Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB229 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 120
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 120
5-(Senate Bill 229)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *sb0229*
89
9-Insurance – Penalties – Unauthorized Insurers, Insurance Producers, and
10-Public Adjusters
10+SENATE BILL 229
11+C4, J5 4lr0325
12+ (PRE–FILED) CF HB 67
13+By: Chair, Finance Committee (By Request – Departmental – Maryland Insurance
14+Administration)
15+Requested: September 15, 2023
16+Introduced and read first time: January 10, 2024
17+Assigned to: Finance
18+Committee Report: Favorable
19+Senate action: Adopted
20+Read second time: February 3, 2024
1121
12-FOR the purpose of altering the maximum civil penalty to which an unauthorized insurer
13-or person that violates certain provisions of State insurance law is subject for each
14-violation; altering the maximum civil penalty that the Maryland Insurance
15-Commissioner may impose, in addition to suspending or revoking the license, on the
16-holder of an insurance producer license or a public adjuster licensee for each violation
17-of State insurance law; and generally relating to penalties imposed under State
18-insurance law.
22+CHAPTER ______
1923
20-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
21-Article – Insurance
22-Section 4–212, 10–126, and 10–410
23-Annotated Code of Maryland
24-(2017 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
24+AN ACT concerning 1
2525
26- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
27-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
26+Insurance – Penalties – Unauthorized Insurers, Insurance Producers, and 2
27+Public Adjusters 3
2828
29-Article – Insurance
29+FOR the purpose of altering the maximum civil penalty to which an unauthorized insurer 4
30+or person that violates certain provisions of State insurance law is subject for each 5
31+violation; altering the maximum civil penalty that the Maryland Insurance 6
32+Commissioner may impose, in addition to suspending or revoking the license, on the 7
33+holder of an insurance producer license or a public adjuster licensee for each violation 8
34+of State insurance law; and generally relating to penalties imposed under State 9
35+insurance law. 10
3036
31-4–212.
37+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 11
38+Article – Insurance 12
39+Section 4–212, 10–126, and 10–410 13
40+Annotated Code of Maryland 14
41+(2017 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 15
3242
33- An unauthorized insurer or person that violates this subtitle is subject to a civil
34-penalty of not less than $100 but not exceeding [$50,000] $125,000 for each violation.
43+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 16
44+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 17
3545
36-10126.
46+Article Insurance 18
3747
38- (a) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant under §§ 2–210 through
39-2–214 of this article, or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or reinstate a license after
40-notice and opportunity for hearing under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article if the
41-applicant or holder of the license:
48+4–212. 19 2 SENATE BILL 229
4249
43- (1) has willfully violated this article or another law of the State that relates
44-to insurance;
4550
46- (2) has intentionally misrepresented or concealed a material fact in the
47-application for a license;
48- Ch. 120 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
4951
50-– 2 –
51- (3) has obtained or attempted to obtain a license by misrepresentation,
52-concealment, or other fraud;
52+ An unauthorized insurer or person that violates this subtitle is subject to a civil 1
53+penalty of not less than $100 but not exceeding [$50,000] $125,000 for each violation. 2
5354
54- (4) has misappropriated, converted, or unlawfully withheld money
55-belonging to an insurer, insurance producer, beneficiary, or insured;
55+10–126. 3
5656
57- (5) has willfully and materially misrepresented the provisions of a policy;
57+ (a) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant under §§ 2–210 through 4
58+2–214 of this article, or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or reinstate a license after 5
59+notice and opportunity for hearing under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article if the 6
60+applicant or holder of the license: 7
5861
59- (6) has committed fraudulent or dishonest practices in the insurance
60-business;
62+ (1) has willfully violated this article or another law of the State that relates 8
63+to insurance; 9
6164
62- (7) has participated, with or without the knowledge of an insurer, in selling
63-motor vehicle insurance without an actual intent to sell the insurance, as evidenced by a
64-persistent pattern of filing certificates of insurance together with or closely followed by
65-cancellation notices for the insurance;
65+ (2) has intentionally misrepresented or concealed a material fact in the 10
66+application for a license; 11
6667
67- (8) has been convicted by final judgment in any state or federal court of a
68-felony or crime involving moral turpitude;
68+ (3) has obtained or attempted to obtain a license by misrepresentation, 12
69+concealment, or other fraud; 13
6970
70- (9) has knowingly participated in writing or issuing substantial
71-over–insurance of property insurance risks;
71+ (4) has misappropriated, converted, or unlawfully withheld money 14
72+belonging to an insurer, insurance producer, beneficiary, or insured; 15
7273
73- (10) has failed an examination required by this subtitle;
74+ (5) has willfully and materially misrepresented the provisions of a policy; 16
7475
75- (11) has willfully failed to comply with or has willfully violated a proper
76-order, subpoena, or regulation of the Commissioner or the insurance regulatory authority
77-of another state;
76+ (6) has committed fraudulent or dishonest practices in the insurance 17
77+business; 18
7878
79- (12) has failed or refused to pay over on demand money that belongs to an
80-insurer, insurance producer, or other person entitled to the money;
79+ (7) has participated, with or without the knowledge of an insurer, in selling 19
80+motor vehicle insurance without an actual intent to sell the insurance, as evidenced by a 20
81+persistent pattern of filing certificates of insurance together with or closely followed by 21
82+cancellation notices for the insurance; 22
8183
82- (13) has otherwise shown a lack of trustworthiness or competence to act as
83-an insurance producer;
84+ (8) has been convicted by final judgment in any state or federal court of a 23
85+felony or crime involving moral turpitude; 24
8486
85- (14) is not or does not intend to carry on business in good faith and represent
86-to the public that the person is an insurance producer;
87+ (9) has knowingly participated in writing or issuing substantial 25
88+over–insurance of property insurance risks; 26
8789
88- (15) has been denied a license or certificate in another state or has had a
89-license or certificate suspended or revoked in another state;
90+ (10) has failed an examination required by this subtitle; 27
9091
91- (16) has intentionally or willfully made or issued, or caused to be made or
92-issued, a statement that materially misrepresents or makes incomplete comparisons about
93-the terms or conditions of a policy or contract issued by an authorized insurer, for the
94-purpose of inducing or attempting to induce the owner of the policy or contract to forfeit or
95-surrender it or allow it to lapse in order to replace it with another;
96- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 120
92+ (11) has willfully failed to comply with or has willfully violated a proper 28
93+order, subpoena, or regulation of the Commissioner or the insurance regulatory authority 29
94+of another state; 30
9795
98-– 3 –
99- (17) has transacted insurance business that was directed to the applicant or
100-holder for consideration by a person whose license or certificate to engage in the insurance
101-business at the time was suspended or revoked, and the applicant or holder knew or should
102-have known of the suspension or revocation;
96+ (12) has failed or refused to pay over on demand money that belongs to an 31
97+insurer, insurance producer, or other person entitled to the money; 32 SENATE BILL 229 3
10398
104- (18) has solicited, procured, or negotiated insurance contracts for an
105-unauthorized insurer, including contracts for nonprofit health service plans, dental plan
106-organizations, and health maintenance organizations;
10799
108- (19) has knowingly employed or knowingly continued to employ an
109-individual acting in a fiduciary capacity who has been convicted of a felony or crime of moral
110-turpitude within the preceding 10 years;
111100
112- (20) has forged another’s name to an application for insurance or to any
113-document related to an insurance transaction;
101+ (13) has otherwise shown a lack of trustworthiness or competence to act as 1
102+an insurance producer; 2
114103
115- (21) has improperly used notes or any other reference material to complete
116-an examination for a license;
104+ (14) is not or does not intend to carry on business in good faith and represent 3
105+to the public that the person is an insurance producer; 4
117106
118- (22) has failed to pay income tax or related interest or penalty under:
107+ (15) has been denied a license or certificate in another state or has had a 5
108+license or certificate suspended or revoked in another state; 6
119109
120- (i) an assessment under the Tax – General Article that is final and
121-no longer subject to review by the tax court; or
110+ (16) has intentionally or willfully made or issued, or caused to be made or 7
111+issued, a statement that materially misrepresents or makes incomplete comparisons about 8
112+the terms or conditions of a policy or contract issued by an authorized insurer, for the 9
113+purpose of inducing or attempting to induce the owner of the policy or contract to forfeit or 10
114+surrender it or allow it to lapse in order to replace it with another; 11
122115
123- (ii) an order of the tax court that is final and no longer subject to
124-judicial review; or
116+ (17) has transacted insurance business that was directed to the applicant or 12
117+holder for consideration by a person whose license or certificate to engage in the insurance 13
118+business at the time was suspended or revoked, and the applicant or holder knew or should 14
119+have known of the suspension or revocation; 15
125120
126- (23) in providing information under § 10–118 of this subtitle regarding the
127-termination of an appointment with an insurer, has made an inaccurate statement with
128-actual malice.
121+ (18) has solicited, procured, or negotiated insurance contracts for an 16
122+unauthorized insurer, including contracts for nonprofit health service plans, dental plan 17
123+organizations, and health maintenance organizations; 18
129124
130- (b) (1) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant business entity
131-under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article, or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or
132-reinstate a license of a business entity after notice and opportunity for hearing under §§
133-2–210 through 2–214 of this article, if an individual listed in paragraph (2) of this
134-subsection has:
125+ (19) has knowingly employed or knowingly continued to employ an 19
126+individual acting in a fiduciary capacity who has been convicted of a felony or crime of moral 20
127+turpitude within the preceding 10 years; 21
135128
136- (i) violated any provision of this subtitle;
129+ (20) has forged another’s name to an application for insurance or to any 22
130+document related to an insurance transaction; 23
137131
138- (ii) been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any
139-criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust; or
132+ (21) has improperly used notes or any other reference material to complete 24
133+an examination for a license; 25
140134
141- (iii) had any professional license suspended or revoked for a
142-fraudulent or dishonest practice.
135+ (22) has failed to pay income tax or related interest or penalty under: 26
143136
144- (2) This subsection applies in any case that involves a business entity if the Ch. 120 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
137+ (i) an assessment under the Tax – General Article that is final and 27
138+no longer subject to review by the tax court; or 28
145139
146-– 4 –
147-violation was committed by an individual who is:
140+ (ii) an order of the tax court that is final and no longer subject to 29
141+judicial review; or 30
148142
149- (i) an insurance producer;
143+ (23) in providing information under § 10–118 of this subtitle regarding the 31
144+termination of an appointment with an insurer, has made an inaccurate statement with 32
145+actual malice. 33
146+ 4 SENATE BILL 229
150147
151- (ii) 1. in the case of a limited liability company, an officer,
152-director, member, or manager;
153148
154- 2. in the case of a partnership, a partner; and
149+ (b) (1) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant business entity 1
150+under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article, or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or 2
151+reinstate a license of a business entity after notice and opportunity for hearing under §§ 3
152+2–210 through 2–214 of this article, if an individual listed in paragraph (2) of this 4
153+subsection has: 5
155154
156- 3. in the case of a corporation, a director, officer, or owner; or
155+ (i) violated any provision of this subtitle; 6
157156
158- (iii) an individual with direct control over the fiscal management of
159-the business entity.
157+ (ii) been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any 7
158+criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust; or 8
160159
161- (c) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the
162-Commissioner may impose on the holder of the license a penalty of not less than $100 but
163-not exceeding [$500] $5,000 for each violation of this article.
160+ (iii) had any professional license suspended or revoked for a 9
161+fraudulent or dishonest practice. 10
164162
165- (d) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the
166-Commissioner may require that restitution be made to any citizen who has suffered
167-financial injury because of the violation of this article.
163+ (2) This subsection applies in any case that involves a business entity if the 11
164+violation was committed by an individual who is: 12
168165
169- (e) If the license is suspended under this section, the Commissioner may require
170-the individual to pass an examination and file a new application before the suspension is
171-lifted.
166+ (i) an insurance producer; 13
172167
173- (f) (1) Within 30 days after the final disposition of the matter, an insurance
174-producer shall report to the Commissioner any adverse administrative action taken against
175-the insurance producer:
168+ (ii) 1. in the case of a limited liability company, an officer, 14
169+director, member, or manager; 15
176170
177- (i) in another jurisdiction; or
171+ 2. in the case of a partnership, a partner; and 16
178172
179- (ii) by another governmental unit in this State.
173+ 3. in the case of a corporation, a director, officer, or owner; or 17
180174
181- (2) The report shall include a copy of the order, consent order, and any
182-other relevant legal documents.
175+ (iii) an individual with direct control over the fiscal management of 18
176+the business entity. 19
183177
184- (g) (1) (i) In this subsection, the term “charging document” means a
185-written accusation alleging that a defendant has committed an offense.
178+ (c) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the 20
179+Commissioner may impose on the holder of the license a penalty of not less than $100 but 21
180+not exceeding [$500] $5,000 for each violation of this article. 22
186181
187- (ii) In this subsection, the term “charging document” includes:
182+ (d) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the 23
183+Commissioner may require that restitution be made to any citizen who has suffered 24
184+financial injury because of the violation of this article. 25
188185
189- 1. a citation;
186+ (e) If the license is suspended under this section, the Commissioner may require 26
187+the individual to pass an examination and file a new application before the suspension is 27
188+lifted. 28
190189
191- 2. an indictment;
192- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 120
190+ (f) (1) Within 30 days after the final disposition of the matter, an insurance 29
191+producer shall report to the Commissioner any adverse administrative action taken against 30
192+the insurance producer: 31
193193
194-– 5 –
195- 3. an information; and
194+ (i) in another jurisdiction; or 32
195+ SENATE BILL 229 5
196196
197- 4. a statement of charges.
198197
199- (2) This subsection does not apply to a misdemeanor violation of the
200-Maryland Vehicle Law or the vehicle law of another jurisdiction.
198+ (ii) by another governmental unit in this State. 1
201199
202- (3) If an insurance producer is prosecuted for a crime in any jurisdiction,
203-the insurance producer shall report the prosecution to the Commissioner within 30 days
204-after the insurance producer’s initial appearance before a court, including an appearance
205-before:
200+ (2) The report shall include a copy of the order, consent order, and any 2
201+other relevant legal documents. 3
206202
207- (i) a judicial officer of the District Court due to an arrest;
203+ (g) (1) (i) In this subsection, the term “charging document” means a 4
204+written accusation alleging that a defendant has committed an offense. 5
208205
209- (ii) the District Court in response to a summons;
206+ (ii) In this subsection, the term “charging document” includes: 6
210207
211- (iii) the circuit court due to execution of a warrant; or
208+ 1. a citation; 7
212209
213- (iv) the circuit court in person or by written notice of counsel in
214-response to a summons.
210+ 2. an indictment; 8
215211
216- (4) The report shall include a copy of:
212+ 3. an information; and 9
217213
218- (i) the charging document;
214+ 4. a statement of charges. 10
219215
220- (ii) any order issued by a court; and
216+ (2) This subsection does not apply to a misdemeanor violation of the 11
217+Maryland Vehicle Law or the vehicle law of another jurisdiction. 12
221218
222- (iii) any other relevant legal documents.
219+ (3) If an insurance producer is prosecuted for a crime in any jurisdiction, 13
220+the insurance producer shall report the prosecution to the Commissioner within 30 days 14
221+after the insurance producer’s initial appearance before a court, including an appearance 15
222+before: 16
223223
224- (h) An individual is subject to denial or suspension of a license under § 10–119.3
225-of the Family Law Article if the individual:
224+ (i) a judicial officer of the District Court due to an arrest; 17
226225
227- (1) is in arrears in the payment of child support amounting to more than
228-120 days under the most recent order; or
226+ (ii) the District Court in response to a summons; 18
229227
230- (2) has failed to comply with a subpoena issued by the Child Support
231-Administration under § 10–108.6 of the Family Law Article.
228+ (iii) the circuit court due to execution of a warrant; or 19
232229
233-10–410.
230+ (iv) the circuit court in person or by written notice of counsel in 20
231+response to a summons. 21
234232
235- (a) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant or suspend, revoke, or
236-refuse to renew or reinstate a license after notice and opportunity for a hearing under §§
237-2–210 through 2–214 of this article if the applicant or licensee:
233+ (4) The report shall include a copy of: 22
238234
239- (1) has violated this article;
240- Ch. 120 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
235+ (i) the charging document; 23
241236
242-– 6 –
243- (2) has made a material misstatement in the application for the license;
237+ (ii) any order issued by a court; and 24
244238
245- (3) has engaged in fraudulent or dishonest practices;
239+ (iii) any other relevant legal documents. 25
246240
247- (4) has demonstrated incompetency or untrustworthiness to act as a public
248-adjuster;
241+ (h) An individual is subject to denial or suspension of a license under § 10–119.3 26
242+of the Family Law Article if the individual: 27
249243
250- (5) has misappropriated, converted, or unlawfully withheld money that
251-belongs to an insurer, insurance producer, insured, or other person;
244+ (1) is in arrears in the payment of child support amounting to more than 28 6 SENATE BILL 229
252245
253- (6) has willfully and materially misrepresented the provisions of a policy;
254246
255- (7) has been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any
256-criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust;
247+120 days under the most recent order; or 1
257248
258- (8) has willfully failed to comply with or has willfully violated a proper
259-order or regulation of the Commissioner;
249+ (2) has failed to comply with a subpoena issued by the Child Support 2
250+Administration under § 10–108.6 of the Family Law Article. 3
260251
261- (9) has failed or refused to pay on demand money that belongs to an
262-insurer, insurance producer, insured, or other person entitled to the money;
252+10–410. 4
263253
264- (10) is not carrying on or does not intend to carry on business in good faith
265-while representing to the public that the person is a public adjuster;
254+ (a) The Commissioner may deny a license to an applicant or suspend, revoke, or 5
255+refuse to renew or reinstate a license after notice and opportunity for a hearing under §§ 6
256+2–210 through 2–214 of this article if the applicant or licensee: 7
266257
267- (11) has been denied a license or has had a license suspended or revoked in
268-another state; or
258+ (1) has violated this article; 8
269259
270- (12) has knowingly employed or knowingly continued to employ an
271-individual acting in a fiduciary capacity who has been convicted within the preceding 10
272-years of a felony or crime of moral turpitude.
260+ (2) has made a material misstatement in the application for the license; 9
273261
274- (b) (1) The Commissioner may deny a license to a business entity applicant or
275-suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or reinstate the license of a business entity after notice
276-and opportunity for a hearing under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article, if an individual
277-listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection:
262+ (3) has engaged in fraudulent or dishonest practices; 10
278263
279- (i) violates any provision of this article;
264+ (4) has demonstrated incompetency or untrustworthiness to act as a public 11
265+adjuster; 12
280266
281- (ii) is convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any
282-criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust; or
267+ (5) has misappropriated, converted, or unlawfully withheld money that 13
268+belongs to an insurer, insurance producer, insured, or other person; 14
283269
284- (iii) has any professional license suspended or revoked for a
285-fraudulent or dishonest practice.
270+ (6) has willfully and materially misrepresented the provisions of a policy; 15
286271
287- (2) The sanctions provided for under this subsection may be imposed on a
288-business entity if the violation was committed by an individual who: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 120
272+ (7) has been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any 16
273+criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust; 17
289274
290-– 7 –
275+ (8) has willfully failed to comply with or has willfully violated a proper 18
276+order or regulation of the Commissioner; 19
291277
292- (i) is a public adjuster employed by the business entity;
278+ (9) has failed or refused to pay on demand money that belongs to an 20
279+insurer, insurance producer, insured, or other person entitled to the money; 21
293280
294- (ii) 1. in the case of a limited liability company, is an officer,
295-director, member, or manager;
281+ (10) is not carrying on or does not intend to carry on business in good faith 22
282+while representing to the public that the person is a public adjuster; 23
296283
297- 2. in the case of a partnership, is a partner; and
284+ (11) has been denied a license or has had a license suspended or revoked in 24
285+another state; or 25
298286
299- 3. in the case of a corporation, is a director, officer, or
300-controlling owner; or
287+ (12) has knowingly employed or knowingly continued to employ an 26
288+individual acting in a fiduciary capacity who has been convicted within the preceding 10 27
289+years of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. 28
301290
302- (iii) has direct control over the fiscal management of the business
303-entity.
291+ (b) (1) The Commissioner may deny a license to a business entity applicant or 29
292+suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or reinstate the license of a business entity after notice 30
293+and opportunity for a hearing under §§ 2–210 through 2–214 of this article, if an individual 31 SENATE BILL 229 7
304294
305- (c) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license of a public
306-adjuster, the Commissioner may impose on the licensee a penalty of not less than $100 but
307-not exceeding [$500] $5,000 for each violation of this article.
308295
309- (d) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the
310-Commissioner may require that restitution be made to any citizen who has suffered
311-financial injury because of the violation of this article.
296+listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection: 1
312297
313- (e) If the license is suspended under this section, the Commissioner may require
314-the individual to pass an examination and file a new application before the suspension is
315-lifted.
298+ (i) violates any provision of this article; 2
316299
317- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
318-October 1, 2024.
300+ (ii) is convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any 3
301+criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust; or 4
319302
320-Approved by the Governor, April 9, 2024.
303+ (iii) has any professional license suspended or revoked for a 5
304+fraudulent or dishonest practice. 6
305+
306+ (2) The sanctions provided for under this subsection may be imposed on a 7
307+business entity if the violation was committed by an individual who: 8
308+
309+ (i) is a public adjuster employed by the business entity; 9
310+
311+ (ii) 1. in the case of a limited liability company, is an officer, 10
312+director, member, or manager; 11
313+
314+ 2. in the case of a partnership, is a partner; and 12
315+
316+ 3. in the case of a corporation, is a director, officer, or 13
317+controlling owner; or 14
318+
319+ (iii) has direct control over the fiscal management of the business 15
320+entity. 16
321+
322+ (c) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license of a public 17
323+adjuster, the Commissioner may impose on the licensee a penalty of not less than $100 but 18
324+not exceeding [$500] $5,000 for each violation of this article. 19
325+
326+ (d) Instead of or in addition to suspending or revoking the license, the 20
327+Commissioner may require that restitution be made to any citizen who has suffered 21
328+financial injury because of the violation of this article. 22
329+
330+ (e) If the license is suspended under this section, the Commissioner may require 23
331+the individual to pass an examination and file a new application before the suspension is 24
332+lifted. 25
333+
334+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 26
335+October 1, 2024. 27