reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-123 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-123 - Service Exempt From Taxation; Bonds and Notes of Service Exempt From Taxation

    The exercise of the powers granted by this subtitle is for the benefit of the people of the State for the improvement of their health and living conditions. Since the activities of the Service and the operation and maintenance of its projects constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the Service is exempt from any payment of or liability for any and all taxes, whether federal, State, or local, now or hereafter levied or imposed, and any assessments or other governmental charges. The bonds and notes of the Service issued pursuant to the authority of this subtitle, their transfer, the interest payable thereon, and any income derived therefrom, including any profit realized in the sale or exchange thereof, at all times shall be exempt from taxation of every kind and nature whatsoever by the State, or by any of its political subdivisions, municipal corporations, or public units of any kind.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-124 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-124 - Service Not Required to Give Bond or Suffer Liens; Assignment of Wages Not Binding on Service

    The Service may not be required to give any bond as security for costs, supersedeas, or any other security in any suit or action brought by or against it, or in proceedings to which it may be a party in any court in the State. The Service may appeal to a court having jurisdiction without bonds, supersedeas, or security of any kind. No builder’s, materialman’s, contractor’s, laborer’s, or mechanic’s liens of any kind or character may ever attach to or become a lien upon any property, real or personal, owned or controlled by the Service. No assignment of wages may be binding upon or recognized by the Service.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-125 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-125 - Liens Created in Favor of Service or Municipality

    (a)    Any lien created in favor of the Service or a municipality pursuant to this subtitle is effective against the person on whose property the lien exists and the owner of record. However, the lien is not effective against any third party unless written notice of the lien is recorded and indexed in a permanent record maintained in the office of the clerk of the circuit court in each county in which the property subject to the lien or any part of it is located.    (b)    The notice shall contain the name and address of the owner of record against whose property the lien exists, the name and address of the Service or municipality, the amount of the lien, a description or reference to the property subject to the lien, and the date the lien was created.    (c)    On presentation of a release of any lien of the Service or municipality, the clerk of the proper court in which the lien is recorded and indexed shall record and index the release and shall note in the lien docket the date the release is filed and the fact that the lien is released.    (d)    The clerk of the proper court shall provide a suitable well-bound book, at the expense of the county or city, to be called the environmental service lien docket, in which the notices of liens shall be recorded and indexed. The clerk may not collect more than $2 for recording and indexing each lien or release of any lien.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-127 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-127 - Rules and Regulations Generally

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, the Service may adopt, formulate, revise, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for the regulation of its internal affairs and for the use and operation of its projects, and of any other laws the administration of which is vested in the Service. A rule or regulation concerning the use or operation of a project may not conflict with any rule, regulation, permit, or hauler certificate of the Department of the Environment. The Service may limit or regulate water supply or liquid waste service, refuse collection, disposal service, and storm and surface water drainage service, in any area or to any premises served by Service projects, as the exigencies of the occasion and the protection of its systems require. The Service may adopt lawful and reasonable regulations it considers necessary for the public’s health and safety, comfort, and convenience in the construction, operation, maintenance, expansion, relocation, replacement, renovation, and repair of its water supply, wastewater purification, solid waste disposal, and energy projects.    (b)    Rules and regulations shall be approved by the Board and adopted under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, except when necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and safety and except for emergency provisions required to protect Service projects.    (c)    Any regulation adopted by the Service under this section has the effect of law.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-128 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-128 - Arbitration; Scope of Authority of Public Service Commission

    (a)    If the Service and a municipality or person fail to reach agreement on rates, fees, or other charges to be exacted by the Service for a water supply or wastewater purification project, the Public Service Commission, on the petition of either party to the disagreement, shall assume jurisdiction for the purpose of arbitrating the disagreement. Its determination shall be final and binding on all parties concerned, subject to the right of any party to appeal the determination to the circuit court of any county within which the municipality or person is located, resides, or carries on business. In any appeal the decision of the Commission is prima facie correct and shall be affirmed unless clearly shown to be (1) in violation of constitutional provisions, or (2) made on unlawful procedure, or (3) arbitrary or capricious, or (4) affected by other error of law. It is the intention of this subtitle that judicial review in all instances includes the right to appeal to the Court of Special Appeals from the decision of the lower court. The provisions of this section and the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission shall not apply to any rates, fees, or charges agreed to by contract between the Service and a municipality or person for a water supply or wastewater purification project.    (b)    The Service may not be deemed to be a public service company within the meaning of the Public Utilities Article, and, except as provided in this section and in § 3–102(b) of this subtitle, the jurisdiction and powers of the Public Service Commission do not extend to the Service.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-129 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-129 - Violations and Penalties

    Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of any rule or regulation adopted by the Service is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each violation. A separate offense exists for each day a violation occurs.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-130 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service|Section 3-130 - Short Title

    This subtitle shall be known as the “Maryland Environmental Service Act”.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-201 - Established; Purpose; Perpetual Existence

    (a)    There is a Maryland Environmental Trust established to conserve, improve, stimulate, and perpetuate the aesthetic, natural, health and welfare, scenic, and cultural qualities of the environment, including, but not limited to land, water, air, wildlife, scenic qualities, open spaces, buildings or any interest therein, and other appurtenances pertaining in any way to the State. Through educational and other means, the Trust shall encourage and motivate the populace of the State and others to do so and shall promote continuing interest in and the study of these matters. The purpose of the Trust is of general benefit to the citizens of the State, and it is charitable in nature.    (b)    The Trust has perpetual existence subject to modification or termination by the General Assembly if necessary to effectuate its purpose or when and if its substantial purpose ceases.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-203 - Powers and Duties of Trustees Generally

    The trustees have the powers and duties to:         (1)    Receive annual appropriations as provided in the budget;        (2)    Sponsor, assist, conduct, or otherwise cause to be undertaken, comprehensive programs of research and education pertaining to the aesthetic, natural, health and welfare, scenic, or cultural qualities of the State environment, including the provision of financial grants to public and private agencies, organizations, and persons engaged by the trustees for consulting and other special participation in these programs;        (3)    Acquire and hold real and personal property, or any interest therein, of aesthetic, scenic, or cultural significance, or of significance to the health and welfare of the public, by lease, gift, purchase, devise, bequest, or by any other means, and conserve, improve, administer, invest, or dispose of the properties for the purposes of the Trust, and in the acquisition of these properties to acquire property adjacent thereto deemed necessary for the proper use and administration of the Trust;        (4)    Accept any gift. The trustees may expend both principal and income of any gift of money or invest it in whole or in part in general obligations of the State or other securities in furtherance of the Trust, as decided at a regular or special meeting, if a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of a minimum of seven elected trustees;        (5)    Apply any money, assets, property or other things of value it may receive as an incident to its operation, to the general purposes of the Trust;        (6)    Cooperate with and assist as far as practicable, any unit of the State, any political subdivision, and any private, public, or federal agency, foundation, or person, in furtherance of the purposes of the Trust;        (7)    Take any action necessary or proper to effectuate the powers expressly conferred by this subtitle;        (8)    Adopt, subject to the terms of this subtitle, rules and regulations necessary or proper for the regulation of their own government or to effectuate the purpose of the Trust;        (9)    Delegate any of the powers conferred to any one or more of the trustees or the director of the Trust; and        (10)    Report annually to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the Trust’s activities during the preceding year together with any recommendations or requests deemed appropriate to further the purposes of the Trust.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-203.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-203.1 - Donation of Perpetual Conservation Easement

    (a)    When any person offers to donate a perpetual conservation easement to the Maryland Environmental Trust, notification shall be mailed by the Maryland Environmental Trust to the appropriate governing body in which the land is located, as specified in subsection (b) of this section.    (b)    The appropriate governing body for the purposes of this section means:        (1)    The board of county commissioners in a commission county;        (2)    The county executive and county council in a charter home rule county;        (3)    The county commissioners in a Code home rule county; and        (4)    The Mayor and City Council in Baltimore City.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-204 - Chair and Other Officers; Meetings; Quorum; Advisory Council

    (a)    The trustees shall elect from among the elected membership a chair, secretary, and other officers as they determine.    (b)    The trustees shall meet at least four times a year at places and on dates they determine.    (c)    The chair may call other meetings, and must call one at the request of six or more trustees.    (d)    The secretary shall notify in writing every trustee of the time and place of every meeting at least seven days in advance of the meeting, except that meetings may be held on shorter notice if all trustees agree.    (e)    Ten trustees constitute a quorum to conduct business.    (f)    If at any time there is no director, the chair shall assume the director’s duties and powers.    (g)    The chair with the consent of the trustees may appoint an advisory council.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-205 - Director and Other Employees

    The trustees may appoint a director of the Trust to administer its activities subject to the trustees’ supervision. They may employ other persons as necessary. The director and staff are employees of the State, but the director shall not be a member of the skilled service or professional service, with the exception of special appointments. The trustees may remove the director at their will.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-206 - Legal Counsel

    The trustees may request and shall receive from the Attorney General legal counsel and services necessary to carry out effectively the purposes of the Trust.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-207 - Transfer of Money or Property to Trust; Grants From Federal Government or Political Subdivisions of State

    The State may pay money or transfer property to the Trust to carry out the purposes of the Trust. The Trust may receive, manage, expend, and dispose of grants, money, and property from the federal government or political subdivision of the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-208 - Selling, Conveying, Assigning, and Leasing Property; Contracts

    Subject to the limitations of § 3–207 of this subtitle, the Trust may improve, sell, convey, assign, lease, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any property, or interest in property, it holds, and enter into any contract, easement, or other legal arrangement incident thereto, including but not limited to, the authority to lease properties for various commercial and residential uses consistent with the purposes of the Trust on terms and conditions the trustees deem appropriate. Any lease the trustees make shall be in immediate furtherance of the purposes of the Trust and not merely for investment purposes. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a lease the Trust makes may not be subject to redemption at the option of the tenant, unless expressly provided.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-209 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-209 - Subcommittees Appointed by Political Subdivisions of State

    Each State political subdivision, by appropriate action of its respective legislative body, may appoint a subcommittee to cooperate with, and work under, the guidance and control of the trustees of the Trust to further the objectives of the Trust at the local level.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-210 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-210 - Functions and Activities of Governor's Committee to Keep Maryland Beautiful Transferred to Trust

    Any function or activity of the Governor’s Committee to Keep Maryland Beautiful is transferred to the Trust. These functions and activities include, by way of enumeration and not limitation:        (1)    Educating Maryland citizens and visitors in their individual responsibility in litter prevention and care of the out–of–doors through a two–fold approach:            (i)    Awareness–publicity through radio, TV, newspapers, and other public media; and            (ii)    Action–cleanup and beautification projects carried out by civic organizations, county committees, and community groups in cooperation with public agencies;        (2)    Efficient use of public and private funds spent on cleaning up highways, parks, beaches, and other public and private property;        (3)    Increasing beauty through stimulation of private business, community, and public planting projects; and        (4)    Stimulating pride and appreciation for home, community, and State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-211 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2 - Maryland Environmental Trust|Section 3-211 - Construction of Subtitle

    The provisions relating to the Trust do not limit the power or activity of any unit of the State, any political subdivision, any private unit, or person interested in the aesthetic, natural, health and welfare, scenic, and cultural qualities of the environment of the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-01 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-01 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Department” means the Department of Natural Resources.    (c)    “Grant Fund” means the Land Trust Grant Fund established under § 3-2A-02 of this subtitle.    (d)    “Land trust” means a qualified conservation organization that:        (1)    Is a qualified organization under § 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations adopted under § 170(h)(3); and        (2)    Has executed a cooperative agreement with the Maryland Environmental Trust.    (e)    “Trust” means the Maryland Environmental Trust.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-02 - Establishment; Uses; Reimbursement; Administration

    (a)    There is within the Department a Land Trust Grant Fund.    (b)    (1)    The Grant Fund shall be used as a nonlapsing revolving fund to make grants to land trusts in the State.        (2)    The Grant Fund may be used only to encourage the preservation and protection of open space and natural areas in the State.        (3)    When deemed appropriate by the Trust, grants from the Grant Fund to land trusts shall be reimbursable to the Grant Fund, subject to § 3–2A–08 of this subtitle.    (c)    (1)    The Maryland Environmental Trust shall administer the Grant Fund.        (2)    In addition to their other powers and duties under this title, the trustees of the Trust may take any action necessary or proper to administer the Grant Fund.    (d)    Funds shall be included in the Department’s annual budget for the costs of administering the Grant Fund.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-03 - Funding

    (a)    All receipts designated for the Grant Fund shall be placed in the Grant Fund held by the Department and administered by the Trust, including:        (1)    Money appropriated by the State to the Grant Fund;        (2)    Premiums, fees, and payments on reimbursement of grants, where required;        (3)    Income from investments that the State Treasurer, on instruction of the Department, makes for the Department under this subtitle; and        (4)    Any other money made available to the Grant Fund.    (b)    Any unspent money in the Grant Fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the Grant Fund and may not revert to the General Fund of the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-04 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-04 - Investments

    (a)    If, at any time, the amount of money in the Grant Fund exceeds the amount that the Trust considers necessary currently to meet its expenses and obligations, the Department shall deposit the excess money with the State Treasurer, who shall invest the money in the manner provided for by law.    (b)    Annually, the State Treasurer shall report to the Department as to:        (1)    The status of the money invested under this subtitle;        (2)    The market value of the assets in the Grant Fund as of the date of the report; and        (3)    The interest received from investments for the Grant Fund during the period covered by the report.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-05 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-05 - Grants -- Authority; Conditions

    (a)    Subject to conditions necessary to carry out the purposes and requirements of this subtitle, the Trust, on application by a land trust, may provide a grant to the applicant from the Grant Fund.    (b)    The Trust may make a grant to an applicant only if:        (1)    The applicant meets the qualifications required by this subtitle;        (2)    The grant is to be used only for the acquisition of interests or rights in real property for recreational or preservation purposes;        (3)    The Department approves the project as being in conformity with the Department’s criteria governing land acquired under a State grant from Program Open Space;        (4)    The trustees of the Trust approve the grant; and        (5)    The Board of Public Works approves the grant.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  3-2A-06 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 3 - Environmental Programs|Subtitle 2A - Land Trust Grant Fund|Section 3-2A-06 - Applications for Grants

    (a)    To apply for a grant, an applicant shall submit to the Trust an application in the form that the Trust requires.    (b)    The application shall include:        (1)    A detailed description of the proposed acquisition;        (2)    An itemization of known and estimated costs;        (3)    The total amount of investment required to acquire the property;        (4)    The funds available to the applicant without financial assistance from the Trust;        (5)    The amount of financial assistance sought from the Trust;        (6)    Information that relates to the financial status of the applicant; and        (7)    Any other relevant information that the Trust requests.