In 2009, the Maryland General Assembly passed HB 640 (PDF), which allows local governments to pass an ordinance requiring notice to be given when an Order to Docket is filed with the courts. An Order to Docket is the initial filing in the foreclosure process and allows local governments to reach out to homeowners to advise them of their resources or actively monitor properties to ensure that they are occupied and in good repair.
At this time, homeowners still have the opportunity to engage many of the DHCD services available to them, and to initiate mediation proceedings. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) provides foreclosure resources to both homeowners and municipal officials.