reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 2 - Establishment and Organization of Authorities|Section 12-204 - Pre-Existing Authorities

    (a)    Except as provided in § 12–208 of this subtitle, each pre–existing authority continues to exist.    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a pre-existing authority governed only by this title:            (i)    may exercise the powers granted by Subtitles 6 and 7 and §§ 12-501, 12-502, 12-504, and 12-506(a) of this title; and            (ii)    if it adopts articles of organization, may exercise the powers listed in § 12-503 of this title that are authorized by the articles of organization in accordance with § 12-205(b)(1)(vi) of this subtitle; and            (iii)    is entitled to the exemptions from State law provided in § 12-505 of this title.        (2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a pre-existing authority governed by this title and by a title in this Division II that is applicable in a particular political subdivision:            (i)    may exercise the powers granted under the title that applies to the particular political subdivision;            (ii)    may exercise the powers granted by Subtitles 6 and 7 and §§ 12-501, 12-502, 12-504, and 12-506(a) of this title as modified by the title that applies to the particular political subdivision;            (iii)    if it adopts articles of organization, may exercise the powers listed in § 12-503 of this title that are authorized by the articles of organization in accordance with § 12-205(b)(1)(vi) of this subtitle; and            (iv)    is entitled to the exemptions from State law provided in § 12-505 of this title.        (3)    If articles of organization are adopted, the powers set forth in §§ 12-501 through 12-506(a) of this title may be limited to the extent allowed under §§ 12-205(b)(2) and 12-207 of this subtitle.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 2 - Establishment and Organization of Authorities|Section 12-207 - Amendments to and Restatements of Articles of Organization

    (a)    Articles of amendment or restatement of articles of organization of an authority must be:        (1)    recommended in writing by the chief elected official;        (2)    if required by subsection (d) of this section, approved by a resolution of the board of commissioners of the authority; and        (3)    adopted by a resolution or ordinance of the legislative body.    (b)    An amendment or restatement of articles of organization shall comply with § 12-205(b) through (d) of this subtitle.    (c)    A political subdivision may not amend the articles of organization to change the number of commissioners of an authority or the length of terms of commissioners stated in the initial articles of organization.    (d)    A political subdivision may not amend the articles of organization of a pre-existing authority without the approval of the board of commissioners of the pre-existing authority.    (e)    The custodian of records shall file with the Secretary of State:        (1)    a copy of the articles of amendment or restatement, the recommending and adopting instruments required by subsection (a)(1) and (3) of this section, and any approving instrument required by subsection (a)(2) of this section;        (2)    the certification of the custodian of records that the articles of amendment or restatement have been recommended and adopted by the political subdivision in accordance with the requirements of subsection (a)(1) and (3) of this section; and        (3)    if required by subsection (a)(2) of this section, the certification of the secretary of the authority that the articles of amendment or restatement have been approved by the board of commissioners of the authority in accordance with the requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this section.    (f)    (1)    If the Secretary of State finds that the requirements of subsections (a) and (e) of this section have been met, the Secretary of State shall endorse the articles of amendment or restatement as “approved” and issue an attached certificate of approval.        (2)    On issuance of the certificate of approval, the articles of amendment or restatement as filed are considered to have been adopted.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-301 - Number of Commissioners of an Authority

    The required number of commissioners of an authority:         (1)    for an authority not governed by articles of organization, is five; and        (2)    for an authority governed by articles of organization, is the number set forth in the articles of organization as required by § 12-205(b)(1)(iv) of this title.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-302 - Appointment of Commissioners of an Authority

    (a)    The chief elected official shall appoint the required number of commissioners of the authority.    (b)    (1)    A certificate of the appointment of a commissioner of an authority shall be filed with the custodian of records.        (2)    The certificate is conclusive evidence of the appointment.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-303 - Eligibility to Be Commissioner of an Authority

    (a)    A commissioner of an authority may not be an employee of the authority.    (b)    (1)    If an authority is governed by articles of organization, only one commissioner of the authority may be an employee of the political subdivision.        (2)    Otherwise, a commissioner of an authority may not be an employee of the political subdivision.    (c)    A commissioner of an authority may not be an elected official of the political subdivision.    (d)    This subtitle does not bar a tenant of a housing project or of property included or planned to be included in a housing project from being a commissioner of an authority.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-305 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-305 - Chair and Vice Chair

    (a)    (1)    The chief elected official shall choose as chair a commissioner who is appointed when the authority is first activated.        (2)    When the office of the chair becomes vacant thereafter, the authority shall choose a chair from among its commissioners.    (b)    An authority shall choose a vice chair from among its commissioners.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-306 - Vesting of Powers; Quorum; Votes on Action

    (a)    The powers of each authority are vested in the commissioners.    (b)    A quorum is:        (1)    three commissioners of a five-member authority;        (2)    four commissioners of a seven-member authority; or        (3)    five commissioners of a nine-member authority.    (c)    An authority may take action on a vote of a majority of the commissioners present at a meeting at which there is a quorum, unless a larger number is required by law or the bylaws of the authority.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-307 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-307 - Compensation and Reimbursement

    With the approval of the legislative body, a commissioner of an authority may receive reasonable compensation for the commissioner’s services and is entitled to the necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, incurred in the discharge of the commissioner’s duties.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-308 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-308 - Staff

    (a)    (1)    An authority may employ:            (i)    a secretary, who shall serve as executive director; and            (ii)    technical experts and other officers, agents, and employees, permanent and temporary.        (2)    An authority shall determine the qualifications, duties, and compensation of its employees.    (b)    For legal services, an authority may use the chief law officer of the political subdivision or may employ its own counsel and legal staff.    (c)    An authority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees the powers or duties it considers proper.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-309 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-309 - Liability of Commissioners and Staff

    (a)    Each commissioner, the executive director, and each employee of an authority is:        (1)    a local official for the purposes of Title 5, Subtitle 8, Part II of the General Provisions Article and subject to local ethics laws; and        (2)    an employee of a local government for the purposes of Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and entitled to the protections of the Local Government Tort Claims Act.    (b)    A commissioner of an authority is not liable for a statement made or action taken in good faith in the exercise or performance of a power or duty of the commissioner.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-310 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-310 - Prohibited Financial Interests; Disclosure Requirements

    (a)    Except for bonds purchased before appointment and interests in mutual funds, a commissioner or employee of an authority may not acquire any direct or indirect interest in a housing project or in property included or planned to be included in a housing project.    (b)    A commissioner or employee of an authority may not have any direct or indirect interest in a contract or proposed contract for materials or services to be furnished or used in connection with a housing project.    (c)    (1)    A commissioner or employee of an authority who owns or controls a direct or indirect interest in property included or planned to be included in a housing project shall immediately disclose the interest in writing to the authority.        (2)    The disclosure shall be entered in the minutes of the authority.        (3)    Failure to disclose the interest is misconduct in office.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-311 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-311 - Removal

    (a)    A commissioner of an authority may be removed by the chief elected official in accordance with this section for neglect of duty or misconduct in office, including violations of local ethics laws and misconduct identified in § 12-310 of this subtitle.    (b)    (1)    The chief elected official shall file charges with the office of the custodian of records and promptly deliver a copy of the charges to the commissioner and to the secretary of the authority.        (2)    Written notice of the date, time, and place of a hearing shall be given to the commissioner at least 14 days before the hearing.        (3)    Unless the commissioner has resigned from office, the chief elected official shall hold the hearing, at which the commissioner shall have an opportunity to be represented by counsel and to be heard in person.        (4)    On completion of the hearing, the chief elected official shall make written findings.    (c)    If a commissioner of an authority is removed, a record of the proceedings and the charges and findings shall be filed in the office of the custodian of records.    (d)    (1)    On the filing of charges under subsection (b)(1) of this section with the office of the custodian of records, the chief elected official may temporarily suspend a commissioner of an authority.        (2)    The chief elected official shall immediately reinstate the commissioner in office if the chief elected official finds the charges have not been substantiated.        (3)    The commissioner shall be reinstated automatically, unless a hearing on removal has been held and a decision made by the chief elected official within 45 days after the filing of charges.        (4)    The chief elected official may not temporarily appoint a person to perform the duties of a suspended member.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-312 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 3 - Commissioners|Section 12-312 - Loans and Donations to Code Authority

    (a)    (1)    When a code authority becomes authorized to do business and exercise its powers, the political subdivision:            (i)    immediately shall estimate the amount of money necessary for the administrative expenses and overhead of the code authority during the first year thereafter; and            (ii)    shall appropriate that amount to the code authority out of money in the political subdivision’s treasury not appropriated to some other purpose.        (2)    The political subdivision shall pay the money appropriated to the code authority as a donation.    (b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the political subdivision shall appropriate to the code authority money needed to comply with any requirement imposed on it by its articles of organization, if enough money for the code authority to comply is not available from State, federal, or other sources.        (2)    A political subdivision is not required to provide any money for a code authority to satisfy a judgment, liability, debt, or other financial obligation to a third party.    (c)    (1)    A political subdivision located wholly or partly in the area of operation of a code authority may lend, donate, or agree to lend or donate money to the code authority.        (2)    The code authority, when it has the money available, shall reimburse the political subdivision for all loans made to it by the political subdivision.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 4 - Duties of Authorities|Section 12-401 - Statement of Policy

    (a)    It is State policy that an authority:        (1)    shall manage and operate its housing projects efficiently to enable it to fix the rent for housing units at the lowest rates consistent with its providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing units and meeting the financial needs under subsection (b) of this section; but        (2)    may not operate for profit or as a source of revenue to the political subdivision.    (b)    An authority shall fix the rents for housing units in its housing projects at rates no higher than it finds necessary to produce revenues that with all other available money, revenue, income, and receipts will be sufficient to:        (1)    pay the principal and interest on bonds of the authority, as they become due;        (2)    pay and provide for maintaining and operating the housing projects, including the cost of insurance and the administrative expenses of the authority;        (3)    (i)    create during a period of at least 6 years right after it issues any bonds, a reserve that can meet the largest principal and interest payments that will be due on the bonds in any year thereafter; and            (ii)    maintain the reserve;        (4)    create reserves for operations, emergencies, renovations, replacements, and the repayment of debt; and        (5)    create funds necessary or desirable to:            (i)    subsidize rents;            (ii)    develop or operate housing projects; or            (iii)    operate or provide services located in housing projects or that otherwise benefit their residents.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 4 - Duties of Authorities|Section 12-402 - Rental Requirements

    Except for rental units that may be occupied by others under § 12-503(a)(4) of this title, an authority:         (1)    shall rent the housing units in a housing project only:            (i)    to persons of eligible income, except for a reasonable number of housing units that may be occupied by management and security personnel; and            (ii)    at rentals within the financial reach of persons of eligible income;        (2)    may not accept a person as a tenant in a housing project if the aggregate annual income of the person or persons who would occupy the housing unit exceeds the maximum income level established for persons of eligible income; and        (3)    shall prohibit subletting by tenants.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 4 - Duties of Authorities|Section 12-403 - Applicability of Local Law

    Except as provided in § 12-506(b)(9) of this title, all housing projects of an authority are subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary, health, fire, housing, subdivision, and building laws, ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations that apply where the housing project is located.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 4 - Duties of Authorities|Section 12-404 - Obligations of Authority to Political Subdivision

    (a)    At least annually, an authority shall file with the custodian of records a financial report of its activities for the preceding year and recommend any further action by the political subdivision that it considers necessary or useful to carry out the purpose of this Division II.    (b)    The political subdivision may require an authority to provide it with an annual operating budget and program reports that the political subdivision designates.    (c)    The political subdivision or its designee may at any time:        (1)    examine the books and records of the authority; or        (2)    conduct an audit of the authority.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-405 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 4 - Duties of Authorities|Section 12-405 - Power of Authority to Vest Rights in Obligee

    This subtitle does not limit the power of an authority to vest in an obligee the right, if the authority defaults, to:         (1)    take possession of a housing project;        (2)    have a receiver of a housing project appointed; or        (3)    acquire title to a housing project, through foreclosure or otherwise, free from all restrictions of this subtitle.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 5 - Powers and Limitations on Powers|Section 12-501 - Status of Authorities

    An authority is a public body corporate and politic that:         (1)    exercises public and essential governmental functions; and        (2)    has all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this Division II.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 5 - Powers and Limitations on Powers|Section 12-503 - Enumerated Powers -- Powers Authorized by Articles of Organization

    (a)    If authorized under its articles of organization, an authority within its area of operation may:        (1)    make mortgage loans and mortgage subsidy payments to or for the benefit of persons of eligible income;        (2)    make construction loans and long-term mortgage loans to any person to produce housing for persons of eligible income;        (3)    purchase mortgages secured by housing for persons of eligible income;        (4)    subject to any applicable agreement, allow a number of residents of a housing project or a part of one that the authority finances to have incomes above the levels for persons of eligible income, if the number does not exceed the percentage allowed in the articles of organization, which may not exceed 80%;        (5)    acquire, develop, construct, rehabilitate, own, operate, and lease, as lessor or lessee, commercial facilities on the site of a housing project that make an economic or social contribution to the housing project, if:            (i)    the commercial facilities are intended substantially for the use and benefit of the tenants of the housing project; and            (ii)    the intended use by other persons is incidental;        (6)    with the approval of the legislative body and the chief elected official, acquire, develop, construct, rehabilitate, own, operate, and lease, as lessor or lessee, commercial facilities that:            (i)    are adjacent to the site of a housing project;            (ii)    are not intended substantially for the use and benefit of the tenants of the housing project; or            (iii)    are intended for use more than incidentally by persons other than the tenants of the housing project; and        (7)    act and invest as a general partner and as a limited partner in housing projects.    (b)    This section does not limit the powers granted to authorities by other titles in this Division II.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-504 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 5 - Powers and Limitations on Powers|Section 12-504 - Enumerated Powers -- Effect on Economic Competition

    (a)    An authority may exercise the powers that are granted by this Division II, even if economic competition is displaced or limited as a result.    (b)    This section does not preempt or supersede the regulatory authority of a State unit under public general law.
MD. Housing and Community Development Code Ann. §  12-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Housing and Community Development|Division II - Housing Authorities|Title 12 - Provisions of Statewide Applicability|Subtitle 5 - Powers and Limitations on Powers|Section 12-505 - Exemption From State Law on Property Transactions

    Unless the General Assembly specifically states otherwise, State law on the financing, acquisition, operation, or disposition of property by other State public bodies does not apply to an authority.