reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 13 - Penalties and Fines|Section 5-1301 - Enumeration

    (a)    Any person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction, unless another penalty is specifically provided elsewhere in this title, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, with costs imposed in the discretion of the court.    (b)    Any person found guilty of a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this title in a court of competent jurisdiction, unless another penalty is specifically provided elsewhere in this title, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both with costs imposed in the discretion of the court. For the purpose of this subsection, a second or subsequent violation is one which has occurred within two years of any prior violation of this title.    (c)    In addition to any administrative penalty provided in this title, violation of any rule or regulation promulgated by any unit within the Department pursuant to the provisions of this title is a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 13 - Penalties and Fines|Section 5-1302 - Collection of Fines

    (a)    If any fine is imposed by the District Court for a violation of any provision of this title, the fine shall be collected pursuant to the provisions of law of the District Court system.    (b)    If any fine is imposed by the circuit court for a county, the fine, less the costs of collection and not otherwise provided for, shall be paid to the Forest or Park Reserve Fund.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1401 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Cave” means any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnecting passages beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge, including natural subsurface water and drainage systems. The word “cave” includes or is synonymous with cavern, sinkhole, grotto, and rock shelter.    (c)    “Cave life” means any life form which normally occurs in, uses, visits, or inhabits any cave or subterranean water system, excepting, herein, those animals and species covered by any of the game laws of this State.    (d)    “Commercial cave” means any cave with improved trails and lighting utilized by the owner for the purpose of exhibition to the general public as a profit or nonprofit enterprise, wherein a fee is collected for entry.    (e)    “Gate” means any structure or device located to limit or prohibit access or entry to any cave.    (f)    “Owner” means a person who has the right of access (or possession) to the cave.    (g)    “Person or persons” means any individual, partnership, firm, association, trust, or corporation.    (h)    “Sinkhole” means a natural depression in a land surface communicating with a subterranean passage or drainage system.    (i)    “Speleogen” means an erosional feature of the cave boundary and includes or is synonymous with anastomoses, scallops, rills, flutes, spongework, and pendants.    (j)    “Speleothem” means a natural secondary mineral formation or deposit occurring in a cave. This includes or is synonymous with stalagmites, stalactites, helectites, anthodites, gypsum flowers, needles, angel’s hair, soda straws, draperies, bacon, cave pearls, popcorn (coral), rimstone dams, columns, palettes, flowstone, et cetera. Speleothems are commonly composed of calcite, epsomite, gypsum, aragonite, celestite and other similar minerals.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1402 - Prohibitions Regarding Use of Caves

    (a)    (1)    A person may not, without express, prior, written permission of an owner, wilfully or knowingly:            (i)    Break, break-off, crack, carve upon, write, burn, or otherwise mark upon, remove, or in any manner destroy, disturb, deface, mar, or harm the surfaces of any cave or any natural material which may be found therein whether attached or broken, including speleothems, speleogens, and sedimentary deposits;            (ii)    Disturb or alter in any manner the natural condition of any cave; or            (iii)    Break, force, tamper with, or otherwise disturb a lock, gate, door, or other obstruction designed to control or prevent access to any cave, even though entrance thereto may not be gained.        (2)    However, the entering or remaining in a cave by itself shall not constitute a violation of this section.    (b)    A person may not dispose of, dump, store, or otherwise introduce into any cave, sinkhole, or subterranean drainage system any litter, refuse, dead animals, sewage, trash, garbage, or any chemical or biological contaminant which is potentially dangerous to man or any form of cave life.    (c)    Unless otherwise established by the Secretary and clearly posted at the cave entrance, caves having access within the boundaries of public properties shall be open for recreational purposes.    (d)    Any person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500, and in addition thereto, may be imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1403 - Sale of Speleothems

    A person may not sell or offer for sale any speleothems in this State, or to export them for sale outside the State. A person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $500 and in addition may be imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1404 - Disturbing Cave Life; Scientific Collecting Permits; Gates; Violation; Penalties

    (a)    A person may not remove, disfigure, kill, harm, disturb, keep, restrain, or in any manner alter the natural condition or environment of any cave life.    (b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, scientific collecting permits may be obtained from the Secretary.    (c)    Gates employed at the entrance or at any point within any cave shall be of open construction to allow free and unimpeded passage of air, water, insects, bats, and aquatic fauna.    (d)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 and in addition thereto may be imprisoned for not less than 15 days nor more than 6 months.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1405 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1405 - Disturbing Paleontological Sites

    (a)    A person may not excavate, remove, destroy, injure, deface, or in any manner disturb any paleontological site or any part thereof, including saltpeter workings, fossils, bones, or any other paleontological features which may be found in any cave.    (b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a permit to excavate or remove paleontological features may be obtained from the Secretary. The permit shall be issued for a period of two years and may be renewed at expiration. It is not transferable but this does not preclude persons from working under the direct supervision of the person holding the permit.    (c)    A person applying for a permit shall:        (1)    Have knowledge of paleontology.        (2)    Provide a detailed statement to the Secretary giving the reasons and objectives for excavation or removal and the benefits expected to be obtained from the contemplated work.        (3)    Provide data and results of any completed excavation, study, or collection at the first of each calendar year.        (4)    Obtain the prior written permission of the Secretary if the site of the proposed excavation is on State-owned lands and prior written permission of the owner if the site of the proposed excavation is on privately owned land.        (5)    Carry the permit while exercising the privileges granted.    (d)    A person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, and may be imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months. A person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, and the permit shall be revoked.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1406 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 14 - Caves|Section 5-1406 - Liability of Cave Owner

    (a)    An owner of a cave or the owner’s authorized agents acting within the scope of their authority shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-804(b) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.    (b)    An owner of a commercial cave shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-804(c) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1501 - Established

    There is a Heritage Conservation Fund in the Department.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1502 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1502 - Purposes of Fund

    The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:         (1)    Forestlands;        (2)    Unique ecological areas of the State;        (3)    Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;        (4)    Tidal or nontidal wetlands;        (5)    Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8-1807 of this article;        (6)    Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;        (7)    Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;        (8)    Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;        (9)    Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;        (10)    Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat; and        (11)    Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1503 - Acquisition of Conservation Easements

    (a)    The Department may acquire a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in any land described under § 5-1502 of this subtitle.    (b)    The Department shall establish criteria for acquisition of conservation easements and of fee simple and other interests in lands, including a priority system that considers:        (1)    The ecological uniqueness of the land;        (2)    The presence of rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals or diverse communities of plants or animals;        (3)    The threat to the land by development;        (4)    Whether the land is in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;        (5)    Whether development of the land will adversely impact water quality or unique natural habitat;        (6)    Whether a natural area has been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as an area of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and        (7)    Whether the land is forestland, nontidal wetlands, or tidal wetlands.    (c)    The Department annually shall consult with the counties of the State:        (1)    For suggested acquisition of lands; and        (2)    To coordinate the acquisition projects under this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1504 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1504 - Management of Land or Interest in Land Acquired

    (a)    The Department shall manage land or interests in land acquired under this subtitle to ensure:        (1)    The continued existence of any unique ecological features;        (2)    The continued survival of any rare, threatened, or endangered plant or animal;        (3)    The protection of forestlands and wetlands, although timber harvesting may be allowed under an approved forest conservation plan; and        (4)    The protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and of water quality anywhere in the State.    (b)    To the extent compatible with the management requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the Department may permit recreational opportunities, including access to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries:        (1)    Where feasible; and        (2)    Where the recreation will not adversely affect the natural state of the land.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1505 - Sources of Appropriations for Fund; Use of Money

    (a)    Appropriations for the Heritage Conservation Fund may be provided from:        (1)    Special bond authorization;        (2)    General funds of the State; and        (3)    Other sources.    (b)    Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 15 - Heritage Conservation Fund|Section 5-1506 - Approval of Acquisition by Board of Public Works

    The Board of Public Works shall approve each acquisition of a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in property proposed by the Department under this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1605 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 16 - Forest Conservation|Section 5-1605 - Forest Conservation Plan

    (a)    Upon receipt of notice that the forest stand delineation is complete and correct, the applicant shall submit to the State or local authority a proposed forest conservation plan for the site.    (b)    The forest conservation plan shall be developed by a licensed forester, licensed landscape architect, or other qualified professionals that may be approved by the State or a local authority.    (c)    A proposed forest conservation plan shall contain:        (1)    A map of the site drawn at the same scale as the grading or subdivision plan;        (2)    A table listing the net tract area in square feet, the square foot area of forest conservation required for the site, and the square foot area of forest conservation provided by the applicant on-site and off-site, if applicable;        (3)    A clear graphic indication of the forest conservation provided on the site showing areas where both retention of existing forest or afforestation, by any and all methods, is planned;        (4)    An anticipated construction timetable, including the sequence for tree conservation procedures;        (5)    An afforestation or reforestation plan with a timetable and description of needed site and soil preparation, species, size, and spacing to be utilized;        (6)    Locations and types of protective devices to be used during construction activities to protect trees and areas of forest designated for conservation;        (7)    Limits of disturbance delineated;        (8)    Stockpile areas delineated;        (9)    A binding 2-year management agreement that details how the areas designated for afforestation or reforestation will be maintained to ensure protection or satisfactory establishment including:            (i)    Watering; and            (ii)    Reinforcement planting provisions if survival falls below required standards; and        (10)    Any other requirement established in regulations adopted by the Department, or imposed by a local authority.    (d)    Within 45 days from receipt of the forest conservation plan, the Department or local authority shall notify the applicant whether the forest conservation plan is complete. If the Department or local authority fails to notify the applicant about the forest conservation plan within 45 days, the plan shall be treated as complete and approved. The Department or local authority may require further information or provide for an extension of this deadline for an additional 15 days for extenuating circumstances. In addition, at the request of the applicant, the State or local authority may extend this deadline for extenuating circumstances.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1608 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 16 - Forest Conservation|Section 5-1608 - Review of Forest Conservation Plan Concurrent With State or Local Review for Subdivision Plan, Grading or Sediment Control Permits

    (a)    The review of the forest conservation plan shall be concurrent with the review process of the State or local authority for the subdivision plan, or the grading or sediment control permit, whichever may be submitted first.    (b)    Before the approval of the final subdivision plan, or the issuance of the grading or sediment control permit by the State or local authority, the applicant shall have an approved forest conservation plan that shall include the requirements in §§ 5-1605, 5-1606, and 5-1607 of this subtitle.    (c)    (1)    Any person found to be in noncompliance with this subtitle, regulations adopted under this subtitle, the forest conservation plan or the associated 2-year management agreement shall be assessed by the Department or local authority, the penalty of 30 cents per square foot of the area found to be in noncompliance with required forest conservation.        (2)    This amount shall be paid into the appropriate local or State Forest Conservation Fund.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1609 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 16 - Forest Conservation|Section 5-1609 - Regulations; Guidance Manuals; Forest Resource Inventory

    (a)    (1)    By December 31, 1991, the Department, after consulting with local government and the real estate development, building, and environmental communities, shall adopt regulations, including the development of guidance manuals to:            (i)    Implement this subtitle and set requirements and standards which establish:                1.    Standards of performance required in forest stand delineations and forest conservation plans including the submittal process;                2.    Criteria for local forest conservation programs; and                3.    Implementation processes for the Department’s administration in the absence of a local forest conservation program;            (ii)    Assist and guide local authorities in the development of their local forest conservation program by providing:                1.    Training of local officials; and                2.    A model local government ordinance that meets the requirements of this subtitle; and            (iii)    Assist developers, planners, surveyors, engineers, foresters, biologists, and landscape architects in:                1.    Developing methodology and gathering natural resource information required in the preparation of a forest stand delineation and a forest conservation plan;                2.    Determining the size, location, and orientation of forest areas to be retained;                3.    Determining the size, location, and orientation of areas to be afforested or reforested;                4.    Implementing protection techniques and devices used in preserving specimen trees or areas designated for retention during construction; and                5.    Determining species, spacing, and timing of afforestation or reforestation.        (2)    All provisions of the guidance manual that are not specifically noted as standards or minimum requirements shall be deemed recommendations by the Department for the development of the local program.    (b)    By December 31, 1992, the Department shall prepare and provide to local authorities a statewide forest resource inventory that shall:        (1)    Be updated every 5 years or as deemed appropriate by the Department; and        (2)    Include a list of potential sites for reforestation or afforestation of both publicly and privately owned land on a county by county basis.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1610.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 16 - Forest Conservation|Section 5-1610.1 - Forest Mitigation Banks

    (a)    The Department shall develop standards and adopt regulations for the creation and use of forest mitigation banks, including criteria for tracking, crediting, maintaining, bonding, and reporting mitigation bank activities.    (b)    A local jurisdiction may develop procedures for establishing forest mitigation banks as part of its forest conservation program.    (c)    Mitigation banks may be permitted only in priority areas as identified in § 5-1607(d) of this subtitle or as identified in a comprehensive plan adopted by a local jurisdiction.    (d)    The establishment of mitigation banks and their use may not alter the sequence for retention, reforestation, or afforestation on a development site as outlined in § 5-1607 of this subtitle.    (e)    Criteria established by local or State programs for the use and establishment of forest mitigation banks shall include protection and conservation in perpetuity of forest mitigation banks consistent with reasonable management plans, through methods that include easements, covenants, or similar mechanisms that shall be in place at the time credits are withdrawn.    (f)    This section may not be construed to require the Department or a local jurisdiction to:        (1)    Establish or fund State or local mitigation banks;        (2)    Fund the establishment of forest mitigation banking by the private sector; or        (3)    Use State or local government land for forest mitigation banking.    (g)    (1)    Credits in a mitigation bank may not be approved for debiting until construction of the mitigation bank is complete.        (2)    A mitigation bank shall maintain sufficient credits in reserve to cover anticipated expenses of completion of the mitigation bank.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-1611 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 16 - Forest Conservation|Section 5-1611 - Variances

    (a)    In the preparation of the State or local forest conservation programs, the State and local authorities shall provide for the granting of variances to the requirements of this subtitle, where owing to special features of a site or other circumstances, implementation of this subtitle would result in unwarranted hardship to an applicant.    (b)    Variance procedures adopted under this section shall:        (1)    Be designed in a manner consistent with the spirit and intent of this subtitle; and        (2)    Assure that the granting of a variance will not adversely affect water quality.