reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 6 - Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Part V - Maintenance › Section 21-633 - Maintenance of Stormwater Management System

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the county where the project is located shall maintain every stormwater management system and part of every system that:
(1)    was constructed by the Commission or the county or accepted for maintenance by the Commission or the county; and
(2)    is located in a street, an alley, a public way, or a public space.
(b)    Unless the county agrees otherwise:
(1)    a stormwater management system that is located on real property owned by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall be maintained by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and
(2)    a stormwater management system or facility that is located in a road maintained by the State Highway Administration shall be maintained by the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 6 - Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Part V - Maintenance › Section 21-634 - Maintenance by City of Takoma Park

On or after July 1, 1990, the City of Takoma Park shall maintain every stormwater management system and part of every system that:
(1)    was constructed by the Commission or accepted for maintenance by the Commission within the City of Takoma Park before July 1, 1990; and
(2)    is located in a street, an alley, a public way, or a public space.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 6 - Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Part VI - Approval of Projects › Section 21-637 - Requirements for Approval of Projects

(a)    In the review and approval by Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, or the City of Takoma Park of the requirements for storm drainage or stormwater management, the county or city may require the owner of land to be developed to:
(1)    provide easement areas or on–site stormwater management facilities; and
(2)    agree to construct the necessary facilities or provide for the construction by posting a bond in an amount sufficient to construct the stormwater management facilities that the county or city considers necessary.
(b)    (1)    If the county or the City of Takoma Park decides to construct stormwater management facilities to serve more than one development or if the county or city agrees to allow the owner or developer to construct a stormwater management system, the county or city may enter into an agreement with the developers of new developments for payment by the developers of a fee in lieu of on–site stormwater management facilities.
(2)    The fee in lieu of on–site stormwater management facilities shall be based on an equitable pro rata share of the net cost of the facilities after deducting any State or federal grants applied to the construction of the facilities.
(c)    The county or the City of Takoma Park may require the owner’s bond or the contribution of a pro rata share of the net cost for the construction of facilities in adjacent or nearby land in the same drainage area that the county or city may determine will be required because of the development of the owner’s land.
(d)    Easements required by the county or the City of Takoma Park shall have the restrictions that the county or city may require as to:
(1)    grading; and
(2)    prohibiting structures, fences, or plantings on the easement area.
(e)    (1)    The Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission may not approve a plat for subdivision of land until it ascertains from the county, the City of Bowie, or the City of Takoma Park, whichever is appropriate, whether easement areas for stormwater management facilities are required.
(2)    If easement areas are required, the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission may not approve the plat for recordation until the easements are included on the plat.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 6 - Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Part VII - Transfer of Property › Section 21-641 - Transfer of Property

(a)    All property of the Commission that the Commission and the applicable county mutually determine to be used primarily for stormwater management is deemed transferred effective July 1, 1987, to that county as provided in this section.
(b)    All property of the Commission that the Commission and the City of Takoma Park mutually determine to be used primarily for stormwater management is deemed transferred effective July 1, 1990, to the City of Takoma Park as provided in this section.
(c)    (1)    The Commission shall execute instruments of transfer as necessary to evidence the transfers.
(2)    All real and personal property, including all fees, leaseholds, easements, rights–of–way, buildings, fixtures, systems, and equipment, owned or held by the Commission for the primary purpose of stormwater management is transferred to the county in which the property is located or affixed or to the City of Takoma Park if the property is located in or affixed to the City of Takoma Park.
(3)    All tangible and intangible personal property, including all equipment, construction materials, fees, fees–in–lieu, contributions, reserve funds, sinking funds, contracts, agreements, claims, demands, and actions, owned or held by the Commission for the primary purpose of stormwater management is transferred to the county in which is located the real property to which the personal property relates or to the City of Takoma Park if the real property to which the personal property relates is located in the City of Takoma Park or, if unrelated to specific property, is transferred in proportion to the real property acreage transferred to each county or to the City of Takoma Park under this section.
(d)    Notwithstanding this section, the Commission shall retain sufficient funds to pay for debt service accruing before October 1, 1987, on outstanding bonds issued by the Commission for stormwater management and the undepreciated cost of the moveable assets transferred.
(e)    (1)    The transfer of property under this section does not impair the rights of holders of bonds issued by the Commission for stormwater management or the responsibility of the Commission for the repayment of the bonds or the responsibility of the counties to impose taxes for or otherwise guarantee the repayment of the bonds.
(2)    The City of Takoma Park is not responsible for payment to the Commission for debt service on any bonds issued by the Commission outstanding on June 30, 1990.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 6 - Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties › Part VIII - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 21-644 - Criminal Penalties

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to § 21–624 of this subtitle.
(2)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person who violates the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(b)    A person who violates § 21–633, § 21–634, or § 21–637 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(c)    A person may be convicted of a second or subsequent violation of a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 7 - Districts for Transportation Improvements › Section 21-701 - Exemption From County Tax Limitations

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Cost” has the meaning stated in § 21–501 of this title.
(3)    “County tax limitation” means a provision of a county charter that limits:
(i)    the maximum property tax rate that a county may impose; or
(ii)    the rate of growth of county property tax revenues.
(4)    “County transportation improvement” includes:
(i)    for county roads and highways:
1.    a county right–of–way, roadway surface, roadway subgrade, shoulder, median divider, drainage facility or structure, related stormwater management facility or structure, roadway cut, roadway fill, guardrail, bridge, highway grade separation structure, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, or other structure forming an integral part of a street, road, or highway, including a bicycle or walking path, designated bus lane, sidewalk, pedestrian plaza, streetscaping, or related infrastructure; or
2.    any other property acquired for the construction, operation, or use of the highway; and
(ii)    for a county transit facility, any one or more or combination of tracks, rights–of–way, bridges, tunnels, subways, rolling stock, stations, terminals, ports, parking areas, equipment, fixtures, building structures, other real or personal property, or services incidental to or useful or designed for use in connection with the rendering of transit service by any means, including rail, bus, motor vehicle, or other mode of transportation, but does not include any railroad facility.
(5)    “Special taxing district” means a defined geographic area designated by a county within which ad valorem or special taxes are imposed to finance the cost of infrastructure improvements.
(6)    “State transportation improvement” includes a highway facility, a transit facility, and related infrastructure.
(7)    “Transit facility” has the meaning stated in § 3–101(k) of the Transportation Article.
(b)    A county tax limitation that would otherwise apply to ad valorem or special taxes imposed only in a special taxing district does not apply for the purpose of financing the cost of State transportation improvements or county transportation improvements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 7 - Districts for Transportation Improvements › Section 21-702 - Authorization to Issue Bonds

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Bond” means a special obligation bond, note, or other similar instrument issued by a county under this section.
(3)    “Cost” means any expense necessary or incident to acquiring, building, or financing any transportation improvement as may be provided by the local law authorized under subsection (b) of this section.
(4)    (i)    “Special tax” means an ad valorem or a special tax, an assessment, a fee, or a charge imposed by a county in a special taxing district.
(ii)    “Special tax” does not include an ad valorem or a special tax, an assessment, a fee, or a charge imposed under Chapter 20A of the Montgomery County Code.
(5)    (i)    “Special taxing district” means a special taxing district, special assessment district, or similar defined geographical area in a county in which the county is authorized to impose a special tax.
(ii)    “Special taxing district” does not include a development district created under Chapter 20A of the Montgomery County Code.
(6)    “Transportation improvement” means a State transportation improvement or a county transportation improvement as defined in § 21–701 of this subtitle.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other public general law, public local law, or charter of a charter county, a county may enact a law to provide for the issuance of bonds to finance the cost of transportation improvements for which the principal, interest, and any premium shall be paid from and secured by special taxes collected by the county in a special taxing district.
(c)    (1)    Bonds issued under this section are special obligations of the county and do not constitute a general obligation debt of the county or a pledge of the county’s full faith and credit or general taxing power.
(2)    Bonds issued under this section may be sold in any manner, either at public or private sale, and on terms as the county considers best.
(3)    Bonds issued under this section are not subject to §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.
(4)    Bonds issued under this section, their transfer, the interest payable on them, and any income derived from them, including any profit realized on their sale or exchange, are exempt from taxation by the State, a county, or a municipality.
(5)    Bonds issued under this section shall be treated as securities to the same extent as bonds issued under Subtitle 5 of this title.
(d)    In addition to the special taxes, bonds issued under this section may be secured by other revenues generated in the special taxing district.
(e)    This section, being necessary for the welfare of the State and its residents, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 8 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 21-802 - Report by Special Taxing Area Commissions in Allegany County

(a)    Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal or calendar year, a special taxing area commission or board in Allegany County that has the right to collect taxes or fees shall file a report with the County Commissioners of Allegany County to account for all taxes collected and disbursed.
(b)    (1)    A report required under this section shall be notarized.
(2)    The County Commissioners of Allegany County may require a certified audit.
(c)    A report required under this section shall be open for public review at the courthouse and at a convenient location in the area where taxes or fees are collected.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 8 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 21-803 - Special Taxing Districts in Anne Arundel County for Parking Facilities and Pedestrian Malls

(a)    The governing body of Anne Arundel County may:
(1)    establish special taxing districts; and
(2)    impose ad valorem taxes on all real property in a special taxing district at a rate sufficient to provide adequate annual revenue to pay the principal of and interest on any bonds or other obligations of the county issued to finance the design, acquisition, establishment, improvement, extension, operation, or alteration of public parking facilities or pedestrian malls.
(b)    Ad valorem taxes imposed under this section shall be imposed in the same manner, on the same assessments, for the same period, and as of the same date of finality as county real property taxes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 21 - Special Taxing Districts › Subtitle 8 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 21-803.1 - Special Taxing Districts in Anne Arundel County for Water or Wastewater Services

In addition to the purposes enumerated in Title 10 of this article, Anne Arundel County may establish, modify, or abolish special taxing districts for the purpose of providing or expanding water or wastewater services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Bond” means an obligation for the payment of money, by whatever name known or source of funds secured, issued by a local government or Resilience Authority under State and local general or special statutory authority.
(2)    “Bond” includes a refunding bond, a note, and any other obligation.
(c)    “Capital costs” means costs incurred for acquisition, planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction, expansion, site improvement, and capital equipping.
(d)    “Chief executive” means the president, the chair, the mayor, the county executive, or any other chief executive officer or head of a local government.
(e)    “Climate change” includes sea level rise, nuisance flooding, increased rainfall events, erosion, and temperature rise.
(f)    “Local government” means a county or municipality.
(g)    “Resilience Authority” means an authority incorporated by one or more local governments in accordance with this title whose purpose is to undertake or support resilience infrastructure projects.
(h)    (1)    “Resilience infrastructure” means infrastructure that mitigates the effects of climate change.
(2)    “Resilience infrastructure” includes flood barriers, green spaces, building elevation, and stormwater infrastructure.
(i)    “Resilience infrastructure project” means a project to finance or refinance the capital costs associated with resilience infrastructure.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-103 - Appointment or Hire of Officers and Employees -- Personnel Matters

(a)    Officers governing the Resilience Authority and employees of a Resilience Authority shall be appointed or hired as provided by local law.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title or the local law establishing the Resilience Authority, the procedures of the incorporating local government control any personnel matter relating to the internal administration of the Resilience Authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-105 - Powers of Resilience Authority

(a)    Except as limited by the local law establishing the Resilience Authority or its articles of incorporation, a Resilience Authority has all the powers under this title.
(b)    A Resilience Authority has and may exercise all powers necessary or convenient to undertake, finance, manage, acquire, own, convey, or support resilience infrastructure projects, including the power to:
(1)    acquire by purchase, lease, or other legal means, but not by eminent domain, property for resilience infrastructure;
(2)    establish, construct, alter, improve, equip, repair, maintain, operate, and regulate resilience infrastructure owned by the incorporating local government or the Resilience Authority;
(3)    receive money from its incorporating local government, the State, other governmental units, or private organizations;
(4)    charge and collect fees for its services;
(5)    subject to the approval of the local governing body, charge and collect fees to back its bond issuances;
(6)    have employees and consultants as it considers necessary;
(7)    use the services of other governmental units; and
(8)    act as necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-106 - Issuance and Sale of Bonds by Resilience Authority

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Resilience Authority may issue and sell bonds periodically:
(1)    for resilience infrastructure projects;
(2)    to refund outstanding bonds;
(3)    to pay the costs of preparing, printing, selling, and issuing the bonds;
(4)    to fund reserves; and
(5)    to pay the interest on the bonds in the amount and for the period the Resilience Authority considers reasonable.
(b)    Bonds issued by a Resilience Authority are limited obligations and are not a pledge of the faith and credit or taxing power of an incorporating local government.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-107 - Resolution by Resilience Authority on Bond Issue

(a)    For each issue of its bonds, a Resilience Authority shall adopt a resolution that:
(1)    specifies and describes the resilience infrastructure;
(2)    generally describes the public purpose to be served and the financing transaction;
(3)    specifies the maximum principal amount of the bonds that may be issued; and
(4)    imposes terms or conditions on the issuance and sale of bonds it considers appropriate.
(b)    A Resilience Authority, by resolution, may:
(1)    specify, determine, prescribe, and approve matters, documents, and procedures that relate to the authorization, sale, security, issuance, delivery, and payment of and for the bonds;
(2)    create security for the bonds;
(3)    provide for the administration of bond issues through trust or other agreements with a bank or trust company that cover a countersignature on a bond, the delivery of a bond, or the security for a bond; and
(4)    take other action it considers appropriate concerning the bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-108 - Exemption From State and Local Taxes -- Payment in Bonds

(a)    The principal of and interest on bonds, the transfer of bonds, and any income derived from the bonds, including profits made in their sale or transfer, are forever exempt from State and local taxes.
(b)    A contract for a resilience infrastructure project may provide that payment shall be made in bonds.
(c)    A bond is not subject to the limitations of §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-109 - Findings Conclusive as to Public Purpose

A finding by the local governing authority or the board of directors of a Resilience Authority as to the public purpose of an action taken under this title, and the appropriateness of that action to serve the public purpose, is conclusive in a proceeding involving the validity or enforceability of a bond, or security for a bond, issued under this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-111 - Authority Established by Multiple Counties or Municipalities

If multiple counties or municipalities establish a Resilience Authority:
(1)    each shall be considered an incorporating local government; and
(2)    the counties or municipalities shall file jointly articles of incorporation or articles of amendment in accordance with § 22–102 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-112 - Authority Established by Multiple Local Governments -- Tax Levy Authorized

Nothing in this title may be construed to:
(1)    prohibit the local governments of multiple counties or municipalities from establishing through joint action a Resilience Authority in accordance with this title; or
(2)    authorize a Resilience Authority to levy a tax.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 22 - Resilience Infrastructure › Section 22-113 - Annual Report by Authority

(a)    On a date and in a format designated by the incorporating local government, a Resilience Authority shall, at least annually, report to the incorporating local government on the activities of the Resilience Authority.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before the January 1 after a Resilience Authority is established by a local government in accordance with this title, and on or before January 1 each year thereafter, the Resilience Authority shall submit a report in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article to:
(i)    the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee; and
(ii)    the House Appropriations Committee and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
(2)    The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include, at a minimum:
(i)    a copy of the report required under subsection (a) of this section;
(ii)    a description of the resilience infrastructure projects funded by the Resilience Authority; and
(iii)    the sources of revenue for the resilience infrastructure projects undertaken by the Resilience Authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 24 - Regional Councils of Governments › Section 24-102 - Authorization

(a)    (1)    By resolution, the governing body of any county or municipality may establish, organize, and participate in a council.
(2)    A council may include a county, city, or town outside the State.
(b)    A council may be established to:
(1)    study governmental problems of mutual interest and concern; and
(2)    make recommendations for review and action by its members.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 24 - Regional Councils of Governments › Section 24-103 - Membership

(a)    The council shall consist of at least one representative from each member.
(b)    Each representative of a member shall be:
(1)    its elected chief executive; or
(2)    an individual from its governing body chosen by the governing body.
(c)    (1)    A member may withdraw from the council by resolution of its governing body.
(2)    A withdrawal may not take effect until at least 60 days after the adoption of the resolution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 24 - Regional Councils of Governments › Section 24-104 - Powers and Duties

(a)    A council may:
(1)    study governmental problems common to two or more of its members, including matters affecting:
(i)    economic conditions;
(ii)    education;
(iii)    environment;
(iv)    health;
(v)    regional development;
(vi)    safety; and
(vii)    welfare;
(2)    promote cooperative arrangements and coordinate action among its members; and
(3)    make recommendations for review and action to its members and other public agencies that perform functions in the region.
(b)    A council may employ staff and consultants.
(c)    A council shall adopt bylaws that designate its officers and provide for the conduct of its business.
(d)    A council shall submit an annual report of its activities to its members.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 24 - Regional Councils of Governments › Section 24-105 - Funds

(a)    Each member:
(1)    may appropriate funds to meet the expenses of the council; and
(2)    may make nonmonetary contributions, including personnel services, use of equipment and office space, and other necessary services, as part of the member’s financial support.
(b)    A council may accept grants and other monetary or nonmonetary contributions from the federal government, the State government, any other governmental unit, or any private source.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 24 - Regional Councils of Governments › Section 24-106 - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

(a)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the State shall provide financial support to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments operating under this title to assist the Council in carrying out its activities on the basis of 50% of the per capita contributions of the Maryland members of the Council.
(b)    The State contribution may not exceed an amount equal to the sum of $3,200 for each 50,000 residents in the Maryland counties and municipalities participating in the Council.
(c)    The Governor shall include the funding required in this section in the annual State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 25-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board of directors” means the board of directors of a watershed association.
(c)    “Board of viewers” means a board of watershed viewers established under this title.
(d)    “Designated officer” means:
(1)    the clerk of the county commissioners for a code county or commission county if there is a clerk for the county; or
(2)    an employee or official of the county who is designated by the legislative body to perform the responsibilities of the designated officer under this title.
(e)    “Landowner” means a person who owns, or has contracted to purchase, land that would be affected by a watershed project being considered by a watershed association or proposed watershed association.
(f)    “Watershed association” means a public watershed association established under this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 25-102 - Construction of Title

This title does not authorize:
(1)    the interference with legal water rights; or
(2)    the diversion of water in a manner that deprives an owner of land over which water flows of the benefits and water rights to which the owner of the land is legally entitled.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 25-103 - Power to Establish

(a)    On a petition filed under § 25–201 of this title, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may establish a watershed association.
(b)    A watershed association may:
(1)    construct, operate, and maintain a watershed project for:
(i)    watershed protection;
(ii)    flood prevention;
(iii)    recreation;
(iv)    soil conservation;
(v)    drainage;
(vi)    the conservation, development, storage, use, and disposal of water for any beneficial purpose in watershed and subwatershed areas; or
(vii)    the protection of areas subject to sediment or erosion damage; and
(2)    cooperate with local, State, and federal units of government.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 25-104 - Statement of Public Benefit

Watershed protection, flood prevention, recreation, soil conservation, drainage, and the conservation, development, storage, use, and disposal of water for any beneficial purpose benefit the public and promote public health, safety, and welfare.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 2 - Petition to Establish Watershed Association › Section 25-202 - Petition

(a)    The petition shall:
(1)    clearly describe the area’s location, boundaries, and problems to be addressed by the establishment of a watershed association;
(2)    describe the public benefit or the public health, safety, or welfare that would be promoted by establishing a watershed project for watershed protection, flood prevention, recreation, soil conservation, drainage, or the conservation, development, storage, use, and disposal of water for any beneficial purpose; and
(3)    request the establishment of a watershed association for the purposes listed in item (2) of this subsection.
(b)    A petition is valid only if signed by at least one–third of the landowners or the owners of at least one–third of the land in a watershed or subwatershed area.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 2 - Petition to Establish Watershed Association › Section 25-203 - Report Required

(a)    (1)    The petition shall be accompanied by a report from the local soil conservation districts serving the area to be affected by the proposed watershed association.
(2)    The report shall state:
(i)    the size and location of the area to be affected by the proposed watershed association;
(ii)    the nature of the problem to be addressed;
(iii)    the type of treatment believed to be needed and the benefits anticipated;
(iv)    whether the proposed watershed association is feasible and is generally supported by the landowners in the area;
(v)    whether the proposed watershed association will benefit the public and promote the public health, safety, and welfare;
(vi)    the name of the proposed watershed association, in the form of the “________ Public Watershed Association”; and
(vii)    the number of directors, equaling not less than three, to serve as the board of directors.
(b)    The local soil conservation districts shall file with the report maps that show:
(1)    a general delineation of the area to be affected by the proposed watershed association; and
(2)    the area’s location in each county in which the proposed watershed association lies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 2 - Petition to Establish Watershed Association › Section 25-204 - Examinations of Petition and Report; Hearing; Notice

(a)    (1)    The county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall examine the petition and report at the first meeting after receiving the petition and report.
(2)    If the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City find the petition and report are not in proper form or not in compliance with the law, the petition and report shall be returned to the petitioners to be corrected and resubmitted.
(3)    If the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City find the petition and report are in proper form and in compliance with the law, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall set a date for a public hearing on the petition and report.
(b)    (1)    At least 10 days before the hearing, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall:
(i)    publish notice of the time and place of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in each county in the area in which the watershed association would be located; and
(ii)    send notice of the hearing and any later hearing to the:
1.    Department of Agriculture;
2.    State Soil Conservation Committee in the Department of Agriculture;
3.    Department of the Environment; and
4.    Water Management Administration in the Department of the Environment.
(2)    The notice of the hearing shall state that a copy of the report is available for inspection in the office of the designated officer.
(c)    A copy of the report shall be available for inspection in the office of the designated officer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 2 - Petition to Establish Watershed Association › Section 25-205 - Multiple Counties -- Jurisdiction and Venue

If the land described in the petition is located in two or more counties, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City of an affected county may exercise the jurisdiction conferred in this title, but the venue shall lie in the county in which the petition is filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 2 - Petition to Establish Watershed Association › Section 25-206 - Hearing and Action on Petition and Report

(a)    At the hearing on the petition and report, the petitioners, any affected local soil conservation district, and any other person may appear in person or by counsel and object to any part of the report.
(b)    The county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may:
(1)    disapprove the petition and report and return them to the petitioners for amendment in view of the objections presented; or
(2)    approve the petition and report as submitted or amended.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-301 - Establishment of Watershed Association

(a)    On approval of the petition and report filed under Subtitle 2 of this title, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall:
(1)    establish a watershed association that is composed of the landowners; and
(2)    name the organization the “_______ Public Watershed Association”.
(b)    A watershed association created under this title is a political subdivision of the State and a body politic and corporate.
(c)    A watershed association may:
(1)    acquire, hold, and convey property;
(2)    sue and be sued;
(3)    adopt a seal; and
(4)    exercise corporate powers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-302 - Board of Directors -- Initial Election

(a)    Within 30 days after the approval of the petition and report, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall call a meeting of the landowners to:
(1)    elect a board of directors; and
(2)    determine the compensation for the board of directors.
(b)    (1)    At least 10 days before the meeting, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall post a notice of the meeting at four public places in the area or vicinity of the area affected by the watershed association.
(2)    The notice shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
(c)    Each landowner is entitled to one vote in the election of the board of directors.
(d)    The board of directors elected under subsection (a) of this section shall determine by a random drawing the directors who:
(1)    serve until the date of the first regular annual meeting;
(2)    serve until the date of the first regular annual meeting and for 1 year thereafter; or
(3)    serve until the date of the first regular annual meeting and for 2 years thereafter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-303 - Board of Directors -- Annual Election or Appointment

(a)    Each year, the landowners shall meet to elect a successor to:
(1)    any director whose term expired on or before the date of the meeting; and
(2)    any director who died or resigned since the last annual meeting.
(b)    (1)    The county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall appoint an individual to fill a vacancy on the board of directors if:
(i)    the board of directors does not call an annual meeting of landowners; or
(ii)    the board of directors holds an annual meeting of landowners but the landowners do not elect a director as required under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    If there is a vacancy on the board of directors, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may appoint a director to serve until the next annual meeting of landowners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-304 - Board of Directors -- Tenure; Vacancies

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the term of each director elected or appointed under § 25–303 of this subtitle is 3 years.
(2)    Each director shall serve until a successor is elected or appointed.
(b)    A director who is elected or appointed to fill a vacancy caused by death or resignation shall hold the office for the rest of the term and until a successor is elected or appointed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-305 - Officers; Surety Bonds

(a)    The board of directors shall elect a chair, a secretary, and any other necessary officer from among its members.
(b)    The board of directors shall obtain a surety bond for any officer or employee who is entrusted with money.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-307 - Distribution and Retention of Petition and Report

The county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall:
(1)    retain the original petition and report approved under § 25–206(b) of this title; and
(2)    deliver a copy of the approved petition and report to the board of directors and the State Soil Conservation Committee in the Department of Agriculture.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-308 - Watershed File

(a)    The designated officer with whom a petition for the establishment of a watershed association is filed shall maintain a watershed file.
(b)    The watershed file shall contain the petitions, motions, orders, reports, and other exhibits necessary for a complete record of the establishment of each watershed association in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-309 - Annual Meeting of Landowners

(a)    In January of each year, the board of directors shall call a meeting of landowners.
(b)    (1)    At least 10 days before the meeting, the board of directors shall post a notice of the meeting at four public places in the area or vicinity of the area affected by the watershed association.
(2)    The notice shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
(c)    At the meeting, the landowners shall:
(1)    receive the annual report of the board of directors; and
(2)    transact any other business that may properly come before the landowners.
(d)    The board of directors shall file a copy of the annual report and a copy of the minutes from the meeting with the designated officer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 3 - Establishment and Organization › Section 25-310 - Special Meetings

(a)    The board of directors may call a special meeting of landowners at any time.
(b)    (1)    At least 10 days before the meeting, the board of directors shall:
(i)    post a notice of the meeting at four public places in the area or vicinity of the area affected by the watershed association; and
(ii)    mail a notice to each landowner in the watershed association.
(2)    The notice shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 4 - Watershed Work Plan › Section 25-401 - Development

(a)    (1)    The board of directors of the watershed association shall develop a work plan for the watershed or subwatershed area.
(2)    The watershed work plan may include:
(i)    watershed protection;
(ii)    flood prevention;
(iii)    recreation;
(iv)    soil conservation;
(v)    drainage; and
(vi)    the conservation, development, storage, use, and disposal of water for any beneficial purpose.
(b)    In developing the watershed work plan, the board of directors:
(1)    shall engage the services of private engineers; or
(2)    may use the services of planners and engineers of local, State, and federal units of government.
(c)    A member or an agent of the board of directors:
(1)    may enter the land to make surveys and examinations for developing a watershed work plan; and
(2)    is liable for actual damage done to any land entered during a survey or examination.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 4 - Watershed Work Plan › Section 25-402 - Contents

The watershed work plan developed under § 25–401 of this subtitle shall include:
(1)    the location of each proposed watershed project on a map, drawing, or aerial photograph;
(2)    a general delineation of the boundaries of the area affected by the watershed association with the general location in the county affected;
(3)    engineering plans in sufficient detail to describe the proposed project;
(4)    a general delineation of the boundaries of each tract of land in the area affected by the watershed association, including an estimate of the acreage of each tract; and
(5)    the total estimated construction cost of each proposed watershed project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 4 - Watershed Work Plan › Section 25-403 - Adoption of Plan

(a)    On completion of the watershed work plan, or on the acceptance of a previously completed watershed work plan, the board of directors shall call a meeting of the landowners to vote on the adoption of the plan for submission to the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
(b)    (1)    At least 10 days before the meeting, the board of directors shall:
(i)    post a notice of the meeting in four public places in the area or vicinity of the area affected by the watershed association; and
(ii)    mail a notice to each landowner.
(2)    The notice shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
(c)    At the meeting required under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    each landowner is entitled to one vote; and
(2)    any landowner may vote by proxy if the proxy is dated, signed by the individual entitled to vote, and witnessed by at least one individual.
(d)    (1)    The board of directors shall determine whether to submit the watershed work plan to the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City for review and approval.
(2)    In making the determination, the board of directors shall consider:
(i)    the vote of each landowner;
(ii)    the probable apportionment of benefits to each landowner based on acreage;
(iii)    the location of the watershed project; and
(iv)    the extent of the benefits to the voter’s land by the watershed project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 25 - Public Watershed Associations › Subtitle 4 - Watershed Work Plan › Section 25-404 - Filing With County

(a)    (1)    If the board of directors decides to submit the watershed work plan to the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City, the board of directors shall submit three copies of the watershed work plan.
(2)    The county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall forward a copy of the watershed work plan to the State Soil Conservation Committee in the Department of Agriculture.
(b)    The board of directors shall include with the submission of the watershed work plan a statement that the board of directors has determined that the watershed project:
(1)    is feasible;
(2)    will benefit the public and promote public health, safety, and welfare; and
(3)    will produce sufficient benefits to warrant the expenditure.