reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Land Use › Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission › Title 26 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Historic Grant Programs › Section 26-102 - Established; Purpose

(a)    (1)    There is a Montgomery County Historic Preservation Grant Program.
(2)    There is a Prince George’s County Historic Property Grant Program.
(b)    The purposes of each Program are to:
(1)    preserve, protect, and enhance historic properties;
(2)    encourage others to preserve, protect, and enhance historic properties; and
(3)    promote interest in and the study of historic properties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Land Use › Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission › Title 26 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Historic Grant Programs › Section 26-104 - Powers and Duties

(a)    The powers and duties of each Program are vested in and exercised by:
(1)    in Montgomery County, the county planning board in consultation with the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission; and
(2)    subject to subsection (b) of this section, in Prince George’s County, the county planning board.
(b)    (1)    In Prince George’s County, the county, by local law, may provide for the historic preservation, outreach and marketing, and maintenance of historic properties activities of the Commission.
(2)    A local law enacted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be consistent with the provisions of this division.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Land Use › Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission › Title 26 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Historic Grant Programs › Section 26-105 - Funding

(a)    (1)    There is a Montgomery County Historic Preservation Grant Fund.
(2)    There is a Prince George’s County Historic Property Grant Fund.
(b)    Each county planning board administers its Fund.
(c)    Each county planning board shall deposit in its Fund those amounts authorized in accordance with Title 18, Subtitle 1 of this article to:
(1)    implement and encourage restoration and preservation of historic properties; and
(2)    implement the purposes of its Program.
(d)    (1)    Each county planning board shall expend the amounts in its Fund to make grants to nonprofit organizations or foundations.
(2)    In Montgomery County:
(i)    grants may also be made for research, developing educational materials, and generally promoting historic preservation; and
(ii)    in making grants, the county planning board, if practical to do so, shall obtain and implement the recommendations of the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission.
(3)    In Prince George’s County:
(i)    grants may also be made to political subdivisions or individuals to acquire, preserve, restore, or rehabilitate historic properties; and
(ii)    in making grants, the county planning board shall solicit and consider the recommendations of the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission.
(e)    When a county planning board awards a grant, the grant recipient shall convey a perpetual preservation easement to the county planning board.
(f)    (1)    Decisions by a county planning board concerning grants shall be made without regard to the financial status or annual income of the applicant.
(2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county planning board may require matching funds in whatever proportion the county planning board considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Land Use › Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission › Title 27 - Enforcement › Section 27-101 - Violation; Penalty

(a)    A charge alleging a violation of this division may be brought by warrant or indictment on the oath or information of a member or employee of the Commission or any other person.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided, a misdemeanor under this division may be adjudicated before the District Court or the circuit court of the county in which the violation is committed.
(c)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this division, a person who violates this division is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(2)    Each day that a violation of this division continues is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Land Use › Division II - Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission › Title 27 - Enforcement › Section 27-102 - Interference With Entry Into Buildings and Private Premises

(a)    An owner or tenant of a building or private premises or an agent of the owner or tenant may not restrain or hinder the entry, examination, survey, or placing or maintenance of monuments or marks by a commissioner or an employee or agent of the Commission under § 15–118 of this article.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(c)    Each day a violation continues is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 1-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Charter county” means a county that has adopted charter home rule under Article XI–A of the Maryland Constitution.
(2)    “Charter county” does not include Baltimore City.
(c)    “Code county” means a county that has adopted code home rule under Article XI–F of the Maryland Constitution.
(d)    “Commission county” means a county that has not adopted charter or code home rule.
(e)    “County” means a county of the State or Baltimore City.
(f)    “Governing body” means:
(1)    for Baltimore City, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City;
(2)    for a charter county:
(i)    that does not have an elected chief executive officer, the county council; or
(ii)    that has an elected chief executive officer, the county council or the county council and the county executive, as provided by the county charter;
(3)    for a code county, the county commissioners;
(4)    for a commission county, the county commissioners; and
(5)    for a municipality, the body provided under the municipal charter.
(g)    “Municipality” means a municipality that is organized under Article XI–E of the Maryland Constitution.
(h)    “Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(i)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, “state” means:
(i)    a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or
(ii)    the District of Columbia.
(2)    When capitalized, “State” means Maryland.
(j)    “Tax collector” means the person or governmental unit responsible for collecting a tax.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-201 - Residency Requirements

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    an elected official;
(2)    the head of a unit of a county or municipality who reports directly to:
(i)    the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality;
(ii)    an elected executive; or
(iii)    the governing body of the county or municipality; or
(3)    the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county or municipality may not require an employee to reside in the State, county, or municipality or within a specified distance of the State, county, or municipality as a condition of employment.
(2)    A county or municipality may require an at–will supervisory employee to reside in the State, county, or municipality or within a specified distance of the State, county, or municipality as a condition of employment if the at–will supervisory employee reports directly to the head of a unit of the county or municipality.
(3)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, when making employment, promotion, demotion, layoff, and discharge decisions, a county or municipality may not discriminate based on an individual’s place of residence.
(c)    A county or municipality may grant a resident of the State, county, or municipality additional points or credits in employment or promotion decisions if the points or credits are provided in accordance with a merit system established by the county or municipality by local law or ordinance.
(d)    An agency created under State law that provides governmental services to more than one county or municipality may not require an employee, as a condition of employment, to reside in the State or a county or municipality or within a specified distance of the State, a county, or a municipality for which the agency provides governmental services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-202 - Identification Cards

(a)    This section applies to the following governmental entities:
(1)    counties;
(2)    municipalities;
(3)    special taxing districts; and
(4)    regional governmental entities created by State law that provide services in more than one county.
(b)    A governmental entity may not issue an identification card on which an employee’s Social Security number is visible.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-203 - Reemployment of Returning Veterans

(a)    This section applies to the following governmental entities:
(1)    counties;
(2)    municipalities;
(3)    bicounty agencies;
(4)    county boards of education;
(5)    public corporations;
(6)    special taxing districts; and
(7)    other political subdivisions of the State.
(b)    Each governmental entity shall give its employees who return from military service in the armed forces of the United States the same reemployment rights as provided for State employees under Title 2, Subtitle 7 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-204 - Credits for Veterans

(a)    If a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the State makes appointments to government positions under a civil service or merit system law or ordinance, the unit that provides eligibility lists for appointments shall adopt rules or regulations to grant special credit to honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States who have been residents of the State for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date on which the veteran takes a merit system examination.
(b)    (1)    The unit may determine the nature and extent of the special credit granted to veterans.
(2)    The unit may grant a greater credit to veterans with a disability than to veterans who do not have a disability.
(c)    The credit granted to a veteran under this section may be extended to:
(1)    the spouse of a veteran if the veteran is unable to qualify for merit system appointment because of a disability; and
(2)    the unmarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran.
(d)    The unit may exempt war veterans under the age of 55 years from any age limitation or requirement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-205 - Direct Deposit of Employee Wages

(a)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county or municipality may:
(i)    pay the wage of an employee by direct deposit as provided in subsection (b) of this section; and
(ii)    require an employee to receive the payment of wages by direct deposit as a condition of employment.
(2)    A county or municipality may not require the payment of wages by direct deposit for an employee:
(i)    who was hired before October 1, 2011, unless the county or municipality before October 1, 2011, required, by local law, regulation, or collective bargaining agreement, the payment of wages by direct deposit;
(ii)    whose employment is not conditioned on the employee receiving the payment of wages by direct deposit; or
(iii)    1.    who does not have a personal bank account; and
2.    who informs the employee’s employer that the employee wishes to opt out of direct deposit.
(3)    If a county or municipality elects to pay wages by direct deposit, an employee who is not required to receive the payment of wages by direct deposit may elect to receive the payment of wages by direct deposit in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b)    If a county or municipality elects to pay the wages of its employees by direct deposit, the county or municipality shall:
(1)    provide an employee who is required or elects to receive the payment of wages by direct deposit with an electronic fund transfer authorization form;
(2)    deposit the wage of an employee into a personal bank account selected by the employee on the electronic fund transfer authorization form; and
(3)    each time the county or municipality pays the wage of an employee by direct deposit, provide the employee with a direct deposit statement that includes:
(i)    the total amount of the wage;
(ii)    any amount deducted from the wage; and
(iii)    the amount of the wage directly deposited into the personal bank account selected by the employee.
(c)    (1)    An employee who is required or elects to receive the payment of wages by direct deposit shall:
(i)    complete and submit to the county or municipality the electronic fund transfer authorization form provided to the employee under subsection (b) of this section; and
(ii)    select a personal bank account for the direct deposit of the employee’s wages that is at a financial institution that participates in the automated clearinghouse network.
(2)    Subject to paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, an employee may change the personal bank account or the financial institution designated on an electronic fund transfer authorization form by completing and submitting to the county or municipality a new electronic fund transfer authorization form.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Local Personnel › Section 1-206 - Local Government to Adopt Telework Program

(a)    In this section, “telework” means to work at a location other than a traditional office setting or an employee’s usual and customary worksite, including:
(1)    the employee’s home;
(2)    a satellite office; and
(3)    a telework center.
(b)    This section applies to:
(1)    all employees of a governmental entity of a county or a municipality; and
(2)    all governmental entities of a county or a municipality.
(c)    Each governing body, or the governing body’s designee, shall:
(1)    establish a countywide or municipality–wide telework program; and
(2)    adopt a countywide or municipality–wide telework policy and telework guidelines.
(d)    (1)    The head of a governmental entity of a county or municipality may designate the positions for which an employee would be eligible to telework.
(2)    Each governmental entity of a county or municipality, in its discretion, may maximize the number of eligible employees participating in a countywide or municipality–wide telework program established under subsection (c) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Political Activities of Employees › Section 1-301 - Scope of Subtitle

This subtitle applies to the following governmental entities:
(1)    counties;
(2)    municipalities;
(3)    bicounty or multicounty agencies;
(4)    county boards of education;
(5)    public authorities;
(6)    special taxing districts; and
(7)    other public entities whose employees are not covered by § 2–304 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Political Activities of Employees › Section 1-303 - Employee Rights

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an employee of a governmental entity:
(1)    may freely participate in any political activity and express any political opinion; and
(2)    may not be required to provide a political service.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Political Activities of Employees › Section 1-304 - Restrictions on Political Activities

An employee of a governmental entity may not:
(1)    engage in political activity while on the job during working hours; or
(2)    advocate the overthrow of the government by unconstitutional or violent means.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Political Activities of Employees › Section 1-306 - Effect of Subtitle

Notwithstanding any other law of the State effective on or before June 30, 1973, or any local law, the restrictions imposed by this subtitle are the only restrictions on the political activities of an employee of a governmental entity, except for restrictions:
(1)    imposed on an employee of a local board of elections by § 2–301 of the Election Law Article; or
(2)    provided in or authorized by the Montgomery County Charter and imposed on:
(i)    an officer or employee of the Montgomery County government who serves in a quasi–judicial capacity; or
(ii)    a member of a Montgomery County board or commission who serves in a quasi–judicial capacity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 4 - Purchasing and Sales › Section 1-401 - Computer Software Programs

(a)    In this section, “computer software program” means a software program used to:
(1)    access data in a computer system; or
(2)    implement a process using data in a computer system.
(b)    This section does not apply to a computer software program subject to Title 10, Subtitle 9 of the State Government Article.
(c)    (1)    A county or municipality may sell, lease, or license to the public, or enter into a contract concerning, a computer software program, including any associated patent, trademark, or copyright, that is produced by or for the county or municipality in the normal course of its operations.
(2)    A county or municipality may adopt a price structure for a computer software program based on any factors that the county or municipality considers relevant, including:
(i)    the cost of producing, reproducing, and delivering the computer software program;
(ii)    overhead and labor costs; and
(iii)    the fair market value of the computer software program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 4 - Purchasing and Sales › Section 1-402 - Reciprocal Preference for Resident Bidders

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Nonresident bidder” means a bidder whose principal office is outside the State.
(3)    “Preference” includes:
(i)    a percentage preference;
(ii)    an employee residency requirement; or
(iii)    any other provision that favors a resident over a nonresident.
(4)    “Resident bidder” means a bidder whose principal office is in the State.
(b)    When a political subdivision or an instrumentality of government in the State uses competitive bidding to award a procurement contract, the political subdivision or instrumentality may give a preference to the resident bidder who submits the lowest responsive bid of any resident bidder if:
(1)    the resident bidder is a responsible bidder;
(2)    a responsible nonresident bidder submits the lowest responsive bid of all bidders; and
(3)    the state in which the nonresident bidder’s principal office is located gives a preference to its residents.
(c)    A preference under this section shall be identical to the preference that the state in which the nonresident bidder’s principal office is located gives to its residents.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 4 - Purchasing and Sales › Section 1-403 - Contracts Not Authorized by Appropriation Prohibited

(a)    An officer or agent of a county or municipality who is charged with the construction, improvement, or maintenance of any building or work, or the management of a public institution, may not enter into any contract that binds or purports to bind the county or municipality to pay money not previously appropriated and remaining unexpended for the purpose of the contract.
(b)    If an officer or agent of a county or municipality willfully or knowingly enters into or participates in entering into a contract prohibited under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    the officer or agent is personally liable for the contract; and
(2)    the county or municipality is not liable for the contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 5 - Regulation of Lead Paint Risk Reduction in Residential Property for Rent or Lease › Section 1-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Affected property” has the meaning stated in § 6–801 of the Environment Article.
(c)    (1)    “Residential property” means a building or a portion of a building that provides complete living facilities, including facilities for cooking, sanitation, and sleeping.
(2)    “Residential property” includes:
(i)    a single–family unit in a multifamily dwelling; and
(ii)    a “rental dwelling unit” as defined under § 6–801 of the Environment Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 5 - Regulation of Lead Paint Risk Reduction in Residential Property for Rent or Lease › Section 1-502 - Scope of Subtitle

This subtitle applies to the regulation in any manner, by a county or municipality, of residential property that is rented or leased, including regulation by the issuance or renewal of:
(1)    a license or registration to authorize the owner of residential property to engage in the business of renting or leasing the residential property;
(2)    a license or registration to authorize residential property to be rented or leased; or
(3)    a certification that residential property that is rented or leased is in compliance with a local housing, livability, or property maintenance code.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 5 - Regulation of Lead Paint Risk Reduction in Residential Property for Rent or Lease › Section 1-503 - Writing Required by Owner Before Renting or Leasing Property

A county or municipality may not authorize or certify residential property to be rented or leased unless the owner of the property:
(1)    states in writing to the county or municipality under penalty of perjury:
(i)    that the residential property is not an affected property; or
(ii)    that the residential property is an affected property that has been registered and for which the registration has been renewed in accordance with §§ 6–811 and 6–812 of the Environment Article; and
(2)    if the property is an affected property, provides the inspection certificate number for the inspection conducted for the current tenancy as required under § 6–815(c), § 6–817(b), or § 6–819(e) of the Environment Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 5 - Regulation of Lead Paint Risk Reduction in Residential Property for Rent or Lease › Section 1-504 - Forwarding of Information to Department of the Environment

In addition to reporting, as required under § 6–848.2 of the Environment Article, any known noncompliance of an affected property with the provisions of Title 6, Subtitle 8 of the Environment Article, a county or municipality may forward to the Department of the Environment any information obtained under this subtitle regarding residential property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Parks and recreation unit” means a governmental unit designated or created under § 1–604 of this subtitle to administer a program.
(c)    “Program” means a program of public recreation and parks.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-604 - Authority to Establish Program and Parks and Recreation Unit

The governing body of a county or municipality may:
(1)    establish and maintain a program for the benefit of the residents of the county or municipality; and
(2)    create or designate a parks and recreation unit to administer the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-605 - Designated Parks and Recreation Units

(a)    A parks and recreation unit may:
(1)    maintain a park or recreational facility; and
(2)    conduct recreation and park activities.
(b)    The parks and recreation unit may employ an administrative officer and other personnel as necessary and as authorized by the governing body of the county or municipality.
(c)    The parks and recreation unit may organize volunteer groups or councils to aid in the implementation of the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-606 - Created Parks and Recreation Board or Commission

(a)    (1)    If the governing body of a county or municipality determines that a board or commission shall provide and conduct a program, by local law, ordinance, or resolution, the governing body shall create a board or commission.
(2)    The board or commission shall have the powers granted to it by the governing body.
(b)    In accordance with subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of the county or municipality shall determine the membership of the board or commission and the terms of office and compensation of the members.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board or commission established by a county shall include:
(i)    one member of the county governing body; and
(ii)    one member or representative of the county board of education.
(2)    A member designated under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)    shall serve a term of 1 year; and
(ii)    may be reappointed.
(3)    In Frederick County:
(i)    the county commissioner on the board or commission serves for a term coextensive with the member’s term of elected office; and
(ii)    a member of the county board of education is a member of the board or commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-607 - Park or Recreational Facilities

(a)    The governing body of a county or municipality may establish and maintain any property owned or leased by the county or municipality for use as a park or recreational facility.
(b)    In accordance with applicable law, and subject to subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of a county or municipality may acquire or lease any property inside or outside its corporate limits for use as a park or recreational facility.
(c)    This subtitle does not grant or restrict the power of condemnation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-609 - Bonding Authority

In the manner provided by law for the issuance of bonds for other purposes, the governing body of a county or municipality may issue bonds to:
(1)    acquire property for use as a park or recreational facility;
(2)    acquire the equipment for a park or recreational facility;
(3)    redesign, improve, construct, develop, or extend a park or recreational facility; or
(4)    provide for any appropriate capital item in cooperation with other governmental units under § 1–610 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-610 - Cooperation With Other Governmental Units

The governing body of a county or municipality, by and through the parks and recreation unit or other designated unit, may join or cooperate with a federal, State, or other local governmental unit or community recreation council to acquire, lease, or maintain a park or recreational facility or provide or conduct a park or recreational activity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 6 - Public Recreation and Parks › Section 1-611 - Gifts and Contributions

The governing body of a county or municipality, by and through the parks and recreation unit or other designated unit, may accept:
(1)    a gift of property for use as a park or recreational facility; or
(2)    other contributions for parks and recreation purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-702 - Authority to Grant Franchises

(a)    Sections 1–703 through 1–707 of this subtitle do not:
(1)    grant to a county or municipality additional authority in any substantive area beyond that granted under other public general law or public local law;
(2)    restrict a county or municipality from exercising authority granted under other public general law or public local law;
(3)    authorize a county or municipality to engage in an activity not authorized under other public general law or public local law; or
(4)    preempt or supersede the regulatory authority of a unit of State government.
(b)    (1)    This section applies to all counties, except:
(i)    Anne Arundel County;
(ii)    Baltimore City;
(iii)    Baltimore County;
(iv)    Cecil County;
(v)    Howard County;
(vi)    Prince George’s County;
(vii)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(viii)    Worcester County.
(2)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(3)    A county may grant franchises as provided under existing public general law or public local law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-703 - Public Transportation

(a)    It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the area of public transportation to:
(1)    provide adequate, economical, and efficient transportation services;
(2)    protect against excessive and inconsistent prices for transportation services;
(3)    conserve energy and reduce accidents, air pollution, congestion, and traffic hazards through public transportation;
(4)    encourage its use by contributing capital and operating funds so that transportation may be provided at the lowest cost; and
(5)    promote the general welfare by providing a comprehensive transportation system.
(b)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality may:
(1)    (i)    grant one or more franchises for transportation services on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis;
(ii)    impose franchise fees;
(iii)    establish rates applicable to the franchise; and
(iv)    adopt rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for the operation of the franchise; or
(2)    operate a public transportation system on an exclusive basis, including:
(i)    establishing rates for the public transportation system; and
(ii)    adopting rules and regulations for the operation of the public transportation system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-704 - Water and Sewerage Systems

(a)    It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the area of water and sewerage systems to:
(1)    assure delivery of adequate, economical, and efficient water and sewerage services;
(2)    avoid duplication of water and sewerage facilities;
(3)    control disease and provide for the public health and safety;
(4)    prevent environmental degradation;
(5)    protect natural resources;
(6)    use the public right–of–way efficiently; and
(7)    promote the general welfare by providing adequate water and sewerage systems.
(b)    (1)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality may:
(i)    grant one or more franchises or enter into contracts for water or sewerage systems on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis;
(ii)    impose franchise fees;
(iii)    establish charges and rates applicable to the franchise; and
(iv)    adopt rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for the operation of the franchise.
(2)    If another law grants a county or municipality the authority to operate water and sewerage systems, the county or municipality shall operate the systems without regard to any anticompetitive effect.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-705 - Waste Collection and Disposal

(a)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, it is the policy of the State to direct and authorize each county and municipality to exercise authority over waste collection and disposal.
(b)    This section does not apply to waste that the generator:
(1)    directs to a specific facility for reclamation, recycling, or reuse; or
(2)    disposes of on its property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-706 - Concessions and Leases for Public Property

(a)    It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the awarding of concessions on, over, or under property owned or leased by the county or municipality and in the leasing or subleasing of property owned or leased by the county or municipality to:
(1)    use its assets properly for the best public purpose;
(2)    protect the public from unscrupulous business practices and excessive prices;
(3)    provide maximum accessibility to public property;
(4)    provide desirable or necessary governmental services at the lowest possible cost; and
(5)    promote the general welfare by using public property for the benefit of the residents of the county or municipality.
(b)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality may:
(1)    (i)    grant one or more franchises for any concession on, over, or under property owned or leased by the county or municipality on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis;
(ii)    control prices and rates for the franchise; and
(iii)    adopt rules and regulations for the operation of the franchise; and
(2)    lease or sublease publicly owned or leased real property on terms that the county or municipality determines.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-707 - Port Regulation

(a)    This section applies only to code counties and municipalities.
(b)    It is the policy of the State to authorize each code county and municipality to displace or limit competition in the area of port regulation to:
(1)    provide for safe harbors free of congestion and navigational hazards;
(2)    protect marine life and wildlife; and
(3)    prevent water pollution and erosion.
(c)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a code county or municipality may:
(1)    grant one or more franchises or enter into contracts for the placement or construction of structures in or on the waters of the county or municipality;
(2)    issue licenses for wharves and piers; or
(3)    issue permits for mooring piles, floating wharves, buoys, and anchors.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-708 - Cable Television System

(a)    (1)    Unless otherwise defined by local law, in this section, “cable television system” means a nonbroadcast facility that consists of a set of transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and central equipment, under common ownership and control, that distributes or is designed to distribute to subscribers the signals of one or more television broadcast stations.
(2)    “Cable television system” does not include a facility that:
(i)    serves 49 or fewer subscribers; or
(ii)    serves only subscribers in one or more multiple dwelling units under common ownership, control, or management.
(b)    This section does not authorize the governing body of a county to enact laws or regulations for a municipality.
(c)    The governing body of a county or municipality may:
(1)    grant a franchise for a cable television system that uses a public right–of–way;
(2)    impose franchise fees;
(3)    establish rates applicable to a franchise; and
(4)    adopt rules and regulations for the operation of a franchise.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises › Section 1-709 - Ferry Company -- Somerset County

(a)    Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, the County Commissioners of Somerset County may grant an exclusive franchise to a ferry company to operate between Somerset County and Reedville, Virginia.
(b)    Before granting a franchise, the County Commissioners of Somerset County shall review the proposed business and financial plan of the ferry company.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County may adopt regulations to carry out this section that are consistent with any regulations adopted by the Public Service Commission that relate to ferry companies.
(d)    If the ferry company does not exercise the franchise within 18 months after it is granted, the franchise becomes void.
(e)    A ferry company may not conduct gaming activities on a ferry that it operates under a franchise granted under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Participation in Federal Projects; Federal Aid › Section 1-801 - Projects

(a)    (1)    In this section, “federal project” means any federal work, improvement, or project.
(2)    “Federal project” includes:
(i)    dredging projects;
(ii)    flood control projects; and
(iii)    other federal river, harbor, and navigation works and improvements.
(b)    This section applies to the following governmental entities:
(1)    counties;
(2)    municipalities;
(3)    public corporations;
(4)    special districts; and
(5)    any other political subdivisions.
(c)    A governmental entity may:
(1)    assist the United States or a federal agency in constructing, financing, maintaining, using, or operating a federal project, including agreeing to terms of local cooperation required by the United States or a federal agency;
(2)    enter into a contract with the United States or a federal agency, in the form required by the United States or federal agency, obligating the governmental entity to:
(i)    construct, finance, maintain, use, or operate a federal project; or
(ii)    arrange, contract for, or supervise the construction, financing, maintenance, use, or operation of a federal project;
(3)    appropriate or obligate money and obtain private loans or financing to pay for its share of the cost of a federal project;
(4)    accept and use federal grants or loans to assist in the construction, financing, maintenance, use, or operation of a federal project;
(5)    purchase or, in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article, condemn land and interests in land necessary for a federal project and transfer any interest in that land to the United States or a federal agency; and
(6)    enter property and waters to conduct surveys, soundings, and examinations in furtherance of a federal project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Participation in Federal Projects; Federal Aid › Section 1-802 - Local Government Contracts for Watershed Projects

For the purpose of constructing, financing, maintaining, using, or operating a watershed project, a county or municipality may enter into a contract, including an obligation of repayment under applicable federal public works and economic development programs under 42 U.S.C. §§ 3161 and 3162, with:
(1)    the United States or a federal agency;
(2)    a public drainage association;
(3)    a public watershed association; or
(4)    any person or other governmental entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Participation in Federal Projects; Federal Aid › Section 1-803 - Local Government Participation in Federal Housing Assistance Programs

(a)    (1)    Regardless of whether a county or municipality has established a housing authority under the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article, the powers conferred by this section:
(i)    are in addition to all other powers of a county or municipality; and
(ii)    may be exercised directly by a county or municipality or as otherwise provided by the governing body of the county or municipality.
(2)    This section does not affect any powers conferred on a housing authority, county, or municipality by the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article.
(b)    A county or municipality may participate in federal lower–income housing assistance programs and for this purpose may:
(1)    enter into contracts with the United States or a federal agency;
(2)    accept and expend assistance payments related to existing, newly constructed, or substantially rehabilitated housing;
(3)    act as a public housing agency as defined in federal law; and
(4)    do all things necessary or convenient to participate in the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 8 - Participation in Federal Projects; Federal Aid › Section 1-804 - Federal Aid Information

(a)    After consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, the Secretary of Planning shall adopt regulations that require a county or municipality to submit information, as required in this section, on federal aid, including grants, instructional contracts, loans, research contracts, and other assistance.
(b)    (1)    Every 6 months, a county or municipality shall submit a summary notice to the Department of Planning if, during the 6–month period that the notice covers, the county or municipality received an award of federal aid in the form of an instructional contract, an instructional grant, a research contract, or a research grant.
(2)    The summary notice shall state the amount of the award.
(c)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to an instructional contract, an instructional grant, a research contract, or a research grant.
(2)    Within 30 days after a county or municipality receives an award of federal aid, the county or municipality shall submit to the Department of Planning a summary notice that states:
(i)    the amount of the award; and
(ii)    if the award is conditioned on matching funds:
1.    the amount of those funds;
2.    the source of those funds; and
3.    the period for which those funds are required.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 9 - Cooperation Among Political Subdivisions › Section 1-902 - Cooperation in Performing Governmental Functions and Acceptance of Funds

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Howard County; and
(5)    Prince George’s County.
(b)    The governing body of a county may contract with another governmental entity for the joint or cooperative performance of any governmental function.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    accept any gift or grant from the federal or State government or any unit of federal or State government; and
(2)    use the gift or grant for any lawful purpose for which it was received.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 9 - Cooperation Among Political Subdivisions › Section 1-903 - Cooperation in Conserving Baltimore City Water

(a)    On request of the Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, the governing bodies of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, or Howard County shall restrict the use of water supplied by Baltimore City to any person or property located in the county:
(1)    to the same extent restrictions are imposed on the use of water by consumers in Baltimore City when there is a shortage of water; or
(2)    in limited areas when required due to deficiencies in the water distribution system serving the limited areas under conditions approved by the receiving county.
(b)    Before the imposition of a water restriction in a limited area of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, or Howard County, the Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works shall determine that the unrestricted use of water in all other areas of the county will have no detrimental effect on the restricted use area.
(c)    The governing bodies of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Howard County may pass any ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulation necessary to impose and enforce a water restriction under this subtitle and provide penalties for the violation of a restriction.