MD HB144

Establishes the Fair Pricing and Market Competition Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Attorney General to support the Antitrust Division's enforcement operations.

Redirects civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation per day for antitrust violations from the General Fund to the new Fair Pricing and Market Competition Fund.

Fund revenue sources include civil penalties from antitrust violations, state budget appropriations, damages and attorney's fees awarded in antitrust actions, and other accepted contributions.

Requires the Governor to include appropriations in the annual budget for fiscal years 2028 through 2033 sufficient to employ one full-time investigator position in the Antitrust Division.

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with a new investigator position to be created beginning in fiscal year 2028.