Section 17-514 - Service of process on and venue for nonresident licensees. - Maryland Statutes

§ 17-514. Service of process on and venue for nonresident licensees.
 

(a)  Consent required.- A nonresident applicant for a license shall submit to the Commission an irrevocable consent, as provided under this section. 

(b)  Contents of consent.- The consent required under this section shall: 

(1) specify that service of process on the executive director of the Commission shall bind the applicant in any action, suit, or proceeding brought against the applicant; 

(2) specify that an action, suit, or proceeding may be brought against the applicant in any county in which: 

(i) the cause of action arose; or 

(ii) the plaintiff resides; 

(3) specify that the consent is irrevocable; and 

(4) be signed by the applicant. 

(c)  Compliance as condition for license issuance.- The Commission may not issue a license to a nonresident applicant, unless the nonresident applicant complies with the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section. 

(d)  Service; venue.-  

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, service of process on the executive director of the Commission binds any person who has submitted a consent to the Commission, as required under this section. 

(2) If service of process is made on the executive director of the Commission as authorized under this section, the person filing immediately shall: 

(i) submit a copy of the filing to the Commission; and 

(ii) send a copy of the filing, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the principal office of the person against whom the action, suit, or proceeding is directed. 

(3) As to any person who submits a consent as required under this section, any action, suit, or proceeding may be brought in any county of the State in which: 

(i) the cause of action arose; or 

(ii) the plaintiff resides. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 56A, § 4-514; 1989, ch. 3, § 1; 1994, ch. 3, § 13.]