[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6635373,"mediaKeyId","2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae","parentId",2640512,"title","Committee debates domestic-wire protections to shield seniors from fraud; bill held for further work","audioSeconds",521,"startMs",1890000,"endMs",2411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae&start=1890&end=2411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae/thumbnail_1890000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635373/Maryland/Committee-debates-domestic-wire-protections-to-shield-seniors-from-fraud-bill-held-for-further-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635373-4950312264a4eaf1f22da43e857b33e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162118&Signature=WH8s4JnfT1rJ8fk04E71qoWSEAp~6EKqTsqgE9CbPA1GbmR2MvAnNYnJLsUWJgNbw0TaBZhBgdyvipBV97LAbxYVJKZ0M3-ce4TyHl30BmJ2qihUw6NhTKeafKt8GuJXMIM8AVlbGppy-tHS~ZatnePmrNa77Zlw28H8lnpU1MpiBqm0UJjnyjaRoEq9G4h3D-OQxIpPuk9quKHPhbET56is3k99AisSk9QiSGmCj7xGghRKiPVRkJD~ZKWx3Qa3ONvUTQE7rSnZMQ0LE2Y9NQBaTSsqJJYXX70i6po77~b5JXnt9VgedLTIabIjGdiz~KOMQ3YUwJOQzyAWXnNWew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Economic Matters","date","2025-03-14T20:51:44.893Z","article","House Bill 332 (as numbered in committee packet), a proposal to apply consumer protections comparable to the federal Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) to certain domestic wire transfers, drew extended debate in the Economic Matters Committee and was held for further work after members raised questions about scope, remedies and interstate litigation.

The bill’s amended language would subject consumer wire transfers that are ancillary to bank-to-bank transfers to protections similar to those in the EFTA. Sponsors said the intent is to give Maryland consumers — particularly seniors and other vulnerable people — the same protections now afforded for international wires and to address recent case law (including a Citibank matter referenced in committee discussion) that has shifted liability in some fraud cases.

Why it matters: Committee members framed the bill as an effort to protect residents from wire-transfer fraud that can wipe out life savings, while others warned the bill could place competitive burdens on state-chartered community banks, raise compliance costs and invite federal litigation over state-level regulation of banks.

Key discussion points

- Remedy and liability: Members pressed for clarity on who would be responsible for refunding defrauded customers, with proponents saying the intent is to place verification duties on the initiating bank and to provide mechanisms similar to the federal framework; opponents warned the bill might not create a practical route for recovery in all cases.

- Competitive impact: Several members expressed concern that a state-level requirement could impose greater costs on community and state-chartered banks compared with federally chartered banks, and asked whether other states have adopted similar measures (members suggested \"zero\" states had comparable statutes and cited New York case law as relevant precedent).

- Litigation and preemption risk: Members noted pending federal litigation and the potential for preemption challenges; sponsors said the bill includes a self-executing provision that would suspend applicability if a court enjoins or strikes down the law to prevent unequal treatment.

Outcome and next steps

Committee members agreed to hold the bill to obtain more detailed legal analysis of remedies, the interplay with federal law and any competitive impacts on local banks. The committee asked sponsors and staff to provide clearer drafting and to identify whether cross-file or related federal actions exist.

Ending: Committee postponed final action to allow attorneys and sponsors to provide clarifications on consumer remedies, bank obligations and the bill’s interaction with existing federal law and case law precedents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ECM Committee Session, 3/14/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","The Economic Matters Committee extensively debated a bill to apply Electronic Funds Transfer Act-like protections to certain domestic bank-to-bank wire transfers, with members split over legal exposure to banks, competitive impacts on community banks and remedy mechanisms; the bill was held for further clarification.","taxTitle","Economic Matters Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15059,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635378,"Committee holds right-to-repair bill for powered wheelchairs after members raise cost and consumer-protection questions",180,1639000,1819000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae&start=1639&end=1819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae/thumbnail_1639000.jpg","/articles/6635378/Maryland/Committee-holds-right-to-repair-bill-for-powered-wheelchairs-after-members-raise-cost-and-consumer-protection-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635378-e8e00357b216e3192033ddfd846d3d58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162118&Signature=a7EnTf3qhtyID0q8NI6ocNlUgb1kf04j0ZZo3C8Ij~ZdGQi-lXuui6rL0e0rwQerqfe4ndF~BH7WSPnV2pt5tBiybRDg19XZehjjpuV2vPICU0HesK47deOnZc-q-E35AWuDzTLHMkP5QfPRxHX~v9cLICYIAsk0V514ZS~3iRpgGQjvY2SnwSveDGH8xQB8ga-okRV0LtbzFkuXRsnsVZj-8yZNxo0qpNji4cs-dLWTBzSXXH~Y2Nm8YLU8l94XpCtM-kK1QBgh-X3IBD334a3R5Ey~lT22HpsiilS-VPK0S9gu~HElK71hlgvI0ILgsiK8undQ1KEXGFCb2sPRkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 31, a consumer-rights measure concerning powered wheelchairs, was held by the Economic Matters Committee for further review after committee members raised questions about cost exposure for wheelchair owners, insurer reimbursement and the scope of implied liability for repairs.

The bill as introduced would require manufacturers to make available documentation, parts, embedded software and tools intended for use with powered wheelchairs, including updates, to independent repair providers or owners. Committee amendments in the packet would remove prior-authorization requirements and exempt specialized wheelchairs from the bill’s requirements; however, members requested additional time to discuss the implications.

Why it matters: The bill touches on health-care durability, access to timely repairs for mobility-impaired residents, insurer reimbursement practices and potential out-of-pocket exposure for vulnerable populations.

Committee discussion

Committee members said the current law ordinarily requires prior authorization from insurers for certain repairs and that removing prior-authorization requirements could leave owners unexpectedly facing repair costs if an insurer later refuses to pay. Members asked whether the change would create an immediate obligation on owners to cover expensive repairs, and several members suggested holding the measure for additional vetting.

The chair and members agreed to hold the bill to allow sponsors, committee counsel and stakeholders time to answer technical and liability questions, to examine cross-file status and to ensure the amendments’ language aligns with existing insurance and medical-device rules.

What remains next

The bill will be revisited after the committee receives additional information and potential language clarifications. Sponsors and staff indicated they would supply legal and practical clarifications on insurer reimbursement, the interaction with warranties and any carve-outs for specialized medical equipment.

Ending: Committee members stressed the need to balance greater repair access against protecting owners from unexpected costs; the committee held the bill pending additional information.","House Bill 31, a bill to require manufacturers to provide documentation, parts and tools to independent repair providers or owners of powered wheelchairs, was held by the committee for further discussion after members raised concerns about potential costs to owners and remaining questions about warranty and liability.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635383,"Committee advances Maryland Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act with insurance-coverage amendment",54,1505000,1559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae&start=1505&end=1559","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae/thumbnail_1505000.jpg","/articles/6635383/Maryland/Committee-advances-Maryland-Limited-Worker-Cooperative-Association-Act-with-insurance-coverage-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635383-9f133479cb571670d2b71383ec15e9da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162118&Signature=fVnSSfMRIUixMmMx9bDI2iDgj6VpROt5euwnYy9hZlTpasRBNcHvZ9kB~bY9fxAUENz6E5B06othv0B7I-yyUn1-wqz20JV3h9nU3wFQBu2hdWRJKYhAjKzgCwpJhS1xjnIDYQjzBXUw5ylkCJU-tNr9kN~y7s88x0R7dYVUyl8wp-d5MBp2ru6oCs15LbjaXBdSPFa0UYAXlbgCwxzmiNIMTLz72R2adnKV6Mw4Ckaesc1II97vfd3Lrt4WuY9XCiTMP3~rEhEyEDJPdAj8zMfEm3CCxlkGccV~~y-yorUMc8R2-JEz2OrckAg-YNZohNGKHlwVJZFob8io7QfYUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 15, titled the Maryland Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act, was moved as amended by the Economic Matters Committee and advanced out of committee following a roll-call vote.

The measure establishes a statutory framework for forming, operating and dissolving limited worker cooperative associations in Maryland. Committee amendments in the packet addressed the ability of such cooperatives to obtain insurance; the sponsor moved the amendments and the committee approved them before proceeding to a recorded vote.

Why it matters: If enacted, the bill would create a defined entity form for worker-owned cooperatives under Maryland law and address a key practical concern — access to insurance — through committee amendments.

Vote and procedural detail

A roll call was held following approval of committee amendments. The chair called the roll and the committee recorded votes; the committee announced that the bill \"moves forward, as amended.\" (Roll-call record as read in committee is recorded in the public hearing transcript.)

Context and next steps

The bill’s sponsor indicated the amendment clarifies insurance access for the cooperative form. With the committee’s favorable report, House Bill 15 will advance to the next stage of the legislative process. Any additional floor amendments or debate would occur in subsequent chamber proceedings.

Ending: Committee members asked that the amendment and the bill record reflect the change on insurance access; the bill was advanced out of committee as amended.","The Economic Matters Committee approved House Bill 15, the Maryland Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act, as amended to address insurance access; the bill was moved forward on a roll call.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635388,"Economic Matters Committee advances wide slate of local alcohol-license measures, holds a few bills",166,169000,335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae&start=169&end=335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2640512-2bbac25eb154d207537bf74f926bf2ae/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6635388/Maryland/Economic-Matters-Committee-advances-wide-slate-of-local-alcohol-license-measures-holds-a-few-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635388-bb7444cf70efe509a72e606ce124a4b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162118&Signature=g45HuE0~4xHbv33w9620wqndRqCMuZ6Rzym2kYrJCfzlNt7qWOPSGEMq1S5ZMdV11JtMhfIGD4NOPt1RkTierWZI3Y-em0YOVKkbqFucnd-X6zBPGogsYqgEdHpYEG2ScBdbbkb6FJxnnrqDGcuWZMwvwpda0gHbgC9-ZGa0uInYTYCjKVnUxNGp0wyaHPg0Lw7Hg6Lf0KjrMryDYBCosE8Cc~5GzlgYBcSvfqnwDQF~mLoVNBijblFhkkmuAtwjoml30mB6HG6UefdAEequBTjOB53xtX0AGrLr2UONbgJ2UGi-b8bqDJcTlL9GBzCWykoTAhMhN7wGuGN80n~RCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Economic Matters Committee on an unspecified date approved a broad consent calendar of local alcoholic beverage licensing bills, advancing multiple measures affecting county license types, local license caps and special-event permits while putting a handful of bills on hold for further negotiation.

Committee members led by the chair moved most calendar items — grouped as voting lists 7, 8 and 9 in the meeting packet — as favorable, with only a small number pulled for separate consideration or held. The committee recorded the passage of numerous county-specific license changes and several statewide technical adjustments during a continuous roll of items.

Why it matters: The cluster of bills collectively adjusts local licensing authority across multiple counties, changes eligibility for certain license classes, creates or renames license types, and authorizes special-event or multiple-event license frameworks that could affect restaurants, venues and nonprofits that host events.

Key actions and outcomes

- Voting List 7 (local alcohol bills): moved as a consent calendar with House Bill 1551 held. Several other items on List 7 were approved as a block; the committee noted 1551 would be considered separately.

- House Bill 99 (Anne Arundel County): committee approved amendments lowering license-to-population ratios, exempting certain brewery license holders from the cap, authorizing a specified method for population assessment, and adding a 3.5-year sunset. The bill was amended and moved as favorable.

- House Bill 571 (Anne Arundel County): amended to permit certain Class C license holders (fraternal, sororal and veterans organization types) to sell beer, wine and liquor at events on premises and to require outside groups hosting events to obtain a per-diem license. Amended and moved as favorable.

- House Bill 685: amended to establish additional license categories including resort-complex licenses and to expand nonprofit license eligibility; amendments were approved and the bill moved as favorable.

- House Bill 746 (Baltimore County transfer authorization, dates specified in packet): amended to change the sponsor; amendments were approved and the bill moved as favorable.

- House Bill 101095 (renamed in packet as a bill that increases on-premises serving sizes and renames a beauty-salon license to allow liquor; package included barbershops): amended to include barbershops and moved as favorable.

- House Bill 1281 / 1281-series (special-event permit): amended from a one-day cultural event permit to a broader special-event permit and the one-day limitation removed; bill moved as favorable.

- House Bill 1335 (multiple-event venue license): amended to permit secure on-premises storage for multiple-event license holders; bill moved as favorable.

- House Bill 1379: held by a committee member who asked proponents and opponents to meet and try to resolve outstanding objections before the committee advances it.

- Calendar 8 items (multiple county license creations/modifications including Dorchester County venue license bills 564 and 567; St. Mary’s County cap bill 574; Towson/Baltimore County-related bills including 987 and others): several bills were amended where noted (for example, adding written consent requirements for schools/churches within 300 feet for some Dorchester licenses) and moved as favorable. One item (770) was held.

- Calendar 9 and other items: committee moved a number of additional license bills and technical adjustments as a consent calendar; two bills on the calendar were explicitly held for additional negotiation or subcommittee review as noted above.

Discussion and context

Most items were treated as local, regulatory, or technical changes to the alcoholic beverage licensing system and were handled on a consent basis. Committee members offered only limited floor discussion on the majority of items, and the chair called for votes after amendments were moved and seconded. Committee practice in this session favored consolidating numerous local license changes into consent calendars to expedite consideration.

What remains next

A small set of bills (for example, House Bill 1551, 1379 and 770) were held for further negotiation or moved to subcommittee; sponsors and opponents were asked to meet and, where needed, return with clarified language or agreement. The other approved bills will move forward according to the legislature’s regular process.

Ending note: Committee members repeatedly recorded that one member (Howard) was excused for portions of the roll calls on several calendars; the committee announced amendments and moved bills as amended before recording favorable votes.","The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee moved a large consent calendar of local alcoholic beverage licensing bills as favorable during a voting session, with a small number of measures held for further negotiation or subcommittee review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee debates domestic-wire protections to shield seniors from fraud; bill held for further work

Committee holds right-to-repair bill for powered wheelchairs after members raise cost and consumer-protection questions

Committee advances Maryland Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act with insurance-coverage amendment

Economic Matters Committee advances wide slate of local alcohol-license measures, holds a few bills