Section 12-701 – Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    “Applicant” means any person who applies to a creditor:         (1)    Directly for an extension, renewal, or continuation of credit; or         (2)    Indirectly by use of an existing credit plan for an amount exceeding a previously established credit limit.     (c)    “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.     (d)    “Credit” means […]

Section 12-702 – Findings and Purpose

    (a)    The General Assembly finds that there is a need to insure that the various financial institutions and other persons and firms engaged in the extension of credit exercise their responsibility to make credit available with fairness, impartiality, and without discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status. Economic stabilization would be enhanced, and competition […]

Section 12-703 – Jurisdiction of Commissioner of Financial Regulation

    (a)    If a complaint for violation of any provisions of this subtitle is filed with the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall investigate the complaint and may hold a hearing on it in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.     (b)    The Commissioner shall give to the creditor complained against at least 10 days’ written notice of the complaint and […]

Section 12-704 – Discrimination Prohibited; Compliance With or Violation of Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act

    With respect to any aspect of a credit transaction:         (1)    A creditor may not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of sex, marital status, race, color, religion, national origin, or age;         (2)    A creditor that complies with the applicable provisions of the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or regulations adopted under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity […]

Section 12-705 – “Discriminatory Practices” Defined

    Prohibited discriminatory practices include any:         (1)    Refusal to consider both applicants’ income when both parties of a marriage party apply for a joint account;         (2)    Refusal to consider alimony or child support awarded by a court and received by the applicant as a valid source of income, where that source can be verified as to its amount, […]

Section 12-706 – Administration of Subtitle

    The provisions of this subtitle shall be administered by the Commissioner.

Section 12-707 – Civil Liability

    (a)    Notwithstanding the provisions of § 12–703 of this subtitle, any creditor who violates any provisions of this subtitle is liable to the applicant in an amount equal to the sum of any actual damages sustained by the applicant acting either in an individual capacity or as a representative of a class.     (b)    Any creditor who fails […]

Section 12-708 – Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Equal Credit Opportunity Act.