MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  4-410 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division I - State Finance|Title 4 - Department of General Services|Subtitle 4 - Public Improvements and Land Acquisition|Part II - Public Improvements|Section 4-410 - Assistive Listening Device in Assembly Areas

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    (i)    “Assembly area” means a building or facility, or any portion of a building or facility, that:                1.    is used for the purpose of entertainment, education, or civic gatherings; and                2.    requires the use of a public address system.            (ii)    “Assembly area” includes:                1.    an amphitheater, an arena, and a stadium;                2.    an auditorium;                3.    a center for the performing arts;                4.    a classroom and a lecture hall;                5.    a concert hall;                6.    a convention center;                7.    a courtroom;                8.    a legislative chamber;                9.    a movie theater, a theater, and a playhouse; and                10.    a public hearing and meeting room.            (iii)    “Assembly area” does not include any outdoor area.        (3)    “Assistive listening system” means an amplification system using transmitters to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of a wireless direct connection, such as a hearing induction loop system, that couples to a:            (i)    personal hearing device; or            (ii)    receiver, such as a hearing induction loop receiver or other similar technology.        (4)    “Construction or renovation” includes:            (i)    construction;            (ii)    reconstruction; and            (iii)    renovation.        (5)    “Hearing induction loop” means a hearing loop or T–loop system that takes a sound source and transfers it directly via a magnetic signal to:            (i)    a hearing aid;            (ii)    a cochlear implant;            (iii)    a hearing induction loop receiver; or            (iv)    any other personal hearing device that acts as a receiver.        (6)    “Recipient of State funds” means any of the following that receive State money for the construction or renovation of an assembly area:            (i)    a unit of State government;            (ii)    a unit of local government; or            (iii)    a for–profit or nonprofit entity or association.    (b)    (1)    A recipient of State funds shall install an assistive listening system in an assembly area during the construction or renovation of the assembly area if:            (i)    the assembly area uses or requires the use of a public address system; and            (ii)    a State contract has been executed to enable construction or renovation of the assembly area.        (2)    (i)    A recipient of State funds may apply for a waiver from the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection if:                1.    the recipient claims that an assistive listening system is not technologically feasible; or                2.    there is a dispute regarding whether the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection apply to a construction or renovation project.            (ii)    A waiver request under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include a description of the alternative assistive listening technology the recipient will use to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.    (c)    (1)    There is a Hearing Accessibility Advisory Board.        (2)    (i)    The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Board.            (ii)    The Board shall consist of:                1.    individuals who have expertise in assistive listening systems; and                2.    consumers who use assistive listening systems.        (3)    The Board shall:            (i)    consult with stakeholders who are State residents who use or will use the facilities being built or renovated, including:                1.    individuals with hearing loss; and                2.    organizations that represent people with hearing loss and have background experience and knowledge of the use of assistive listening systems and devices;            (ii)    make recommendations for regulations implementing this section;            (iii)    consider applications for waivers submitted under subsection (b)(2) of this section; and            (iv)    monitor compliance with this section and investigate any complaints regarding noncompliance.    (d)    The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations regarding:        (1)    proper maintenance and training of staff;        (2)    adequate signage; and        (3)    a requirement for facilities to provide receivers that can use the technology for individuals who do not have a personal hearing device or do not have a hearing device with a telecoil or other built–in receiver.    (e)    This section does not require State agencies or recipients of State funds to retrofit existing facilities that are not undergoing renovation.    (f)    (1)    (i)    A person may bring a civil action for a violation of this section or if the person has reasonable grounds for believing that this section will be violated.            (ii)    A person may not be required to take any other action before bringing a civil action under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for a potential violation of this section if the person has actual notice that a recipient of State funds does not intend to comply with the requirements of this section.        (2)    In a civil action brought under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the court may:            (i)    grant any equitable relief that the court considers appropriate, including:                1.    temporary, preliminary, or permanent relief;                2.    providing an auxiliary aid or service;                3.    requiring a modification of policy, practice, or procedure; and                4.    making facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities;            (ii)    assess a civil penalty against the recipient of State funds; or            (iii)    award any other relief the court considers to be appropriate.        (3)    If a court orders injunctive relief under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the order shall include a requirement that the facilities be altered to make the facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the extent required by this section.