Maryland outlaws RPM

A bill passed by the Maryland legislature is intended to nullify the effects of the Supreme Court's Leegin decision in that state.

Under the new state law, retailers doing business in Maryland -- as well as state officials -- can sue manufacturers that impose minimum-pricing agreements. The law also covers transactions in which consumers in Maryland buy goods on the Internet, even when the retailer is based out of state. That could potentially affect manufacturers throughout the country.

The article says that several other states are considering such legislation, but I doubt there will be any need. Senator Herb Kohl's subcommittee begins hearings next month on a bill to overturn Leegin at the federal level, and that will preempt any state actions.