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MD|DC LEGISLATIVE UPDATE March 20, 2018
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Greetings,

In a frenzy of activity, Maryland lawmakers advanced hundreds of bills over the weekend to meet Monday's crossover deadline,  the last day for each chamber to send bills to the other. I f you are keeping track, l awmakers introduced 3,118 pieces of legislation this year - the most since the 1987 legislative session.

A bill to establish a statewide financial education curriculum in Maryland public high schools was approved by the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration. A bill  opposed by the Association, that would have increased the amount of wages exempt from attachments of a judgment debtor, was killed. The Association continues to push for an amendment to the Financial Consumer Protection Act that calls for a study to look at the cost of data breaches to financial institutions and who should be held accountable.

The D.C. Council is considering a bill to update the District's data breach and privacy laws. The legislation would require all businesses to take reasonable steps to protect consumers' data and ensure violations would be subject to the penalty provisions of D.C.'s Consumer Protection Procedures Act.

Here's the political roundup:
  • According to a recent GOP poll, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan would win a second term in a matchup against either of two leading Democrats, if the November general election were held today. According to the poll, Hogan would take more than 50 percent of the vote in a hypothetical race against either Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker or Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.
  • The House approved a resolution calling for a national convention to amend the U.S. Constitution in a way that limits the influence of corporate money in politics. Supporters want to reverse the effects of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision that lifted limits on corporate spending in elections. The Maryland Senate is considering a similar resolution but has not voted on it.  Two-thirds of the states must adopt a call for a constitutional convention in order for such a gathering to take place. 
  • D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has pulled ahead of his primary opponent after a slow start in fundraising. With three months to go until the primary, t he 19-year incumbent has $229,000 on hand to Ed Lazere's $79,000 
Have a wonderful week!
John Bratsakis
President/CEO
 
District of Columbia Legislative Update

Security Breach Protection Amendment Act of 2017 
As introduced, this bill expands what personal information is subject to protection from the breach of the security of a system. It also specifies what information is required in a notification of a security breach to a person whose personal information has been compromised. Among other things, it also requires that written notice of the breach be given to the Office of the Attorney General.
The bill is currently under review by the DC Council.
Maryland General Assembly Update

HB1634 | SBSB1068: Financial Consumer Protection Act of 2018 
Providing that certain loans are void and unenforceable under certain circumstances; prohibiting a consumer reporting agency from charging a fee for any service relating to a security freeze; requiring the Governor to appropriate certain amounts in the annual State budget for the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and the Office of the Attorney General; prohibiting a person from engaging in student education loan servicing unless the person is licensed by the Commissioner or is exempt from licensing; etc. 
Position: Support with amendments.  The Association is working with lawmakers to add an amendment to the bill calling for a study by the Maryland Consumer Financial Protection Commission on consumer data breaches that occur to financial institutions and its consumers as a result of a merchant or processor's data being breached. The study would also look at the costs to the financial institutions and who should share the responsibility of the cost of these breaches. 
SB236: State Board of Education - Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Curriculum 
Requiring the State Board of Education to develop curriculum content for a semester-long high school elective course in financial literacy and entrepreneurship; and authorizing each county board of education to implement the curriculum content beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. 
Position: Support - The Association submitted written testimony supporting the development of a financial education curriculum for Maryland public schools. 
HB673 | SB22: Debt Collection - Exemptions From Attachment 
Altering the amount of wages of a judgment debtor that are exempt from attachment; making a conforming change; and providing for the prospective application of the Act.
Position: Opposed- Bill received an unfavorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.