MD HB1557

Establishes a Maryland Department of Labor program to protect individuals who lost jobs or were furloughed due to federal government personnel actions, budget changes, or contract/funding cuts occurring on or after January 20, 2025, with eligibility lasting up to 1 year

Prohibits debt collectors from imposing late fees, penalties, or repossessing property from qualified individuals, and requires acceptance of partial payments and interest-free 2-year payment plans

Bars consumer reporting agencies from adding adverse credit information to qualified individuals' reports and requires the Department of Labor to request adverse information freezes on their behalf

Requires mortgage lenders, banking institutions, credit unions, and savings and loan associations to accept partial loan payments and prohibits late fees or penalties on qualified individuals' mortgages

Mandates courts stay foreclosure and eviction proceedings for qualified individuals and qualified landlords until they lose eligibility, and prohibits utility companies from terminating electric or gas service or charging late fees to qualified individuals

Prohibits property tax sales of dwellings owned by qualified individuals or qualified landlords, and applies retroactively to existing mortgage loans, leases, and pending foreclosure/eviction actions