reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 2 - Procurement|Section 15-201 - Definitions

    In this subtitle, “local small business enterprise” means a business enterprise that:        (1)    has its principal place of operation in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County; and        (2)    has been certified as a small business enterprise by a unit of county government that has jurisdiction over procurement in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 2 - Procurement|Section 15-202 - Procurement Regulations

    The Commission shall adopt procurement regulations consistent with the standards and methods for source selection provided in Title 13, Subtitle 1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 2 - Procurement|Section 15-203 - Procurement Regulations -- Minority Business Enterprise Program

    ** IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2022 PER CHAPTER 354 OF 2019 **    (a)    The procurement regulations adopted in accordance with § 15–202 of this subtitle may include a minority business enterprise  program if the Commission determines that there is a compelling interest to implement remedial measures to assist minority– and women–owned businesses who wish to participate in Commission procurement contracts.    (b)    The regulations to establish a minority business enterprise program may include:        (1)    procedures to be followed by staff, prospective contractors, and successful bidders or offerors to maximize notice to, and the opportunity to participate in the procurement process by, a broad range of minority business enterprises;        (2)    to the extent authorized by State and federal law based on the findings of an appropriate study or analysis, provisions to extend reasonable competitive preferences for certified minority business enterprises or goals for utilization of certified minority business enterprises in particular procurement activities under appropriate circumstances; and        (3)    to the extent applicable to Commission procurement activities, provisions comparable in purpose and effect to any regulations adopted by the State in accordance with § 14–303 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 2 - Procurement|Section 15-204 - Procurement Regulations -- Local Small Business Enterprise Program

    (a)    The Commission’s procurement regulations may establish a local small business enterprise program to encourage local small business enterprise participation in appropriate procurement activities.    (b)    The regulations adopted in accordance with this section may include:        (1)    procedures for reliable documentation of a business entity’s official designation by Montgomery County or Prince George’s County as a local small business enterprise;        (2)    procedures to be followed by staff, prospective contractors, and successful bidders or offerors to maximize notice to, and the opportunity to participate in the procurement process by, a broad range of local small business enterprises; and        (3)    provisions to:            (i)    extend reasonable competitive preferences for local small business enterprises;            (ii)    establish procurement goals of utilization of local small business enterprises; and            (iii)    reserve particular procurement activities for local small business enterprises under appropriate circumstances.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 2 - Procurement|Section 15-205 - Reports

    On or before October 31 each year, the Commission shall report to the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Delegations to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the effectiveness of any minority business enterprise program or local small business enterprise program established under this subtitle.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 3 - Intergovernmental Cooperation|Section 15-301 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Contract” means an agreement, commitment, or arrangement made between the Commission and a governmental unit to further the purposes stated in § 15–302 of this subtitle.    (c)    “Governmental unit” means:        (1)    the National Capital Planning Commission;        (2)    the United States government;        (3)    the District of Columbia;        (4)    the State, including the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;        (5)    Virginia;        (6)    Montgomery County or Prince George’s County;        (7)    any municipal corporation, local subdivision, or corporation within the State, Virginia, Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County; or        (8)    any other governmental agency the Commission determines to be appropriate to further the purposes stated in § 15–302 of this subtitle.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 3 - Intergovernmental Cooperation|Section 15-302 - Commission as Representative of State

    The Commission is the representative of the State for purposes of:        (1)    acquiring and developing land or other property under this division;        (2)    exercising the duties of the State under this division;        (3)    complying with § 1(a) and (b) of the Capper–Cramton Act, Public Law 71–284, 46 Stat. 482, for acquiring parklands in the metropolitan district; or        (4)    securing funds authorized by the Act or by any other federal, State, or local law.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 3 - Intergovernmental Cooperation|Section 15-303 - Authorization

    (a)    For the purposes of § 15–302 of this subtitle, the Commission may:        (1)    act in conjunction and cooperation with other governmental units; and        (2)    enter into contracts with governmental units.    (b)    The Commission may not obligate itself or the metropolitan district for expenditures above the amount of money the Commission has or shall receive from bonds, taxes, donations, contributions, or appropriations under this division.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 3 - Intergovernmental Cooperation|Section 15-304 - Resources

    (a)    Within a reasonable time after the Commission makes a request, public officials of the State, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County shall furnish the Commission with available information required for Commission work.    (b)    The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission shall:        (1)    make available for Commission use the maps, surveys, engineering information, and other records of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; and        (2)    when requested by the Commission, furnish engineering services and advice at cost.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 4 - Audit Committee|Section 15-401 - Commission Established

    There is an Audit Committee in the Commission.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 4 - Audit Committee|Section 15-403 - Selection and Appointment of Accountant and Inspector General

    The Audit Committee shall select and appoint:        (1)    the independent certified public accountant required to audit the Commission’s annual financial report under § 15–115(a)(2) of this title; and        (2)    the Inspector General as provided in Subtitle 5 of this title.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 4 - Audit Committee|Section 15-404 - Nonvoting Member May Vote in Event of Tie; Approval of Inspector General

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the nonvoting member of the Audit Committee may vote on a decision of the Audit Committee in the event of a tie.    (b)    The appointment of the Inspector General may be approved only through a majority of the voting members of the Audit Committee.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-405 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 4 - Audit Committee|Section 15-405 - Powers

    (a)    The Commission shall adopt regulations to ensure that the Audit Committee operates independently from the management of the Commission.    (b)    The Commission may:        (1)    adopt rules of procedure; and        (2)    delegate other appropriate functions to the Audit Committee.    (c)    The regulations adopted under this section may provide for a reasonable stipend to compensate only the members of the Audit Committee who are not also commissioners.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-501 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    “Abuse” means an employee’s intentional misconduct or misuse of authority or position:            (i)    involving Commission property or funds that is improper or deficient when compared to conduct a prudent person would consider reasonable under the same facts and circumstances; or            (ii)    for the purpose of furthering improperly the private interests of the employee, a family member, or a close personal or business associate.        (2)    “Abuse” includes:            (i)    theft or misappropriation of Commission property or funds; and            (ii)    destruction or alteration of official records.    (c)    (1)    “Fraud” means an intentional act or attempt to obtain something of value from the Commission or another person through willful misrepresentation.        (2)    “Fraud” includes a willful false representation of a material fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which causes the Commission to act, or fail to act, to the detriment of the Commission’s interest.    (d)    “Office” means the Office of the Inspector General.    (e)    “Vendor” means a party obligated by contract or subcontract to provide goods, services, or property to the Commission for consideration, including contracts and subcontracts for construction and professional services related to construction.    (f)    (1)    “Waste” means an inappropriate act or omission by an employee with control over, or access to, Commission property or funds that unreasonably deprives the Commission of value.        (2)    “Waste” includes mismanagement or other unintentional conduct that is deficient or improper when compared to conduct a prudent person would consider necessary to preserve the value of Commission property or funds under the same facts and circumstances.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-502 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-502 - Office Established

    There is an Office of the Inspector General in the Commission.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-503 - Appointment; Term; Staff and Consultants

    (a)    (1)    The Audit Committee of the Commission shall appoint the Inspector General.        (2)    (i)    The Audit Committee shall select the Inspector General solely on the basis of professional ability and personal integrity, without regard to political affiliation.            (ii)    The Inspector General shall be qualified professionally by experience or education in auditing, government operations, or financial management.    (b)    (1)    The term of the Inspector General is 4 years beginning on the date of appointment.        (2)    An individual may not serve as Inspector General for more than three terms.        (3)    The Inspector General may not participate in the merit system adopted by the Commission under Title 16, Subtitle 1 of this article, but:            (i)    may participate in any employee benefits program offered by the Commission on the same terms and conditions as it is offered generally to an employee participating in the merit system; and            (ii)    the Commission may offer to an individual appointed as Inspector General any supplemental employee benefit programs it determines are necessary to recruit and retain an employee who does not participate in the merit system.        (4)    The Commission may remove the Inspector General by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three of its members from each county for neglect of duty, malfeasance, conviction of a felony, or other good cause.        (5)    The Inspector General shall discharge the duties of office on a full–time basis and with no secondary employment of any nature during their term.    (c)    (1)    Subject to budget authorization, applicable law, and the personnel regulations of the Commission, the Inspector General may select as subordinate staff of the Office one or more:            (i)    temporary term employees who do not participate in the merit system adopted by the Commission under Title 16, Subtitle 1 of this article; and            (ii)    other employees who participate in the merit system.        (2)    Notwithstanding any provision of the personnel regulations to the contrary, an auditor, accountant, investigator, or similar professional employee appointed as subordinate staff of the Office shall be subject to dismissal by the Inspector General only for neglect of duty, malfeasance, conviction of a felony, or other good cause.    (d)    Subject to budget authorization and the applicable procurement regulations, the Inspector General may retain consultants by contract.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-504 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-504 - Duties and Powers

    (a)    The Office shall:        (1)    assist the Commission by providing independent evaluation and recommendations regarding opportunities to:            (i)    preserve the Commission’s reputation; and            (ii)    improve the effectiveness, productivity, or efficiency of Commission programs, policies, practices, and operations;        (2)    ensure public accountability by preventing, investigating, and reporting instances of fraud, waste, and abuse of Commission property or funds;        (3)    examine, evaluate, and report on the adequacy and effectiveness of the systems of internal controls and their related accounting, financial, technology, and operational policies; and        (4)    report noncompliance with and propose ways to improve employee compliance with applicable law, policy, and ethical standards of conduct.    (b)    In developing recommendations, the Office may:        (1)    conduct administrative investigations, budgetary analyses, and financial, management, or performance audits and similar reviews;        (2)    provide management advisories; and        (3)    utilize the assistance from any other government agency or private party to complete a project initiated by the Office.    (c)    When applicable, the Inspector General shall comply with generally accepted government auditing standards.    (d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Inspector General shall submit written reports to the Audit Committee and to the Commission for publication on the Commission’s Web site.        (2)    The Inspector General:            (i)    may not disclose any record, report, or related information that is protected from disclosure under the Public Information Act;            (ii)    may provide an oral report if appropriate under generally accepted government auditing standards; and            (iii)    shall establish and follow procedures for safeguarding the identity of confidential sources and protecting privileged and confidential information.        (3)    The Commission shall publish with any report submitted by the Inspector General any official written comments or responses offered by the Commission’s management.        (4)    The Inspector General shall also submit to the Commission for publication on the Commission’s Web site periodic reports that summarize the activities, findings, recommendations, and accomplishments of the Office.    (e)    If reasonable grounds exist to believe that a serious violation of federal, State, or local law has occurred, the Inspector General shall report the allegation to:        (1)    an appropriate law enforcement agency;        (2)    the State Ethics Commission; or        (3)    any other agency with jurisdiction to enforce the law.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-505 - Development of Work Plan

    (a)    (1)    The Inspector General shall coordinate with the Audit Committee to develop a written work plan and establish periodic goals and priorities for the Office based on an assessment of relative risks.        (2)    In developing the work plan, the Inspector General shall take into consideration requests from the planning boards, commissioners, Commission officers, managers, and employees, elected officials, and members of the public.        (3)    The Inspector General shall make the written work plan available to the public, subject to the Public Information Act.    (b)    In performing the duties authorized under this subtitle, the Inspector General shall coordinate with the park police or other law enforcement agency, agency personnel administrators, the State Ethics Commission, and other internal officials or external entities as appropriate to avoid unnecessary disruption or duplication of effort in conducting any audit, analysis, or administrative investigation.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-506 - Funding

    (a)    The Commission shall include in the Commission’s annual operating budget proposal the amounts recommended by the Audit Committee for the Office.    (b)    Subject to budget authorization and adequate funds:        (1)    the Commission’s general counsel shall provide legal services to the Inspector General and may employ special counsel if appropriate or required by law; and        (2)    the Inspector General may employ and be represented by a special legal counsel without consent of the general counsel if the Audit Committee approves of a request after considering any recommendation or comment offered by the general counsel relating to the request.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-507 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-507 - Requests for Information

    (a)    (1)    On request from the Inspector General, a Commission employee or official shall promptly provide to the Inspector General any available document or other information concerning Commission operations, budget, programs, or vendor contracts.        (2)    (i)    The Inspector General shall notify the Audit Committee and Commission chair, vice–chair, and executive director if any Commission employee or official fails to provide any information or document requested under this subsection with reasonable promptness.            (ii)    The Commission chair, vice–chair, or executive director shall take administrative action to produce compliance with a pending request for information by the Inspector General as warranted and appropriate.    (b)    (1)    A vendor of the Commission shall provide to the Inspector General any available document or other information concerning any Commission vendor contract, including documents related to the procurement of the contract.        (2)    (i)    The Inspector General shall promptly notify the Audit Committee and Commission officers if any vendor fails to provide any information or document requested under this subsection with reasonable promptness.            (ii)    The Commission officers shall take appropriate administrative or civil action to produce vendor compliance with a pending request for information by the Inspector General.    (c)    (1)    Each Commission employee should report any fraud, waste, or abuse to the Office.        (2)    A Commission employee, vendor, or employee of any vendor may not be retaliated against or penalized, or threatened with retaliation or penalty, for providing information to, cooperating with, or in any way assisting the Inspector General and staff of the Office in connection with any activity authorized under this subtitle.        (3)    The Inspector General may not disclose the identity of a person that reports an allegation of fraud, waste, or abuse unless:            (i)    the reporting person consents to disclosure of the person’s identity;            (ii)    disclosure is reasonably necessary to complete an audit or investigation; or            (iii)    another person is legally entitled to disclosure of the identity of the reporting person.    (d)    The Inspector General or a staff member authorized by the Inspector General may administer an oath or affirmation or take an affidavit from any person if necessary to perform the duties under this subtitle.    (e)    The Commission may adopt regulations to carry out the requirements of this section.
MD. Land Use Code Ann. §  15-508 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Land Use|Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission|Title 15 - Commission|Subtitle 5 - Office of the Inspector General|Section 15-508 - Investigation of Fraud, Waste, or Abuse

    (a)    The Inspector General, or a staff member authorized by the Inspector General, may administer oaths and take depositions and other testimony for the purpose of investigating fraud, waste, or abuse within the Commission.    (b)    The Inspector General may subpoena any person or evidence for the purpose of investigating fraud, waste, or abuse within the Commission.    (c)    If a person fails to comply with a lawful order or subpoena issued under this section, on petition of the Inspector General, a court of competent jurisdiction may compel:        (1)    compliance with the order or subpoena; or        (2)    testimony or the production of evidence.