522

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 49

of Art. 83, §§ 23 and 24, except for the first

sentence of §24 (b) which is deleted as

unnecessary in light of the provisions of
§13-201.

The only other changes are in style.

13-204. POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIVISION - IN GENERAL.

IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER OF ITS POWERS AND DUTIES,
THE DIVISION HAS THE POWERS AND DUTIES TO:

(1)   RECEIVE AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS FROM ANY
PERSON AFFECTED BY ANY POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL VIOLATION OF
THIS TITLE;

(2)   INITIATE ITS OWN INVESTIGATION OF ANY UNFAIR
AND DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE;

(3)    IN ACCORDANCE WITH §13-402 OF THIS TITLE,
CONCILIATE ALL MATTERS COVERED BY THIS TITLE;

(4)   IN ACCORDANCE WITH §13-403 OF THIS TITLE, ISSUE
A CEASE AND DESIST ORDER WITH RESPECT TO ANY PRACTICE
FOUND BY THE DIVISION TO BE AN UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE
PRACTICE;

(5)   IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
AND REGULATION, SUSPEND OF REVOKE THE LICENSE OF ANY
MERCHANT WHO REFUSES TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM ENGAGING IN
AN UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE;

(6)    REPORT TO THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF ANY
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW;

(7)    ASSIST, ADVISE, AND COOPERATE WITH LOCAL AND
FEDERAL AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE
INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS IN THE STATE;

(8)    ASSIST, DEVELOP, AND CONDUCT PROGRAMS OF
CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION THROUGH PUBLICATIONS
AND OTHER MATERIALS PREPARED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
CONSUMERS;

(9)    UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRY TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF HONESTY, FAIR
BUSINESS PRACTICES, AND PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY IN THE
PRODUCTION, PROMOTION, AND SALE OF CONSUMER GOODS AND
CONSUMER SERVICES AND IN THE EXTENSION OF CONSUMER
CREDIT;

(10)   ASSESS AGAINST ANY VIOLATOR OF THIS TITLE THE
COSTS OF INVESTIGATION BY THE DIVISION AND DAMAGES WHICH