under this subtitle unless, before payment of any money to the patient, his attorney, heirs, or personal representative as compensation for the injuries, the hospital:
(1)    Files a notice of lien with the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the medical or other services were provided; and
(2)    Sends a copy of the notice of lien and a statement of the date of its filing by registered or certified mail to the person alleged to be liable for the injuries received by the patient.
(b)    The notice of lien shall be in writing and shall contain:
(1)    The name and address of the injured patient;
(2)    The date of the accident;
(3)    The name and location of the hospital;
(4)    The amount claimed; and
(5)    The name of the person alleged to be liable for the injuries received.
(c)    The hospital also shall send a copy of the notice of lien by registered or certified mail to any insurance carrier known to insure the person alleged to be liable for the injuries received by the patient.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 6 - Hospital's Lien › Section 16-603 - Liability for Payment to Patient After Notice of Lien

After the filing and mailing of the notice of lien, if any person makes any payment to the patient, his attorney, heirs, or personal representative as compensation for the injuries, without paying the hospital the amount of the lien as provided in § 16-601 of this subtitle or as much of the lien as may be satisfied by any money due under any final judgment or under any compromise or settlement agreement after paying the amount of any prior lien, he is liable to the hospital for a period of one year from the date of making payment to the patient, his attorney, heirs, or personal representative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 6 - Hospital's Lien › Section 16-604 - Inspection of Hospital Records

Any person who is legally liable for or against whom a claim is asserted by a patient for compensation for injuries shall be permitted to inspect the records of the hospital in order to evaluate the basis of the hospital’s lien and to ascertain the itemized hospital departmental charges for the period of the patient’s confinement. Notice of the inspection shall be mailed to the patient.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 6 - Hospital's Lien › Section 16-605 - Hospital Lien Docket

(a)    The clerk of the circuit court shall provide a hospital lien docket. On the filing of a notice of lien under the provisions of this subtitle, the clerk shall enter in the hospital lien docket:
(1)    The name of the injured patient;
(2)    The name of the person alleged to be liable for the patient’s injuries;
(3)    The date of the accident; and
(4)    The name of the hospital making the claim.
(b)    The clerk shall index the hospital lien under the name of the injured patient.
(c)    On presentation of a release of a lien, the clerk shall note in the docket the date when the release was filed and shall note on the release that it was recorded. A release bearing a note that it was recorded or a notation in the docket showing the release constitutes prima facie evidence of the release of the lien.
(d)    The clerk shall collect not more than $2 for the filing, recording, and indexing of each lien. He also shall collect not more than $2 for filing a release of the lien and for noting the filing of the release in the docket and on the release.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 7 - Veterinarian's and Commercial Boarding Kennel Operator's Rights › Section 16-701 - Rights Enumerated

(a)    (1)    If a qualified veterinarian, as defined in the Agriculture Article, or a commercial boarding kennel operator gives care or custody to any animal or performs medical or other services necessary and incidental to their professions to any animal under care or custody, the veterinarian or commercial boarding kennel operator may notify the owner after the animal is ready for delivery that the animal is ready.
(2)    Notice may be given in person or by registered or certified mail or, if the owner’s address is unknown, by posting the notice for 10 days on the door of the courthouse or on a bulletin board in the immediate vicinity of the courthouse of the county where the animal is located.
(b)    If the animal is not claimed and taken by the owner from the veterinarian or the boarding kennel within 10 days of the date the notice is given or posted, the owner forfeits his title to the animal and the veterinarian or the commercial boarding kennel operator may:
(1)    Sell the animal at public sale, except for purposes of experimentation or vivisection;
(2)    Turn the animal over to an animal welfare agency serving the county in which the animal is located or, if there is no animal welfare agency in that county, to the nearest animal welfare agency; or
(3)    Turn the animal over to a responsible private individual in the county.
(c)    If the veterinarian or commercial boarding kennel operator gives notice to the owner of the animal as provided in subsection (a) of this section, the veterinarian, commercial boarding kennel operator, and any custodian to whom the animal may be given are relieved of any further liability for disposal.
(d)    (1)    The proceeds of any sale under subsection (b)(1) of this section shall be applied, in the following order, to:
(i)    The expenses of the sale; and
(ii)    The amount of the indebtedness of the owner of the animal.
(2)    After application of the proceeds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, any balance shall be held for 30 days for the benefit of the owner of the animal. If the balance is unclaimed after 30 days, the veterinarian or commercial boarding kennel operator shall turn the balance over to the local board of education.
(e)    The exercise of any right provided in this section does not prevent a subsequent action at law for the collection of any money remaining due and unpaid to the veterinarian or commercial boarding kennel operator.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16 - Statutory Liens on Personal Property › Subtitle 8 - Museum's Lien › Section 16-802 - Lien for Costs of Conservation Measures

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a museum that applies conservation measures under § 17–405 of this article to property on loan to the museum has a lien on property for the costs of the conservation measures.
(b)    A museum may not acquire a lien under subsection (a) of this section if there is an agreement between the museum and the lender that addresses the costs of conservation measures.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 16A - Police-Initiated Towing Services › Section 16A-101 - Police-Initiated Towing Services Authorized -- Reasonable Access to Towed Vehicle -- Tow Company Fees

(a)    (1)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Authorized tow company” has the meaning stated in § 2–314 of the Public Safety Article.
(3)    “Heavy–duty towing” has the meaning stated in § 2–314 of the Public Safety Article.
(4)    “Medium–duty towing” has the meaning stated in § 2–314 of the Public Safety Article.
(5)    “Police–initiated towing” has the meaning stated in § 2–314 of the Public Safety Article.
(6)    “Tow list” has the meaning stated in § 2–314 of the Public Safety Article.
(b)    (1)    Title 16 of this article does not apply to police–initiated towing services by an authorized tow company.
(2)    Police–initiated towing does not create a lien or security interest for the authorized tow company in any equipment, vehicle, or cargo.
(c)    An authorized tow company shall provide a vehicle owner or operator or the owner’s designee with reasonable access to a vehicle that is the subject of a police–initiated towing so that the vehicle owner or operator or the owner’s designee may access and collect any personal property or cargo contained in the vehicle, regardless of whether any payment has been made for the authorized tow company’s services.
(d)    (1)    If there is no dispute as to the fees assessed by the authorized tow company for the police–initiated towing of a vehicle:
(i)    The vehicle owner or operator or the owner’s designee shall pay the authorized tow company’s invoice; and
(ii)    The authorized tow company shall release a vehicle and any cargo that was the subject of a police–initiated towing immediately.
(2)    If there is a genuine dispute as to the reasonableness or amount of the fees assessed by an authorized tow company:
(i)    The authorized tow company shall release the cargo immediately to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent in accordance with this subsection on submission of:
1.    Proof of ownership if the cargo does not belong to the transportation company; or
2.    If the cargo belongs to the transportation company:
A.    A letter from the insurance company stating there is coverage for the relevant claim or accident and including, at minimum, a claim number, policy number, and policy limit; or
B.    If an insurance policy required under item 2 of this item is not high enough to cover the cost of the cargo clean–up, a signed letter of guarantee from the transportation company; and
(ii)    Beginning October 1, 2023, the authorized tow company shall release the vehicle to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent on payment of 20% of the invoice by the vehicle owner or operator or the owner’s designee.
(3)    A payment under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection does not eliminate the remainder of the financial obligation to the authorized tow company.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 17-102 - Abandoned Property Office

(a)    The Administrator shall create a division of the office, to be known as the abandoned property office, for the purpose of administering the provisions of this title.
(b)    An appropriation shall be made annually for the maintenance of the office and to provide sufficient staff to adequately enforce the provisions of this title.
(c)    Other divisions of the office of the Administrator, as well as every State officer and employee generally, shall assist in the enforcement of this title in connection with the performance of their normal duties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 17-103 - Rules and Regulations

(a)    The Administrator may adopt the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title.
(b)    The Administrator may continue to regulate the imposition of service charges on property during the period of time giving rise to the presumption of abandonment by adopting rules and regulations relating to service charges.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 17-105 - Documents Under Oath

(a)    A requirement in this title that a document be under oath means that the document shall be supported by a signed statement made under the penalties of perjury that the contents of the document are true to the best of the knowledge, information, and belief of the individual making the statement.
(b)    The oath or affirmation shall be made:
(1)    Before an individual authorized to administer oaths, who shall certify in writing to have administered the oath or taken the affirmation; or
(2)    By a signed statement that:
(i)    Is in the document or attached to and made part of the document; and
(ii)    Is expressly made under the penalties for perjury.
(c)    If the procedures provided in subsection (b)(2) of this section are used, the affidavit subjects the individual making it to the penalties for perjury to the same extent as an oath or affirmation made before an individual authorized to administer oaths.
(d)    A document made under oath shall be signed:
(1)    For a corporation, by an officer of the corporation authorized to do so;
(2)    For a sole proprietorship, by its owner; or
(3)    For a partnership, by a partner authorized to do so.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-201 - Administrator's Duties

The Administrator shall:
(1)    Attempt to discover abandoned property in federal custody that is unclaimed by an owner who is presumed to have an address in this State; and
(2)    Institute proceedings for a judicial determination of this State’s rights to receive custody of any abandoned property in federal custody.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-202 - Agreement With Federal Government

(a)    The Administrator shall endeavor to enter into an agreement with the federal government concerning abandoned property in federal custody.
(b)    The agreement shall provide:
(1)    Unless federal law provides otherwise, that tangible abandoned property in federal custody that was initially acquired in this State shall be delivered to the Administrator;
(2)    That if the last known address of any owner of intangible abandoned property in federal custody is in this State:
(i)    The situs of the abandoned property is in this State, and the abandoned property shall be delivered to the Administrator; and
(ii)    That the address of any other owner of the abandoned property in federal custody is determined by federal law;
(3)    For payment of the State’s proportionate share of costs incurred by the federal government in:
(i)    Investigating records of abandoned property;
(ii)    Reporting information about abandoned property to the Administrator; and
(iii)    Delivering the abandoned property to the Administrator;
(4)    The manner and times of payment, including a provision that payments may be made at stated times over a period of years;
(5)    That this State indemnifies the federal government against any claim made as a result of the delivery of abandoned property to this State under the agreement; and
(6)    That the Attorney General of this State shall intervene in any action or proceeding brought against the federal government as a result of action taken in accordance with the agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-203 - Consent to Suit by Claimant Against Federal Government; Defense Available to State

As to any claim made because of action taken in accordance with an agreement made under this subtitle:
(1)    This State consents to suit by any claimant against the federal government; and
(2)    Any defense of the federal government is available to this State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-204 - Certification of Agreement Made Under Subtitle

(a)    The Governor shall certify to the federal government the provisions of an agreement made under this subtitle.
(b)    The certification shall be made on the thirtieth of June next following the effective date of the agreement as provided by federal law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-205 - Report of Abandoned Property

(a)    When the federal government reports abandoned property to the Administrator under the agreement, the Administrator shall forward a copy of the report to the clerk of the circuit court for each county in the State.
(b)    Each clerk of the circuit court shall post the report of abandoned property in federal custody at the court house for the county for 60 days.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 17 - Disposition of Abandoned Property › Subtitle 2 - Abandoned Property in Federal Custody › Section 17-206 - Election of Claimant; Effect of Notice

(a)    Any person who asserts an interest in abandoned property in federal custody:
(1)    May elect to claim against the federal government; or
(2)    Within 90 days of the posting of the report of abandoned property in federal custody, shall notify the Administrator of the asserted interest and intent to claim.
(b)    If the Administrator receives notice under this section, the abandoned property in question shall be omitted from any claim by this State until a final judicial determination is made of the claim.