reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-204 - Quorum; Voting; Meetings; Compensation; Office; Reports

    (a)    (1)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a majority of the members then serving on the Commission is a quorum.            (ii)    A quorum may not be fewer than 4 members.        (2)    The Commission may not act unless at least a majority of the members then serving concur.    (b)    (1)    The Commission shall meet at least once every 2 months.        (2)    The Commission may hold meetings at the times and places in the State that it determines.    (c)    On or before December 1 of each year, the Commission shall report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, regarding:        (1)    the attendance record of each Commission meeting, disaggregated by the constituency that the attendee represents pursuant to the attendee’s appointment under § 8–202(a)(2) of this subtitle; and        (2)    how many claims were pending as of the date of each meeting.    (d)    Each member of the Commission is entitled to:        (1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and        (2)    reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.    (e)    The Commission shall have its office in Baltimore City.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-205 - Executive Director

    (a)    (1)    The Secretary shall appoint an executive director of the Commission.        (2)    The executive director serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.    (b)    The executive director shall devote full time to the duties of office.    (c)    The executive director is entitled to:        (1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and        (2)    reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.    (d)    While employed as executive director, the executive director shall be covered by a surety bond in the form and amount required by law.    (e)    The executive director shall:        (1)    administer and operate the office of the Commission;        (2)    be responsible to the Secretary;        (3)    keep the official records of the Commission; and        (4)    keep the seal of the Commission.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-206 - Staff

    (a)    (1)    The executive director may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.        (2)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the staff is in the skilled service or professional service, with the exception of special appointments, in the State Personnel Management System.    (b)    The executive director shall employ an investigative staff in accordance with the State budget.    (c)    The executive director may contract with an expert, subject to the State budget, if the services of an expert are required in a particular case.    (d)    Investigative staff and contractual experts shall investigate only complaints about home improvement.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-207 - Regulations

    (a)    The Commission may adopt and enforce regulations to carry out this title.    (b)    (1)    The executive director shall:            (i)    compile and keep in the office of the Commission a set of current regulations adopted under this title; and            (ii)    make a copy of the regulations for anyone who asks for one.        (2)    The Commission may set a fee to cover the cost of making and mailing a copy of the current regulations.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-208 - Administration and Enforcement by Commission

    (a)    The Commission shall administer and enforce this title.    (b)    (1)    If the Commission concludes that continuing conduct of a person alleged to be in violation of this title will result in irreparable or substantial harm to any other person, the Commission may sue for:            (i)    injunctive relief against the conduct;            (ii)    an order for satisfactory completion of a home improvement contract; or            (iii)    restitution.        (2)    If the Commission sues for injunctive relief under this subsection against a person who is not licensed under this title, the Commission need not:            (i)    post bond; or            (ii)    show that no adequate remedy at law exists.        (3)    A suit under this section shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where:            (i)    the alleged violation occurs; or            (ii)    the principal place of business of the alleged violator is located.    (c)    An administrative hearing and adjudication by the Commission is not a prerequisite to prosecution of a person under § 8-601 of this title.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-209 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-209 - Records

    (a)    The Commission shall keep available for public inspection during office hours a record of:        (1)    all licenses issued under this title;        (2)    all expirations, revocations, and suspensions of those licenses; and        (3)    all contractors represented by each salesperson who holds a license under this title.    (b)    The Commission shall collect a fee of $1 per page for each copy of a document in the Commission office.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-210 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-210 - Certification of Licensing Status

    On request of any person and payment of a fee set by the Commission, the Commission shall certify the licensing status of a person that is the subject of the request.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-211 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-211 - Contractor List Supplied to Counties

    Each month the Commission shall give the building and permits department and the office of consumer affairs of each county a current list of all licensees and may provide other information relevant to this title.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-212 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-212 - Miscellaneous Powers and Duties

    (a)    The Commission at any time may require of an applicant or licensee:        (1)    information reasonably related to the administration or enforcement of this title; and        (2)    the production of financial records.    (b)    The Commission shall have a seal.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-213 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-213 - Fees

    (a)    (1)    The Commission may set by regulation reasonable fees for the Commission’s services.        (2)    The fees charged shall be:            (i)    set so as to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Commission; and            (ii)    based on the calculations performed by the Secretary under § 2–106.10 of this article.    (b)    The Commission shall publish a schedule of fees set by the Commission.    (c)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the Commission shall pay all fees collected under this title to the Comptroller.    (d)    The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission Special Fund established in § 2–106.9 of this article.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-214 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-214 - Authority of Secretary

    The Commission exercises its powers and performs its duties subject to the authority of the Secretary.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-215 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-215 - Publication of Consumer Education Materials on Web Site

    The Commission shall publish on its Web site consumer education materials that specify the protections available to consumers through the Commission, including the availability of compensation from the Guaranty Fund.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-216 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Home Improvement Commission|Section 8-216 - Searchable Web Site of Licensed Contractors

    The Commission shall develop a searchable Web site that includes a listing of licensed contractors and information relating to any final disciplinary action taken by the Commission against a licensee in each licensee’s profile.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-301 - License Required; Exceptions

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person must have a contractor license whenever the person acts as a contractor in the State.    (b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person must have a salesperson license or contractor license whenever the person sells a home improvement in the State.    (c)    This section does not apply to:        (1)    an individual who works for a contractor for a salary or wages but who is not a salesperson for the contractor;        (2)    a clerical employee, retail clerk, or other employee of a licensed contractor who is not a salesperson, as to a transaction on the premises of the licensed contractor;        (3)    a solicitor for a contractor who calls an owner by telephone only;        (4)    an architect, electrician, plumber, heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration contractor, or other person who:            (i)    is required by State or local law to meet standards of competency or experience before engaging in an occupation or profession;            (ii)    currently is licensed in that occupation or profession under State or local law; and            (iii)    is:                1.    acting only within the scope of that occupation or profession; or                2.    installing a central heating or air–conditioning system;        (5)    a security systems technician licensed under Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;        (6)    a marine contractor licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3 of the Environment Article; or        (7)    a person who is selling a home improvement to be performed by a person described in item (4) of this subsection.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-302 - Examinations

    (a)    An applicant for a contractor’s or salesperson’s license must pass the examination prior to submitting an application for a license.    (b)    An applicant may receive a license only if the applicant passes the examination that the Commission requires.    (c)    (1)    To take an examination, an applicant shall pay to the Commission or a testing service chosen by the Commission the examination fee set by the Commission to cover the cost of the examination.        (2)    The examination fee is nonrefundable.    (d)    (1)    The Commission shall schedule the applicant for an examination to be held within 45 days after the Commission receives an application for examination.        (2)    The examination shall be held at a location:            (i)    that is within the general geographic area where the applicant resides, if the applicant resides in the State; or            (ii)    that the Commission determines, if the applicant resides out of State.    (e)    The Commission shall give each qualified applicant notice of the time and place of examination.    (f)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Commission shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations.        (2)    The examination shall test:            (i)    the applicant’s knowledge of the law about home improvement; and            (ii)    the applicant’s competency to engage in the licensed occupation.        (3)    The competency part of the examination may be oral or written.    (g)    (1)    The Commission may use a testing service to administer the examinations given under this section.        (2)    If the Commission uses a testing service under this subsection, the testing service, subject to the requirements set by the Commission, may:            (i)    set the time and place of examinations;            (ii)    give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and            (iii)    furnish any other information that the Commission may require the testing service to provide.    (h)    Within 30 days after the first meeting of the Commission after an examination date, the Commission shall notify an applicant in writing of the examination score of the applicant.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-302.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-302.1 - Contractor License -- Liability Insurance

    (a)    An applicant for a contractor license shall maintain general liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000.    (b)    A licensed contractor shall maintain general liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-302.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-302.2 - Contractor License -- Qualifications of Applicants

    An applicant for a contractor license shall have:         (1)    at least 2 years of trade experience that is satisfactory to the Commission, under regulations adopted by the Commission; or        (2)    comparable educational training to be determined by regulations adopted by the Commission.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-305 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-305 - Approval or Denial of License

    (a)    Within 30 days after the first meeting of the Commission after submission of a completed application, the Commission shall notify an applicant in writing:        (1)    whether the application for a license is approved or denied; and        (2)    of the reasons for denial, if the application is denied.    (b)    (1)    If the application is denied, the applicant, within 10 days after the notice of denial is mailed, may request a hearing.        (2)    The hearing shall be held in accordance with § 8-312 of this subtitle within 30 days after the date that the Commission receives the request.        (3)    The Commission shall make a decision within a reasonable time, but not later than 60 days after the hearing.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-306 - Issuance of License

    (a)    The Commission shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.    (b)    The Commission:        (1)    may issue a salesperson license only to an individual; and        (2)    may not issue a salesperson license unless the Commission has received from a licensed contractor written notice, signed by both the licensed contractor and salesperson, of an employment or other contractual relationship between the licensed contractor and salesperson.    (c)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may not issue a license to an applicant for a contractor license or salesperson license who has been convicted of violating § 8–601 of this title.    (d)    The Commission may issue a contractor license or salesperson license to an applicant who has been convicted of violating § 8–601 of this title if:        (1)    the Commission determines that the applicant has settled all outstanding obligations; and        (2)    1 year has passed since the date of conviction.    (e)    The Commission may not issue a contractor license to an applicant unless the applicant has submitted to the Commission proof of compliance with the insurance requirement of § 8-302.1 of this subtitle.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-307 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-307 - Scope of License

    (a)    A contractor license authorizes the licensee to act as a contractor or subcontractor and to sell a home improvement.    (b)    A salesperson license authorizes the licensee to sell a home improvement.    (c)    A license issued under this subtitle does not authorize the licensee to engage in a business or provide a service that may be engaged in or provided only by a person licensed under other State or local law.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-308.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-308.1 - Inactive Status

    (a)    The Commission shall place the license of a licensee on inactive status, and issue an inactive status certificate to the licensee, if the licensee:        (1)    submits to the Commission an application for inactive status on the form that the Commission provides;        (2)    pays to the Commission an inactive status application fee set by the Commission;        (3)    except for the liability insurance requirement of § 8–302.1 of this subtitle, qualifies for an active license; and        (4)    returns the license of the licensee to the Commission.    (b)    (1)    The holder of a contractor license that is on inactive status may not act as a contractor in the State.        (2)    The holder of a salesperson license that is on inactive status may not sell a home improvement in the State.    (c)    (1)    The holder of a contractor license that is on inactive status is not required to meet the liability insurance requirement of § 8–302.1 of this subtitle.        (2)    The holder of a contractor license that is on inactive status is not subject to an assessment for the Fund under § 8–404(b) of this title.    (d)    The placement of a license on inactive status does not affect the power of the Commission to suspend or revoke the license or to take any other disciplinary action against the licensee.    (e)    (1)    A licensee whose license is on inactive status remains responsible for renewing the license as required under § 8–308 of this subtitle.        (2)    The holder of a contractor license that is on inactive status may renew the license without complying with the liability insurance requirement of § 8–302.1 of this subtitle.        (3)    A licensee whose license is on inactive status shall pay to the Commission a renewal fee set by the Commission.    (f)    The Commission shall reactivate the license of a licensee that is on inactive status and reissue the license to the licensee, if the licensee:        (1)    submits to the Commission an application for reactivation on the form that the Commission provides;        (2)    pays to the Commission a reissuance fee set by the Commission; and        (3)    meets the requirements for a license, including, in the case of a contractor, the liability insurance requirement under § 8–302.1 of this subtitle.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-309 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-309 - Change of Information

    Within 10 days, a licensee shall notify the Commission of a change of control in ownership, management, address, or trade name.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-310 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-310 - Relationship of Salespersons and Contractors

    (a)    A salesperson may not represent more than 2 contractors at a time.    (b)    Before an individual becomes a salesperson for a contractor, the individual shall tell:        (1)    that contractor the name of each other contractor for whom the individual currently is a salesperson; and        (2)    each contractor for whom the individual currently is a salesperson the name of the contractor for whom the individual plans to become a salesperson.    (c)    When an individual ceases to be a salesperson for a contractor, the contractor shall give the Commission written notice of the cessation.
MD. Business Regulation Code Ann. §  8-312 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Business Regulation|Title 8 - Home Improvement|Subtitle 3 - Licensing|Section 8-312 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations -- Hearings

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in § 10–226 of the State Government Article, before the Commission takes any final action under § 8–311 of this subtitle, or if requested under § 8–620(c) of this title, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Commission or, as provided under § 8–313 of this subtitle, a hearing board.    (b)    The Commission shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.    (c)    The Commission may administer oaths in a proceeding under this section.    (d)    The hearing notice to be given to the person shall be sent at least 10 days before the hearing by certified mail to the business address of the licensee on record with the Commission.    (e)    (1)    For purposes of this subsection, the State is divided into:            (i)    the region that includes Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties;            (ii)    the region that includes Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties;            (iii)    the region that includes Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard counties;            (iv)    the region that includes Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; and            (v)    the region that includes Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.        (2)    The Commission shall set the time and place of the hearing but shall hold the hearing in the appropriate region to accommodate the needs of:            (i)    disabled witnesses;            (ii)    indigent witnesses; or            (iii)    a majority of witnesses.    (f)    The person may be represented at the hearing by counsel.    (g)    In connection with a proceeding under this section, the Commission may:        (1)    issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses to testify or to produce evidence; and        (2)    take testimony in the same manner and with the same fees and compensation for mileage as provided in civil cases in the State.    (h)    If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated does not appear, nevertheless the Commission may hear and determine the matter.