3298

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 753

(2) ARRANGES FOR THE EXTENSION, RENEWAL, OR
CONTINUATION OF CREDIT.

(F) "PERSON" INCLUDES AN INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION,
BUSINESS TRUST, ESTATE, TRUST, PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION,
TWO OR MORE PERSONS HAVING A JOINT OR COMMON INTEREST, OR
ANY OTHER LEGAL OR COMMERCIAL ENTITY.

12-702. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(A)   FINDINGS.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS THAT THERE IS A NEED TO
INSURE THAT THE VARIOUS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER
PERSONS AND FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT
EXERCISE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE CREDIT AVAILABLE
WITH FAIRNESS, IMPARTIALITY, AND WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION
ON THE BASIS OF SEX OR MARITAL STATUS. ECONOMIC
STABILIZATION WOULD BE ENHANCED, AND COMPETITION AMONG
THE VARIOUS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER PERSONS AND
FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT WOULD BE
STRENGTHENED BY AN ABSENCE OF DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS
OF SEX OR MARITAL STATUS.

(B)   PURPOSE.

IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACT TO REQUIRE THAT
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER PERSONS AND FIRMS
ENGAGED IN THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT [[MAKE THAT CREDIT
EQUALLY AVAILABLE TO ALL CREDIT WORTHY CUSTOMERS WITHOUT
REGARD TO]] DO NOT DENY CREDIT SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF SEX
OR MARITAL STATUS.

12-703. JURISDICTION OF COMMISSIONER OF CONSUMER CREDIT
OR THE STATE BANKING COMMISSIONER.

(A)   INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINT.

IF A COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISIONS OF
THIS SUBTITLE IS FILED WITH THE COMMISSIONER, HE MAY
INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINT AND HOLD A HEARING ON IT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT.

(B)   NOTICE OF HEARING.

THE COMMISSIONER SHALL GIVE TO THE CREDITOR
COMPLAINED AGAINST AT LEAST 10 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE
COMPLAINT AND THE TIME AND PLACE OF ANY HEARING. THE
NOTICE SHALL BE IN WRITING AND SENT BY REGISTERED OR
CERTIFIED MAIL TO HIS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.

(C)   CEASE AND DESIST ORDER.

(1) IF, AFTER THE HEARING, THE COMMISSIONER