reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-306 - Issuance; Types, Categories, and Classes; Educational Experience

    (a)    The Board shall issue an appropriate license to any applicant who:        (1)    Meets the requirements of this title;        (2)    Pays the required fee; and        (3)    Provides evidence of any performance bond and contractor’s liability insurance that the Board may require.    (b)    (1)    In accordance with its rules and regulations, the Board shall issue well driller licenses and restricted licenses.        (2)    (i)    There are 3 categories of well driller licenses:                1.    Well driller general;                2.    Well driller–geotechnical; and                3.    Well driller–water supply.            (ii)    A well driller license may be limited to the drilling of wells for particular purposes.        (3)    There are 3 categories of restricted licenses:            (i)    Water conditioner installer;            (ii)    Water pump installer; and            (iii)    Well rig operator.    (c)    (1)    There is a master class license and a journeyman class license in each category of well driller license.        (2)    There is an apprentice class well driller license which shall serve as:            (i)    The apprentice license for all categories of well driller licenses; and            (ii)    The apprentice license for the well rig operator category of restricted license.        (3)    There is an apprentice class license in the following restricted license categories:            (i)    Water conditioner installer; and            (ii)    Water pump installer.        (4)    The Board shall designate on each license issued the category and, where applicable, the class of the license.    (d)    Until July 1, 1993, this title does not prohibit any master well driller licensed by the Board on July 1, 1990 from practicing well drilling while obtaining the education and experience required to be licensed under any one of the 3 categories of well driller licenses in this title.        (1)    The Board may waive the examination requirement of this title for any master well driller licensed by the Board on July 1, 1990 who provides to the Board satisfactory evidence that the licensee has:            (i)    Well driller–geotechnical – installed geotechnical wells during the past 7 years and obtained national certification as a monitoring well driller or completed a 40–hour training program dealing with hazardous waste or monitoring site operations required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;            (ii)    Well driller–water supply – installed 20 water supply wells during the past 7 years and acquired 10 of the 20 hours of continuing education required by § 13–308 of this subtitle in water conditioning and water pump technology; or            (iii)    Well driller–general – fulfilled the requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph.        (2)    The Board shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-307 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-307 - Scope of License

    (a)    Each class of license authorizes the licensee to practice well drilling under the conditions set by the rules and regulations of the Board for that class of license while the license is effective.    (b)    A license does not permit a licensee to make any well for which the following permits have not been obtained from the Department, if required:        (1)    A permit to drill a well under § 9-1306 of this article; or        (2)    A water appropriation or use permit under § 5-502 of this article.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-308 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-308 - Term and Renewal of Licenses

    (a)    A license expires on the date set by the Board, unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section. A license may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.    (b)    At least 1 month before the license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by first–class mail to the last known address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states:        (1)    The date on which the current license expires;        (2)    The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and        (3)    The amount of the renewal fee.    (c)    Before the license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term if the licensee:        (1)    Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;        (2)    Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and        (3)    Submits to the Board:            (i)    A renewal application on the form that the Board requires;            (ii)    Satisfactory evidence of compliance with the performance bond and contractor’s liability insurance requirements of the Board; and            (iii)    Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education requirement established under this subtitle for license renewal.    (d)    (1)    Beginning July 1, 1985, within the license renewal period, each licensee shall comply with the continuing education requirements of this section as a precondition for the renewal of that license.        (2)    A licensee shall complete 20 hours of approved continuing education instruction covering well drilling subject matter approved by the Board.        (3)    (i)    The Board shall approve the substance and form of each continuing education course, if the course is:                1.    Offered by qualified instructors experienced in the well drilling industry and approved by the Board; or                2.    Conducted by educational institutions approved by the Board.            (ii)    The licensee is responsible for the cost of any continuing education course.        (4)    The Board may waive the requirements of this subsection if a person can show just cause why that person is not able to meet the requirements.    (e)    The Board may not require a licensee who applies for a renewal of the license to take an examination.    (f)    The Board shall renew the license of each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-309 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-309 - Temporary License

    (a)    Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board shall issue a temporary license to an applicant who:        (1)    Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Board that granting a temporary license to the applicant is in the public interest and does not pose a substantial risk of harm to the public health or welfare or the environment;        (2)    Meets the requirements of §§ 13-303 and 13-306 of this subtitle; and        (3)    Passes an examination on applicable Maryland well construction regulations.    (b)    While it is effective, a temporary license to practice well drilling authorizes the holder to practice well drilling subject to the same restrictions imposed on the holder of a license of the same category and class.    (c)    A temporary license expires at the first to occur of the following:        (1)    When the Board issues or refuses to issue a license under § 13-306 of this subtitle; or        (2)    On the expiration date that the Board designates on the temporary license.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-310 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-310 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations

    (a)    Subject to the hearing provisions of § 13-311 of this subtitle, the Board shall suspend or revoke a license if the licensee:        (1)    Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the licensee or for another;        (2)    Fraudulently or deceptively uses a license; or        (3)    Is guilty of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct while practicing well drilling.    (b)    Subject to the hearing provisions of § 13-311 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a license to any applicant on any of the grounds specified in subsection (a) of this section.    (c)    Subject to the hearing provisions of § 13-311 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand a licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the Board finds that the applicant or licensee:        (1)    Has violated any law, rule, or regulation that applies to practicing well drilling; or        (2)    Has been disciplined by a licensing or disciplinary authority of any other state or county, or been convicted or disciplined by a court of any state or county, for an act that would be grounds for disciplinary actions under this subtitle.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-311 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-311 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations -- Hearings

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, before the Board takes any action under § 13–310 of this subtitle or § 13–506 of this title, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.    (b)    The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.    (c)    The hearing notice shall be served in accordance with § 1–204 of this article at least 30 days before the hearing.    (d)    The person may be represented at the hearing by counsel.    (e)    The Board may issue subpoenas and administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.    (f)    If after due notice the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-312 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-312 - Judicial Review

    Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-313 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 13-313 - Reissuance of License

    On the affirmative vote of at least 5 members of the Board, the Board may reinstate a license or reissue a license to any person whose license has been suspended.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous|Section 13-401 - Powers of Units of This State

    This title does not affect any authority of a political subdivision of this State or any other unit of this State to adopt or enforce laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations that govern wells or the use of water.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous|Section 13-402 - Requirements by Political Subdivisions Prohibited

    A political subdivision of this State may not require as a condition to practicing well drilling:         (1)    Any authorization other than as provided in this title; or        (2)    Any additional performance bond or contractor’s liability insurance.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous|Section 13-403 - Injunctive Relief

    (a)    At the request of the Board or the Department, the Attorney General shall bring an action for an injunction against any person who violates any provision of this title or any order or permit issued by the Board or the Department under this title.    (b)    In any action for an injunction under this section, any finding of the Board after a hearing is prima facie evidence of each fact the Board determines.    (c)    On a showing that any person is violating or is about to violate any order or permit issued by the Board or the Department, a court shall grant an injunction without requiring a showing of a lack of an adequate remedy at law.    (d)    If an emergency exists that creates imminent danger to the public health or welfare or the environment, the Attorney General at the request of the Board or the Department may institute a civil action for an immediate injunction to stop any pollution or other activity that is causing the danger.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous|Section 13-404 - Attorney General Responsible for Cases

    The Attorney General shall represent this State in each case that arises under this title, including the recovery of penalties.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 5 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties|Section 13-501 - Practicing Without License

    A person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice well drilling unless licensed by the Board.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-502 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 5 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties|Section 13-502 - Misrepresentation

    Unless authorized to practice well drilling under this title, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise that the person is authorized to practice well drilling in this State.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 5 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties|Section 13-505 - Penalties -- Misdemeanor; Fines

    (a)    A person who violates any provision of this title or of any regulation adopted under this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject:        (1)    To a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both; or        (2)    To a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both, for any subsequent violation of this title that occurs within 2 years of an earlier violation of this title.    (b)    Each day that a person practices well drilling without a license constitutes a separate offense.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 5 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties|Section 13-506 - Penalties -- Civil Penalties

    (a)    Instead of or in addition to any other penalties under this title, the Board may impose a civil penalty on a person who violates § 13-501 or § 13-502 of this subtitle in an amount not exceeding $1,000 per day for all violations cited on a single day.    (b)    In setting the amount of the civil penalty, the Board shall consider:        (1)    The seriousness of the violation;        (2)    The harm caused by the violation;        (3)    The good faith of the violator;        (4)    History of previous violations by the violator; and        (5)    Other relevant factors.    (c)    If a violator fails to pay a civil penalty within 30 days of its imposition by the Board, the matters shall be forwarded to the Central Collection Unit in the Department of Budget and Management for the collection of the civil penalty.    (d)    The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this section into the General Fund of the State.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 6 - Short Title; Termination of Title|Section 13-601 - Short Title

    This title may be cited as the “Maryland Well Drillers Act”.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  13-602 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 13 - Well Drillers|Subtitle 6 - Short Title; Termination of Title|Section 13-602 - Termination of Title

    Subject to the Program Evaluation Act, the provisions of this title and all rules and regulations adopted under this title creating the State Board of Well Drillers and relating to the regulation of well drillers are of no effect and may not be enforced after July 1, 2031.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  14-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 14 - Gas and Oil|Subtitle 1 - In General|Section 14-101 - Legislative Findings

    The General Assembly finds and declares that the production and development of oil and gas resources is important to the economic well-being of the State and the nation. The drilling and production of oil and gas should be conducted in a manner that will minimize their effects on the surrounding environment. Furthermore, proper evaluation of a project and the use of the most environmentally sound drilling and production methods are necessary to prevent adverse environmental consequences that would be detrimental to the general welfare, health, safety, and property interests of the citizens of the State. In addition, there are certain circumstances where oil and gas exploration or production should be prohibited, such as when these operations will have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The General Assembly finds that the conduct of exploration or production of oil and gas resources under this subtitle will allow the safe utilization of the State’s natural resources and will provide for the protection of the State’s environment.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  14-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 14 - Gas and Oil|Subtitle 1 - In General|Section 14-102 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Coalbed methane” means methane and any other gaseous substance occurring in or produced from a coal seam or related, associated, or adjacent rock materials.    (c)    “County” includes Baltimore City unless otherwise indicated.    (d)    “Department” means the Department of the Environment.    (e)    “Field” means the general area underlaid by one or more pools.    (f)    “Fund” means the Oil and Gas Fund.    (g)    “Gas” means all natural gas and other fluid hydrocarbons, not defined as oil, which are produced from a natural reservoir.    (h)    “Oil” means crude petroleum oil and other hydrocarbons, regardless of gravity, which are produced at the wellhead in liquid form, except liquid hydrocarbons known as distillate or condensate recovered or extracted from gas.    (i)    “Owner” means the person who has the right to drill into and produce from a pool, or to store in a pool, and appropriate the oil or gas the person produces or stores either for the person or others.    (j)    “Person” means any individual, corporation, association, partnership, receiver, trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, fiduciary, or other representative of any kind.    (k)    “Pool” means an underground reservoir containing a common accumulation of oil, gas, or both.    (l)    “Producer” means the owner of a well capable of producing oil, gas, or both.    (m)    “Product” means any commodity produced in its natural state by an oil or gas well.    (n)    (1)    “Production” means the act or process of producing oil or gas from a natural reservoir.        (2)    “Production” does not include the sale or distribution of oil or gas.    (o)    (1)    “Underground storage” means the storing of gas or oil in a geological stratum beneath the surface of the earth.        (2)    “Underground storage” includes the injection of gas or oil into and withdrawal from an underground storage reservoir and any other operation necessary for or convenient to the storage of gas or of oil.    (p)    “Underground storage reservoir” means the stratum and subsurface area that are used or are to be used for or in connection with the underground storage of gas or of oil.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  14-103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 14 - Gas and Oil|Subtitle 1 - In General|Section 14-103 - Authority of Department to Adopt Rules and Regulations

    The Department may enforce effectively the provisions of this subtitle through the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations. The Department may not prorate or limit the output of any gas or oil well.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  14-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 14 - Gas and Oil|Subtitle 1 - In General|Section 14-104 - Drilling Well and Disposing of Well's Products -- Permit Required; Environmental Assessment

    (a)    A person may not drill any well for the exploration, production, or underground storage of gas or oil in the State without obtaining a permit from the Department of the Environment under the terms and conditions and on the forms the Department prescribes.    (b)    (1)    The Department shall require an applicant to submit an environmental assessment for the purpose of evaluating an application.        (2)    The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources in its evaluation of the environmental assessment.    (c)    The permit serves as the permit required under the provisions of Title 9, Subtitle 13 of this article, dealing with well drillers.    (d)    A person may not dispose of any product of a gas or oil well without the necessary permits issued by the Department.
MD. Environment Code Ann. §  14-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Environment|Title 14 - Gas and Oil|Subtitle 1 - In General|Section 14-105 - Drilling Well and Disposing of Well's Products -- Application for Permit

    (a)    (1)    An applicant for a permit to drill a well under § 14–104 of this subtitle shall submit an application in a manner satisfactory to the Department.        (2)    The application for a permit to drill a well under § 14–104 of this subtitle and each application for a permit renewal shall include a closure cost estimate for the proper sealing and plugging of the gas or oil well and reclamation of the site.    (b)    The Department shall establish and collect fees for:        (1)    The issuance of a permit to drill a well under § 14–104 of this subtitle;        (2)    The renewal of a permit to drill a well under § 14–104 of this subtitle; and        (3)    The production of oil and gas wells installed after October 1, 2010.    (c)    The fees imposed under subsection (b) of this section shall be set by the Department at the rate necessary to implement the purposes set forth in § 14–123 of this subtitle.    (d)    In any fiscal year, if the fee schedule established by the Department generates revenue that exceeds the amount necessary to operate a regulatory program to oversee the drilling of oil and gas wells, the Department shall reduce the fees in the following fiscal year.    (e)    The fees collected by the Department under this section shall be deposited in the Oil and Gas Fund established under § 14–122 of this subtitle.    (f)    The Department shall provide public notice, public informational hearings, and judicial review in accordance with the provisions of § 5–204 of this article.