Bill > H723

This bill aims to increase the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens. The key provisions are: 1. It establishes the "Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Abuse Prevention Fund" to be used for educational materials and projects to inform senior citizens, disabled persons, and the public about consumer protection laws and deceptive practices targeting these groups. 2. It defines "senior citizen" as a person 65 years of age or older and "persons with disabilities" as those with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities. 3. It allows the court to impose an additional civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation if the court finds the violation was perpetrated against one or more senior citizens or persons with disabilities. The court will consider factors such as whether the defendant knew or should have known the conduct targeted these groups, and whether it caused them substantial financial or other harm.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H723