Maryland § 9-408

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 9-408, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-408.

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a term in a promissory note or in an agreement between an account debtor and a debtor which relates to a health–care–insurance receivable or a general intangible, including a contract, permit, license, or franchise, and which term prohibits, restricts, or requires the consent of the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor to, the assignment or transfer of, or creation, attachment, or perfection of a security interest in, the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible, is ineffective to the extent that the term:

        (1)    Would impair the creation, attachment, or perfection of a security interest; or

        (2)    Provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination, or remedy under the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible.

    (b)    Subsection (a) applies to a security interest in a payment intangible or promissory note only if the security interest arises out of a sale of the payment intangible or promissory note, other than a sale pursuant to a disposition under § 9–610 or an acceptance of collateral under § 9–620.

    (c)    A rule of law, statute, or regulation that prohibits, restricts, or requires the consent of a government, governmental body or official, person obligated on a promissory note, or account debtor to the assignment or transfer of, or creation of a security interest in, a promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible, including a contract, permit, license, or franchise between an account debtor and a debtor, is ineffective to the extent that the rule of law, statute, or regulation:

        (1)    Would impair the creation, attachment, or perfection of a security interest; or

        (2)    Provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination, or remedy under the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible.

    (d)    To the extent that a term in a promissory note or in an agreement between an account debtor and a debtor which relates to a health–care–insurance receivable or general intangible or a rule of law, statute, or regulation described in subsection (c) would be effective under law other than this title but is ineffective under subsection (a) or (c), the creation, attachment, or perfection of a security interest in the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible:

        (1)    Is not enforceable against the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor;

        (2)    Does not impose a duty or obligation on the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor;

        (3)    Does not require the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor to recognize the security interest, pay or render performance to the secured party, or accept payment or performance from the secured party;

        (4)    Does not entitle the secured party to use or assign the debtor’s rights under the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible, including any related information or materials furnished to the debtor in the transaction giving rise to the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible;

        (5)    Does not entitle the secured party to use, assign, possess, or have access to any trade secrets or confidential information of the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor; and

        (6)    Does not entitle the secured party to enforce the security interest in the promissory note, health–care–insurance receivable, or general intangible.

    (e)    (1)    This section prevails over any inconsistent statute of this State except as provided in paragraph (2).

        (2)    Subsections (a) and (c) do not apply to:

            (A)    A claim or right to receive amounts under a workers’ compensation act as compensation for an accidental injury or an occupational disease;

            (B)    A claim or right to receive amounts, whether by suit or agreement and whether as lump sums or as periodic payments, for damages arising from personal injuries; and

            (C)    A claim or right to receive benefits from a special needs trust described in 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4), as amended from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 9-408

What does Maryland Code § 9-408 cover?

Section 9-408 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 9-408?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 9-408" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 9-408 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.