Maryland's 2025 Legislators Pass Criminal, Civil Penalties & Regulations to Protect Furry (and Feathery) Friends (and Family)
Aiden A. Galloway |
April 2025
The 2025 Maryland legislative session introduced several new laws aimed at improving animal welfare, including enhanced penalties for animal cruelty and increased transparency in pet policies for landlords. Key measures include treating each harmed animal as a separate offense, mandatory disclosure of pet-related rules by landlords, and restrictions on the solitary confinement of roosters.
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Be Aware: Maryland Bankruptcy Court Rules That Lender Attorney Fees Related to Routine Notices in Chapter 13 Are Allowable
Kevin R. Feig |
March 2025
In a Maryland Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, In re Cruz, the debtor became concerned about nearly $3,000 in attorney fees accumulated due to mandated Payment Change Notices and Fee Notices related to her home equity line of credit. The Bankruptcy Court ultimately found the fees reasonable but excused the creditor from further notice requirements to prevent additional charges.
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The Future for Federal and Maryland Estate Tax Exemptions
Samantha A. Arnold |
February 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, the federal estate tax exemption will be $13,990,000 per person, but it may drop to about $7,500,000 in 2026 unless Congress intervenes. In Maryland, the estate tax exemption is currently $5,000,000 per person, with a proposal to reduce it to $2,000,000, leading to uncertainty about future changes.
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