reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-721.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-721.1 - Removal of Vessel From Marina

    (a)    The owner or operator of a marina or the owner’s or operator’s agent may have a vessel removed from the marina by a private person if the vessel has remained on the marina premises without permission for more than 48 hours and the owner, operator, or agent has placed in conspicuous locations signs that:        (1)    State that vessels left at the marina without permission for more than 48 hours are subject to removal at the vessel owner’s expense;        (2)    State the location to which the vessel will be removed;        (3)    State that the vessel owner will be responsible for all costs associated with the removal and storage of the vessel; and        (4)    Provide the telephone number of a person who can be contacted to arrange for the reclaiming of the vessel by its owner or the owner’s agent.    (b)    A vessel may not be removed from a marina to a location that is more than 30 miles from the marina.    (c)    The owner or operator of a marina, or the agent of the owner or operator, on finding a vessel left at the marina without permission, shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the vessel owner or the vessel owner’s agent of the intended removal of the vessel before the vessel may be removed under this section.    (d)    A person who removes the vessel from a marina:        (1)    Shall notify the vessel owner or the vessel owner’s agent at the earliest possible time after removing the vessel from the marina, and shall provide the following information:            (i)    A description of the vessel including the vessel’s certificate of boat number;            (ii)    The date and time the vessel was removed;            (iii)    The reason the vessel was removed; and            (iv)    The locations from which and to which the vessel was moved;        (2)    Before removing the vessel, shall have authorization of the marina owner; and        (3)    May not pay any remuneration to the owner of the marina.    (e)    (1)    The person who removes a vessel from a marina shall immediately deliver the vessel directly to a location customarily used by the person.        (2)    The person who exercises control over the vessel at the location to which the vessel is delivered after removal from a marina shall provide the vessel owner or the vessel owner’s agent immediate and continuous opportunity to retake possession of the vessel.    (f)    Any person who removes a vessel from a marina in violation of any provision of this section:        (1)    Shall be liable for actual damages sustained by the vessel owner or the vessel owner’s agent as a result of the violation; and        (2)    Shall be liable to the vessel owner or the vessel owner’s agent for up to triple the amount paid by the owner or the owner’s agent to retake possession of the vessel, as the court may determine.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-723 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-723 - State Boat Act Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the State Boat Act Fund.    (b)    There is a State Boat Act Fund in the Department.    (c)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.    (d)    (1)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.        (2)    The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.        (3)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.    (e)    Unless otherwise provided, the Fund consists of:        (1)    Moneys received from any fee and other revenue the Department collects under authority of this subtitle;        (2)    Moneys appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and        (3)    Any moneys received and accepted as gifts, contributions, or grants.    (f)    The Department shall use the Fund:        (1)    For the administration of this subtitle;        (2)    To cover the costs of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Department under this title; and        (3)    For administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1-103(b)(2) of this article.    (g)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.    (h)    Within the limits of funds available, the Department may enter into any agreement with the federal government, any municipality or other political subdivision of the State, or any private agency to share the cost of any development, construction, or improvement of waterways or of facilities determined to have beneficial value to the boating public.    (i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-724.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-724.1 - Damaging or Interfering With Use of Public Wharf or Landing

    A person may not:         (1)    Interfere with the use of a public landing;        (2)    Do anything to destroy the usefulness of the public landing; or        (3)    Damage a wharf or structure erected on the wharf by the State, a county, or a person under a written agreement with a State unit or a county for public benefit.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725 - Waterskiing Restrictions

    (a)    This section does not apply to:        (1)    Any performer engaged in a professional exhibition; or        (2)    Any person taking part in:            (i)    An authorized regatta, motorboat race, or other boat race; or            (ii)    Any marine parade, tournament, or exhibition.    (b)    A person may not operate any machinery-propelled vessel for the purpose of towing a person on or attached to water skis, an aquaplane, a parasail, or similar device unless the vessel operator is at least 12 years old and another person, at least 12 years old, is in the vessel to observe the progress of the person being towed. Towing may not occur between sunset and sunrise.    (c)    (1)    In this subsection, “personal flotation device” includes:            (i)    A life jacket;            (ii)    A life vest;            (iii)    A life preserver;            (iv)    A barefoot wet suit; or            (v)    A trick skiing wet suit.        (2)    A person who is in or over the waters of the State and is being towed behind a vessel must wear a personal flotation device.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.1 - Controlled Water Ski Area in Maynadier Creek.

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL MAY 31, 2023 PER CHAPTER 747 OF 2019 //    (a)    In this section, “controlled water ski area” means an area that:        (1)    Is marked by the Department;        (2)    Encompasses a slalom ski course that is permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and        (3)    Is designed, constructed, and intended for controlled water ski practice.    (b)    This section applies to a controlled water ski area located in Maynadier Creek.    (c)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may operate or give permission to operate a vessel for the purpose of towing a water skier in a slalom ski course located in a controlled water ski area only on:            (i)    Mondays and Thursdays between  8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.;            (ii)    Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and sunset;            (iii)    Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; or            (iv)    Sundays between 8:00 a.m. and noon.        (2)    A person may not operate or give permission to operate a vessel for the purpose of towing a water skier in a slalom ski course located in a controlled water ski area on:            (i)    Saturdays; or            (ii)    State holidays.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.2 - Abandonment of Vessel

    (a)    A person may not abandon, as defined in § 8–721 of this subtitle, any vessel upon any waters of the State.    (b)    The last known registered owner shown on the certificate of title issued under § 8–715 of this subtitle shall be considered:        (1)    The prima facie owner of a vessel at the time the vessel was abandoned; and        (2)    The person who abandoned the vessel.    (c)    (1)    Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both.        (2)    Any person found guilty of a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both.        (3)    Any person who violates any provision of this section is liable to the State for the cost of removal of the vessel.        (4)    The provisions of this section do not apply to a vessel wrecked through an act of God or negligence of a third party.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.3 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.3 - Comprehensive Management Plan for Use of Vessels on Severn River

    (a)    The Department shall:        (1)    Develop a comprehensive management plan for the use of vessels on the Severn River and its tributaries in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act under Title 10 of the State Government Article; and        (2)    Implement the comprehensive management plan no later than April 15, 1990.    (b)    The comprehensive management plan for the use of vessels on the Severn River and its tributaries shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:        (1)    Areas designated for specified uses;        (2)    Noise level limits of vessels;        (3)    Maximum speed limits of vessels;        (4)    Other limits that address water surface capacity and the safe operation of vessels so as to maximize the recreational and aesthetic values of the Severn River and its tributaries, consistent with sound environmental practices; and        (5)    A study of seaplane activity on the Severn River and its tributaries.    (c)    This section may not be construed to change the authority previously granted to the Department to adopt regulations concerning the subject matter of this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.4 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.4 - Speed Limits on Severn River; Penalties

    (a)    A person may not operate any vessel on the Severn River from April 15, 1989 to October 15, 1989 in excess of 40 miles per hour during the following days and times:        (1)    A Saturday;        (2)    A Sunday;        (3)    A State holiday; and        (4)    Any other day from sundown to sunrise.    (b)    (1)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:            (i)    For the first offense, $500; and            (ii)    For the second offense, $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.        (2)    Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not limit or supersede any other penalty that may be imposed under this subtitle for a violation of any other law or regulation adopted under this subtitle.    (c)    This section may not be construed to affect the Department’s authority:        (1)    To adopt regulations concerning the subject matter of this section; or        (2)    To set speed limits on creeks, bays, coves, and tributaries of the Severn River.    (d)    The Department shall develop an informational program to assist boaters in complying with the speed limits imposed by this section, including public education, a phase–in period for enforcement, and information to assist boaters in converting tachometer or knot meter readings to speedometer readings in miles per hour.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.5 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.5 - Noise Levels for Vessels Operated in Tidal Waters

    (a)    The provisions of this section do not apply to persons who regularly catch or harvest seafood for sale while actually engaged in the catching or harvesting of the seafood.    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person may not operate a vessel on the waters of the State so as to exceed a noise level of 90dB(a).        (2)    Noise level limits for waters of the State shall be measured using generally accepted testing procedures imposed by regulations adopted by the Department based on the Marine Environment Sound Level Measurement Procedure, SAE J 2005.        (3)    An owner or lessee of a vessel may not allow the vessel to be operated on waters of the State in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection.    (c)    A person may not own or operate on any waters of the State any vessel manufactured after January 1, 1990 that is not equipped with a muffler or device or system which muffles or suppresses engine noise in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.    (d)    The Department may adopt regulations to permit exceptions to this section, including exceptions for:        (1)    Economic hardship;        (2)    Vessels participating or preparing to participate in a U.S. Coast Guard or Department approved race or event;        (3)    The testing, repair, or development of vessel engines conducted by a bona fide engine or boat manufacturer or service person; and        (4)    Vessels belonging to a volunteer fire department, ambulance company, rescue squad company, or advance life support company or a political subdivision.    (e)    In addition to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Department may adopt regulations to enforce this section, including regulations establishing noise limitations.    (f)    (1)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:            (i)    For the first offense, $500; and            (ii)    For the second offense, $1,000 or imprisonment of 30 days or both.        (2)    Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not limit or supersede any other penalty that may be imposed under this subtitle for a violation of any other law or regulation adopted under this subtitle.    (g)    All regulations adopted by the Department under this section shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act under Title 10 of the State Government Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.6 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.6 - Speed Limit on Seneca Creek

    (a)    A person may not operate a vessel on Seneca Creek in Montgomery County at a speed in excess of 6 knots.    (b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine of not less than $25 and not exceeding $200 or both.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-725.7 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-725.7 - Speed Limit on Certain Areas of Monocacy River

    (a)    A person may not operate a vessel on the Monocacy River between Starner’s Dam and the upstream island in Carroll and Frederick counties at a speed in excess of 6 knots.    (b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine of not less than $25 and not exceeding $200 or both.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-726 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-726 - Throwing or Dumping Refuse on Waters of State

    (a)    A person may not throw, dump, deposit, or cause to be thrown, dumped, or deposited any trash, junk, or other refuse on any waters of the State.    (b)    The operator or owner, if present, of any vessel on which occurs a violation of subsection (a) of this section is liable.    (c)    The Department shall enforce the provisions of this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-726.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-726.1 - Throwing Certain Waste on Certain Waters of the State

    (a)    This section does not:        (1)    Apply to the improvement of harbors; or        (2)    Affect any act of the General Assembly relating to the construction of a wharf or to the rights of a riparian owner.    (b)    Ballast, ashes, filth, earth, oysters, or oyster shells may not be deposited from a vessel to a site:        (1)    In the Chesapeake Bay above Sandy Point;        (2)    In Herring Bay; or        (3)    Below the high water mark in a river, creek, or harbor in the State.    (c)    A person in command or having charge of a vessel that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $20 and not exceeding $150.    (d)    The Natural Resources Police Force shall enforce this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-727 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-727 - Enforcement of Subtitle by Officers; Use of Visual or Audible Signals

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Elude” means to evade a police officer’s visual or audible signal to stop by:            (i)    Willfully failing to stop the vessel;            (ii)    Fleeing on foot; or            (iii)    Any other means.        (3)    “Police officer” means an officer who is:            (i)    In uniform, prominently displaying the officer’s badge or other insignia of office; or            (ii)    In a vessel that is appropriately marked as an official law enforcement vessel, whether or not the officer is in uniform.        (4)    “Visual or audible signal” means a warning or command by hand, voice, emergency light, signal device, or siren.    (b)    A Natural Resources police officer or any law enforcement officer enforcing the provisions of this subtitle may stop, board, or inspect any vessel subject to this subtitle.    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who is on a vessel may not display or operate a flashing blue light or signal device.        (2)    A police officer who is on a vessel of a county, municipal, State, or federal law enforcement agency may display and operate flashing blue lights or signal devices while responding to or at the scene of an emergency or pursuing a violator or suspected violator of the law.    (d)    On the immediate approach of a law enforcement vessel lawfully using a flashing blue light or signal device, an operator of another vessel, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:        (1)    Yield the right-of-way; and        (2)    Stop the vessel and stay in that position until the law enforcement vessel has passed.    (e)    An operator of a vessel may not elude or attempt to elude a police officer who gives a visual or audible signal to the operator to stop.    (f)    (1)    A person who violates subsection (c) or (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.        (2)    A person who violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:            (i)    For a first offense, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both; and            (ii)    For a subsequent offense, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-727.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-727.1 - Use of Flashing Red and Yellow Lights or Signal Devices; Emergency Vessels

    (a)    (1)    In this section, “public safety activity” includes:            (i)    Patrolling a marine parade, regatta, or special water celebration;            (ii)    Traffic control;            (iii)    Salvage;            (iv)    Fire fighting;            (v)    Medical assistance;            (vi)    Assisting a disabled vessel; and            (vii)    Search and rescue.        (2)    “Public safety activity” does not include routine towing.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an individual who is on a vessel may not display or operate a flashing, alternating red and yellow light or signal device.    (c)    (1)    An individual who is on a vessel engaged in a government sanctioned public safety activity or a commercial vessel performing a public safety activity may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal.        (2)    The public safety identification light signal shall be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel’s navigation lights.        (3)    The public safety identification light signal may be used only as an identification light signal and does not convey any special privilege to the vessel displaying the light signal.        (4)    An individual on a vessel using the public safety identification light signal during public safety activities shall comply with the Inland Navigation Rules adopted by the United States Coast Guard and may not presume that the light or the activity gives the vessel precedence or right–of–way.    (d)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  8-728 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 8 - Waters|Subtitle 7 - State Boat Act|Section 8-728 - Security Interest in Vessels -- Exemptions From 8-729 to 8-736 of This Subtitle

    Sections 8–729 through 8–736 of this subtitle do not apply to or affect:        (1)    A lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for the vessel;        (2)    A lien given by statute to the United States, the State, or any political subdivision of the State;        (3)    A security interest in a vessel during any period in which the vessel is inventory held for sale or lease by a person or leased by that person as lessor and that person is in the business of selling vessels;        (4)    Any lien arising out of an attachment of a vessel;        (5)    Any security interest claimed on proceeds, as defined in § 9–102(a)(65) of the Commercial Law Article, if the original security interest did not have to be noted on the certificate of title in order to be perfected; or        (6)    Any vessel for which a certificate of title is not required under this subtitle.