reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-533 - Building and Maintenance of County Roads in Charles County

To the extent not provided for in Title 8 of the Transportation Article, the powers of the County Commissioners of Charles County relating to the building and maintenance of county roads are governed by §§ 104–1 through 104–8 of the Public Local Laws of Charles County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-534 - Vehicle Weight on County Roads in Charles County

(a)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Charles County shall designate county roads that are not accessible for through traffic by motor vehicles that are over 26,000 pounds.
(2)    The designation of county roads shall:
(i)    have a reasonable relationship to the construction, use, and character of the roads; and
(ii)    be designed to assure the continued safety and good condition of the roads.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Charles County shall provide for the installation of traffic control devices that give notice of the restricted access to the designated roads on or at the entrances to the roads.
(c)    A person who violates an ordinance or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-535 - Emergency Snow Routes in Garrett County and St. Mary's County

In accordance with § 21–1119 of the Transportation Article, the County Commissioners of Garrett County and the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)    designate a county road to be an “emergency snow route”;
(2)    regulate travel on an emergency snow route;
(3)    provide for a method of declaring a snow emergency;
(4)    prohibit the parking or abandoning of a vehicle on an emergency snow route during a snow emergency; and
(5)    authorize the removal of a vehicle parked or abandoned on an emergency snow route during a snow emergency.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-536 - Advertising Signs in Garrett County

(a)    The County Commissioners of Garrett County may enact an ordinance to regulate the height, size, location, and setback of an advertising sign adjacent to a State or county road in Garrett County.
(b)    An ordinance enacted under this section may not be less stringent than any applicable State or federal law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-537 - Outdoor Advertising in Harford County

(a)    In this section, “visible from the traveled way” means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by an individual with normal visual acuity.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    outdoor advertising signs promoting a business or other activity conducted on the same property as the sign;
(2)    outdoor advertising signs located under the authority of zoning permits in commercial or industrial zones;
(3)    outdoor advertising signs authorized in districts zoned commercial and industrial by a municipality within the boundaries of the municipality;
(4)    temporary real estate signs;
(5)    official directional signs installed by the State Highway Administration or Harford County;
(6)    signs denoting places of religious worship or a historic monument, provided that the signs are located in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Highway Administration; and
(7)    outdoor advertising signs erected before June 1, 1972.
(c)    In Harford County, a person may not lease, rent, use, or permit the use of property for the purpose of erecting an outdoor advertising sign adjacent to a State or county highway if the sign is visible from the traveled way of the highway.
(d)    This section may not be construed to permit the erection of an outdoor advertising sign in Harford County that is otherwise prohibited by State or local law or by local zoning ordinance.
(e)    (1)    The State Highway Administration or Harford County may acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation outdoor advertising signs that are visible from the traveled way of State or county highways if the outdoor advertising signs were erected before June 1, 1972.
(2)    (i)    The State Highway Administration or Harford County shall pay just compensation for the removal of an outdoor advertising sign under this section.
(ii)    Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor advertising signs erected after June 1, 1972.
(iii)    Compensation may be paid only for the following:
1.    taking from the owner of the sign all right, title, leasehold, and interest in the sign; and
2.    taking from the owner of the property on which the sign is located the right to erect and maintain the sign on the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-538 - Regulation of Roads and Other Public Ways and Facilities in St. Mary's County

(a)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate for any public road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility in the county that is not in a municipality and that has not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)    vehicle weight;
(2)    vehicle parking;
(3)    vehicle abandonment;
(4)    building or maintenance by a private or public utility necessary for the performance of the utility’s purpose;
(5)    building or maintenance of driveway connections where connections are provided; and
(6)    vehicle speed.
(b)    (1)    This subsection applies to roads proposed for subdivisions, including sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveway entrances, and storm drainage facilities and appurtenances to be located in the subdivision.
(2)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall enact, by ordinance, rules and regulations that govern the grading, building, improving, maintaining, and repairing of roads, used or intended for use by the public.
(c)    If required by an ordinance enacted under subsection (a) of this section, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices.
(d)    For a new road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate relating to:
(1)    engineering;
(2)    construction; and
(3)    acceptance of the road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility into the county roads system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-539 - Private Roads in Talbot County

The County Council of Talbot County may maintain, repair, and reconstruct any private dirt or gravel road that was being maintained when the county roads ordinance was adopted in November 1975.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part I - In General › Section 12-601 - Powers of Counties Over Bridges

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county has control over county bridges.
(c)    The governing body of a county may appoint civil engineers to oversee the construction and repair of county bridges.
(d)    A civil engineer appointed in accordance with subsection (c) of this section shall:
(1)    hold office for a term, with a salary, under a bond, and subject to regulations of the governing body of the county calculated to secure competent officers and a faithful discharge of duty; and
(2)    direct and manage the construction and repair of county bridges.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part I - In General › Section 12-602 - Building Bridges Across Navigable Rivers

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    This subtitle does not authorize the governing body of a county to build a bridge across a navigable river.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part I - In General › Section 12-603 - Powers of Counties to Build and Repair Bridges

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county:
(1)    may build and repair bridges; and
(2)    shall impose a tax on the assessable property in the county necessary to pay for the building and repair of bridges, including embankments and abutments.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-607 - Applications to Build or Repair a Bridge

(a)    A person may request, by petition, that the governing body of a county build or repair a bridge.
(b)    A person who intends to submit a petition under this section shall give at least 30 days’ notice by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(c)    After hearing the reasons for and against a petition, the governing body of a county shall decide whether to approve the petition based on what will best promote the public convenience.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-608 - Building and Repairing Bridges by Contract

(a)    This section does not apply to Cecil County.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, if the cost of building or repairing a bridge under this part is more than $200, the governing body of a county shall:
(i)    build or repair the bridge by contract; and
(ii)    advertise a contract to build or repair the bridge in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)    The advertisement required under this subsection shall specify:
(i)    the location where the bridge is to be built or repaired, including full specifications of the plan and materials; and
(ii)    that sealed proposals for building or repairing the bridge will be received until the date designated in the advertisement.
(3)    Notwithstanding any other provision in this article, the governing body of Dorchester County shall either:
(i)    authorize the appropriate unit of the county to build or repair a bridge; or
(ii)    award the necessary and appropriate contracts for all aspects of the building or repairing of the bridge in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, regardless of the cost of building or repairing the bridge.
(c)    If the cost of building or repairing a bridge is $200 or less, the governing body of a county may determine:
(1)    the manner of building or repairing the bridge; and
(2)    if the building or repair is by contract, the manner in which a contract is awarded.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-609 - Contracts

(a)    (1)    On the date designated in the advertisement for the contract to build or repair a bridge under this part, the governing body of a county shall open the bids.
(2)    The governing body shall award the contract to the lowest bidder that the governing body determines is qualified to build or repair the bridge.
(3)    The person awarded the contract shall provide the governing body a bond issued by an approved surety, in double the amount of the contract, conditioned on performance of the contract.
(b)    (1)    After notification by the contractor that the work is finished, the governing body of a county shall:
(i)    inspect the work; and
(ii)    if the governing body determines that the bridge is built or repaired in accordance with the specifications of the contract, the governing body shall take control of the bridge and open the bridge for public travel.
(2)    After the bridge is open for public travel, the contractor is entitled to receive the last installment due on the contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-610 - Bridges Between Counties

(a)    (1)    A resident of a county may submit a written petition to the governing body of a county requesting that a bridge connecting that county to an adjoining county be built or repaired.
(2)    If the governing body determines the request for bridge building or repair is reasonable, the governing body shall request in writing the concurrence of the governing body of the adjoining county.
(3)    If the governing body of the adjoining county concurs, the governing body of each county shall:
(i)    appoint three independent examiners; and
(ii)    notify the governing body of the other county of the appointment.
(b)    (1)    The examiners appointed under subsection (a) of this section shall meet promptly to determine:
(i)    the advisability of building or repairing the bridge;
(ii)    the location of the building or repair;
(iii)    the building or repair plan;
(iv)    the materials required for the building or repair;
(v)    the estimated cost of the building or repair; and
(vi)    the portion of the cost of building or repair to be paid by each of the adjoining counties.
(2)    The examiners shall report the findings and recommendations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection to their respective governing body.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-611 - Advertisement for Bids for Building and Repairing Bridges Between Counties

(a)    If the governing bodies of the adjoining counties approve the findings and recommendations of the examiners under § 12–610 of this subtitle to build or repair a bridge, the governing bodies shall direct the examiners to advertise for sealed bids on a contract to build or repair the bridge.
(b)    (1)    The advertisement shall specify:
(i)    the location of the building or repair of the bridge;
(ii)    the building or repair plan;
(iii)    the materials and workmanship required for the building or repair; and
(iv)    the time and place for the opening of the bids.
(2)    The information stated in the advertisement shall include sufficient detail to obtain adequate bids.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-612 - Award of Contract

(a)    The examiners shall:
(1)    open the bids at the time and place specified in the advertisement required under § 12–611 of this subtitle; and
(2)    award the contract for bridge building or repair to the lowest bidder that meets the requirements of the notice.
(b)    The person awarded the contract under subsection (a) of this section shall provide the governing bodies of the counties a bond issued by an approved surety, in double the amount of the contract, conditioned on performance of the contract.
(c)    At any time during the performance of the bridge construction or repair, the examiners may inspect and direct the progress of the work.
(d)    (1)    On completion of the bridge construction or repair, the examiners shall:
(i)    take control of the bridge and open the bridge for public travel; and
(ii)    notify the governing bodies of the adjoining counties of the completion.
(2)    On notification that the bridge building or repair is complete, the governing bodies of the adjoining counties shall pay their respective portions of the cost of the work according to the contract.
(e)    (1)    If the examiners cannot agree on the portion of the cost of building or repairing the bridge each of the adjoining counties should pay, each group of examiners from each of the adjoining counties shall appoint an arbitrator to determine the amounts.
(2)    (i)    If the arbitrators cannot agree on the portion of the cost of building or repairing the bridge each of the adjoining counties should pay, the arbitrators shall appoint an umpire to decide the portion of the cost each county must pay.
(ii)    The umpire may not reside in either of the adjoining counties.
(3)    The decision of the arbitrators or the umpire is final and binding on the adjoining counties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part II - Bridges Built or Repaired on Application › Section 12-613 - Judicial Review of Decision Related to Building or Repairing Bridges

(a)    (1)    A resident of a county in which the governing body has decided to build or repair a bridge, including a bridge between the county and an adjoining county, may seek review of the decision in the circuit court if the resident:
(i)    files before a contract for the building or repairing is awarded; and
(ii)    alleges that the decision is inexpedient.
(2)    The governing body of the county shall give the resident or the resident’s counsel full opportunity to examine the books and papers of the county relating to the decision to build or repair the bridge.
(3)    The circuit court shall hear and decide the case according to justice and right with or without a jury as agreed to by the parties or ordered by the court.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the court shall allocate costs in a manner that the court determines just and equitable.
(2)    If the court sustains the decision of the governing body of the county, the resident shall pay the costs.
(3)    The governing body of the county shall pay any costs ordered by the court and all incidental expenses.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-616 - Regulation of Bridges in Carroll County

(a)    The County Commissioners of Carroll County may regulate the public bridges in the county that are not in a municipality and that have not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)    vehicle weight;
(2)    vehicle parking;
(3)    vehicle abandonment;
(4)    building or maintenance by a private or public utility necessary for the performance of the utility’s purpose; and
(5)    vehicle speed, but only if the speed regulation has been recommended by the Department of State Police.
(b)    To indicate and carry out rules and regulations adopted under subsection (a)(1), (2), and (5) of this section, the County Commissioners of Carroll County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices that conform to State specifications.
(c)    For a new bridge, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may adopt rules and regulations relating to:
(1)    engineering;
(2)    construction; and
(3)    acceptance of the bridge into the county road system for maintenance by the county.
(d)    (1)    By local law, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may establish that a person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25, exclusive of costs.
(2)    A penalty provision of another public general law prevails over a fine authorized under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-617 - Building and Repairing Bridges in Cecil County

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, Cecil County shall obtain the following by a competitively bid contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder:
(1)    the building or repair of a bridge; and
(2)    the purchase or lease of bridge construction equipment or machinery.
(b)    (1)    The governing body of Cecil County shall advertise for bids on a contract under subsection (a) of this section in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)    The advertisement shall:
(i)    appear at least once;
(ii)    appear at least 1 week, but not more than 30 days, before the final date for submitting bids;
(iii)    if the contract relates to building or repair of a bridge, specify the location where the bridge is to be built or repaired;
(iv)    include a description of the goods or services required under the contract;
(v)    state that sealed bids for goods or services will be received until the date designated in the advertisement; and
(vi)    designate a date for the opening of the bids.
(c)    (1)    Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to an expenditure that:
(i)    is $10,000 or less; or
(ii)    the governing body of Cecil County by a recorded majority vote taken at a public meeting declares to be an emergency expenditure.
(2)    For an expenditure under this subsection, the governing body may determine:
(i)    the manner of providing for the expenditure; and
(ii)    if the building or repair is by contract, the manner in which the contract is awarded.
(d)    (1)    A contract entered into in violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is void, unless:
(i)    a court determines in a judicial action that all parties acted in good faith; and
(ii)    the parties have substantially complied with the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(2)    If a contract is void under this subsection, the governing body of Cecil County shall compensate the contractor for costs actually incurred if the contractor:
(i)    acted in good faith;
(ii)    did not directly contribute to the violation; and
(iii)    did not know of the violation.
(e)    A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-618 - Regulation of Bridges in St. Mary's County

(a)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate bridges in the county that are not in a municipality and that have not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)    vehicle weight;
(2)    vehicle parking;
(3)    vehicle abandonment;
(4)    building or maintenance by a private or public utility relating to the performance of the utility’s purpose;
(5)    the building or maintenance of driveway connections where connections are provided; and
(6)    vehicle speed.
(b)    If required by an ordinance enacted under subsection (a) of this section, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices.
(c)    For a new bridge, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate relating to:
(1)    engineering;
(2)    construction; and
(3)    acceptance of the bridge into the county road system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 6 - Bridges and Canals › Part IV - Bridge and Canal Building Corporations › Section 12-621 - Bridge and Canal Building Corporations

(a)    This section applies to all counties.
(b)    (1)    A corporation may build a bridge over a river, creek, or stream in the State or dig, build, or maintain a canal only if the governing bodies of all counties in the State in which the bridge or canal is to be built have authorized the corporation to build the bridge or canal.
(2)    A resolution of the governing body of a county authorizing the building of a bridge or canal shall be recorded:
(i)    in the record of proceedings of the governing body; and
(ii)    in the records of the corporation.
(c)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a corporation may enter into an agreement with an owner of any interest in property to obtain:
(i)    land necessary for:
1.    a bridge abutment;
2.    digging, building, and maintaining a canal; or
3.    a road or highway to approach a bridge or canal; or
(ii)    earth or stone for building of:
1.    a bridge or canal;
2.    a road or highway that approaches a bridge or canal; or
3.    a terminal, dock, or wharf.
(2)    A person shall convey an interest in property to a corporation under paragraph (1) of this subsection by deed properly executed and recorded.
(3)    A corporation may obtain property under paragraph (1) of this subsection by condemnation under the provisions of Title 12 of the Real Property Article if:
(i)    the corporation and the property owner fail to agree on the conveyance of the property;
(ii)    the property owner lacks capacity to contract to convey the property; or
(iii)    the property owner is absent from the State.
(d)    (1)    On completion of the building of a bridge or canal, the corporation shall report the completion to the governing body of the county:
(i)    in writing; and
(ii)    under the oath or affirmation of the corporation’s president or vice president.
(2)    (i)    After notification by the corporation, the governing body shall appoint three persons to examine the bridge or canal.
(ii)    The persons shall report to the governing body on whether the bridge has been built in a substantial and durable manner that will promote public convenience.
(iii)    The governing body shall review the report and shall ratify or reject the report.
(iv)    The governing body may also appoint other persons to report on whether the bridge has been built in a substantial and durable manner that will promote public convenience.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 7 - Federally Assisted Watershed Projects › Section 12-701 - Federally Assisted Watershed Projects

(a)    In this section, “Act” means the federal Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.
(b)    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.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    carry out, construct, operate, and maintain any works of improvement in watershed or subwatershed areas qualifying for federal assistance under the Act for:
(i)    flood prevention; or
(ii)    the conservation, development, use, and disposal of water;
(2)    satisfy the conditions for federal assistance required under the Act;
(3)    accept federal grants and technical assistance in accordance with the Act;
(4)    (i)    borrow federal money in accordance with the Act for works of improvement identified under item (1) of this subsection; and
(ii)    notwithstanding any public general law or public local law, evidence the borrowing by issuing instruments that are acceptable to the United States or any of its agencies; and
(5)    borrow money from private lending institutions and evidence the borrowing by issuing instruments in accordance with Title 19, Subtitle 2 of this article, the county charter, or local laws.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 8 - Public Safety › Section 12-801 - Operating Costs to Sheriffs for Housing Inmates

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County;
(7)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)    Worcester County.
(b)    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.
(c)    The governing body of a county may determine the allowance provided to the county sheriff or other person for housing inmates confined in the local correctional facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 8 - Public Safety › Section 12-802 - County Police Duties

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Charles County;
(6)    Howard County;
(7)    Prince George’s County;
(8)    Queen Anne’s County;
(9)    Wicomico County; and
(10)    Worcester County.
(b)    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.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    provide for the appointment of the county police;
(2)    establish the duties of the county police;
(3)    set the compensation of the county police; and
(4)    appoint a special commission or commissioner to be in charge of the county police.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 8 - Public Safety › Section 12-804 - Violations of County Ordinances in St. Mary's County

(a)    Notwithstanding Title 11, Subtitle 2 of the Land Use Article and any other provision of law, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may provide that:
(1)    a violation of an ordinance is punishable as a misdemeanor and enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as a violation under § 6–101 of this article; and
(2)    a violation of an ordinance is a civil infraction and shall be prosecuted in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for a municipal infraction under Title 6 of this article.
(b)    Every day that a violation continues is a separate civil infraction.
(c)    In addition to other remedies provided by this section, the county may bring an action for an injunction against a person who violates an ordinance, a rule, or a regulation to require the correction or elimination of a violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 8 - Public Safety › Section 12-805 - Labor Camps for Workers in Dorchester County

(a)    A person may not establish, maintain, or operate a labor camp for groups of 25 or more workers outside the limits of any municipality in Dorchester County unless the person obtains a permit under subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    (1)    The County Council of Dorchester County may issue a permit to a person as provided in the rules and regulations adopted by the county council.
(2)    After notice to the person who holds a permit and an opportunity for a hearing, the county council may revoke a permit for cause.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section or a rule or regulation of the County Council of Dorchester County adopted under this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 for each offense.
(2)    A labor camp established, operated, or maintained in violation of this section or a rule or regulation of the county adopted under this section may be abated as a nuisance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 9 - Miscellaneous › Section 12-901 - Community, Social, and Recreational Services

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County; and
(7)    Queen Anne’s County.
(b)    (1)    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 subsection.
(2)    The governing body of a county may provide, maintain, and operate community, social, and recreational services that promote the health and welfare of county residents.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Worcester County may provide, maintain, and operate community, social, and recreational services and projects that promote the health, welfare, and economic development of county residents.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 9 - Miscellaneous › Section 12-902 - Agreements to Purchase Development Rights

(a)    In this section, “agreement” means an agreement to purchase development rights authorized under this section.
(b)    This section applies only in:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore County;
(3)    Carroll County;
(4)    Howard County; and
(5)    Prince George’s County.
(c)    A county may enter into an agreement to purchase development rights.
(d)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, a county may determine, by resolution, the provisions, terms, conditions, and duration of an agreement.
(e)    A payment obligation in an agreement:
(1)    is a general obligation of the county to which its full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power is pledged; and
(2)    is not subject to annual appropriation by the county.
(f)    A county may undertake a payment obligation in an agreement:
(1)    without regard to any limitations contained in its charter or other public local law or public general law; and
(2)    without complying with any procedures contained in its charter or other public local law or public general law.
(g)    The exercise of the authority granted in this section to enter into an agreement with a payment obligation for a term of years constitutes the exercise of borrowing authority.
(h)    An agreement, the transfer or assignment of the agreement, and any payment required by the agreement are exempt from taxation by the State or any county, municipality, or public agency.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 9 - Miscellaneous › Section 12-903 - Bounties for Killing Wild Animals and Birds

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county may adopt rules and regulations to establish and provide for payment of bounties for the killing of:
(1)    crows;
(2)    foxes;
(3)    hawks;
(4)    minks;
(5)    owls;
(6)    wildcats; and
(7)    other similar destructive and harmful wild animals or birds.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)    In Calvert County, a person who violates a regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part I - In General › Section 13-102 - Regulation and Enforcement

(a)    This section does not apply in Washington County.
(b)    (1)    The governing body of a county may adopt rules and regulations for:
(i)    sales of dog licenses;
(ii)    keeping records of dog licenses; and
(iii)    enforcing this subtitle.
(2)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the governing body may delegate, by written contract, the enforcement and administration of this subtitle to any organization or municipality in the county.
(3)    (i)    The governing body shall reserve the right to cancel a written contract executed in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(ii)    A cancellation under this paragraph:
1.    may be without notice or recourse, if the cancellation is for cause; or
2.    requires notice at least 30 days before cancellation, if the cancellation is without cause.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the sheriff or a deputy authorized by the sheriff:
(i)    shall enforce this subtitle; and
(ii)    may issue a summons to a person who violates a provision of this subtitle.
(2)    In Calvert County and Garrett County:
(i)    this subtitle shall be enforced by:
1.    the sheriff or any deputy authorized by the sheriff; or
2.    an animal control officer appointed by the county commissioners or the county commissioner’s designee; and
(ii)    the sheriff, a deputy authorized by the sheriff, or an animal control officer may issue a summons to any person violating a provision of this subtitle.
(3)    The governing body of a county shall pay the actual expenses in enforcing this subtitle, including paying the salary of a deputy appointed for that purpose.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part I - In General › Section 13-104 - Service Dogs

(a)    In this section, “service dog” means a dog that is professionally trained to aid individuals who are:
(1)    blind or visually impaired;
(2)    deaf or hard of hearing; or
(3)    mobility impaired.
(b)    If an application meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section and the local licensing agency is satisfied that the dog for which a license is sought is a service dog and is actually in use as a service dog:
(1)    the dog owner is not required to pay a fee for issuance of the license; and
(2)    the local licensing agency shall inscribe across the face of the license in red ink the words “service dog”.
(c)    (1)    An application for a license for a service dog shall be accompanied by an affidavit from the owner stating that:
(i)    the dog for which the license is sought has been professionally trained as a service dog; and
(ii)    the owner is aware that the owner may be liable, under § 7–705 of the Human Services Article, for damages caused by the service dog to premises or facilities.
(2)    The local licensing agency in each county shall make forms available for affidavits required under this subsection.
(d)    (1)    In addition to any tag issued under Part II of this subtitle, the local licensing agency shall issue a tag for a service dog.
(2)    A service dog tag shall:
(i)    be orange;
(ii)    be labeled “service dog”; and
(iii)    indicate that it is issued by the State.
(3)    In accordance with § 4–316 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, the Department of General Services shall purchase the service dog tags and make them available to the counties on reimbursement for the cost of the tags.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part I - In General › Section 13-106 - Unlicensed or Menacing Dogs -- Contracts for Removal, Care, and Disposition

The governing body of a county may contract with a person for the removal, care, and disposition of unlicensed dogs or licensed dogs that may be a menace to safety, security, and property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part I - In General › Section 13-108 - Kennel Licenses for Breeders

(a)    This section applies to all counties, including Baltimore City.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subtitle, a person shall obtain a kennel license from the local licensing agency if the person:
(1)    owns or has custody of 6 or more unspayed female dogs over the age of 6 months kept for the purpose of breeding the dogs and selling their offspring; or
(2)    sells dogs from six or more litters in a year.
(c)    (1)    Each local licensing agency shall collect and maintain a record of the following information for each kennel license issued in the county:
(i)    name of the licensee;
(ii)    address of the licensee;
(iii)    number of dogs maintained by the licensee; and
(iv)    number of puppies sold by the licensee in the preceding year.
(2)    On or before January 15 of each year, each local licensing agency shall report to the Maryland Department of Labor the information collected under this subsection for the preceding year.
(d)    The governing body of a county may establish additional kennel license fees to cover the cost of collecting, maintaining, and submitting the records and reports required under subsection (c) of this section.
(e)    This section may not be construed to prohibit the governing body of a county from enacting more stringent kennel licensing ordinances.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part I - In General › Section 13-109 - Penalties

(a)    This section does not apply in Garrett County or Washington County.
(b)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle and paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine of not less than $5 and not exceeding $25 or both.
(2)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, in Calvert County, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine of $50 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part II - Local Provisions › Section 13-113 - Anne Arundel County

(a)    (1)    In Anne Arundel County, a person owning or keeping a dog shall apply to the county tax collector for a license for the dog if the dog is at least 6 months old.
(2)    At the time of application, the applicant shall pay the fee for a dog or kennel license set by the governing body of Anne Arundel County.
(3)    Except as provided in § 13–108 of this subtitle, the licenses and fees required under this section are the only licenses and fees required for owning or keeping a dog.
(4)    The governing body shall prepare and supply the form for a license issued under this subsection.
(5)    A dog license shall contain the date of issuance, a serial number, and a description of the dog licensed.
(6)    A license expires when the rabies vaccination certificate issued to the dog under § 18–319(a)(3) of the Health – General Article expires.
(b)    (1)    In Anne Arundel County, the county tax collector shall issue a tag with each dog license to a person owning or keeping a dog when the person pays the license fee for the dog.
(2)    The governing body of Anne Arundel County shall prepare and supply tags to the county tax collector each year.
(3)    The tags shall be:
(i)    composed of metal;
(ii)    imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;
(iii)    imprinted with the expiration date of the license;
(iv)    1 inch or less in length; and
(v)    equipped with a substantial metal fastener.
(4)    The general shape of the tags may remain unchanged from year to year.
(5)    Tags supplied to owners of kennels shall contain the word “kennel”.
(6)    The person owning or keeping a dog shall attach the tag to a substantial collar and keep the collar and tag on the dog for which the license was issued at all times, except when the dog is:
(i)    confined in a kennel; or
(ii)    hunting under the charge of an attendant.
(7)    The county tax collector shall replace a lost tag on:
(i)    application by the person to whom the original license was issued;
(ii)    the production of the license; and
(iii)    payment of a fee of 25 cents.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 1 - Regulation of Animals › Part II - Local Provisions › Section 13-114 - Baltimore County

(a)    (1)    In Baltimore County, on or before July 1 of each year, a person owning or keeping a dog shall apply to the county tax collector for a license for the dog if the dog is at least 6 months old.
(2)    At the time of application, the applicant shall pay a fee of:
(i)    $1 for a license for a male or spayed female dog;
(ii)    $2 for a license for an unspayed female dog;
(iii)    $10 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping 25 or fewer dogs; or
(iv)    $20 for a kennel license for a person owning or keeping more than 25 dogs.
(3)    Except as provided in § 13–108 of this subtitle, the licenses and fees required under this section are the only licenses and fees required for owning or keeping a dog.
(4)    The governing body of Baltimore County shall prepare and supply the form for a license issued under this subsection.
(5)    A dog license shall contain the date of issuance, a serial number, and a description of the dog licensed.
(6)    A license expires on July 1 of the year after issuance.
(b)    (1)    In Baltimore County, the county tax collector shall issue a tag with each dog license to a person owning or keeping a dog when the person pays the license fee for the dog.
(2)    The governing body of Baltimore County shall prepare and supply tags to the county tax collector each year.
(3)    The tags shall be:
(i)    composed of metal;
(ii)    imprinted with a serial number corresponding to the number on the license issued to the owner under subsection (a) of this section;
(iii)    imprinted with the calendar year for which the tag is issued;
(iv)    1 inch or less in length; and
(v)    equipped with a substantial metal fastener.
(4)    The governing body shall change the general shape of the tags each year.
(5)    Tags supplied to owners of kennels shall contain the word “kennel”.
(6)    The person owning or keeping a dog shall attach the tag to a substantial collar and keep the collar and tag on the dog for which the license was issued at all times, except when the dog is:
(i)    confined in a kennel; or
(ii)    hunting under the charge of an attendant.
(7)    The county tax collector shall replace a lost tag on:
(i)    application by the person to whom the original license was issued;
(ii)    the production of the license; and
(iii)    payment of a fee of 25 cents.