HARRY HUGHES, Governor

29

402.

(a) [(1)] The General Assembly of Maryland finds and
declares that the sale of business opportunities is an
increasingly common area of investment problems and
deceptive practices in this State.

406.

In addition to any other powers and duties, the
Commissioner:

(a)  May initiate and conduct investigations within and
outside this State as needed:

(1)  To determine whether any person has violated
or is violating any provision of this subtitle;

(2)  To aid in the prescription of rules and
forms under this subtitle; or

(3)  To aid in any other way in the enforcement
of this subtitle;

(b)  May conduct public hearings in connection with any
investigation in accordance with § 407 of this subtitle;

[(e)] (C) May issue a cease and desist order as to any
practice or act found by the Commissioner to be in violation
of this subtitle;

[(c)] (D) May publish generally information concerning
violations of provisions of this subtitle, and orders and
rules made under this subtitle;

[(d)] (E) May report to any appropriate law
enforcement officer information concerning any violation of
this subtitle;

[(e)] (F) May bring an action or may request the
Attorney General to bring an action in the name of the State
of Maryland to enforce the provisions of this subtitle or
any rules or orders made under this subtitle; and

[(f)] (G) May assist, develop, and conduct programs of
public education and information through publications and
other materials prepared for distribution to the public on
the subjects of this subtitle.

412.

In connection with the offer or sale of any business
opportunity, a person may not:

(e) Make or authorize the making of any reference to
its compliance with this subtitle in any advertisement or