7 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone: 528-8662

The Division of Consumer Protection was creat-
ed by Chapter 338, Acts of 1967, and is headed by
an Assistant Attorney General who is Chief of the
Division and Director of Consumer and Investor
Affairs. The Division is concerned with the control
and regulation of unfair and deceptive trade prac-
tices. It is responsible for enforcement of the civil
remedies provided by the Act through court litiga-
tion, administrative hearings, mediation of com-
plaints and arbitration. The Division also is
charged with the responsibility of recommending
to the Governor and the General Assembly legisla-
tion to protect the public from fraudulent schemes
and promotions.

In addition to undertaking its own enforcement
activities, where appropriate, the Division reports
information concerning violations of laws affecting
consumers to other appropriate law enforcement
officers. It seeks to assist, develop, and conduct
programs of consumer education and information
through publications and other materials prepared
for the public. The Division undertakes activities
to encourage business and industry to maintain
high standards of honesty, fair business practices,
and public responsibility in the production, promo-
tion, and sales of consumer goods and services
(Code Commercial Law Article, secs. 13-101
through 13-501).

CONSUMER COUNCIL

Chairperson: A. Kimbrough Sherman, 1988

Leroy Bouldin, 1986; Sarah L. Jerkins, 1986;
Barbara B. Gregg, 1988; Melvin A. Myerson,
1986; H. Clifton Grandy, 1990; Hardev Singh
Palta, 1990; Mary Louise Speers, 1990.

Stephen J. Cole, Chief, Division of Consumer
Protection

Caroline B. Stellmann, Executive Director

1 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone- 576-65 50

Created in 1974 as part of the Division of
Consumer Protection, the Consumer Council ad-
vises the Division on general goals, undertakes
studies and reports, and fosters cooperation among
federal. State, and local agencies and private
groups (Chapter 609, Acts of 1974).

The Council consists of the Division Chief and
nine members appointed by the Governor with the
consent of the Senate. Three members represent

Constitutional Offices and Agencies/141

consumer groups or interests, three represent busi-
ness groups or interests, and three represent the
private sector. Members serve without compensa-
tion for staggered terms of six years. They select
their own chairperson. The Council has a staff of
one (Code Commercial Law Article, sec. 13-202).

Regular meetings of the Council are scheduled
each month, September through July.

DIVISION OF SECURITIES

Susan M. Rittenhouse, Commissioner
Clinton R. Black IV, Franchise Director
Jeffrey S. Chernow; Lucy A. Weisz.

7 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone: 576-6360

The Division of Securities was established in
1962 with the passage of the Maryland Securities
Act. The principal executive officer of the Division
is the Securities Commissioner, who is appointed
by the Attorney General.

The Securities Commissioner and the Division
are charged by statute with the administration and
enforcement of four Maryland laws: the Maryland
Securities Act (Code Corporations and Associa-
tions Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-805); the
Corporate Take-Over Law (Code Corporations
and Associations Article, secs. 11-901 through
11-908); the Franchise Registration and Disclo-
sure Law (Code 1957, Art. 56, secs. 345-365D);
and the Business Opportunities Sales Act (Code
1957, Art. 56, secs. 401^15).

Administration of these acts involves a substan-
tive scheme of regulation imposed by statute and
by rule requiring the registration of investment
opportunities prior to their offer and sale to the
public and, in addition, under the Securities Act
there is imposed a licensing requirement on per-
sons to be engaged in the sale of securities (subject
to annual renewals). Enforcement of these acts is
accomplished through a comprehensive statutory
framework imposing administrative, civil, and
criminal standards. Enforcement is conducted
through the use of investigatory powers, adminis-
trative hearings and administrative orders, litiga-
tion in State and federal courts, and through
cooperative efforts with State's Attorneys' Offices
in criminal matters.

MARYLAND BLUE SKY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE

Susan M. Rittenhouse, Chairperson