reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-103 - General Consideration

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an employer subject to this title shall pay each employee covered under this title:        (1)    at least $11.30 per hour, if State contract services valued at 50% or more of the total value of the contract are performed in the Tier 1 area; or        (2)    at least $8.50 per hour, if State contract services valued at 50% or more of the total value of the contract are performed in the Tier 2 area.    (b)    (1)    Not later than 90 days after the start of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall adjust the wage rates required under subsection (a) of this section by the annual average increase or decrease, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for the Washington Metropolitan Area, or any successor index, for the previous calendar year.        (2)    If the Commissioner adjusts the wage rates in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall publish the new wage rates on the Division of Labor and Industry’s website.        (3)    On request by any person, the Commissioner shall give the person a printed copy of the new wage rates.    (c)    If an employer commits in its bid or proposal to provide health insurance to an employee, either directly or through an employee representative, the employer may:        (1)    certify in its bid or proposal the hourly cost of the employer’s share of the premium for that insurance for each employee; and        (2)    reduce the wage rate paid under subsection (a) of this section to any employee covered by the insurance by all or part of the hourly cost of the employer’s share of the premium for each employee.    (d)    The Commissioner may authorize, by regulation, an employer to reduce the wage rates paid under subsection (a) of this section by no more than 50 cents of the hourly cost of the employer’s contribution to an employee’s deferred compensation plan.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-104 - Regulations; Records and Reports; Measurements

    (a)    The Commissioner shall adopt regulations governing employers subject to this title.    (b)    The Commissioner may require that an employer keep records and submit reports to the Commissioner that the Commissioner determines necessary for the effective administration and enforcement of this title.    (c)    The Commissioner every 3 years shall assess the appropriateness of:        (1)    the measures used to adjust the wage rates under § 18–103(b) of this subtitle to ensure that the measures accurately reflect the wage rates of employees in the Tier 1 area and Tier 2 area of the State; and        (2)    the placement of counties in the Tier 1 area and Tier 2 area.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-105 - Void Agreements

    An agreement by an employee to commute, release, or waive the employee’s rights under this title is void.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-106 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-106 - Posting of Required Notice

    (a)    During any period in which an employee of the employer is entitled to a wage rate under this title, each employer subject to this title shall post in a prominent and easily accessible place at the work site of an employee described in § 18–102(a) of this title a notice of:        (1)    the living wage rate;        (2)    employee rights under this title; and        (3)    the name, address, and telephone number of the Commissioner.    (b)    The notice under this section shall be:        (1)    developed by the Commissioner in English, Spanish, and any other language commonly used by employees at a work site; and        (2)    (i)    on request of an employer, provided without charge to the employer; or            (ii)    made available for download on the Internet without charge.    (c)    Subject to § 10–1001 of the State Government Article, the Commissioner may impose on a person that violates this section a civil penalty not exceeding $50 per violation.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-107 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-107 - Complaints and Hearing Procedure

    (a)    Within 30 days after a complaint is filed, the Commissioner shall investigate the complaint in accordance with this title.    (b)    A written or oral complaint or statement made by an employee under this title is confidential and may not be disclosed to the employer without the consent of the employee.    (c)    An employer subject to this title shall allow the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee access to a work site and payroll records, and allow an opportunity to interview employees for purposes of enforcing this title.    (d)    (1)    Within 30 days after completing an investigation, the Commissioner shall issue an order for a hearing.        (2)    Within 30 days before the hearing, the Commissioner shall serve, personally or by mail, written notice of the hearing on all interested parties.        (3)    The notice shall include:            (i)    a statement of facts disclosed in the investigation; and            (ii)    the time and place of the hearing.        (4)    In conducting a hearing, the Commissioner may:            (i)    subpoena witnesses;            (ii)    administer oaths; and            (iii)    compel the production of records, books, papers, and other evidence.    (e)    (1)    Within 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the Commissioner shall:            (i)    issue a determination; and            (ii)    serve, personally or by mail, each interested party with a copy of the determination.        (2)    If the Commissioner finds a violation of this title, the Commissioner shall determine the amount of restitution and liquidated damages to be assessed under § 18–108 of this title.        (3)    On receipt of the determination, the employer shall pay the affected employees the amount due in accordance with the Commissioner’s determination.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-108 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-108 - Restitution and Damages

    If the Commissioner determines that the employer violated a provision of this title or regulations of the Commissioner, the employer shall:        (1)    pay restitution to each affected employee; and        (2)    pay to the State liquidated damages of $20 per day for each employee who was paid less than the hourly rate required under this title.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  18-109 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 18 - Living Wage|Section 18-109 - Actions

    (a)    (1)    If an employee was paid less than the wage rate required under this title the employee is entitled to sue to recover the amount of the difference between the wage rate required under this title and the amount received by the employee.        (2)    A determination by the Commissioner that an employer is required to make restitution does not preclude an employee from filing an action under this section.    (b)    (1)    An action under this section is considered to be a suit for wages.        (2)    A judgment in an action under this section shall have the same force and effect as any other judgment for wages.    (c)    The failure of an employee to protest orally or in writing the payment of a wage that is less than the wage rate required under this title is not a bar to recovery in an action under this section.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-101 - Policy of State

    (a)    It is the policy of the State not to enter into a contract with any business entity that has discriminated in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, or commercial customers on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or on the basis of disability or any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics regarding the vendor’s, supplier’s, or commercial customer’s employees or owners.    (b)    Nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the marketplace.    (c)    A complaint of discrimination shall be filed within 4 years after the date the cause of action accrues.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-102 - Legislative Intent

    It is the intent of the State to avoid becoming a passive participant in private sector commercial discrimination by refusing to procure goods and services from business entities that discriminate in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, or commercial customers on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or on the basis of disability or other unlawful forms of discrimination by providing a procedure for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of discrimination filed against business entities that:        (1)    have submitted a bid or proposal; or        (2)    have been selected to engage in, or are engaged in, providing goods or services to the State.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-104 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-104 - Participation in Economic Development Projects

    (a)    As a condition of participating in an economic development project, the State shall require the governmental entity, quasi-governmental entity, corporation, developer, or contractor that receives assistance from the State to comply with this title:        (1)    in administering the economic development project; and        (2)    in awarding contracts to manage or perform the work entailed in the economic development project.    (b)    (1)    Each contract and subcontract awarded in connection with an economic development project shall contain the nondiscrimination clause set forth in § 19-115 of this title.        (2)    Any claim of discrimination relating to the economic development project shall be subject to investigation and adjudication by the State in accordance with this title.    (c)    This title does not apply to:        (1)    other than a lease of real estate for the State’s use, any real property acquisition by the State, including property subject to condemnation;        (2)    settlement of litigation;        (3)    except for proceedings to enforce this title, settlement of judicial or administrative enforcement proceedings by or on behalf of the State; and        (4)    agreements concerning standards for locating facilities in a State right-of-way when a business entity has a statutory right to be in the right-of-way.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-105 - Construction

    (a)    The provisions of this title are to be liberally construed to accomplish its objectives and purposes.    (b)    For purposes of administration, the Commission shall construe the provisions of this title.    (c)    A decision of the Commission is subject to judicial review under § 19-113 of this title.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-106 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-106 - Administrative Complaints

    (a)    Any person may file an administrative complaint with the Commission within the limitations period set forth in § 19–101(c) of this title stating facts showing or tending to show that a business entity has within the preceding 4–year period engaged in discrimination or retaliation against that person in violation of this title.    (b)    Within 10 business days, the Commission shall notify the business entity against whom the complaint was filed that a complaint has been received.    (c)    Before the commencement of an investigation of an administrative complaint, Commission staff shall review the complaint to determine whether:        (1)    mediation would be appropriate; and        (2)    both parties should be contacted to attempt such mediation in a manner consistent with the regulations adopted under this title.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-107 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-107 - Investigation of Discrimination and Retaliation Complaints

    (a)    Commission staff shall be responsible for directing and conducting investigations of discrimination and retaliation complaints filed under this title in a manner consistent with §§ 20–208, 20–1005, 20–1006, 20–1008, 20–1009, and 20–1010 of the State Government Article.    (b)    The Commission may request assignment of additional State personnel or outside consultants as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to conduct an investigation.    (c)    (1)    Commission staff shall exercise reasonable judgment in seeking relevant evidence from the complainant, the respondent business entity and, as necessary, external sources.        (2)    This title may not be construed to require the State to fund the cost of:            (i)    having State staff or other individuals travel outside the State to investigate any claim under this title; or            (ii)    having witnesses travel to the State for the purpose of investigating a claim or testifying at a hearing or proceeding under this title.    (d)    (1)    Consistent with § 20–1101 of the State Government Article, the Public Information Act, and the Open Meetings Act, the Commission shall protect the confidential character of information relating to an investigation and may issue protective orders for good cause to limit, or otherwise impose conditions on, access by any person to any document in the possession of a party.        (2)    A protective order issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection may include:            (i)    a document in the possession of the State or otherwise in the record that is not a public record; and            (ii)    information disclosed in accordance with § 19–116 of this title.    (e)    The Commission shall exercise reasonable discretion in determining the extent of the investigation required to support Commission staff’s initial findings and recommendations.    (f)    (1)    The Commission may investigate and adjudicate a claim of discrimination under this title only if the claim alleges that:            (i)    the discrimination was committed by a business entity within the limitations period set forth in § 19–101(c) of this title; and            (ii)    the discrimination occurred in the State.        (2)    Discrimination is deemed to have occurred in the State only if:            (i)    each party operated a place of business in, or resided in, the State at the time of the discrimination; or            (ii)    the discriminatory act was committed in the State.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-110 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-110 - Remedy When Allegations Sustained

    (a)    When an allegation is sustained by an administrative law judge under this title, the administrative law judge may take additional evidence on the appropriate remedy to be recommended, including evidence relating to factors set forth in § 19–108(e) of this title and any other evidence deemed relevant by the administrative law judge.    (b)    If the administrative law judge sustains an allegation, the administrative law judge may order any one or more of the following actions:        (1)    any remedy that is agreed to by the respondent business entity, the complainant, and the Commission;        (2)    referral of the respondent business entity to the Board of Public Works for a determination of debarment pursuant to §§ 16–306 and 16–307 of this article to preclude the business entity from:            (i)    bidding on or receiving contract awards on State projects; and            (ii)    participating in State contracts as a subcontractor, vendor, or supplier for a period of not more than 3 years;        (3)    rescission, suspension, or termination of any current contract between the respondent business entity and the State under the terms of that contract;        (4)    exercise of any other rights or remedies available to the State under any current contract between the respondent business entity and the State;        (5)    finding that the respondent business entity is not a “responsible bidder” within the meaning of this article with respect to specific contracts that the State has put out for bids or intends to put out for bids;        (6)    referral of the matter for criminal prosecution of fraud and other violations under State law if appropriate under the circumstances; or        (7)    mediation.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-111 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-111 - Remedy for Filing False or Frivolous Allegations

    (a)    If the Commission determines that one or more allegations of a complaint filed under this title are false and that the complainant knew them to be false when filed, or that one or more of the allegations of a complaint are frivolous and without merit, the Commission may refuse to review or investigate any subsequent complaint filed by that complainant for a period of up to 3 years.    (b)    When the totality of the evidence warrants action to deter future abuse of the protections made available under this title, the Commission may also recommend to the administrative law judge:        (1)    that monetary sanctions be imposed against the complainant in the amount of the costs incurred by the State and the business entity in the investigation and review of the false or frivolous complaint, including reasonable attorneys’ fees; and        (2)    that the complainant be disqualified from bidding and contract awards on State projects for a period of not more than 3 years.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-112 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-112 - Issuance of Final Administrative Decision

    (a)    Absent a request for a contested case hearing, the Commission’s findings and recommendations shall become the final administrative decision of the State, subject to such judicial review as is provided for in a contested case under § 10-222 of the State Government Article.    (b)    In cases where a contested case hearing has been requested, the administrative law judge’s written decision shall become the final administrative decision of the State subject to judicial review as provided for in a contested case under § 10-222 of the State Government Article.    (c)    On issuance of a final decision, the Commission or the administrative law judge may enter any order reasonably necessary or convenient to govern the conduct of the State and the parties so that the purposes of this title are achieved.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-113 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-113 - Judicial Review

    Any party who, after having exhausted all administrative remedies available, is aggrieved by a final decision of the Commission or the administrative law judge may seek judicial review of such decision under § 10-222 of the State Government Article.
MD. State Finance and Procurement Code Ann. §  19-114 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|State Finance and Procurement|Division II - General Procurement Law|Title 19 - Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy|Section 19-114 - Nondiscrimination Clause

    Every contract and subcontract shall contain a nondiscrimination clause that reads as follows:    “As a condition of entering into this agreement, the company represents and warrants that it will comply with the State’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy, as described under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. As part of such compliance, the company may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or on the basis of disability or other unlawful forms of discrimination in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, nor shall the company retaliate against any person for reporting instances of such discrimination. The company shall provide equal opportunity for subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to participate in all of its public sector and private sector subcontracting and supply opportunities, provided that nothing contained in this clause shall prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of marketplace discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the marketplace. The company understands and agrees that a material violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this agreement and may result in termination of this agreement, disqualification of the company from participating in State contracts, or other sanctions. This clause is not enforceable by or for the benefit of, and creates no obligation to, any third party.”.