Maryland Amends Telephone Solicitation Law Violation Language

Maryland recently amended its consumer protection law on telephone solicitations to, among other things, add a definition for “called party” and specify that a called party may bring an action for violations under the law.  The amended law became effective on April 25, 2024.

These changes add conditions to the private right of action.  The violation language in the law now specifies that only a “called party” – defined as “a person who is a regular user of a telephone number that receives a telephone solicitation” – that is injured by a person violating this law may bring an action to enjoin further violations and for the greater of $500 or actual damages. 

Also, public opinion research (e.g. a political poll) now is excluded from the law’s coverage.