Maryland House Bill 42, which would have made it a misdemeanor for an appraiser to “provide real estate appraisal services if the…appraiser knows the asking price or the selling price of the real estate being appraised at the time the appraisal is conducted," was withdrawn by its sponsor prior to a hearing before the Economic Matters committee on Feb. 3.  The bill's sponsor, Delegate Frank M. Conaway, Jr., will instead work to develop appraiser independence legislation similar to laws in 45 other states barring undue influence upon an appraiser to reach a particular value conclusion.

To read the original story, along with the original letter sent opposing HB 42, click here.