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SB 413

Consumer Protection - Consumer Contracts - Limitations Periods

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Waldstreicher

SB 413 establishes new timeframes for Maryland consumers to sue over contract disputes, affecting both consumer rights and business liability exposure.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 413

Legislative bill overview

SB 413 modifies Maryland's consumer protection laws by establishing new limitations periods (statutes of limitations) for various consumer contract disputes. The bill standardizes timeframes within which consumers can bring legal action against businesses for contract violations, breaches, or unfair practices.

Why is this important

Limitations periods directly affect consumers' ability to seek remedies for financial harm—too short and legitimate grievances become unenforceable; too long and businesses face perpetual liability uncertainty. This bill reshapes the legal landscape for Maryland consumer disputes, potentially affecting thousands of transactions annually and influencing how businesses structure contracts and liability reserves.

Potential points of contention

  • Shortened recovery windows: If the bill reduces existing limitations periods, consumers with delayed-discovery claims (e.g., hidden defects) may lose legal recourse before realizing harm occurred
  • Business predictability vs. consumer protection: Shorter limitations periods favor business certainty and reduced litigation costs but may disadvantage consumers with legitimate delayed claims
  • Differential treatment by contract type: The bill's category-specific timeframes may create complexity and unequal protection depending on whether a dispute involves services, goods, or digital contracts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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