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Ch. 717 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND

– 8 – THEREAFTER, the Governor shall include IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL an appropriation of at least $700,000 in general funds [in the State budget] for the Office for the purposes of enforcement of:

[(i)] 1. Consumer protection laws under this title;

[(ii)] 2. Consumer protection laws under Title 13 of this article; and

[(iii)] 3. Financial consumer protection laws.

(II) (I) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER ONLY, THE GOVERNOR MAY INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL AN APPROPRIATION OF AT LEAST $700,000 IN SPECIAL FUNDS FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENFORCEMENT OF:

1. CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS UNDER THIS TITLE;

2. CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS UNDER TITLE 13 OF THIS ARTICLE; AND

3. FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS.

(II) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL AN APPROPRIATION OF AT LEAST $350,000 IN GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENFORCEMENT OF:

1. CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS UNDER THIS TITLE;

2. CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS UNDER TITLE 13 OF THIS ARTICLE; AND

3. FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS.

(2) The Office shall use the funds under paragraph (1) of this subsection for: