Welcome to the Current Events page of our Web site. We hope that you will find this information useful.  Please check back often for news related to Consumer Law.

May 30, 2006

CURRAN UNVIELS IMPROVED LIVING WILL FORM - Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., announced that a new form is now available on the Attorney General website at:  www.oag.state.md.us - just click on "Advance Directive/Living Will."

May 5, 2006

RISING ELECTRIC RATES - Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. has posted helpful information for Maryland consumers concerning the upcoming electric rate increases at:  www.oag.state.md.us/ratehike.htm.

March 21, 2006

CURRAN ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH TIME INC. CONCERNING AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OFFERS AND MAIL SOLICITATIONS.

Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced yesterday a settlement by 23 states, including Maryland, with Time Inc., publisher of Time magazine, under which Time agreed to pay nearly $4.5 million to the states to end investigations into whether it deceptively marketed and billed people for subscription renewals.  Time also agreed to refund up to $4.3 million to about 108,000 customers, of which Marylanders will receive about $143,500, Curran said.  The investigations resulted from complaints that Time was automatically renewing subscriptions unless customers canceled, instead of the traditional method of giving subscribers the option to renew.  Time also mailed consumers solicitions that appeared to be invoices but lacked the conspicuous disclosures required by law, Curran said.  Time denied that it violated the law, but agreed to clearly describe the terms for automatic subscription renewals.  For additional information see:  http://www.oag.state.md.us/press/2006/032106a.htm

March 20, 2006

CURRAN ANNOUNCES $151.7 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN INSURANCE BID-RIGGING CASE. 

Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., announced that Maryland, as part of a multi-state coalition, entered into a settlement with Zurich American Insurance Company relating to bid rigging and price fixing allegations.  The settlement, which is subject to court approval, requires Zurich American Insurance Co. to repay policyholders and make $20 million in payment to the investigating States.  Maryland customers will receive an estimated $2.8 million in the settlement.  For additional information see:  http://www.oag.state.md/us/press/2006/032006a.htm