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HB 591

Statute of Limitations - Prosecution or Enforcement of Local Consumer Protection Codes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison and 14 co-sponsors

HB 591 adjusts the time period Maryland municipalities have to prosecute or enforce local consumer protection code violations, affecting enforcement scope and business liability duration.

Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 591

Legislative bill overview

HB 591 modifies the statute of limitations for prosecuting or enforcing violations of local consumer protection codes in Maryland. The bill establishes or adjusts time limits within which local governments can bring enforcement actions against businesses or individuals for violations of municipal consumer protection ordinances. This affects the timeframe during which local authorities can pursue legal remedies for consumer protection breaches.

Why is this important

Statutes of limitations determine how long enforcement agencies have to take legal action, directly impacting consumer protection effectiveness and business liability exposure. Extending or clarifying these timeframes can either strengthen local enforcement of consumer protections or create uncertainty for businesses regarding their legal exposure. The change affects the balance between protecting consumers from violations and providing businesses with reasonable finality regarding past conduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Business certainty vs. consumer protection: Longer limitations periods protect consumers but may concern businesses seeking closure on past compliance issues; shorter periods benefit businesses but may allow violations to go unaddressed
  • Local enforcement capacity: Expanding enforcement windows requires local resources; smaller municipalities may lack capacity to investigate older violations effectively
  • Retroactive application concerns: Whether the new timeline applies to violations that occurred before the bill's passage could create disputes over which standard applies to pending or recently discovered cases

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

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