Sec. 09.03.07.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Breach of the security of a system” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-3504, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(2) “Business customer” means a person who supplies to a consumer reporting agency information for inclusion in a consumer report.

(3) “Collection agency” has the meaning stated in Business Regulation Article, §7-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(4) “Commissioner” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-1201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(5) “Consumer” means an individual who resides in Maryland.

(6) “Consumer report” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-1201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(7) Consumer Reporting Agency.

(a) “Consumer reporting agency” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-1201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(b) “Consumer reporting agency” does not include a person who regularly extends credit to consumers and is:

(i) Licensed to extend credit by the Commissioner; or

(ii) A financial institution chartered under the laws of this State or the laws of the United States, the lending operators of which are subject to supervision, examination, and regulation by a State or federal agency.

(8) “Control person” means a person who has the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of a consumer reporting agency, whether through ownership of securities, by contract, or otherwise.

(9) “File” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-1201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(10) “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry” or “NMLS” has the meaning stated in Financial Institutions Article, §11-501, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(11) “Person” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-1201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(12) “Personal information” has the meaning stated in Commercial Law Article, §14-3501, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(13) “Simple and easy to understand” has the meaning stated in 16 CFR §642.2.

(14) “Specialty consumer reporting agency” means a consumer reporting agency that prepares and retains files for one or more of the following:

(a) Residential history;

(b) Tenant history; or

(c) Employment history.