HB 693 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Commercial Financing - Small Business Truth in Lending Act

HB 693, the "Small Business Truth in Lending Act," regulates commercial financing for small businesses by requiring lenders to provide clear disclosures about costs and terms. It directly affects small businesses seeking loans (not personal loans) and non-bank lenders offering commercial financing, excluding banks, credit unions, large loans over $2.5 million, and real estate-secured deals. Key provisions mandate standardized calculations of annual percentage rates (APR), clear disclosure of finance charges (like fees and interest), and specific repayment terms for all commercial financing types, including equipment loans, factoring, and sales-based financing. The bill defines "commercial financing" broadly to cover loans where proceeds aren’t used for personal/family purposes, ensuring borrowers understand costs before signing.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 24, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House of Delegates by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Motion Special Order until 04/07 (Delegate Crosby) Adopted
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Economic Matters
lower
Jan 24, 2025
Committee
First Reading Economic Matters
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of David Fraser-Hidalgo
David Fraser-Hidalgo
DDemocratic
MD
15