The Commissioner sees that all the laws of the State governing
insurance companies or relating to the business of insurance are faith-
fully executed.

The Commissioner authorizes and licenses insurance companies,
agents, solicitors, brokers, and brokers' solicitors to do business in the
State. The Department examines all applicants for licenses as agents
and solicitors for fire and casualty lines and for some classes of life
and accident and health insurance as well. It conducts periodic exami-
nations of all companies organized under the laws of Maryland and
from time to time participates in the examination of nonresident com-
panies doing business in the State. The Commissioner approves all
policies for life, accident, and sickness insurance offered for sale in the
State by authorized companies; licenses rating bureaus and advisory
organizations; and approves or disapproves the rates for most classes
of property insurance filed by rating bureaus on behalf of their mem-
bers and subscribers (Code 1957, Art. 48A, sees. 12, 33-40,48, 50, 53-71,
108-334, 346-65).

The Insurance Commissioner also performs the duties of a State
Fire Marshal. He investigates suspicious fires in most counties of the
State and inspects all buildings used by the general public, such as
schools, theaters, hotels, nursing homes, etc., to see that they have
proper exits and other safety features for the prevention of fire (Code
1957, Art. 48A, sees. 87-100).

The Commissioner licenses manufacturers of, dealers in, and users
of explosives. He also issues permits for all displays of fireworks
within the State (Code 1957, Art 48A, sees. 101-04, 334-46).

Appropriations 1959 1960

General Funds $268,615 $291,657
Staff: 46.

ADMINISTRATION OF LOAN LAWS

Carl F. Vohden, Administrator, 1963
John W. Dallam, Deputy Administrator
Henry W. Forster, Chief Supervisor

301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore I Telephone: Vernon 7-9000

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 four-year term (Code 1957, Art. 41,
sec. 192).

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 Administrator of Loan
Laws. The Administrator directs periodic examinations of the books and
accounts of each licensee, who 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 cor-
poration. This agency also investigates complaints of violations by non-
licensees and may take legal action to prosecute violators of the Act
(Code 1957, Art. 58A, sees. 1-23).

Installment Sales Division

The Installment Sales Division was created in 1941. It administers
the Installment Sales Law and exercises general supervision over