reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1019.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part II - Provisions Relating to Oysters|Section 4-1019.2 - Oyster Shell Purchase Program

    (a)    This section does not apply to:        (1)    An individual who takes or uses oysters for personal use or consumption purposes; or        (2)    Old oyster shells that are dredged from the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any licensed oyster dealer shall reserve for 8 months after the opening of each annual public shellfish fishery season all shells of oysters harvested from the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries and commercially shucked in the State for purchase by the Department for oyster restoration, unless the dealer plants or provides the shells for planting:        (1)    In an area privately leased for aquaculture purposes;        (2)    On riparian bottom as provided in § 4–11A–17 of this title for the propagation of oysters; or        (3)    On public shellfish fishery areas designated by the Department.    (c)    (1)    The Department shall determine whether sufficient funds are available for the Oyster Shell Purchase Program under this section.        (2)    The Department shall notify every licensed oyster dealer not later than September 1 of each year whether the Oyster Shell Purchase Program will be carried out during the ensuing license year.        (3)    If the Department does not notify licensed oyster dealers that the Oyster Shell Purchase Program will be carried out during the ensuing license year, a licensed oyster dealer may sell or dispose of fresh oyster shell at any time to any person for any lawful purpose.        (4)    The Department shall:            (i)    Establish procedures for the expeditious notice, payment, and removal of shells purchased; and            (ii)    Provide for the transportation, storage, and placement on public oyster bars in State waters.    (d)    All existing contracts executed prior to July 1, 1988 concerning the purchase of oyster shell shall be valid and exempt from the provisions of this section for the length of time for which the contract covers.    (e)    Unless permission has been obtained from the Department, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or catch oysters or shell in any of the waters of the State for the purpose of converting the oysters or shell into lime, chickenmeal, or road construction materials.    (f)    (1)    In consultation with the Oyster Advisory Commission and the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission, the Department shall determine annually the fair market value that the Department pays for:            (i)    Fresh oyster shells; and            (ii)    Transportation and placement of fresh oyster shells.        (2)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement the requirement set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1021 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1021 - Dredging in Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds

    (a)    The Department may adopt rules and regulations governing the type, number, and size of dredges used in Pocomoke and Tangier sounds and governing those areas in which dredges may be operated. A person may have two dredges aboard any boat if no more than one dredge is in operation at any given time.    (b)    A person may not catch clams in Pocomoke and Tangier sounds between sunset on one day and sunrise the following day or on Sundays. The season for catching hard-shell clams by dredge under this section is from September 15 in each year to May 31 of the year following, inclusive.    (c)    A person may not have any oysters aboard any boat in Pocomoke or Tangier sounds when a dredge is aboard.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1021.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1021.1 - Dredging for Hard-Shell Clams in Atlantic Coastal Bays Prohibited

    A person may not catch hard–shell clams by hydraulic clam dredge or other mechanical means in the Atlantic Coastal Bays, as defined in § 8–1802 of this article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1021.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1021.2 - Patent Tonging in Certain Areas of Somerset County

    (a)    The Department may adopt regulations governing the use of patent tongs to harvest hard–shell clams in areas of Somerset County where the use of patent tongs to catch oysters is authorized.    (b)    (1)    This subsection applies only in Somerset County.        (2)    A person may not catch hard–shell clams with patent tongs:            (i)    Between sunset on any day and sunrise the following day; or            (ii)    On Sundays.        (3)    The season for catching hard–shell clams with patent tongs is the same as the season for catching oysters with patent tongs as provided in § 4–1008.1 of this subtitle or as altered by regulations adopted under § 4–2A–05 of this title.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1022 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1022 - Shinnecock Rakes

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not catch hard–shell clams in the waters of the State with a shinnecock rake or similar device.    (b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may catch hard–shell clams with a handscrape, shinnecock rake, or hydraulic dredge in the State waters of the Atlantic Ocean.        (2)    A person may not catch hard–shell clams with a handscrape, shinnecock rake, or hydraulic dredge within 300 feet of any shore or wharf without first obtaining the permission of the shore or wharf owner.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1023 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1023 - Department May Regulate Catching in Worcester County

    Notwithstanding the provisions of this subtitle, the Department may adopt and modify rules and regulations governing catching hard-shell clams in the waters of Worcester County. These rules and regulations may specify the type and size of gear used, maximum quantity of clams caught per day, minimum size of clams caught, season for catching clams, days of the week and hours of the day when clams may be caught or landed, and the areas in which clams may be caught with any type of gear. A person may not catch clams by handscrape, shinnecock rake, hydraulic dredge, or any mechanical means from June 1 to September 15.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1027 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1027 - Regulations

    The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health, may adopt regulations to carry out the requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1028 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1028 - Clam Taxes

    Every hard-shell clam dealer shall pay a special tax of 25 cents for each bag, which shall contain no more than 105 hard-shell clams, on all clams sold by the dealer. All taxes pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Department in accordance with its rules and regulations for deposit to the credit of the Fisheries Research and Development Fund and shall be used solely to replenish the hard-shell clam resources of the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1029 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1029 - Disposition of Clam Receipts

    Any money received by the Department for licenses, fees, or taxes shall be transmitted by the Department to the State Comptroller for deposit to the credit of the Fisheries Research and Development Fund.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1030 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1030 - Landing Clam Catches

    Any hard–shell clams caught in the waters of the State shall be landed in the State. However, the Department may waive the provisions of this subsection in case of emergency, necessity, or for other good cause.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1031 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part III - Hard-Shell Clams|Section 4-1031 - Possession of Undersized Hard-Shell Clams

    (a)    In this section, “transverse dimension” means the measurement across both shells of a hard–shell clam at the widest point perpendicular to the hinge line where the two shells meet.    (b)    A clam dealer may possess hard–shell clams having a transverse dimension of less than the size required by the Department if the dealer offers a bill of lading approved by the Department as proof that all clams were caught in waters outside the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1032 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1032 - County Advisory Committees

    Advisory committees shall be formed in each county where soft-shell clams may be caught by hydraulic clam dredge. Each committee shall be composed of five persons, four of whom possess a hydraulic clam dredge license and one who possesses a soft-shell clam dealer’s and shipper’s license. Committee members shall be elected by persons possessing a hydraulic clam dredge license or a soft-shell clam dealer’s and shipper’s license. The Department shall confer with the elected committees on any matter affecting the management of the soft-shell clam fishery.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1033 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1033 - Regulatory Powers and Duties of Department Generally

    (a)    The Department shall adopt rules and regulations ensuring that a tidal fish license authorizes a person to use only one hydraulic clam dredge. The Department also shall adopt rules and regulations requiring all licensees operating a hydraulic clam dredge owned by another person, or subject to a lien held by another person to have the license in possession when engaged in licensed activities and to affix the license identification number permanently to the vessel as required in § 4–701(i) of this title.    (b)    (1)    The Department shall adopt rules and regulations governing licensing of persons buying, selling, shipping, transporting, or otherwise dealing in soft–shell clams, and the methods by which they may do so. However, a license may not be required to sell or dispose of clams in any retail market, restaurant, or other establishment where clams are sold or served for immediate use or consumption, when the clams are purchased from a person possessing a dealer’s or shipper’s license.        (2)    The Department shall require any person licensed to dredge for soft–shell clams or licensed pursuant to the provisions of this subsection to maintain and submit records to the Department.    (c)    The Department may promulgate rules and regulations relating to any aspect of the soft–shell clam fishery and shall adopt rules and regulations governing:        (1)    Measurement and structural details of a hydraulic clam dredge;        (2)    The number of hydraulic clam dredges which may be carried on a vessel;        (3)    The use of mufflers on motors or engines on hydraulic clam dredges or on board boats carrying hydraulic clam dredges;        (4)    The establishment of limits on the number of bushels which may be caught by a hydraulic clam dredge, or by a boat carrying a hydraulic clam dredge;        (5)    The minimum size of soft–shell clams;        (6)    The times and dates for taking, landing, and unloading soft–shell clams; and        (7)    Protection of soft–shell clams from contamination, or from deterioration as a result of excessive heat.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1035 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1035 - Severance Tax

    A severance tax of 50 cents per bushel shall be levied on all soft-shell clams of all species Mya arenaria caught within the State. The tax shall be paid by the buyer of clams at the place in the State where the clams are to be shipped in bulk no further by vessel, or before clams are shipped out of the State by vessel. All taxes pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Department in accordance with its rules and regulations for deposit to the credit of the Fisheries Research and Development Fund and shall be used solely to replenish the soft-shell clam resources of the State. A severance tax may not be levied on soft-shell clams of the species genus Tagelus.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1036 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1036 - Sale of Soft-Shell Clams

    A person may sell soft-shell clams of the species Mya arenaria caught by hydraulic clam dredge only to a person possessing a soft-shell clam dealer’s and shipper’s license. A person may sell soft-shell clams of the species genus Tagelus to persons other than a licensed dealer or shipper.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1037 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1037 - Areas Where Catching With Gear Other Than Hand Tools Prohibited

    A person may not catch or attempt to catch soft–shell clams with a hydraulic clam dredge or any other gear except hand–held tools, such as shovels and hoes, in the following areas:        (1)    Within 150 feet of a natural oyster bar or area leased under Subtitle 11A of this title and marked as required by that subtitle;        (2)    Within 1,000 feet of any occupied duck blind where decoys are set out during waterfowl hunting season;        (3)    Except for the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge and its parallel span, the Governor Thomas Johnson Memorial Bridge, and the area of the Choptank River Bridge that is within Talbot County, within 50 feet of any bulkhead, structure, wharf, pier, or piling that is erected in, over, or under the waters of the State under a permit granted by the State or federal government;        (4)    Within 300 feet of any private bathing beach running not more than 300 feet along the shore which is marked as required by rule and regulation or within 1,000 feet of any public bathing beach from May 1 to September 30. However, the owner or lessee of a single property may not claim protection for more than one private bathing beach contiguous to this property;        (5)    (i)    Within 50 feet of the mean high watermark of any shoreline in Queen Anne’s, Talbot, or Somerset counties;            (ii)    Within 300 feet in Dorchester County; or            (iii)    Within 150 feet in Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, or Kent County downriver from Nichols Point at the eastern side of the mouth of Langford Creek and within 300 feet upriver from Nichols Point;        (6)    The Dorchester County waters of the Choptank River and its tributaries, east of a line running from Horn Point to Martin Point and west of a line running from Sharp’s Island Light to Hill’s Point; Brannock Bay; the Little Choptank River; Tar Bay; the Honga River; all waters east of a line running from the most southerly point of Holland Island to Holland Island Bar Light; all waters east of a line running from Richland Point to Okahanikan Point; and any areas reserved by the Department for production of seed oysters; and        (7)    In the Atlantic Coastal Bays, as defined in § 8–1802 of this article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1038 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1038 - Restrictions on Catching Soft-Shell Clams by Hydraulic Dredge in Certain Counties

    (a)    Except as provided in § 4–1039 of this subtitle, a person may not catch soft–shell clams by hydraulic clam dredge in the following waters:        (1)    Anne Arundel County. ––  (i) Within 500 feet of any sea nettle net;            (ii)    Within 800 feet of any public bathing beach between Saunders and Dutchman’s Point, if the beach is marked as required by rule or regulation and the public uses the beach for bathing;            (iii)    In Marley Creek; Stoney Creek; Bodkin Creek; Magothy River above a line drawn from Mountain Point to Persimmon Point; Little Magothy River; Whitehall Bay between the shore and a line drawn from Hackett’s Point to Possum Point; Mill Creek; Severn River between the shore and a line drawn from Greenbury Point to the east side of the entrance to Lake Ogleton; South River between the shore and a line drawn between Turkey Point and east side of Duvall Creek, and extending 1,500 feet in front of Sandy Point State Park and Fort Smallwood State Park; West River south and west of a line running from Cheston Point to Curtis Point; or            (iv)    Anywhere in Anne Arundel County north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge within 800 feet of the shoreline, or south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and north of Thomas Point within 300 feet of the shoreline from September 16 to April 15 and within 800 feet of the shoreline from April 16 to September 15; south of Thomas Point within 300 feet of the shoreline, except that between Turkey Point and Ramsey Lake clamming is prohibited within 800 feet of the shoreline. This subsection does not prohibit the catching of clams by hydraulic clam dredge in West River or Rhode River.        (2)    Queen Anne’s County. –– In the waters of Eastern Bay and its tributaries; Shipping Creek; Cox’s Creek; Crab Alley Creek; Wye River south of a line from the southernmost tip of Ferry Point to the northernmost tip of Drum Point; Wye East River west of a line from the southernmost tip of Wye Island to northernmost tip of Bruff’s Island; Kent Narrows south of a line drawn from the northernmost tip of Ferry Point to the northernmost tip of Long Point.        (3)    Somerset County. –– In the Wicomico River or Monie Bay east of a line from the easternmost entrance of Rock Creek to the southeast extremity of Mollie’s Point.        (4)    Talbot County. –– (i) In the Tred Avon River and in Town Creek in front of Oxford, between the shoreline and the center of the channel, except during October and November;            (ii)    Within 1,200 feet of the Federal Research Laboratory at Oxford.    (b)    A person may not catch by hydraulic or mechanical clam dredge soft–shell clams from the waters of Charles or Wicomico counties, or the Atlantic Coastal Bays, as defined in § 8–1802 of this article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1039 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1039 - Restricted and Unrestricted Hydraulic Dredging Areas

    (a)    The Department may open or close any area in which the catching of soft–shell clams by hydraulic clam dredge is not prohibited under the provisions of this subtitle if: (1) in its opinion other natural resources will not be significantly damaged; (2) the area to be opened is clearly defined and plainly marked; and (3) the area is patrolled by Natural Resources Police vessels during dredging operations.    (b)    In any area where hydraulic clam dredging is prohibited under § 4–1038(a) of this subtitle the Department may open selected areas if the areas opened are patrolled by Natural Resources Police vessels during dredging operations.    (c)    Before opening or closing any area the Department shall publish notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the State, and in at least one newspaper of general circulation in each county. Any closing or opening shall be effective no less than 24 hours from publication of notice.    (d)    The provisions of this section do not apply to Charles and Wicomico counties, or the Atlantic Coastal Bays, as defined in § 8–1802 of this article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1040 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part IV - Soft-Shell Clams|Section 4-1040 - Clam Dredges in Restricted Areas; Possession of Oysters Aboard Clam Dredge Boats

    (a)    A clam dredge in or crossing a restricted area shall have the dredge’s conveyor raised above the surface of the water.    (b)    A person may not have any oysters aboard a clam dredge boat.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  4-1043 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 4 - Fish and Fisheries|Subtitle 10 - Oysters and Clams|Part V - Surf Clams and Ocean Quahogs|Section 4-1043 - Opening and Closing Areas for Harvesting Surf Clams

    The Department may establish size limits and open and close areas for harvesting of surf clams. The Department shall publish a notice of its proposal to open or close an area or change size limits at least 30 days before the effective date of the proposal and shall hold a public hearing on the proposal at least 15 days before the effective date unless a public hearing on a substantially similar proposal has been conducted in the State by a federal management authority with notice advertised by the Department as required by this section. The notice shall include the time and place of any hearing and shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the State and at least one newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 4 - Trees and Forest Nurseries|Part I - Roadside Trees|Section 5-401 - "Roadside Tree" Defined

    In this subtitle, “roadside tree” means any tree or shrub growing within the right–of–way of any public road.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 4 - Trees and Forest Nurseries|Part I - Roadside Trees|Section 5-402 - Powers of Department Generally; Establishment of State Forest Nurseries

    The Department may plant trees along the roadsides, make rules and regulations governing the planting, care for and protect any roadside tree, and establish one or more State forest nurseries for the propagation of trees for any roadside planting.