Which licensee violated Maryland law concerning the use of unlicensed assistants?

The correct answer highlights a crucial aspect of Maryland real estate law regarding the use of unlicensed assistants. In Maryland, unlicensed assistants are prohibited from engaging in activities that require a real estate license, which includes filling out offer forms. An offer form is a legal document that represents an agreement to purchase property, and because it involves negotiations and binding commitments, only licensed individuals are authorized to complete or assist with this transaction.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not implicate violations of the law concerning unlicensed activities. Giving a bonus for improving records management, paying assistants differently based on their roles, or hiring an assistant to handle administrative tasks like managing phone calls and paperwork are generally acceptable activities for unlicensed assistants. These tasks are categorized as administrative and do not require a real estate license. Therefore, the key distinction lies in the type of tasks performed—only licensed individuals may fill out forms related to the sale or purchase of real estate, while unlicensed assistants can perform supportive functions that do not involve direct transaction activities.