(a) If the Commissioner finds that it is necessary and appropriate for the protection of prospective franchisees or subfranchisors because a franchisor has not made adequate financial arrangements to fulfill the franchisor’s obligations under an offering, the Commissioner may require the franchisor to escrow franchise fees or other money paid by a franchisee or subfranchisor until the obligations have been satisfied.
(b) (1) At the option of the franchisor, the franchisor may post an adequate surety bond as provided by regulations of the Commissioner.
(2) The total liability of the surety under the bond may not exceed the penal sum of the bond.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 14 - Business Opportunities, Franchises, and Multilevel Distribution Companies
Section 14-202 - Legislative Policy
Section 14-203 - Scope of Subtitle
Section 14-204 - Subtitle in Addition to Other Law
Section 14-207 - Publication of Information
Section 14-208 - Investigations
Section 14-209 - Interpretive Opinions
Section 14-210 - Civil Enforcement of Subtitle
Section 14-211 - Criminal Proceedings Authorized
Section 14-212 - Miscellaneous Powers
Section 14-213 - Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
Section 14-214 - Registration Required; Exemptions
Section 14-215 - Applications for Registration
Section 14-217 - Escrow Requirements
Section 14-218 - Issuance and Effective Date of Registration
Section 14-219 - Term and Renewal of Registration
Section 14-220 - Amendments to Registration
Section 14-221 - Grounds for Issuing Stop Order
Section 14-222 - Notice; Hearing; Vacating or Modifying Stop Order
Section 14-223 - Copies of Documents to Franchisees
Section 14-224 - Records Required
Section 14-225 - Advertisements Offering Franchises
Section 14-226 - Release From Liability as Condition of Sale
Section 14-227 - Civil Liability
Section 14-228 - Offer or Sale of Franchise Without Registration
Section 14-229 - Fraud or Deceit; Untrue Statements or Omissions of Material Fact
Section 14-230 - False or Misleading Statement or Omission in Prospectus or Amendment
Section 14-232 - Failure to Notify Commissioner of Material Change