reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 14 - Emergency Management › Subtitle 11 - Maryland Food System Resiliency Council › Section 14-1101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Council” means the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council.
(c)    “Director” means the Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
(d)    “Food council organization” means a local food council organization that is established in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 14 - Emergency Management › Subtitle 12 - Office of Resilience › Section 14-1202 - Chief Resilience Officer -- Duties and Responsibilities

(a)    The head of the Office of Resilience is the Chief Resilience Officer, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(b)    The Chief Resilience Officer is in the executive service of the State Personnel Management System and is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
(c)    The Chief Resilience Officer is responsible for coordinating State and local efforts to build resilience to risks identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan.
(d)    The duties of the Chief Resilience Officer include:
(1)    coordinating State and local efforts to build resilience to risks identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan;
(2)    developing a State Resilience Strategy and assisting local agencies in their efforts to prepare and implement resilience strategies;
(3)    coordinating across State and local agencies to prepare and implement resilience strategies;
(4)    identifying, securing, and assisting in accessing federal, State, and private funding streams and technical assistance that can be used to support State and local resilience efforts;
(5)    working with business leaders from industries vulnerable to the risks to identify best practices for preparing for and responding to risks; and
(6)    ensuring that investments prioritize vulnerable communities and environmental justice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 14 - Emergency Management › Subtitle 12 - Office of Resilience › Section 14-1203 - Office of Resilience Duties -- Annual Report on Efficacy of Efforts

(a)    The Office of Resilience shall:
(1)    coordinate and administer federal prevention, protection, mitigation, and recovery–focused programs;
(2)    administer State mitigation grants and loans;
(3)    identify flood risk assessment tools for use by programs and projects statewide;
(4)    administer other programs as directed by the Secretary and the Chief Resilience Officer;
(5)    prioritize vulnerable communities and ensure that investments are made with a focus on environmental justice; and
(6)    conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions to support the development of local resiliency plans.
(b)    (1)    On or before January 1, 2024, and each January 1 thereafter, the Office of Resilience shall report to the State Treasurer, the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the current status and efficacy of State and local resiliency efforts.
(2)    The report shall include:
(i)    a summary of the activity of the Office of Resilience during the previous calendar year;
(ii)    recommendations based on information gathered by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; and
(iii)    plans to increase resiliency in the State for the next year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years, including potential funding sources for the plans.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 14 - Emergency Management › Subtitle 12 - Office of Resilience › Section 14-1204 - Coordinate Strategies and Improve Interagency Coordination -- Goals -- Coordination With University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

(a)    With support from appropriate State agencies and State entities, the Office of Resilience shall coordinate strategies and improve interagency coordination to meet the following goals:
(1)    ensuring rapid State support following emergencies;
(2)    minimizing flooding in residential areas;
(3)    promoting climate–informed investments;
(4)    informing and educating the public on emergency safety and risks;
(5)    building neighborhood resiliency;
(6)    improving coastal resilience;
(7)    adapting agricultural practices to respond to increasing precipitation, temperatures, and soil salinization; and
(8)    reducing the potential impact of other hazards identified in the Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan.
(b)    The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science shall coordinate with the Office of Resilience to:
(1)    establish a resilience baseline for the State;
(2)    develop a statewide resilience assessment to support local government benchmarking for use in a statewide resilience tracker to help identify investment needs;
(3)    develop indicators to monitor the effectiveness of resilience efforts and establish future goals; and
(4)    produce an economic analysis and policy benchmark report to include:
(i)    an examination of the financial impact of extreme weather or other hazardous events in the State;
(ii)    an estimate of necessary resources needed to prepare for and reduce the adverse effects of hazardous events in the State;
(iii)    the identification of available funding sources, including those used by other states; and
(iv)    a comparison of State policies and resilience efforts with those of other vulnerable states, including Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 15 - Gas Pipeline Safety › Section 15-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means the Public Service Commission.
(c)    “Gas” means natural gas, flammable gas, or toxic or corrosive gas.
(d)    (1)    “Gas pipeline” means an intrastate transmission line or any portion of an interstate transmission line located within the State that:
(i)    transports gas from a gathering line or storage facility to a distribution center, storage facility, or large volume customer that is not downstream from a distribution center;
(ii)    operates at a hoop stress of 20% or more of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipeline; or
(iii)    transports gas within a storage field.
(2)    “Gas pipeline” does not mean any transmission line or distribution line constructed, owned, or operated by a public service company as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(e)    (1)    “Gas transmission company” means a person that owns or operates a gas pipeline regulated under this title.
(2)    “Gas transmission company” does not include a person that is primarily in the business of local gas distribution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 15 - Gas Pipeline Safety › Section 15-102 - Implementation of Federal Pipeline Safety Laws

(a)    (1)    On or before December 1, 2013, the Commission shall:
(i)    evaluate the process and criteria the U.S. Secretary of Transportation would use to review an application for certification or agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 with respect to interstate pipelines located within the State; and
(ii)    determine whether it is in the public interest for the Commission to apply for certification or agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601, to act for the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to implement 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 with respect to interstate gas pipelines located within the State.
(2)    If the Commission determines that it is in the public interest for the Commission to act for the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to implement 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 with respect to interstate pipelines located within the State, the Commission shall, on or before January 1, 2014, apply for certification or agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
(b)    If the Commission enters into a certification or agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to act for the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to implement 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 with respect to interstate pipelines located within the State, the Commission shall, in accordance with federal regulations:
(1)    make periodic certifications and reports to the U.S. Department of Transportation as may be required under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601; and
(2)    take any other actions necessary to carry out responsibilities under a certification or an agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under this title.
(c)    The Commission may:
(1)    accept grants–in–aid, cash, and reimbursements made available to the State to implement federal pipeline safety laws or other federal law; and
(2)    charge an owner of an interstate gas pipeline a fee to recover the costs of the inspections of the owner’s interstate gas pipelines located within the State, less any grants provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation for inspecting interstate pipelines.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-101 - Established; Purpose

(a)    There is a Public Service Commission.
(b)    The Commission is an independent unit in the Executive Branch of State government.
(c)    The Commission shall carry out the functions assigned to it by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-102 - Membership

(a)    The Commission consists of five commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b)    (1)    Each commissioner shall be a registered voter of the State.
(2)    The Commission shall be:
(i)    broadly representative of the geographic and demographic diversity of the State and of the public; and
(ii)    composed of individuals with diverse training and experience.
(c)    Each commissioner shall devote full time to the duties of office.
(d)    (1)    The term of a commissioner is 5 years and begins on July 1.
(2)    The terms of commissioners are staggered as required by the terms in effect for commissioners on July 1, 2006.
(3)    At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor qualifies.
(4)    A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor qualifies.
(e)    Before taking office, each appointee to the Commission shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(f)    The Governor may remove a commissioner for incompetence or misconduct in accordance with § 3-307 of the State Government Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-103 - Chairman

(a)    With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint a Chairman.
(b)    (1)    The term of the Chairman is 5 years and begins on July 1.
(2)    At the end of a term, the Chairman continues to serve until a successor qualifies.
(3)    A Chairman who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor qualifies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-104 - Executive Secretary

(a)    The Commission shall appoint an Executive Secretary.
(b)    The Executive Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Commission.
(c)    The Executive Secretary shall:
(1)    keep the records of the Commission, including a record of proceedings, all documents required to be filed with the Commission, all orders, regulations, and decisions of the Commission, and all dockets and files;
(2)    certify true copies of those materials;
(3)    designate an employee of the Commission to perform the duties of Executive Secretary when the Executive Secretary is absent; and
(4)    perform the other duties that the Commission prescribes.
(d)    With the approval of the Commission and in conformity with Title 10, Subtitle 6, Part III of the State Government Article, the Executive Secretary may destroy any record or document that the Commission possesses, including a record or document required by law to be filed with the Commission, if:
(1)    the record or document has been on file for at least 3 years; and
(2)    the Executive Secretary considers the document to be obsolete.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-105 - Executive Director

(a)    The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director.
(b)    The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Commission.
(c)    The Executive Director shall:
(1)    direct and coordinate the technical staff, except public utility law judges, of the Commission; and
(2)    perform the other duties that the Commission prescribes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-106 - General Counsel

(a)    The Commission shall appoint a General Counsel.
(b)    The General Counsel shall have been admitted to practice law in the State.
(c)    The General Counsel serves at the pleasure of the Commission.
(d)    As the Commission directs, the General Counsel shall:
(1)    represent the Commission in a proceeding if the Commission is a party to or desires to intervene in the proceeding, if the proceeding involves a question under this division, or if the proceeding involves an act or order of the Commission;
(2)    advise the Commission, on request, on any legal question that requires interpretation of a provision of law about the jurisdiction, rights, duties, or powers of the Commission; and
(3)    act as attorney to the Commission as the Commission reasonably requires.
(e)    The Commission may substitute any other agent for the General Counsel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-107 - Compensation

(a)    Each commissioner, the Chairman of the Commission, the General Counsel, the Executive Secretary, and the Executive Director are entitled to compensation as provided in the State budget.
(b)    (1)    The salary of the Chairman of the Commission shall be at least $40,000 a year.
(2)    The salary of each commissioner shall be at least $35,000 a year.
(c)    A commissioner and other Commission personnel are entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-109 - Records

(a)    (1)    On request of the Commission, a public officer shall give to the Commission, without charge, a certified copy of a document or part of a document on file with the officer.
(2)    Without charge, a public officer shall accept from the Commission any document authorized or required to be filed with the officer and shall enter, file, docket, or record the document.
(b)    Each record of the Commission is a public record and shall be made available to the public at reasonable times.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-110.1 - Public Utility Regulation Fund

(a)    There is a Public Utility Regulation Fund.
(b)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    all revenue received through the imposition and collection of assessments under § 2–110 of this subtitle;
(2)    fees received by the Commission under § 2–123 of this subtitle for filings and for other services rendered by the Commission;
(3)    income from investments that the State Treasurer makes for the Fund; and
(4)    any other fee, examination assessment, or revenue received by the Commission under this division.
(c)    Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall pay all fines and penalties collected by the Commission under this article into the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund established under § 9–2011 of the State Government Article.
(d)    The purpose of the Fund is to pay all the costs and expenses incurred by the Commission and the Office of People’s Counsel that are related to the operation of the Commission and the Office of People’s Counsel, including:
(1)    expenditures authorized under this division; and
(2)    any other expense authorized in the State budget.
(e)    (1)    All the costs and expenses of the Commission and the Office of People’s Counsel shall be included in the State budget.
(2)    Expenditures from the Fund to cover costs and expenses of the Commission and Office of People’s Counsel may only be made:
(i)    with an appropriation from the Fund approved by the General Assembly in the State budget; or
(ii)    by budget amendment in accordance with § 7-209 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(f)    (1)    The State Treasurer is the custodian of the Fund.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall deposit payments received from the Commission into the Fund.
(g)    (1)    The Fund is a continuing, special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and may not be considered a part of the General Fund of the State.
(2)    Unless otherwise provided by law, no part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:
(i)    the General Fund of the State; or
(ii)    any other special fund of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-111 - Fees

(a)    The Commission may charge reasonable fees for copies of Commission documents.
(b)    The Commission may charge $1 to issue or renew a taxicab driver license and $2 to issue a duplicate taxicab driver license.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-112 - Jurisdiction; General Powers

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to the full extent that the Constitution and laws of the United States allow, the Commission has jurisdiction over each public service company that engages in or operates a utility business in the State and over motor carrier companies as provided in Title 9 of this article.
(2)    Except as provided in Title 5, Subtitle 6, Part VI of the Corporations and Associations Article, the Commission does not have jurisdiction over a member–regulated cooperative as defined in § 5–601 of the Corporations and Associations Article.
(b)    (1)    The Commission has the powers specifically conferred by law.
(2)    The Commission has the implied and incidental powers needed or proper to carry out its functions under this division.
(c)    The powers of the Commission shall be construed liberally.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-113 - Supervisory and Regulatory Power

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall:
(i)    supervise and regulate the public service companies subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission to:
1.    ensure their operation in the interest of the public; and
2.    promote adequate, economical, and efficient delivery of utility services in the State without unjust discrimination; and
(ii)    enforce compliance with the requirements of law by public service companies, including requirements with respect to financial condition, capitalization, franchises, plant, manner of operation, rates, and service.
(2)    In supervising and regulating public service companies, the Commission shall consider:
(i)    the public safety;
(ii)    the economy of the State;
(iii)    the maintenance of fair and stable labor standards for affected workers;
(iv)    the conservation of natural resources;
(v)    the preservation of environmental quality, including protection of the global climate from continued short–term and long–term warming based on the best available scientific information recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and
(vi)    the achievement of the State’s climate commitments for reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions, including those specified in Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the Environment Article.
(b)    The powers and duties listed in this title do not limit the scope of the general powers and duties of the Commission provided for by this division.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-114 - Plant Inspection

To inspect a plant of a public service company, the Commission may:
(1)    have access to the plant;
(2)    set up and use equipment in the plant as needed; and
(3)    occupy space in the plant as the Commission considers reasonably necessary to inspect or test.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-115 - Investigations

(a)    The Commission shall initiate and conduct any investigation necessary to execute its powers or perform its duties under this division.
(b)    The Commission may:
(1)    examine the records of a public service company;
(2)    compel production of the records by subpoena; and
(3)    require verified copies of the records to be filed with the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-116 - Legislation

(a)    (1)    As it considers desirable, the Commission may conduct proceedings on proposed amendments to any law that, in the judgment of the Commission, would affect the public interest in any aspect of the business of a public service company.
(2)    On request of the Governor, the General Assembly, or either house of the General Assembly, the Commission shall conduct proceedings on proposed amendments to any law that, in the judgment of the Commission, would affect the public interest in any aspect of the business of a public service company.
(b)    (1)    The Commission may recommend or prepare legislation on any matter within or related to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
(2)    If a proceeding under this section was held on request, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the Commission shall report its conclusions to the person or body who requested the proceeding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-118 - Long-Range Service Plans

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    taxicabs;
(2)    powerboat companies;
(3)    toll bridges;
(4)    towing and lightering companies; or
(5)    small rural electric cooperatives described in § 7-502(a) of this article.
(b)    The Commission shall require each public service company subject to its jurisdiction to formulate and, after approval by the Commission, to implement long-range plans to provide regulated service.
(c)    The Commission shall require each electric company in the State to include in the long-range plan adequate, cost-effective provisions to promote energy conservation to decrease or moderate electric and, as appropriate, natural gas demand for regulated service from customers.
(d)    (1)    The Commission shall review each plan for adequacy under the criteria of § 2-113 of this subtitle, giving attention to the interrelationship of services of other public service companies and to provisions for research and development to ensure adequate service.
(2)    As part of the review, and subject to any applicable Freedom of Information Act, the Commission shall consult with other State units and provide an opportunity for public comment.
(3)    The Commission shall require the revisions to a plan that the Commission considers appropriate unless the authority to review and approve a plan has been granted to another State unit by other law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-119 - Interstate Commerce

As the interests of the people of this State are affected, the Commission:
(1)    shall study the rates and service of public service companies in interstate commerce beyond the jurisdiction of the Commission; and
(2)    may apply to and appear before appropriate federal units to protect those interests.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-120 - Joint Action

Under interstate compacts or agreements or under the concurrent power of states to regulate interstate commerce, or as an agency of the federal government, or otherwise, the Commission may act jointly or concurrently with an official board or commission of the United States or a state in a proceeding relating to the regulation of a public service company.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-122 - Reports

(a)    (1)    On or before May 1 of each year, the Commission shall publish an annual report that summarizes the activities of the Commission that includes:
(i)    a summary of each regulation, opinion, or order that the Commission adopted, entered, or passed during the year; and
(ii)    any other information that the Commission considers of value.
(2)    The Commission shall send a copy of the report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.
(b)    Each year, the Commission shall publish a report that includes:
(1)    the progress of the residential conservation service plan;
(2)    Commission activities to moderate peak electric demand; and
(3)    energy conservation measures taken by gas companies and electric companies in the State to reduce electrical and natural gas demand.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 1 - Public Service Commission › Section 2-123 - Fees

(a)    In accordance with this section, the Commission may charge reasonable and nondiscriminatory fees for the filing of documents with the Commission and for other services performed by the Commission.
(b)    Actions for which the Commission may charge a fee include:
(1)    an initial tariff or tariff change;
(2)    a certificate of public convenience and necessity;
(3)    an application to provide or abandon service;
(4)    a preparation of any record in appeal;
(5)    a certification of any document;
(6)    an application or petition to increase or decrease rates;
(7)    an annual report;
(8)    a copy of papers, testimony, microfiche, records, and computer printouts; and
(9)    any other filing or service for which the Commission reasonably determines that a fee is required.
(c)    (1)    In determining the amount of a fee to be charged for a filing or other service performed by the Commission, the Commission shall consider the estimated expense associated with the filing or other service.
(2)    (i)    The Commission shall waive a fee charged under this section for a filing by a unit of State government or for a service performed by the Commission for a unit of State government.
(ii)    The Commission may waive a fee charged under this section if the Commission determines that the waiver is in the public interest.
(d)    A document for which a filing fee is required may be received by the Commission at any time, but may not be considered filed until the filing fee has been paid.
(e)    The Commission shall deposit all fees collected under this section in the Public Utility Regulation Fund.
(f)    The Commission shall adopt regulations to set reasonable and nondiscriminatory fees for filing and other services performed by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 2 - People's Counsel › Section 2-201 - "Residential and Noncommercial Users" Defined

In this subtitle, “residential and noncommercial users” means:
(1)    residential users of gas, electricity, telephones, or water and sewerage; and
(2)    noncommercial users of other services regulated by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 2 - People's Counsel › Section 2-202 - Appointment

(a)    With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Attorney General shall appoint the People’s Counsel.
(b)    (1)    The term of the People’s Counsel is 5 years and begins on July 1.
(2)    At the end of a term, the People’s Counsel continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3)    A People’s Counsel who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(c)    The People’s Counsel shall have been admitted to practice law in the State.
(d)    Before taking office, the People’s Counsel shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(e)    The People’s Counsel shall devote full time to the duties of office.
(f)    The People’s Counsel is entitled to a salary of at least $35,000 a year as provided in the State budget.
(g)    The Attorney General may remove the People’s Counsel for good cause shown after notice and an opportunity to be heard.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 2 - People's Counsel › Section 2-204 - Duties

(a)    (1)    (i)    The Office of People’s Counsel shall evaluate each matter pending before the Commission to determine if the interests of residential and noncommercial users are affected.
(ii)    In determining whether the interests of residential and noncommercial users are affected, the Office of People’s Counsel shall consider the public safety, economic welfare, and environmental interests of the State and its residents, including the State’s progress toward meeting its greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals.
(2)    If the Office of People’s Counsel considers the interest of residential and noncommercial users to be affected, the Office of People’s Counsel shall appear before the Commission and courts on behalf of residential and noncommercial users in each matter or proceeding over which the Commission has original jurisdiction, including a proceeding on the rates, service, or practices of a public service company or on a violation of this division.
(3)    As the Office of People’s Counsel considers necessary, the Office of People’s Counsel shall conduct investigations and request the Commission to initiate proceedings to protect the interests of residential and noncommercial users.
(b)    The People’s Counsel shall administer and operate the Office of People’s Counsel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 2 - People's Counsel › Section 2-205 - Powers

(a)    In appearances before the Commission and courts on behalf of residential and noncommercial users, the Office of People’s Counsel has the rights of counsel for a party to the proceeding, including those rights specified in § 3-107 of this article.
(b)    The Office of People’s Counsel may appear before any federal or State unit to protect the interests of residential and noncommercial users.
(c)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this article and consistent with any applicable Freedom of Information Act, the Office of People’s Counsel shall have full access to the Commission’s records and shall have the benefit of all other facilities or information of the Commission.
(2)    The Office of People’s Counsel is entitled to the assistance of the Commission’s staff, if the staff determines that the assistance is consistent with the staff’s responsibilities and if the staff and the Office of People’s Counsel agree that the assistance, in a particular matter, is consistent with their respective interests.
(d)    If the Office of People’s Counsel considers that the legislation would affect the interests of residential and noncommercial users, the Office of People’s Counsel may recommend to the General Assembly legislation on any matter related to the Commission’s jurisdiction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 2 - People's Counsel › Section 2-206 - Budget Shortfall

If the budget for the Office of People’s Counsel is insufficient to allow it to perform its duties, the Office of People’s Counsel may apply to the Board of Public Works for additional money from the General Emergency Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-303 - Relationship With Public Service Company

(a)    This section applies to each individual subject to § 2–302 of this subtitle and to:
(1)    each spouse, dependent child, parent, brother, or sister of each commissioner, the People’s Counsel, the General Counsel, and each public utility law judge; and
(2)    each spouse or dependent child of each other officer or employee of the Commission or Office of People’s Counsel.
(b)    An individual subject to this section may not:
(1)    hold an official relation to or connection with a public service company; or
(2)    have a pecuniary interest in a public service company as the holder of stock or other securities or otherwise.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-304 - Holding Incompatible Position

An individual subject to § 2-302 of this subtitle may not hold an office or position or engage in a business or avocation that is incompatible with the duties of office or service with the Commission or Office of People’s Counsel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-305 - Soliciting Appointment

An individual subject to § 2-302 of this subtitle may not solicit, suggest, request, or recommend directly or indirectly to a public service company that a person be appointed to an office or place of employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-306 - Activities After Service

(a)    Until at least 2 years have passed after leaving service as a commissioner or the People’s Counsel, an individual may not:
(1)    represent a public service company before the Commission;
(2)    appear before the Commission on behalf of a party to a Commission proceeding; or
(3)    appear before the Commission on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
(b)    Until at least 1 year has passed after leaving service with the Commission as the General Counsel or a public utility law judge, an individual may not:
(1)    represent a public service company before the Commission;
(2)    appear before the Commission on behalf of a party to a Commission proceeding; or
(3)    appear before the Commission on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
(c)    Until at least 1 year has passed after leaving service with the Commission as a commissioner, an individual may not receive financial benefit that is not otherwise generally available to the public as a customer of a public service company from:
(1)    a public service company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission; or
(2)    a person that directly or indirectly, or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a public service company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-307 - Accepting Gifts

(a)    This section applies to each individual subject to § 2–302 of this subtitle and to:
(1)    each spouse, dependent child, parent, brother, or sister of each commissioner, the People’s Counsel, the General Counsel, and each public utility law judge; and
(2)    each spouse or dependent child of each other officer or employee of the Commission or Office of People’s Counsel.
(b)    (1)    An individual subject to this section may not accept from a public service company or its officers, agents, or employees, a gift, gratuity, or special consideration.
(2)    This subsection does not preclude an individual from accepting a gift from a relative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-308 - Offering Gifts

(a)    This section applies to each individual subject to § 2–302 of this subtitle and to:
(1)    each spouse, dependent child, parent, brother, or sister of each commissioner, the People’s Counsel, the General Counsel, and each public utility law judge; and
(2)    each spouse or dependent child of each other officer or employee of the Commission or Office of People’s Counsel.
(b)    (1)    A public service company or its officer, agent, or employee may not offer a gift, gratuity, or special consideration to an individual subject to this section.
(2)    This section does not preclude an individual from offering a gift to a relative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 2 - Public Service Commission and People's Counsel › Subtitle 3 - Ethics › Section 2-309 - Divulging Information

Except as directed by the Commission or a court or as authorized by law, an individual subject to § 2-302 of this subtitle may not divulge information learned while inspecting the plant or examining the records of a public service company.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-101 - Commission Proceedings Generally

(a)    A proceeding before the Commission shall be governed by the regulations and practices of the Commission in conformity with this title.
(b)    The Commission is not bound by the rules of evidence or procedure of any court.
(c)    An official act of the Commission:
(1)    is valid if it substantially complies with the requirements of this division; and
(2)    may not be vitiated by any technical deficiency.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-102 - Complaint; Commencement of Proceedings

(a)    (1)    Any person may file a complaint with the Commission.
(2)    The complaint shall be in writing and set forth circumstances that allege a violation of this division by a public service company.
(b)    If a complaint filed under subsection (a) of this section states on its face a violation of this article or if the Commission determines that the complaint deserves an explanation, the Commission shall:
(1)    serve a copy of the complaint on the public service company; and
(2)    issue an order that requires the public service company to satisfy or answer the complaint in writing within a specified time.
(c)    A person that is the subject of a complaint filed by any person or the Commission is entitled to a hearing in a contested case that results from the complaint.
(d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission must conduct an investigation of the matters in a complaint filed under this section if the complaint concerns the following:
(i)    the quality or reliability of gas supply or electric power supply; or
(ii)    the price of gas or electricity.
(2)    In order to be entitled to an investigation under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the complaint shall be signed by:
(i)    the People’s Counsel;
(ii)    the chief executive or local legislative body of a municipal corporation or county in which a gas or electric company is authorized to operate; or
(iii)    not less than 100 customers of the gas company or electric company, with the names and addresses of the customers set out in the complaint.
(e)    (1)    The Commission shall begin proceedings on its own motion against a person by filing a complaint.
(2)    The complaint filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection for the first time in a proceeding shall be served on the person that is the subject of the complaint before any hearing on the matter.
(f)    Unless a complaint is voluntarily satisfied, the Commission shall take final action on each complaint by issuing an order that:
(1)    dismisses the complaint;
(2)    directs full or partial satisfaction of the complaint; or
(3)    directs any action that the Commission considers to be warranted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-103 - Service of Process or Documents

(a)    The service of a document or notice relating to a proceeding before the Commission under this division shall be sufficient:
(1)    if made personally through the sheriff’s office in the county in which service may be made or by an adult; or
(2)    except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, if mailed by first–class mail, postage prepaid, to the last known address of the person to be served.
(b)    Service of complaints and accompanying documents shall be sufficient if they are mailed by registered first–class mail, postage prepaid, to the last known address of the person to be served.
(c)    Service of subpoenas shall be sufficient only if made personally through the sheriff’s office in the county in which service may be made or by an adult.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-104 - Proceedings

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall institute and conduct proceedings reasonably necessary and proper to the exercise of its powers or the performance of its duties.
(2)    The Commission shall conduct its proceedings en banc or in panels of:
(i)    at least three commissioners; or
(ii)    one public utility law judge and at least two commissioners.
(3)    A quorum consists of a majority of the Commission or a majority of a panel.
(b)    (1)    The Commission, a commissioner, or a public utility law judge may conduct hearings, examine witnesses, administer oaths, and perform any other acts necessary to the conduct of proceedings.
(2)    The Executive Secretary of the Commission may administer oaths.
(3)    Each record of a proceeding of the Commission is a public record.
(c)    To the extent necessary to receive public comment for each application for a rate increase, the Commission shall hold a hearing at a convenient location and time during evening hours:
(1)    in person in the service area affected; or
(2)    virtually, with appropriate notice provided so that persons in the service area affected may participate in the hearing.
(d)    (1)    The Commission may delegate to a commissioner or to a public utility law judge the authority to conduct a proceeding that is within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
(2)    In a delegated proceeding, the commissioner or public utility law judge shall:
(i)    conduct the hearing and any other proceeding that the commissioner or public utility law judge considers necessary; and
(ii)    file with the Commission, and simultaneously serve on all parties, a proposed order and findings of fact.
(3)    The proposed order shall become final unless appealed as provided in § 3–113(d) of this subtitle.
(e)    (1)    This subsection applies unless, after considering any staff recommendation as to the extent of staff participation, the Commission determines that the public interest would not be served by staff participation.
(2)    In each matter before the Commission, the staff of the Commission shall:
(i)    analyze the data submitted to the Commission;
(ii)    prepare a staff position based on that analysis; and
(iii)    make an evidentiary presentation setting forth the staff’s analysis of the issues and its recommendations.
(3)    In making analyses and recommendations, the staff is:
(i)    governed by the criteria in § 2–113 of this article; and
(ii)    a party and has the rights of a party to the proceeding, including the rights specified in § 3–107 of this subtitle.
(4)    The staff shall present direct and redirect cases of its own, cross–examine, submit briefs, and engage in oral argument as the staff considers necessary to ensure that the Commission has a complete record on all relevant issues in a particular case.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-105 - Proceedings -- Priority

The Commission shall give preferential consideration to the following in descending order:
(1)    the hearing and decision of questions involving the rates of a public service company;
(2)    requests by a public service company to discontinue or abandon service under any franchise, right, or permit after its expiration date; and
(3)    any other questions pending before the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 3 - Administrative and Judicial Procedure › Subtitle 1 - Procedure Before Commission › Section 3-106 - Proceedings -- Intervention

(a)    If a person timely files, the person may apply to intervene in a proceeding before the Commission.
(b)    The Commission shall grant leave to intervene unless the Commission concludes that:
(1)    the parties to the proceeding adequately represent the interest of the person seeking to intervene; or
(2)    the issues that the person seeks to raise are irrelevant or immaterial.
(c)    (1)    An intervenor has all the rights of a party to a proceeding.
(2)    In a proceeding before the Commission, an individual who is an intervenor may represent himself or herself.