Commissioner approves all policies for life, accident and sickness
insurance offered for sale in the State by authorized companies, and
it is his duty to license rating bureaus and advisory organizations,
and to approve or disapprove the rates for most classes of property
insurance filed by rating bureaus on behalf of their members and
subscribers.

The Insurance Commissioner also performs the duties of a State
Fire Marshal and has authority to investigate suspicious fires in
most counties of the State and to inspect all buildings used by the
general public such as schools, theatres, hotels, nursing homes,
etc., to see that proper exits are provided and other safety features
for the prevention of and the protection against fire are installed.

The Commissioner is also charged with the duty of licensing manu-
facturers of, dealers in and users of explosives, the transportation of
explosives on the public highways and he also issues permits for all
displays of fireworks within the State.

Appropriations 1955 1956
General Fund ............................ $223,005 $234,144

Staff: 38.

ADMINISTRATOR OF LOAN LAWS

Vacancy: Administrator, 1959
John W. Dallam, Deputy Administrator
Henry W. Forster, Chief Supervisor

300 Mathieson Building, Baltimore 2 Telephone: Plaza 2-7433

The office of Administrator of Loan Laws was established as an
independent agency in 1941, superseding a similar office established
under the jurisdiction of the Bank Commissioner. The Administrator
is appointed by the Governor for a term of four years (Code 1951,
Art. 41, sec. 164).

This office administers and enforces the "Uniform Small Loan
Law." All persons, corporations, and copartnerships making loans
of three hundred dollars or less at a rate of interest of more than
six percent per year must first secure a license from the Adminis-
trator of Loan Laws. Periodic examinations of the books and accounts
of each licensee are made under the Administrator's direction. Each
licensee must also submit to the Administrator an annual report of
his business transactions. The Administrator has the power to
revoke, refuse, or suspend licenses of any person or corporation. This
agency also investigates complaints of violations by non-licensees and
may take legal action to prosecute violators of the Act (Code 1951,
Art. 58A, secs. 1-23).

Installment Sales Division

The Installment Sales Division was created in 1941. It administers
the Installment Sales Law and exercises general supervision over
installment sales finance companies. All companies engaged in install-
ment sales financing must secure a license from this office. All com-
panies licensed in the State must make an annual report to the divi-
sion. This office also conducts periodic examinations of the books and
accounts of all licensecs. Investigations of complaints of violations