reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act|Section 1-503 - Actions for Declaratory and Equitable Relief

    (a)    The following persons have standing to bring and maintain an action provided for in this section in the courts of equity of this State:        (1)    The State of Maryland, or any agency or officer of the State, acting through the Attorney General;        (2)    Any political subdivision of the State of Maryland, or any agency or officer of it acting on its behalf; and        (3)    Any other person, regardless of whether he possesses a special interest different from that possessed generally by the residents of Maryland, or whether substantial personal or property damage to him is threatened. However, an individual citizen either shall reside in the county or Baltimore City where the action is brought, or shall demonstrate that the alleged condition, activity, or failure complained of affects the environment where he resides.    (b)    Any person given standing by subsection (a) of this section may bring and maintain an action for mandamus or equitable relief, including declaratory relief against any officer or agency of the State or political subdivision for failure on the part of the officer or agency of the State or political subdivision to perform a nondiscretionary ministerial duty imposed upon them under an environmental statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or order, or for their failure to enforce an applicable environmental quality standard for the protection of the air, water, or other natural resources of the State, as expressed in a statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or order of the State, or any political subdivision upon the request of the defendant, the court in its discretion may join as a party defendant any person against whom the plaintiff is requesting that governmental action be taken following notice to that person and if the court determines that the joinder would serve the interests of justice.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act|Section 1-505 - Venue, Pleadings, and Procedure

    (a)    An action pursuant to this subtitle shall be brought in the circuit court where the alleged condition, activity, or failure complained of is occurring, has occurred, or is likely to occur.    (b)    If the plaintiff is a person other than the State, an action does not lie under this subtitle unless the plaintiff, at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the action, has delivered a sufficient written notice of the alleged condition, activity, or failure to the agency of the State or its political subdivision responsible for initiating or instituting some official action as a result of the alleged condition, activity, or failure. A copy of the notice shall be simultaneously delivered to the Attorney General.    (c)    In addition to the copies which are to be served upon any person named as a defendant, a copy of the summons and bill of complaint and of any supporting papers and exhibits attached to it, including in all cases a certificate from the plaintiff under subsection (b) of this section of the date of the mailings, a copy of the mailed written notice and the signed certified mail receipts returned by the addressees, must be served upon the Attorney General, for purposes of notice and also to give him an opportunity to intervene. It is discretionary with the Attorney General and with each interested State agency or official represented by him whether to appear in the action but, upon application, at any time during the pendency of the action the Attorney General shall be permitted to intervene.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act|Section 1-506 - Stay of Proceedings

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the court may grant a stay of the proceedings brought pursuant to this subtitle upon motion of defendant made upon notice to all parties and to the Attorney General whether or not a party whenever there is pending any of the following at the time of commencement of an action brought pursuant to this subtitle:        (1)    Any administrative enforcement hearing initiated by an agency of the State or a political subdivision, either prior to or after receipt of the statutory notice required by § 1-505(b) and (c) of this subtitle, with jurisdiction by law over the condition or activity complained of, if the proceeding is being diligently prosecuted in the opinion of the court;        (2)    Judicial review of any administrative action taken with respect to the condition or activity complained of;        (3)    An action in court brought by the Attorney General on behalf of a State agency represented by him or by a political subdivision of the State with respect to the condition or activity complained of; or        (4)    An appeal from a judgment rendered with respect to an action brought under item (3) of this subsection.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the court also may grant the stay provided for in subsection (a) of this section upon motion made by the Attorney General on behalf of the people of the State or by a State agency or official represented by him, whether or not he is a named party defendant.    (c)    A stay shall be granted for a time the court considers reasonable for completion of the administrative or judicial proceeding, the pendency of which is the basis for the motion for the stay, but in no event may a stay be granted for longer than 90 days without a showing of sufficient cause by the defendant or the Attorney General.    (d)    The court, upon motion demonstrating sufficient cause, may grant extensions of the stay for additional periods not to exceed 90 days each.    (e)    A stay pursuant to this section may not be granted if the court finds that the condition or activity complained of either presents an imminent danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the people of the State or results in, or is likely to result in, irreversible or irreparable damage to the air, water, or other natural resources of the State except pursuant to § 1-504(f)(2) of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-507 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act|Section 1-507 - Procedures

    (a)    An action brought pursuant to this subtitle may not be compromised, discontinued, or dismissed by consent, by default, or for neglect to prosecute, except with the approval of the court. The approval may not be granted when the court determines that a monetary settlement, in excess of court costs and attorneys fees, has been offered by a defendant to a plaintiff, who has standing to sue only by virtue of this subtitle, as consideration for the settlement. If the court upon application of a defendant determines that an action in which a plaintiff has acquired standing solely by virtue of this subtitle was brought in bad faith or solely for purposes of harassment or delay, it may, after further hearing on this specific question, award to the defendant against the plaintiff a judgment for all or part of the court costs, including attorneys fees, as the defendant may establish were incurred by him in defending the action together with any damages sustained by the defendant as a result of the action having been brought, including witness fees.    (b)    The Maryland Rules apply to all actions brought under this subtitle except where the provisions of this subtitle specifically describe other procedures.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-508 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act|Section 1-508 - Existing Rights and Remedies Reserved

    It is the purpose of this subtitle to provide certain remedies to abate the pollution, destruction, or substantial or unreasonable impairment of the air, water, or other natural resources of the State and therefore nothing contained in it abridges or alters rights of action or remedies which exist. A provision in this subtitle, or any act done by virtue of this subtitle, may not be construed as estopping or limiting the State or any person in the exercise of his rights to suppress nuisances or to abate any pollution.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River|Section 1-601 - Policy of State

    It is the policy of the State to foster water safety for recreational uses of the Potomac River, including swimming, bathing, wading, diving, tubing, rafting, and other uses involving contact with the water. There is a particular need to restrict the recreational use of certain waters known to be hazardous to personal safety some or all of the time, specifically, that section of the Potomac River beginning at the District of Columbia and Maryland boundary line which crosses the Potomac River approximately one-half mile north of Chain Bridge and continuing upstream to a line across the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry Road.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-602 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River|Section 1-602 - Responsibility for Administration of Program

    The Secretary is responsible for administering a program of water safety for recreational uses of the hazardous section of the Potomac River as described in this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-603 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River|Section 1-603 - Regulations

    The Department may adopt regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-604 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River|Section 1-604 - Penalties for Violations

    Any person who violates any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding 2 months, or both.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-605 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River|Section 1-605 - Powers and Duties of Secretary of the Environment Not Affected or Limited

    Nothing in this subtitle is intended to affect or limit the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Environment under § 9-252 of the Environment Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-701 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-701 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Conserve”, “endangered species”, “nongame species”, “species”, and “threatened species” have the meanings stated in § 10-2A-01 of this article.    (c)    “Fund” means the State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund established under § 1-702 of this subtitle.    (d)    “Income tax checkoff system” means the checkoff system established under § 2-110 of the Tax - General Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-702 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-702 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.    (b)    There is a State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.    (c)    (1)    The net proceeds from contributions under the income tax checkoff system and any other donations to the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.        (2)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.        (3)    The Fund shall be used only as provided in §§ 1–703 through 1–705 of this subtitle.        (4)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.        (5)    The Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.        (6)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.        (7)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.    (d)    The Fund shall be maintained for the purposes stated in this subtitle and unspent portions of the Fund shall remain in the Fund and may not revert to the General Fund of the State.    (e)    Money expended from the Fund for the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Endangered Species Conservation programs is supplemental and is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for the Trust or for those programs.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-703 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-703 - Distributions

    (a)    (1)    The Secretary may distribute not more than 5% of the net proceeds of the Fund to a promotional account to be used to promote further donations to the Fund.        (2)    Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this title.    (b)    After making the distributions allowed under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall distribute the remainder of the net proceeds of the Fund as follows:        (1)    50% to the Chesapeake Bay Trust established under § 8–1902 of this article, to be used by the Trust only as provided in § 1–704 of this subtitle; and        (2)    50% to an endangered species account, to be used only to conserve nongame, threatened and endangered species as provided in § 1–705 of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-704 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-704 - Grants to Nonprofit Organizations, Community Associations, Etc

    The Chesapeake Bay Trust shall use the funds it receives under § 1-703 of this subtitle only to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, community associations, civic groups, schools, or public agencies for citizen involvement projects that will enhance or promote:         (1)    Public education of the State’s citizens concerning the Chesapeake Bay;        (2)    The preservation or enhancement of water quality and fishery or wildlife habitat;        (3)    The restoration of aquatic or land resources;        (4)    Reforestation projects;        (5)    The publication or production of educational materials on the Chesapeake Bay; or        (6)    Training in environmental studies or environmental enhancement.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-705 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-705 - Promotion of Conservation, Propagation, and Habitat Protection of Nongame, Threatened or Endangered Species

    (a)    The Secretary shall use the funds credited to the endangered species account under § 1-703 of this subtitle only to promote the conservation, propagation, and habitat protection of nongame, threatened or endangered species, including:        (1)    The acquisition, through absolute purchase or the purchase of easements, of habitats necessary to conserve, protect, or propagate nongame, threatened or endangered species;        (2)    The monitoring, surveying, and protection of nest sites of bald eagles, Delmarva fox squirrels, peregrine falcons, and piping plovers;        (3)    The promotion of voluntary protection of habitat for threatened and endangered species by monitoring information and management assistance to private landowners;        (4)    The initiation of surveys and recovery programs, including habitat restoration or protection, for other threatened or endangered species;        (5)    The protection of threatened or endangered species in natural heritage areas identified under the Natural Heritage Program;        (6)    The surveying of nongame birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians not currently receiving review, particularly those species whose population status is questionable, such as the bog turtle;        (7)    The development and implementation of an urban wildlife program to provide individuals in urban and suburban areas the opportunity to observe wildlife; and        (8)    The development and implementation of a public education and information program to educate the public and school children about wildlife and habitat conservation.    (b)    (1)    In developing the wildlife conservation programs under this section, the Secretary shall solicit the advice of the Threatened and Endangered Species Committee established in the Department.        (2)    The Secretary shall obtain recommendations from the Natural Heritage Program in the Department as to implementation of threatened and endangered species conservation programs under this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-706 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund|Section 1-706 - Annual Report to General Assembly

    (a)    On or before September 30 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the General Assembly, pursuant to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the administration of the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.    (b)    The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:        (1)    The gross amount of donations to the Fund;        (2)    The costs of administration by the Comptroller of the income tax checkoff system;        (3)    A description of promotional efforts undertaken with money from the Fund; and        (4)    A detailed accounting of the use of the Fund:            (i)    By the Chesapeake Bay Trust; and            (ii)    For wildlife conservation.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-801 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 8 - Penalties and Fines|Section 1-801 - Prepayable Fines

    (a)    The Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland may establish, by administrative regulation under the provisions of § 1-605 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, a schedule of prepayable fines for first offense misdemeanor violations of this article and regulations adopted under this article. The amount of a prepayable fine may be no more than the maximum and no less than the minimum criminal penalty established by the General Assembly in this article.    (b)    By paying a fine set under this section in lieu of appearing for trial in District Court, a person is voluntarily accepting a conviction for the offense charged.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  1-901 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources|Subtitle 9 - Recreational License Incentive Discount Program|Section 1-901 - Recreational License Incentive Discount Program

    (a)    In this subtitle, “Program” means the Recreational License Incentive Discount Program.    (b)    There is a Recreational License Incentive Discount Program in the Department.    (c)    The Program is established to provide incentives for eligible individuals to obtain recreational fishing and hunting licenses.    (d)    (1)    In administering the Program, the Department may offer incentive discounts for recreational fishing and hunting licenses issued under §§ 4–604, 4–745, and 10–301 of this article.        (2)    An incentive discount offered or provided under the Program:            (i)    May not exceed 50% of the underlying license fee; and            (ii)    May be offered or provided for a specific recreational license only to an individual who has not held that license within the previous 2 years.    (e)    The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  2-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey|Subtitle 1 - Definitions|Section 2-101 - Enumeration

    (a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Commission” means Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey.    (c)    “Department” means Department of Natural Resources.    (d)    “Paleontology” means the branch of geology that deals with prehistoric forms of life through the study of plant and animal fossils.    (e)    “Secretary” means Secretary of Natural Resources.    (f)    “Survey” means Maryland Geological Survey.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  2-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey|Section 2-201 - Maryland Geological Survey -- Established; Appointment of Director

    (a)    There is a Maryland Geological Survey in the Department.    (b)    The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, shall appoint the Director of the Survey. The Director shall hold office under and subject to the provisions of § 1-101(d) of this article. He shall be a person with executive ability, and special training and experience in handling problems in the fields of geology and water resources.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  2-202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey|Section 2-202 - Functions

    The Survey shall:         (1)    Conduct topographic, geologic, hydrographic, and geophysical surveys;        (2)    Prepare topographic, geologic, and other types of maps to meet specific needs;        (3)    Prepare reports on the extent and character of the State’s geology, mineral, and water resources; and        (4)    Periodically assess the paleontological resources of the State and coordinate the assessment with interested persons and public agencies.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  2-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey|Section 2-203 - Duties of Director of Geological Survey

    The Director of the Survey shall exercise any power or duty and general supervision over matters conferred upon the Survey by law, subject to the authority of the Secretary.