This written testimony is submitted on behalf of the National Consumer Law Center in support of Md. H.B. 42 / S.B. 106, which would amend Md. Code, Comm. Law § 11-504 to create a self-executing $500 bank account protection that will shield that minimal amount from seizure by creditors. Enacting this legislation is an important step toward strengthening Maryland’s weak protections for families struggling with debt. The self-executing component is key, as $500 will be protected from seizure or being frozen without having to navigate the courts to claim an exemption as is now the case in Maryland.