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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland extends statute of limitations to three years for local consumer protection violations
Last action · February 15, 2026: First Reading Senate RulesSponsor: Cory McCray
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland extends the deadline from one year to three years for local authorities to prosecute or enforce violations of local consumer protection codes carrying fines, penalties, or , effective October 1, 2026.
Local agencies gain a longer window to investigate and bring enforcement actions for unfair or deceptive trade practices, changing the legal exposure timeline for local businesses and individuals.
- Senator McCray introduced Senate Bill 979 at the request of the Baltimore City Administration during the 2026 regular legislative session. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
local authorities
Local agencies receive an expanded three-year window from the time a violation is discovered to bring enforcement actions or seek penalties.
Baltimore City Administration
Requested the legislation to alter the enforcement timeframe for local consumer protection violations.
Key Facts
- Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting or enforcing local consumer protection codes from one year to three years.
- Applies to local consumer protection code violations for which equitable relief, a fine, or a penalty is provided.
- The three-year clock begins after local authorities knew or reasonably should have known of the violation.
- The Act takes effect on October 1, 2026.
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
1 action- Feb 15, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Senate Rules
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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