Section 19-601 – Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    “Basic rights information” means information applicable to a noncitizen, including information about human rights, immigration, and emergency assistance and resources.     (c)    “Client” means an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States and the State of Maryland and who uses the services of […]

Section 19-602 – Criminal History Record and Marital History Information

    (a)    (1)    An international marriage broker shall provide each recruit with criminal history record information and marital history information of its client and basic human rights information before personal contact information about a recruit is given to the client.         (2)    The human rights information provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be prepared by an organization that […]

Section 19-603 – Duties of Client and International Marriage Broker

    (a)    In accordance with federal law, a client shall:         (1)    provide the client’s own marital history information to the international marriage broker; and         (2)    notify the international marriage broker if the client has previously sponsored an international spouse.     (b)    The international marriage broker shall require the client to affirm that the marital history information is complete and accurate and […]

Section 19-604 – Criminal History Records Check

    Prior to the release of any personal contact information to the client or the recruit, the international marriage broker shall conduct a State and national criminal history records check of the client, including a search of the sex offender registry.

Section 19-605 – Disclosure of Personal Contact Information

    An international marriage broker may disclose personal contact information on a recruit only after obtaining consent from the recruit, written in the recruit’s native language.

Section 19-606 – Doing Business in the State

    An international marriage broker shall be deemed to be doing business in the State if it contracts for services with a Maryland resident or is considered to be doing business under other laws of the State.

Section 19-607 – Violations

    (a)    A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $12,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both, in addition to any penalty imposed under federal law.     (b)    In determining the penalty, the court shall consider:         (1)    any previous violations of this […]