Maryland House Bill HB335

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/19/22
• Report Pass: 3/14/22
• Engrossed: 3/16/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Enrolled: 4/1/22
• Chaptered: 5/29/22

Caption

Maryland Transportation Authority - E-ZPass - Disputes of Charges and Fees

Impact

If enacted, HB 335 would significantly alter the current operational procedures of toll facilities in Maryland, allowing for greater accountability and responsiveness to user grievances. The mandatory requirement for the Transportation Authority to accept disputes on charges will necessitate updates to administrative workflows, potentially leading to improved customer service experiences. This could set a precedent for future legislation regarding consumer rights in other areas of state governance as well.

Summary

House Bill 335 mandates the Maryland Transportation Authority to establish terms that allow individuals with E-ZPass accounts the right to dispute any charges or fees for use of toll facilities within a specified timeframe. The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by ensuring transparency in the charging process and providing recourse for users who believe they have been wrongly charged. This legislative move is aligned with the growing demand among consumers for fair treatment and the ability to contest unexpected fees.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 335 appears to be largely positive among consumer advocacy groups and individual users. Proponents view the bill as a necessary safeguard that empowers consumers against arbitrary fee charging practices. However, there are some concerns raised by officials regarding the implementation of these dispute protocols, particularly how they'll affect administrative efficiency and financial management within the Authority.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from the Maryland Transportation Authority regarding the feasibility and administrative burden of accommodating disputes for charges that may arise from various operational challenges. Some legislators worry about the potential increase in disputes that could overload the systems designed to handle customer complaints. Nevertheless, the overarching theme of the bill underscores a commitment to enhancing consumer rights within the transport sector.