Maryland expands the time period to bring enforcement actions under local consumer protection laws – from one year to three years

The Maryland General Assembly recently concluded its 2026 legislative session. One of the bills passed during the session, and awaiting the Governor’s signature, is HB 1105/SB 979, which would increase the statute of limitations period from one year to three years for civil enforcement of local consumer protection codes. If the Governor signs the bill into law, it will take effect October 1, 2026.

A number of Maryland counties have local consumer protection laws, separate and distinct from the state Consumer Protection Act. Among those counties are Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard. The Howard County local consumer protection law, found at Title 17, Subtitle 4 of the county code, prohibits deceptive or unfair trade practices, and authorizes enforcement remedies and penalties. This change to the claim period will most typically affect local consumer protection claims that arise from home improvement disputes, landlord-tenant consumer complaints, or service-contract disputes.