400 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 270

5. (Powers of Commissioner.) (a) The Commissioner or
his duly authorized representatives may at any time, and
from time to time, inspect and examine the records, books and
accounts of any insurer and may require such periodic and
special reports from any insurer as may be reasonably neces-
sary to enable the Commissioner to satisfy himself that such
insurer is complying with the provisions of this sub-title.

(b) The Commissioner is authorized to make such rules
and regulations as may be necessary for the administration
of this sub-title, but no such rule or regulation shall take
effect until after 30 days' written notice to all insurers, and
after a hearing, if requested prior to the termination of the
30 days' notice by any insurer.

(c) In the conduct of any hearing, the Commissioner, his
deputy or his duly authorized examiner, specially designated
for such purpose, shall have power to administer oaths and to
examine any person under oath and, in connection therewith,
to require the attendance of any person and the production of
any books, records or papers relative to the inquiry.

6. (False and Misleading Information.) No person or

organization shall knowingly give false or misleading informa-
tion to the Commissioner, to any insurer or to any other per-

son which will in any manner affect the proper determination
of rates or premiums, or the proper issuance of a contract,
policy or guarantee of insurance.

7. (Penalties.) (a) The Commissioner may, if he finds
that any person or organization has violated any provision of
this sub-title, impose a penalty of not more than $|250.00 for
each such violation, but, if he finds such violation to be willful,
he may impose a penalty of not more than $1,000.00 for each
such violation. Such penalties may be in addition to any other
penalty provided by law.

(b) The Commissioner may suspend the license of any in-
surer who fails to comply with any lawful order of the Com-
missioner within the time limited by such order, or any exten-
sion thereof which the Commissioner may grant. The Com-
missioner shall not suspend the license of any insurer for
failure to comply with an order until the time prescribed for
an appeal therefrom has expired or, if any appeal has been
taken, until such order has been affirmed. The Commissioner
may determine when a suspension of license shall become
effective, and it shall remain in effect for a period fixed by
him, unless he modifies or rescinds such suspension, or until
the order upon which such suspension is based is modified, re-
scinded or reversed.