Bill to Repeal Ban on Fortune-Telling in Carroll County Makes it Through Senate, House

Area residents may see a new type of business come to the county sometime soon. 

A bill repealing a 38-year ban on fortune-telling in Carroll County won approval from the Senate and the House of Delegates this month.

If passed, the bill would make accepting payment or gratuity for fortune-telling legal. 

The bill would repeal article seven, which states: "In Carroll County a person may not demand or accept payment or a gratuity to forecast or foretell, or pretend to forecast or foretell, the future of another person by:

1. Reading a card;

2. Reading the palm of a hand; or

3. Any other scheme, practice, or device."

Anyone who violates the law is subject to imprisonment in the Carroll County Detention Center not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.

The Harford County Council repealed its ban on fortune-telling this month as well, making it legal for the first time in 31 years. 

According to an article on CBSBaltimore.com, a spokesman for Gov. Martin O’Malley said he has not reviewed the measure yet.