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Bill

HB 306

Vehicle Laws - Manufacturers and Dealers - Prices Listed on Dealer Websites (Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terri Hill and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland requires car dealers to display all-inclusive pricing on websites, eliminating hidden fees and improving price transparency for vehicle buyers.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 770
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 306

Legislative bill overview

HB 306, the Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act, requires vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Maryland to display all-inclusive pricing information on dealer websites. The bill aims to eliminate hidden fees and provide consumers with transparent, upfront cost information when shopping for vehicles online.

Why is this important

Vehicle pricing has become increasingly opaque, with dealers historically adding undisclosed fees, documentation charges, and dealer markups after initial advertised prices. This bill directly addresses consumer frustration over "price shock" at dealerships and attempts to level the information asymmetry between buyers and sellers in a major purchase decision.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Dealers may argue compliance requires significant website system overhauls, particularly for smaller dealerships without sophisticated digital infrastructure
  • Price volatility and inventory: Dealers contend that rapid market changes, inventory turnover, and fluctuating vehicle values make fixed online pricing impractical or expose them to loss
  • Federal vs. state authority: Manufacturers may challenge state-level pricing mandates as conflicting with federal franchise agreements and interstate commerce regulations
  • Competitive disadvantage: Out-of-state dealers without Maryland presence could undercut local compliance requirements, creating unequal market conditions

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

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