HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1439

Code of Maryland (1939 Edition), further remedial legislation
regulating the lending of sums of money not presently regu-
lated by existing laws.

152. (Definitions. ) The following words and terms, when
used in this sub-title shall have the following meanings unless
the context clearly requires a different meaning. The meaning
ascribed to the singular form is applied also to the plural.

"Person" shall include individuals, co-partnerships, associa-
tions, trusts, corporations, and any other legal entities.

"License" shall mean a license issued under the authority of
this sub-title to make loans or advances in accord with the
provisions of this sub-title at a single place of business.

"Licensee" shall mean a person to whom one or more licenses
have been issued.

"Commissioner" shall mean the Bank Commissioner of Mary-
land or the Deputy Bank Commissioner of Maryland.

153. (Scope. ) On and after July 1, 1945, no person shall
engage in the business of making loans or advances of money
or credit in the amount of or to the value of Fifteen Hundred
Dollars ($1, 500) or less and contract for, exact, charge or re-
ceive, directly or indirectly, on or in connection with any such
loan or advance any charges whether for interest, compensa-
tion, consideration, or expense which in the aggregate are
greater than the interest which such person would be permitted
by law to charge for a loan of money if he were not a licensee
under this sub-title, except as provided in and authorized by or
exempted therefrom by this sub-title and without first having
obtained a license from the Commissioner.

154. (Businesses Excluded. ) This sub-title shall not apply
to any person, co-partnership, trust, or corporation doing busi-
ness under and as permitted by any law of this State or of the
United States relating to banks, saving banks, trust companies,
building and loan associations, credit unions, or cooperative
banks for personal credits, nor to any attorney engaged in the
practice of law, nor to any bona fide pawnbroking business
licensed under the laws of Maryland, nor to any person, firm
or corporation extending credit in connection with the sale
of their own merchandise, nor to any person, co-partnership,
trust, or corporation licensed and doing business in amounts
of Three Hundred Dollars ($300) or less under the Uniform
Small Loan Law of Maryland (Article 58A), and nothing in
this Article shall act as a bar to prevent any of the aforesaid
persons, co-partnerships, trusts, or corporations from apply-
ing, qualifying for and receiving a license and operating
hereunder.