reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VI - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Montgomery County › Section 5-843 - Disclosure Statements

(a)    An applicant or party of record who makes a contribution during the 4–year election cycle before the filing of the application or during the pendency of the application shall disclose the contribution in accordance with this section.
(b)    (1)    (i)    On filing an application, an applicant shall submit a disclosure statement that:
1.    names each candidate or elected official to whose treasurer or political committee the applicant made a contribution; and
2.    states the amount and the date of the contribution.
(ii)    If a contribution was not made, the disclosure statement shall so state.
(2)    The disclosure statement shall be filed:
(i)    on a form approved by the County Council, which shall contain:
1.    an affirmation clause to be signed by the applicant under the penalties of perjury that the contents of the disclosure statement are true to the best of the applicant’s knowledge, information, and belief; and
2.    a notice that noncompliance with this subtitle may result in a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
(ii)    with the Chief Hearing Examiner of the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings, unless the County Council determines otherwise.
(3)    Within 2 weeks after entering a proceeding, a party of record that has made a contribution shall submit a disclosure statement as described under paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(4)    A contribution made after the filing of the initial disclosure and before the final disposition of the application by the District Council shall be disclosed within 5 business days after the contribution.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a contributor is subject to this part if the contributor makes a contribution to a candidate, a slate, or a candidate’s political committee.
(2)    This part does not apply to a transfer by a political action committee to a candidate or to the political committee of a candidate or an elected official.
(d)    (1)    The Chief Hearing Examiner of the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings:
(i)    is the official custodian of records filed under this part; and
(ii)    shall prepare a summary report at least twice each calendar year compiling all affidavits and disclosures that have been filed.
(2)    A summary report and disclosure statement filed under this part shall be a matter of public record and available for inspection on written request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VI - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Montgomery County › Section 5-844 - Violations; Penalty; Enforcement

(a)    A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
(b)    If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.
(c)    This part shall be enforced by the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VI - Regional District -- Special Provisions for Montgomery County › Section 5-845 - Accuracy of Disclosure Statements

(a)    The County Council has no legal duty to verify the accuracy of any disclosure statement filed under this part.
(b)    Failure by any person, including the Chief Hearing Examiner of the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings, to comply with this part is not grounds for invalidation of any decision by the County Council, sitting as the District Council, for which a disclosure statement is required.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VII - Lobbying Disclosure -- Special Provisions for Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Section 5-848 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Candidate” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Election Law Article, but only as it applies to a candidate seeking election as a local official.
(c)    “Contribution” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Election Law Article.
(d)    “Lobbyist” means a person required to register under § 2–295 of the Prince George’s County Code or § 19A–21 of the Montgomery County Code.
(e)    “Local official” means:
(1)    a member of the County Council of Prince George’s County or the County Executive of Prince George’s County; or
(2)    a member of the County Council of Montgomery County or the County Executive of Montgomery County.
(f)    “Political committee” has the meanings stated in § 1–101 of the Election Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VII - Lobbying Disclosure -- Special Provisions for Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Section 5-849 - Restrictions on Lobbying Activity

(a)    Beginning with the effective date of a lobbying registration and extending through the ending date of the registration period, a lobbyist who lobbies a local official, or a person acting on behalf of the lobbyist, may not:
(1)    solicit or transmit directly or indirectly a contribution from any person, including a political committee, for the benefit of a local official or candidate;
(2)    serve on a fund–raising committee of, or a political committee for the benefit of, a local official or candidate; or
(3)    act as a treasurer or chair of a political committee for the benefit of a local official or candidate.
(b)    This part may not be construed to prohibit a lobbyist from:
(1)    making a personal contribution within the limitations established under the Election Law Article; or
(2)    informing the lobbyist’s employer or others of the positions taken by a particular candidate.
(c)    (1)    A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(2)    If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part VIII - Special Provisions for Howard County › Section 5-854 - Violations

(a)    (1)    A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
(2)    If the person is not an individual, each officer and partner who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is subject to the penalty specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(b)    (1)    A person who is subject to this part shall preserve all accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and other documents necessary to complete and substantiate any reports, statements, or records required to be made under this part for 3 years from the date of filing the application.
(2)    The documents shall be available for inspection on request to the Howard County Ethics Commission, after reasonable notice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IX - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Planning and Zoning › Section 5-858 - Prohibited Actions

(a)    An applicant or agent may not make a contribution to a member of the governing body during the pendency of the application.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, after an application has been filed, a member of the governing body may not vote or participate in any way in the proceedings on the application if the member or the treasurer or political committee of the member received a contribution from the applicant or agent during the pendency of the application.
(c)    A member of the governing body may participate in a comprehensive zoning or rezoning proceeding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IX - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Planning and Zoning › Section 5-859 - Ex Parte Communications

(a)    This section does not apply to a communication between a member of the governing body and an employee of the Frederick County government whose duties involve giving aid or advice to a member of the governing body concerning a pending application.
(b)    A member of the governing body who communicates ex parte with an individual concerning a pending application during the pendency of the application shall file with the Chief Administrative Officer a separate disclosure for each communication within the later of 7 days after the communication was made or received.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IX - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Planning and Zoning › Section 5-860 - Affidavit

At any time before final action on an application, a party of record may file with the Chief Administrative Officer an affidavit including competent evidence of:
(1)    a contribution by an applicant or agent covered under § 5–858 of this subtitle; or
(2)    an ex parte communication covered under § 5–859 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IX - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Planning and Zoning › Section 5-861 - Enforcement

(a)    In the enforcement of this part, the Chief Administrative Officer shall be subject to the direction and control of the Frederick County Ethics Commission and, unless otherwise specifically directed by the County Ethics Commission, may only:
(1)    receive filings;
(2)    maintain records;
(3)    report violations; and
(4)    perform other ministerial duties necessary to administer this part.
(b)    (1)    The affidavits and disclosures required under this part shall be filed in the appropriate case file of an application.
(2)    The Chief Administrative Officer, at least twice each year, shall prepare a summary report compiling all affidavits and disclosures that have been filed in the application case files.
(3)    All summary reports compiled under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be available to members of the public on written request.
(4)    All affidavits, disclosures, and accompanying documentation required under this part shall be in the form required by the Frederick County Ethics Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part IX - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Planning and Zoning › Section 5-862 - Violations; Penalties

(a)    (1)    The Frederick County Ethics Commission or another aggrieved party of record may assert as procedural error a violation of this part in an action for judicial review of the application.
(2)    If the court finds that a violation of this part occurred, the court shall remand the case to the governing body for reconsideration.
(b)    (1)    A person that knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2)    If the person is a business entity or agent and not an individual, each member, officer, or partner of the business entity or agent who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(3)    An action taken in reliance on an opinion of the State Ethics Commission or the Frederick County Ethics Commission may not be considered a knowing and willful violation.
(c)    (1)    A person that is subject to this part shall preserve all books, papers, and other documents necessary to complete and substantiate any reports, statements, or records required to be made under this part for 3 years from the date of filing the application.
(2)    The documents shall be available for inspection on request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part X - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Campaign Activity Concerning County Board and Commission Members and the Board of License Commissioners › Section 5-865 - Applicability of Part

This part applies only to an appointed member of the Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals, the Frederick County Ethics Commission, the Frederick County Planning Commission, or the Board of License Commissioners for Frederick County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part X - Special Provisions for Frederick County -- Campaign Activity Concerning County Board and Commission Members and the Board of License Commissioners › Section 5-866 - General Consideration

(a)    In this part, “campaign finance entity” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Election Law Article.
(b)    A member, a person acting on behalf of the member, a campaign finance entity of the member, or any other campaign finance entity operated in coordination with the member may not solicit, receive, deposit, or use a contribution while the member is serving on the board or commission.
(c)    A campaign finance entity of the member or any other campaign finance entity operated in coordination with the member may not make an expenditure, except to pay a late filing fee or civil penalty imposed under Title 13 of the Election Law Article, while the member is serving on the board or commission.
(d)    A campaign finance entity of the member or any other campaign finance entity operated in coordination with the member shall pay any outstanding obligations before the member begins serving on the board or commission.
(e)    Not later than 48 hours after opening a campaign account through a campaign finance entity, an appointed member of a board or commission under § 5–865 of this subtitle who has established an authorized candidate campaign committee shall vacate the position on the board or commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part XI - Special Provisions for Anne Arundel County › Section 5-869 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Candidate” means an individual who files a certificate of candidacy for:
(i)    election to the County Council; or
(ii)    County Executive.
(2)    “Candidate” includes an incumbent member of the County Council and an incumbent County Executive.
(c)    “County Council” means the County Council of Anne Arundel County.
(d)    “County Executive” means the County Executive of Anne Arundel County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part XI - Special Provisions for Anne Arundel County › Section 5-870 - Regulation of Participation in Certain Legislative Actions if Campaign Contribution Accepted

(a)    The County Council may enact a local law to regulate the participation of a member of the County Council or the County Executive in any legislative action relevant to a zoning change or amendment, or to a land use application that is before the Office of Planning and Zoning or the Department of Inspections and Permits, if the member of the County Council or the County Executive accepts or has accepted, or as a candidate accepted, a campaign contribution from an individual or a business entity involved with the action or application.
(b)    The County Council may enact a local law to prohibit or otherwise regulate campaign contributions made to, or for the benefit of, a member of the County Council, the County Executive, or a candidate for election to the County Council or County Executive by an individual or a business entity involved with a legislative action relevant to a zoning change or amendment, or to a land use application that is before the Office of Planning and Zoning or the Department of Inspections and Permits.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 8 - Local Government Provisions › Part XI - Special Provisions for Anne Arundel County › Section 5-871 - Administration and Implementation of Local Law

If the County Council enacts a local law under § 5–870 of this subtitle, the Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission shall administer and implement the provisions of the local law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 9 - Enforcement › Section 5-902 - Judicial Relief

(a)    The court may compel compliance with the Ethics Commission’s order by:
(1)    issuing an order to cease and desist from the violation; or
(2)    granting other injunctive relief.
(b)    (1)    The court may also:
(i)    impose a fine:
1.    not exceeding $5,000 for a violation of this title;
2.    with each day that the violation occurs being a separate offense; and
3.    which shall be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited in the General Fund; or
(ii)    except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, void an official act of an official or employee if:
1.    the official or employee had a conflict of interest that is prohibited by this title;
2.    the act arose from or concerned the subject matter of the conflict;
3.    the proceeding was brought within 90 days after the act occurred; and
4.    the court determines that the conflict had an impact on the act.
(2)    The court may not void an official act that:
(i)    appropriates public funds;
(ii)    imposes a tax; or
(iii)    provides for the issuance of a bond, a note, or any other evidence of public obligation.
(c)    After hearing the case, the court may grant all or part of the relief sought.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 9 - Enforcement › Section 5-903 - Criminal Penalties

(a)    Except as provided in § 5–716 of this title, a person that knowingly and willfully violates Subtitle 7 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(b)    If the person is not an individual, each officer or partner who knowingly authorizes or participates in a violation of Subtitle 7 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the penalty specified in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    A fine assessed under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of the Election Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 5 - Maryland Public Ethics Law › Subtitle 9 - Enforcement › Section 5-904 - Disciplinary Action

In addition to any other penalty under this title, a public official or employee found by the Ethics Commission or a court to have violated this title:
(1)    may be removed or subjected to other disciplinary action; and
(2)    if subject to an order of the Ethics Commission or a court directing compliance, may not receive salary or other compensation until the individual complies fully with the order.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 6 - United States › Subtitle 1 - Acquisition of Land by United States › Section 6-102 - Consent of State -- Navigational Aid

(a)    In this section, “navigational aid” means a beacon, lighthouse, or other aid to navigation.
(b)    This subtitle does not authorize the acquisition of more than 5 acres to be used for a navigational aid.
(c)    If land that is needed for a navigational aid is under navigable waters and the United States submits to the Governor an application that describes the site, the Governor may:
(1)    cede jurisdiction over the land; and
(2)    convey any title that the State holds in the land.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 6 - United States › Subtitle 1 - Acquisition of Land by United States › Section 6-104 - Condemnation

(a)    Condemnation of private property by the United States shall be in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this subtitle does not authorize condemnation of any tract of land that exceeds 10 acres.
(2)    The United States may condemn a tract of land that exceeds 10 acres to build an arsenal, a coastal defense, a fort, or a magazine, including a barracks for staff.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 6 - United States › Subtitle 2 - Jurisdiction › Section 6-201 - Jurisdiction Reserved by State

(a)    With respect to land that the United States or any unit of the United States leases or otherwise holds in the State, the State reserves jurisdiction and authority over the land, and persons, property, and transactions on the land, to the fullest extent that is:
(1)    allowed by the United States Constitution; and
(2)    not inconsistent with the governmental purpose for which the land is held.
(b)    This section does not affect the jurisdiction and authority of the State over land, or persons, property, and transactions on the land, that the United States or a unit of the United States acquired on or before May 31, 1943, to the extent that the State ceded jurisdiction under:
(1)    Chapter 193, §§ 3 and 4, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1874;
(2)    Chapter 395, §§ 13 and 14, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1874;
(3)    Chapter 67, § 21, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1900;
(4)    Chapter 743, §§ 2 and 3, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1906;
(5)    Chapter 194 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1908; or
(6)    any other act in which the State gave consent for the acquisition of property and ceded jurisdiction with respect to the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 6 - United States › Subtitle 2 - Jurisdiction › Section 6-202 - Agreements on Concurrent Jurisdiction

Notwithstanding § 6–201(a) of this subtitle, for the purpose of enforcing the civil or criminal laws of the State, the Governor may enter into an agreement with the United States to establish full or partial concurrent jurisdiction of the State and the United States over any land in the State held by the United States.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 6 - United States › Subtitle 3 - Reversions › Section 6-302 - Other Land

Jurisdiction ceded to the United States reverts to the State if the United States ceases to hold land acquired under:
(1)    Chapter 394 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1910;
(2)    Chapter 59, §§ 36A and 36B, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1950; or
(3)    Chapter 158 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1953.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 1 - State Seal › Section 7-104 - Use

(a)    (1)    The Governor may have the State seal:
(i)    to affix it to a certified copy of a law or resolution;
(ii)    to affix it to a communication from the State to the United States, another state, or a foreign country; or
(iii)    as needed for any other purpose provided by law.
(2)    Unless the Governor signs the document, the Governor may not affix the State seal to a document or allow the State seal to be affixed to a document issued by the Executive Branch of the State government.
(b)    The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House may have the State seal to affix it to a bill as required by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 2 - Flags › Section 7-202 - Description of State Flag

(a)    The State flag is divided into quarters.
(b)    The first and fourth quarters are a paly of six pieces, or (gold) and sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and black vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed.
(c)    The second and third quarters are quartered argent (white) and gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of white and red, charged with a Greek cross that has arms terminating in trefoils and opposite coloring so that red is on the white quarters and white is on the red quarters, as represented on the escutcheon of the State seal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 2 - Flags › Section 7-204 - Display on State House -- Flag of the United States and State Flag

(a)    The flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown from the State House as provided in this section.
(b)    When the General Assembly is in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown continuously.
(c)    When the General Assembly is not in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown:
(1)    continuously on each day that the Governor designates as a public occasion; and
(2)    between sunrise and sunset on any other day when the weather permits.
(d)    The State flag shall be flown with the black stripe on the diagonal bands of the first quarter at the top of the flagstaff, as shown in the illustration of the State flag in “Chronicles of Colonial Maryland”.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 2 - Flags › Section 7-205 - Display on State House -- Armed Forces Flags

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty” means:
(i)    a flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc.; or
(ii)    the flag designated by the United States Congress as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.
(3)    “POW/MIA flag” means the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each year, the POW/MIA flag and a flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty shall be flown on the State House grounds on:
(i)    the third Saturday in May, for Armed Forces Day;
(ii)    May 30, for Memorial Day;
(iii)    the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Memorial Day, if other than May 30;
(iv)    the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to May 30, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Memorial Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress;
(v)    July 4, for Independence Day;
(vi)    the third Friday in September, for POW/MIA Recognition Day;
(vii)    November 11, for Veterans’ Day;
(viii)    the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Veterans’ Day, if other than November 11; and
(ix)    the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to November 11, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Veterans’ Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress.
(2)    If the United States Congress designates a flag as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty, the flag designated by Congress instead of the flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., shall be flown in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 3 - Additional Emblems; Designations › Part II - Arts, Culture, and Food › Section 7-317 - Poet Laureate

(a)    The Governor may designate a citizen of the State as its Poet Laureate.
(b)    (1)    The Poet Laureate:
(i)    may not receive compensation as Poet Laureate; but
(ii)    subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, is entitled to reimbursement for any expenses incurred in the performance of duties as Poet Laureate.
(2)    Reimbursement under this subsection:
(i)    shall be paid from the General Emergency Fund of the Board of Public Works; and
(ii)    may not exceed $1,000 in any 1 fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-401 - Asian Lunar New Year Day

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the day designated as new year on the Asian lunar calendar as Asian Lunar New Year Day.
(b)    Asian Lunar New Year Day is in recognition of the economic and cultural contributions of the many Marylanders for whom the lunar new year holds special significance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-402 - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. [Renumbered]

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day through appropriate and informative programs and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-404 - Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

The Governor annually shall:
(1)    proclaim April 3 as Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day to honor the individuals in the State who have become crime victims and the advocates who serve those victims; and
(2)    take appropriate steps to publicize Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-410 - Maryland Centenarians Day

The Governor annually shall issue a proclamation encouraging the media, government units, business and recreational facilities, and citizens of the State to unite in remembrance and commemorate the heroic acts and efforts of Marylanders who have served and died in the United States armed forces by observing a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-411 - Negro Baseball League Day

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the first Sunday in June as the day to honor the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers of the State who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.
(b)    The Governor annually shall order the State flag to be flown at half–staff on the first Sunday in June.
(c)    On the first Sunday in June each year, memorial plaques containing the names of the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers who made the ultimate sacrifice shall be placed on the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial in the City of Annapolis by the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, Inc.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-414 - Thurgood Marshall Day. [Renumbered]

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim July 2 as Thurgood Marshall Day.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Thurgood Marshall Day properly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-415 - South Asian American Heritage Day. [Renumbered]

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim October 2 as South Asian American Heritage Day.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe South Asian American Heritage Day properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 4 - Commemorative Days › Section 7-416 - Poetry Day. [Renumbered]

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim October 15 as Poetry Day in recognition of the cultural and human values of poetry and poetic expression.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge cultural, educational, patriotic, and religious organizations to observe Poetry Day properly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-501 - Black History Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of February as Black History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that Black Americans have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Black History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-502 - Irish-American Heritage Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Irish–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Irish Americans have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Irish–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-503 - Women's History Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Women’s History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that women have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Women’s History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-504 - Caribbean Heritage Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of August as Caribbean Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Caribbean Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-505 - Hispanic Heritage Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month from September 15 to October 15, both inclusive, as Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Hispanic Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-506 - German-American Heritage Month

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of October as German–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that German Americans have made to the State.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe German–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 5 - Commemorative Months › Section 7-507 - American Indian Heritage Month

(a)    In recognition of the contributions that American Indians have made to the State, the Governor annually shall proclaim November as American Indian Heritage Month.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe American Indian Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 7 - Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months › Subtitle 6 - Commemorative Weeks › Section 7-601 - Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week

(a)    The Governor annually shall proclaim the second week in June as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.
(b)    The proclamation shall urge educational and environmental organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association, to observe Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week properly with appropriate events, activities, and programs designed to increase awareness of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the State, the region, and the United States.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 8 - False Claims › Section 8-103 - Civil Actions -- Governmental Entities

(a)    If a governmental entity finds that a person has violated or is violating § 8–102 of this title, the governmental entity may file a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State against the person.
(b)    In filing a civil action under this section, the governmental entity may seek:
(1)    the penalties provided under § 8–102(c) of this title; and
(2)    subject to the guidelines under § 8–105(b)(4) of this subtitle, court costs and attorney’s fees.
(c)    A governmental entity may not maintain an action under this section if the governmental entity has filed a civil action based on the same underlying act under § 2–603 of the Health – General Article or has sought enforcement by the Attorney General under § 11–205 or § 11–205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 8 - False Claims › Section 8-106 - When Action May Not Be Brought

(a)    No court in this State shall have jurisdiction over an action filed under § 8–104 of this title against any member of the Legislative Branch or the Judiciary of the State, any member of the Governor’s Executive Council, the Attorney General, the Comptroller, or the State Treasurer if the action is based on evidence or information known to the governmental entity when the action was filed.
(b)    A civil action may not be brought under this title by a person who is or was a public employee or public official if the allegations of the action are based substantially on:
(1)    allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct that the person had a duty or an obligation to report or investigate within the scope of the person’s public employment or office; or
(2)    information or records to which the person had access as a result of the person’s public employment or office.
(c)    A person may not bring an action under § 8–104 of this title that is based on allegations or transactions that are the subject of a civil action or an administrative civil money penalty proceeding in which the governmental entity is already a party.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, no court in this State shall have jurisdiction over an action filed under § 8–104 of this title that is based on the public disclosure of allegations or transactions:
(i)    in a criminal, a civil, or an administrative hearing;
(ii)    in a legislative or an administrative report, a hearing, an audit, or an investigation; or
(iii)    from the news media.
(2)    Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if the action is initiated by a person that:
(i)    has direct and independent knowledge of the information on which the allegations are based; and
(ii)    has voluntarily provided the information to the governmental entity before filing an action under § 8–104 of this title that is based on the information.
(3)    A governmental entity, through the Attorney General, may file a civil action under § 8–103 of this title based on a public disclosure described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(e)    The governmental entity is not liable for expenses that a person incurs in bringing an action under § 8–104 of this title.
(f)    A person that is or was employed by the State, a local government, or any other political subdivision of the State as an auditor, an investigator, an attorney, a financial officer, or a contracting officer may not bring an action under § 8–104 of this title that is based on allegations or transactions that the person discovered or learned of while acting in the person’s capacity as an auditor, an investigator, an attorney, a financial officer, or a contracting officer for the State, local government, or other political subdivision of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 8 - False Claims › Section 8-107 - Retaliatory Actions

(a)    A person may not take a retaliatory action against an employee, a contractor, or a grantee because the employee, contractor, or grantee:
(1)    acts lawfully in furtherance of an action filed under this title, including an investigation for, initiation of, testimony for, or assistance in an action filed or to be filed under this title;
(2)    discloses or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public body an activity, a policy, or a practice of the person that the employee, contractor, or grantee reasonably believes is in violation of § 8–102 of this title or a regulation adopted under this title;
(3)    provides information to, or testifies before, a public body conducting an investigation, a hearing, or an inquiry into a violation of § 8–102 of this title or a regulation adopted under this title that is allegedly or actually committed by the person; or
(4)    objects to or refuses to participate in any activity, policy, or practice that the employee, contractor, or grantee reasonably believes is in violation of § 8–102 of this title or a regulation adopted under this title.
(b)    (1)    An employee, a contractor, or a grantee may file a civil action against a person other than a supervisor in State government, an appointing authority in State government, or the head of a principal unit in State government if the person takes a retaliatory action against the employee, contractor, or grantee in violation of subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The employee, contractor, or grantee may seek in the civil action:
(i)    an injunction to restrain a continuing violation of subsection (a) of this section;
(ii)    reinstatement to the same seniority status held before the retaliatory action;
(iii)    reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights;
(iv)    two times the amount of lost wages, benefits, and other remuneration, including any interest accumulated;
(v)    payment by the person of reasonable costs and attorney’s fees;
(vi)    punitive damages;
(vii)    an assessment of a civil penalty:
1.    not exceeding $1,000 for the first violation; and
2.    not exceeding $5,000 for each subsequent violation; and
(viii)    any other relief necessary to make the employee, contractor, or grantee whole.
(3)    The remedies provided under this section do not diminish or affect the rights, privileges, or remedies available to the employee, contractor, or grantee under:
(i)    any other federal or State statute or regulation; or
(ii)    any collective bargaining agreement or employee contract.
(c)    A State employee who is subject to retaliatory action in violation of subsection (a) of this section may file a complaint under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 8 - False Claims › Section 8-108 - Procedure

(a)    A civil action filed under this title may not be filed after the later of:
(1)    6 years after the date on which the underlying violation of § 8–102 of this title occurred; or
(2)    3 years after the date when facts material to the right of action are known or reasonably should have been known by the person initiating the action or the official of the governmental entity charged with responsibility for acting under the circumstances, but in no event more than 10 years after the date on which the underlying violation of § 8–102 of this title occurred.
(b)    If the governmental entity elects to intervene and proceed with an action brought under this title, the governmental entity, through the Office of the Attorney General or the attorney for the local governmental entity, may:
(1)    file its own complaint; or
(2)    amend the complaint of the person that brought the action to clarify, add detail to the complaint, or add additional claims to the complaint.
(c)    To the extent that the claim of the governmental entity arises out of the conduct, transactions, or occurrences set forth, or attempted to be set forth by a person, a pleading by the governmental entity relates back to the filing date of the complaint of the person that originally brought the action.
(d)    In an action filed under this title, all essential elements of the cause of action, including damages, shall be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
(e)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule of procedure or evidence in the Maryland Rules, a final judgment rendered in favor of the governmental entity in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements, whether on a verdict after trial or on a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, shall stop the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any action filed under this title that involves the same act, transaction, or occurrence as in the criminal proceeding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › General Provisions › Title 8 - False Claims › Section 8-110 - Reports

(a)    Beginning October 1, 2016, the Office of the Attorney General shall report annually to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the previous fiscal year:
(1)    the number of civil actions filed under this title;
(2)    the number of civil actions under this title in which a judgment was entered, whether by settlement or adjudication; and
(3)    the number of claims made by the governmental entity based on alleged violations of § 8–102 of this title that are settled without the filing of a civil action under this title.
(b)    Unless the action is under seal in accordance with § 8–104 of this title, for each civil action reported under subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section, the report shall state:
(1)    whether the action was filed by the governmental entity or by a person on behalf of the governmental entity and, if filed by a person, whether the governmental entity intervened and proceeded with the action;
(2)    the name of the defendant;
(3)    a description of the violation or alleged violation of § 8–102 of this title; and
(4)    the amount sought in the action and, if applicable, the amount for which the defendant is liable under a settlement agreement or court order.
(c)    For each claim reported under subsection (a)(3) of this section, the report shall state:
(1)    a description of the violation or alleged violation of § 8–102 of this title;
(2)    the resolution of the claim;
(3)    the amount, if any, the person against whom the claim was made agreed to pay in settlement of the claim; and
(4)    the amount, if any, collected by the governmental entity.
(d)    The attorney for each county and the attorney for each municipal corporation shall submit to the Office of the Attorney General any information the Office determines is necessary to complete the report required under this section.