reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General|Section 10-208 - Assent to Public Law 415, 75th Congress

    The State assents to the provisions of the act of Congress entitled “An Act to provide that the United States shall aid the state in wildlife-restoration projects, and for other purposes”, approved on September 2, 1937, Public Law 415, 75th Congress, 50 Stat. 917. The Department shall perform every act necessary to conduct and establish administrative cooperative wildlife-restoration projects as defined in this act of Congress in compliance with this act of Congress and regulations the United States Secretary of Agriculture adopts pursuant to this act of Congress.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-209 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General|Section 10-209 - State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund.    (b)    There is a State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund in the Department.    (c)    The purpose of the Fund is to finance the scientific investigation, protection, propagation, and management of wildlife.    (d)    The Department shall administer the Fund.    (e)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.        (2)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.    (f)    The Fund consists of:        (1)    Any money received for a license, stamp, application, or permit fee under this title, unless otherwise provided; and        (2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund.    (g)    The Fund may be used only for:        (1)    The scientific investigation, protection, propagation, and management of wildlife; and        (2)    Administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.    (h)    (1)    The Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.        (2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund.    (i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-210 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General|Section 10-210 - Wild Waterfowl Sampling Methods

    In the planning of sampling methods and the compilation of estimates of the number of wild waterfowl in the State, the Department shall take advantage of other surveys made by reliable organizations including, but not limited to:         (1)    The Grand National Waterfowl Hunt, Incorporated; and        (2)    The Maryland Outfitters Association.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-211 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General|Section 10-211 - Population Control of Mute Swan

    (a)    The Department shall establish a program to control the population of the nonnative bird species known as the mute swan.    (b)    The program established under this section, where appropriate, may include:        (1)    The managed harvest of adult mute swans; and        (2)    The solicitation of licensed hunters to participate in the managed harvest of adult mute swans established under this subsection.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-212 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General|Section 10-212 - Hunting Heritage Protection

    (a)    The General Assembly finds and declares that:        (1)    Hunting is an important and traditional activity in which 14,000,000 Americans who are at least 16 years old participate;        (2)    Hunters have been and continue to be among the foremost supporters of sound wildlife management and conservation practices in the United States;        (3)    Hunters and hunting organizations provide direct assistance to wildlife managers and enforcement officers of federal, state, and local governments;        (4)    Fees for hunting licenses, permits, and stamps, and taxes on goods used by hunters, have generated billions of dollars for wildlife conservation, research, and management;        (5)    Hunting is an essential component of effective wildlife management, as it is an important tool for reducing conflicts between people and wildlife and provides incentives for the conservation of wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems on which wildlife depends;        (6)    Hunting is an environmentally acceptable activity that occurs and can be provided for on State public lands without adverse effects on other uses of the lands; and        (7)    Poaching, as defined in § 10–101 of this title, is not only a violation of the public trust doctrine, but also violates the tenets of sound wildlife management and conservation practices strictly adhered to by law–abiding sportsmen and sportswomen who deem the act intolerable.    (b)    The Department shall:        (1)    Keep land managed by the Department open for hunting unless the Department determines that the land must be closed for reasons of public safety, fish or wildlife management, or homeland security, or as otherwise required by law;        (2)    Manage land under its authority to support, promote, and enhance hunting opportunities to the extent authorized under State law; and        (3)    Manage land under its authority to prevent, to the greatest practical extent, any net loss of acreage available for hunting opportunities on land managed by the Department.    (c)    By October 1, 2006, and each year thereafter, the Department shall submit to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, a report describing the land managed by the Department that:        (1)    The Department closed to hunting during the previous year and the reasons for the closures; and        (2)    To comply with subsection (b) of this section, the Department opened to hunting during the previous year to compensate for the acreage closed as described under item (1) of this subsection.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-02 - Findings of General Assembly

    (a)    The General Assembly finds that:        (1)    It is the policy of the State to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems;        (2)    Species of wildlife and plants normally occurring within the State which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the State should be accorded the protection necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; and        (3)    The State should assist in the protection of species of wildlife and plants which are determined to be “threatened” or “endangered” elsewhere pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884, by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment within the State of endangered species and by carefully regulating these activities with regard to the threatened species.    (b)    Exceptions to the prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of these species, may be permitted as set forth in this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-03 - Investigations by Secretary; Regulations Generally; Taking, Possessing, Transporting, etc., Prohibited Generally

    (a)    The Secretary shall conduct investigations of nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of these determinations the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations not later than July 1, 1977 and develop conservation programs designed to insure the continued ability of nongame wildlife deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The Secretary shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife.    (b)    The Secretary, by regulations, shall adopt limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment necessary to conserve nongame wildlife.    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in regulations adopted by the Secretary, a person may not take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, offer for sale, or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.        (2)    A common or contract carrier may not knowingly transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-05 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-05 - Changes in Listings; Regulations for Conservation of Species; Prohibited Acts; Transportation Under Valid Permit; Possession,transportation, etc., for Scientific Purposes

    (a)    Except with respect to species of wildlife or plants determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, the Secretary, upon the petition of an interested person, shall conduct a review of any listed or unlisted species proposed to be removed from or added to the lists published pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, if the Secretary publishes public notice that the person has presented substantial evidence which warrants a review.    (b)    When any species of wildlife or plant is listed as a threatened species pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the species. The Secretary, by regulations, may prohibit with respect to any threatened species of wildlife or plant any act prohibited under subsection (c) of this section.    (c)    Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section and § 10-2A-05.1 of this subtitle, with respect to any endangered species of wildlife, a person may not:        (1)    Export the species from the State;        (2)    Take the species within the State;        (3)    Possess, process, sell or offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport, or ship the species by any means; or        (4)    Violate any regulation pertaining to the conservation of the species or to any threatened species of wildlife listed pursuant to this subsection and adopted by the Secretary pursuant to authority provided by this section.    (d)    Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, with respect to any endangered species of plant, a person may not:        (1)    Export the species from the State;        (2)    Possess, process, sell, offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport, or ship the species by any means; or        (3)    Violate any regulation pertaining to the species or to any threatened species of plant listed pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle and adopted by the Secretary.    (e)    Any endangered species of wildlife or plant which enters the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is transported to a point within or beyond the State may enter and be transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state.    (f)    The Secretary may permit, under the terms and conditions he prescribes, any act otherwise prohibited by subsections (c) and (d) of this section for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-05.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-05.1 - Incidental Taking Permit for Endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle; Regulations

    (a)    The Secretary shall issue a permit to an applicant that authorizes an incidental taking of the endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle if:        (1)    The applicant submits a conservation plan to the Department that specifies:            (i)    The impact that will likely result from the incidental taking;            (ii)    The steps that the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate the impact, and the funding that will be available to implement the steps;            (iii)    The alternative actions to the incidental taking that the applicant considered and the reasons that the alternatives were not used; and            (iv)    Any other measures that the Secretary requires as being reasonably necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan; and        (2)    The Secretary finds that:            (i)    The incidental taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the Puritan Tiger Beetle in the wild;            (ii)    The applicant will, to the extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of the incidental taking;            (iii)    Adequate funding for the conservation plan is available and the plan will be implemented; and            (iv)    The applicant has obtained the required federal authorization for the incidental taking of the Puritan Tiger Beetle.    (b)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement and enforce this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-05.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-05.2 - Incidental Taking Permit for Endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel

    (a)    The Secretary may issue a permit to an applicant that authorizes an incidental taking of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel if:        (1)    The applicant submits a conservation plan to the Department that specifies:            (i)    The impact that will likely result from the incidental taking;            (ii)    The steps that the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate the impact;            (iii)    The funding that will be available to implement the steps;            (iv)    The alternative actions to the incidental taking that the applicant considered and the reasons that the alternatives were not used; and            (v)    Any other measures that the Secretary requires as being necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan; and        (2)    The Secretary finds that:            (i)    The incidental taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the Delmarva fox squirrel in the wild;            (ii)    The applicant will, to the extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of the incidental taking;            (iii)    Adequate funding for the conservation plan is available and the plan will be implemented; and            (iv)    The applicant has obtained the required federal authorization for the incidental taking of the Delmarva fox squirrel.    (b)    The Secretary may adopt regulations to implement and enforce this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-06 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-06 - Programs for Conservation

    (a)    The Secretary shall establish programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests in the land or aquatic habitats, necessary for the conservation of nongame, threatened, or endangered species of wildlife or plants. The Secretary shall use all vested authority to carry out the provisions of this subsection.    (b)    In carrying out programs authorized by this section, the Secretary shall consult with the State Secretary of Agriculture and other states having a common interest in particular species of nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants. The Secretary may enter into agreements with federal agencies, other states, political subdivisions of the State, or with individuals with respect to programs designed to conserve nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants, including agreements for administration and management established under this section or utilized for conservation of nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants.    (c)    The Governor shall review other programs administered by the Governor and utilize these programs in furtherance of the purposes of this subtitle. All State departments and agencies, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary, shall utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this subtitle by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered species and threatened species listed pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, and by taking any action necessary to insure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them do not jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or modification of habitat of the species which is deemed by the Secretary to be critical.    (d)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-06.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-06.1 - Birdwatcher's Fund

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Birdwatcher” means a person who engages in birdwatching.        (3)    (i)    “Birdwatching” means identifying, studying, and recording the presence of wild birds in their natural surroundings.            (ii)    “Birdwatching” does not include incidental sightings of wild birds in their natural surroundings.    (b)    The purpose of this section is to provide a special fund that shall be expended for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.    (c)    There is a Birdwatcher’s Fund.    (d)    (1)    All revenue that the Department derives from the issuance of birdwatcher’s stamps and decals shall be credited to the Birdwatcher’s Fund.        (2)    The Secretary shall administer the Birdwatcher’s Fund.        (3)    Money in the Birdwatcher’s Fund shall be expended only for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.    (e)    (1)    The fee for a birdwatcher’s stamp or decal is $5.        (2)    Private contributions, grants and donations may be made to the Birdwatcher’s Fund.        (3)    Any person engaged in a retail business who desires to sell birdwatcher’s stamps and decals as an agent under the Department’s control and supervision shall apply on forms prepared and prescribed by the Department.        (4)    An agent may retain 25 cents out of the birdwatcher’s stamp or decal fee for each birdwatcher’s stamp or decal the agent sells.        (5)    The Department, by regulation, shall provide procedures and forms for the sale of birdwatcher’s stamps and decals.    (f)    The purpose of this Fund is:        (1)    Dissemination of information pertaining to nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species conservation, management, and values;        (2)    Scientific investigation and survey of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species for better protection and conservation;        (3)    Propagation, distribution, protection, and restoration of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;        (4)    Research and management of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;        (5)    Development of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;        (6)    Acquisition of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species; and        (7)    Matching of funds available to the Department under federal programs for projects and activities authorized under this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-07 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-07 - Penalties for Violation of 10-2a-05; Searches and Seizures; Forfeitures

    (a)    Any person who violates the provisions of § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle, fails to procure any permit required by § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle, or violates the terms of any permit shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.    (b)    Any Natural Resources police officer or any law enforcement officer may conduct searches as provided by law, and execute a warrant to search for and seize any equipment, business records, merchandise, wildlife, or plants taken, used, or possessed in connection with a violation of any subsection. Any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer, without a warrant, may arrest any person who the officer has probable cause to believe is violating, in the officer’s presence or view, this subtitle or any regulation or permit provided for by this subtitle. Any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer who has made an arrest of a person in connection with any violation may search the person, premises, or business records at the time of arrest and may seize any wildlife, plants, records, or property taken, or used in connection with any violation.    (c)    Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, plants or records seized under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be held by any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer pending disposition of court proceedings, and after disposition of court proceedings shall be forfeited to the State for destruction or disposition as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Prior to forfeiture the Secretary may direct the transfer of wildlife or plants so seized to a qualified zoological, botanical, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping, costs to be assessable to the defendant. The Secretary may issue regulations to implement this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  10-2A-08 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 10 - Wildlife|Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act|Section 10-2A-08 - Exemptions From Subtitle

    (a)    The provisions of this subtitle do not prohibit:        (1)    Importation into the State of wildlife or plants which may be lawfully imported into the United States or lawfully taken and removed from another state; or        (2)    Entry into this State or the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment of any wildlife or plant which is designated an endangered or threatened species in this State but not in the state where originally taken, if the person engaging in the activity demonstrates by substantial evidence that the wildlife or plant was lawfully taken and lawfully removed from the state of origin.    (b)    This section does not permit the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale or shipment within the State of species of wildlife or plants determined, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, to be an endangered or threatened species, except as permitted by § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle.