Maryland HB1198 establishes protections for debtors who incur debt through coercion, fraud, or other non-voluntary means.

Maryland HB1198 introduces provisions to protect debtors from being held liable for "coerced debt." This includes debt incurred through fraud, duress, intimidation, or other non-voluntary means. The bill mandates that creditors cease collection activities upon receiving notice from the debtor that the debt is coerced. Creditors must also report the deletion of such debt to consumer reporting agencies and dismiss any court actions related to the debt. The bill allows debtors to seek declaratory judgments, injunctions, and damages, including attorney's fees.

Maryland HB1198 establishes protections for debtors who incur debt through coercion, fraud, or other non-voluntary means.

Maryland HB1198 introduces provisions to protect debtors from being held liable for "coerced debt." This includes debt incurred through fraud, duress, intimidation, or other non-voluntary means. The bill mandates that creditors cease collection activities upon receiving notice from the debtor that the debt is coerced. Creditors must also report the deletion of such debt to consumer reporting agencies and dismiss any court actions related to the debt. The bill allows debtors to seek declaratory judgments, injunctions, and damages, including attorney's fees.