reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 29 - St. Mary's County Human Relations Commission › Section 29-109 - Annual Report

(a)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall file with the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County a comprehensive report of its activities at least once every 12 months.
(b)    The Commission may not reveal any confidential information in the report to the county commissioners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Board of Trustees for the Fund.
(c)    “Department” means the Baltimore City Police Department.
(d)    “Fund” means the Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-102 - Established

(a)    There is a Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund.
(b)    (1)    The Fund is an instrumentality of the State.
(2)    The Fund is the successor relief fund to any previous relief fund administered by the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-105 - Proceedings

(a)    (1)    If requested, the Board shall provide an opportunity for a full hearing, including the right to counsel and cross–examination for all interested parties, in a proceeding regarding any benefit provided under this title.
(2)    (i)    Through the member presiding at a hearing, the Board may:
1.    administer oaths; and
2.    apply to the circuit court of any county for a subpoena for a witness.
(ii)    If the Board applies for a subpoena under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the circuit court shall grant the subpoena if the court finds that:
1.    the evidence of the witness is necessary to provide a fair hearing; and
2.    requiring attendance by the witness would not be oppressive.
(b)    (1)    The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings.
(2)    The record shall be open to public inspection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-106 - Assets of Fund

(a)    (1)    The Board may accept and shall credit to the Fund any gifts, devises, and bequests to be administered in accordance with this title.
(2)    The Board may pay from the Fund the expenses necessary to carry out this title, including:
(i)    organization, clerical, and office expenses; and
(ii)    for the conduct of its proceedings, including expenses for investigation, medical or other advice, and stenographic service.
(b)    (1)    (i)    If the balance of the Fund falls below $75,000, the Board may assess a fee not to exceed 10 cents per week on each officer and civilian employee of the Department.
(ii)    The fee shall be collected through payroll deductions and credited to the Fund.
(iii)    1.    The Board shall determine the period of time over which the fee will be collected.
2.    The assessment shall end when the balance of the Fund reaches $200,000 and may only be reimposed when the balance of the Fund falls below $75,000.
(2)    (i)    On written request of at least 10% of the total number of officers and civilian employees of the Department, the action of the Board requiring an assessment under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be submitted to a secret ballot vote of the officers and civilian employees of the Department.
(ii)    If a majority of the votes cast are against the assessment, the assessment may not be imposed.
(3)    (i)    If the Fund is not replenished, the Fund shall be used until exhausted.
(ii)    Once the assets of the Fund have been exhausted, the Fund shall cease.
(c)    (1)    The Board shall deposit sufficient money from the Fund in federally insured savings accounts to meet the anticipated benefit payments for each year.
(2)    The Board may invest the remaining assets of the Fund in any other manner the Board considers prudent.
(d)    (1)    The Fund shall be audited from time to time by an independent certified public accountant that the Board retains.
(2)    On or before May 1 of each year, the Board shall publish a report for the previous calendar year that includes the fiscal transactions of the Fund and a detailed balance sheet.
(3)    (i)    The Board shall provide copies of the report to all members of the Board by electronic mail and post copies of the report on the Department’s Intranet.
(ii)    The Board shall keep copies of the report on file and make the report available to any officer or civilian employee of the Department or potential beneficiary of any deceased officer or civilian employee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-107 - Payment of Death Benefits

(a)    The Fund shall pay special death benefits, as provided in this title, for an officer or a civilian employee of the Department whose death is proximately caused by injuries sustained or by harm inflicted on the body in the course of the performance of the officer’s or employee’s duties.
(b)    The Fund shall pay death benefits, as provided in this title, for an active officer or a civilian employee of the Department whose death is not proximately caused by injuries sustained or by harm inflicted on the body in the course of the performance of the officer’s or employee’s duties.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 30 - Baltimore City Police Department Death Relief Fund › Section 30-108 - Benefits and Beneficiaries

(a)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection:
(i)    the amount of benefit payable under § 30–107(a) of this title is $10,000; and
(ii)    the amount of benefit payable under § 30–107(b) of this title is $500.
(2)    The Board may prospectively and uniformly establish by resolution an amount of benefit payable under this title that is greater than the amount specified in this subsection.
(3)    The benefit provided for under this title shall be in addition to all other benefits provided by law or by voluntary action of any person.
(b)    (1)    On the death of an officer or a civilian employee of the Department, the benefit provided for under this title is payable to the following individuals:
(i)    the surviving spouse;
(ii)    if there is no surviving spouse, to the minor children, in equal shares;
(iii)    if there is no surviving spouse or minor children, to the dependent parents, in equal shares; or
(iv)    if there is no surviving spouse, minor child, or dependent parent, to any other dependents or the estate of the officer or employee.
(2)    Any benefit paid under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection shall:
(i)    not exceed the maximum benefit provided in subsection (a) of this section; and
(ii)    be paid in proportions determined by the Board.
(3)    (i)    Any benefit payable to a minor shall be made to the minor’s legal guardian in the State.
(ii)    If a benefit is payable to a minor who does not have a legal guardian in the State, the benefit is payable on behalf of the minor to a person determined by the Board under conditions set by the Board.
(4)    A beneficiary’s eligibility is not affected by whether the deceased officer or civilian employee paid into the Fund.
(c)    The benefit provided for under this title is not subject to:
(1)    execution, garnishment, attachment, or any other process; and
(2)    assignment until the benefits are paid to the beneficiary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-102 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub -- Purpose

(a)    There is a Baltimore City Youth Data Hub in Baltimore City.
(b)    The purpose of the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub is:
(1)    to promote the health, safety, security, and well–being of youth; and
(2)    to improve equitable access to and the overall cost–efficiency of programs serving youth.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-103 - Executive Committee -- Members and Duties -- Advisory Committee

(a)    The executive committee consists of:
(1)    the Mayor of Baltimore City, or the Mayor’s designee;
(2)    the Chief Executive Officer of the Baltimore City Public School System, or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee; and
(3)    any other individuals selected by the Mayor.
(b)    The executive committee shall:
(1)    oversee the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub; and
(2)    appoint and oversee the manager of the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
(c)    (1)    The executive committee shall establish an advisory committee of community stakeholders, including representatives from nonprofit organizations, faith–based institutions, community resident associations, and members from the larger community.
(2)    The purpose of the advisory committee is to increase awareness of and provide feedback on the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-104 - Operation by Manager -- Aim to Improve Outcomes for Youth -- Aggregation of Providers Information -- Effect of Public Information Act

(a)    The manager shall operate the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
(b)    The manager shall be a citywide entity that aims to improve outcomes for youth, with a specific focus on youth from historically marginalized communities.
(c)    The manager shall aggregate promptly and properly personally identifiable information received from providers.
(d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the manager may contract with a technology vendor or other professional.
(2)    If the manager contracts with a technology vendor or other professional to code, create, or assist with the operation of the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub, the technology vendor or professional is subject to the requirements of this title related to the manager.
(e)    (1)    The manager is not subject to the Public Information Act or the Open Meetings Act.
(2)    The records for which the manager is a custodian are not subject to the Public Information Act.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-105 - Provision of Personally Identifiable Information -- Ownership of Data

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any local governmental entity and the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners may provide personally identifiable information and data for the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
(b)    On request of the manager, a provider may submit and update personally identifiable information related to the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub’s purpose on a rolling or real–time basis.
(c)    Each provider and its clients, students, or participants, as appropriate, shall retain ownership of:
(1)    the data provided by the provider; and
(2)    the de–identified data and any new data element, including derivative files generated as a result of the data provided by the provider to the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-106 - Use of Aggregated Data -- Restrictions on Personally Identifiable Information -- Destruction of Collected Aggregated Data

(a)    The Baltimore City Youth Data Hub and manager may use only aggregated, de–identified data for conducting any analysis, research, and reporting to the executive committee, the public, or otherwise.
(b)    Direct access to personally identifiable information in the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub shall be restricted to the manager and the manager’s authorized staff or contractors only for authorized purposes and lawful quality control.
(c)    On the receipt of data, the manager or its designated technology vendor shall work with providers to promptly extract and upload the data into the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub’s data management system for aggregation and de–identification.
(d)    Immediately after aggregating personally identifiable information in the data management system, the manager shall destroy any copies of the personally identifiable information existing outside the data management system in a manner such that, after aggregation, the manager does not possess or retain any personally identifiable information outside the data management system.
(e)    The Baltimore City Youth Data Hub may not use its data management system for queries to produce any personally identifiable information or reports that contain any personally identifiable information.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-108 - Annual Report to Public -- Contents

Each year, the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub shall publish a report that is available and accessible to the public on:
(1)    the implementation of the data management system, including identification of the sources and types of data received by the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub from each provider during the immediately preceding 12 months;
(2)    a description of each approved disclosure of data by the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub;
(3)    a list of publications and other reports based on the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub data;
(4)    recommendations and best practices for enhancement and alignment of data collection and maintenance by providers; and
(5)    any other information considered appropriate by the executive committee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-109 - Improper Use of Identifiable Data -- Misdemeanor -- Civil Liability

(a)    A person, whether acting on behalf of the manager or a provider, who obtains, discloses, or uses, or attempts to obtain, disclose, or use identifiable data for a purpose other than aggregation in the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(b)    A person, whether acting on behalf of the manager or a provider, is civilly liable to an individual for actual damages, including attorney’s fees and litigation costs, that the court considers appropriate if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person committed a violation of any provision of this title that caused any damage to the individual.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 31 - Baltimore City Youth Data Hub › Section 31-110 - Proper Use of Identifiable Data

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in § 31–109 of this title, a provider may not be civilly or criminally liable for providing identifiable data to the manager for the sole purpose of inclusion in the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division V - Other Local Entities › Title 32 - Prince George's County Recreation Blue Ribbon Workgroup › Section 32-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission established under Division II of the Land Use Article.
(c)    “Workgroup” means the Prince George’s County Recreation Blue Ribbon Workgroup.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-103 - Plans, Proposals, and Projects; Budgets; Federal Funds and Assistance

(a)    The Secretary is responsible for the coordination and direction of comprehensive planning in the area of natural resources. In addition, he shall be apprised in full of plans, proposals, projects, and programs of the units within the Department, and may approve, disapprove, or modify any plan, proposal, project, or program, if that action approving, disapproving, or modifying plans, proposals, projects, or programs is not inconsistent with law.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary is responsible for the budget of his office and for the budgets of the units within the Department.
(2)    (i)    Unless otherwise authorized by statute, the Secretary may use money in a fund or account created under this article for administrative expenses directly relating to the purposes of the Fund or account up to an amount calculated under a generally accepted methodology for determining indirect costs.
(ii)    The Secretary shall submit any changes to the methodology used under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for review and comment to the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee within 45 days before implementing the methodology.
(c)    The Secretary may apply for, accept, and administer for the State any federal funds or appropriations of money for any purpose which may be hereinafter made out of the federal treasury by any act of the Congress.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-105 - Advisory Board

The Secretary may create or dissolve an advisory board for the Department of Natural Resources. The advisory board shall be of the size as determined by the Secretary, and the members shall be representative of the different professional areas or fields of endeavor with which the Department is concerned.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-106 - Definitions

(a)    In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Informational meeting” means a meeting, open to the public, at which the applicant or the Department of Natural Resources presents information concerning a permit or certificate application. An informational meeting is not a contested case hearing nor an agency hearing under § 10-202(d) of the State Government Article.
(c)    “Public hearing” means a meeting, open to the public, at which the Department of Natural Resources receives oral and written comments concerning a decision to issue or deny a permit or certificate. A public hearing is not a contested case hearing nor an agency hearing under § 10-202(d) of the State Government Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-107 - Appointment of Law Enforcement Officer to Rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel

(a)    (1)    This section applies to employees commissioned as law enforcement officers of the State Forest and Park Service.
(2)    This section does not apply to Natural Resources police officers.
(b)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may appoint without examination:
(i)    A law enforcement officer who holds a commissioned rank to the rank of Major; and
(ii)    A law enforcement officer who holds a commissioned rank of not less than Captain to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
(2)    A law enforcement officer appointed in accordance with this subsection continues to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(3)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on termination of an appointment under this subsection, the Secretary may:
(i)    Return the law enforcement officer to the rank that the law enforcement officer held before the appointment; or
(ii)    Promote the law enforcement officer to a higher rank to which the law enforcement officer became eligible for promotion during the appointment.
(c)    In cases of inconsistency between this section and the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, the provisions of this section shall control as to all matters relating to the appointment of a law enforcement officer of the Department to the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-108 - Reports

In any report issued under this title, the Department may:
(1)    Include recommendations for statutory and budgetary proposals to:
(i)    Promote public awareness of the benefits of conserving fisheries and wildlife in the State; and
(ii)    Reduce the incidence of violations of State conservation laws; and
(2)    Submit the report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-109 - Land Acquisition and Transfer

(a)    (1)    The Department shall negotiate the acquisition of real property for open space, recreation, conservation, and other purposes under this article.
(2)    The Department shall make each acquisition under this subsection in the name of the State to the use of the Department.
(b)    Except for real property that is acquired by gift, before any real property is acquired from a private owner, the Department shall obtain two independent appraisals of the property.
(c)    (1)    A contract for the acquisition of land under this section shall be approved and executed by the Board of Public Works.
(2)    At least 40 days before the Board of Public Works may act on a land acquisition under this section, the Department shall give written notice of a potential acquisition of land:
(i)    To the governing body of the county in which the land is located; and
(ii)    If the land is located within a municipal corporation, to the governing body of the municipal corporation.
(3)    Within 30 days after receiving notice under this subsection, the governing body may submit written comments to the Department.
(d)    The Board of Public Works shall supervise the expenditure of any money that the General Assembly appropriates for the acquisition of land under this section.
(e)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may dispose of land owned and managed by the Department as consideration for the acquisition of land not owned by the Department.
(2)    In implementing this subsection, the Department shall comply with the procedures established under Title 5, Subtitle 3 and Title 10, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(f)    The Board of Public Works may exempt projects under this section from the provisions of this section.
(g)    (1)    The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
(2)    The regulations adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include a system for appraisal review developed by the Department in consultation with the Department of General Services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 1 - Organization, Powers, and Duties of Department › Section 1-110 - Partnerships With Private Sector Organizations -- Carbon Offset Projects

(a)    The Department may enter into partnerships, through formal contracts or memoranda of understanding, with private sector organizations with experience in carbon offset markets or programs in order to:
(1)    Create statewide or regional partnerships for the purpose of minimizing the costs and maximizing the benefits of enrolling private and public lands in carbon offset markets; and
(2)    Assist private landowners with the aggregation of projects to make the projects more saleable in carbon offset market programs.
(b)    To learn about establishing and verifying carbon credits, on or before July 1, 2024, the Department, in consultation with appropriate experts, shall begin implementation of, or otherwise support:
(1)    At least one carbon offset project on State land; and
(2)    At least one carbon offset project in a marine or estuarine habitat.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Civilian classification” means the position held by a civilian employee.
(c)    “Civilian employee” means an employee of the Natural Resources Police Force other than a Natural Resources police officer.
(d)    (1)    “Commissioned rank” means the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel.
(2)    “Commissioned rank” does not include the Secretary.
(e)    “Grade” means the status of Natural Resources police officers who have the same primary areas of duty and responsibility within a rank.
(f)    “Natural Resources police officer” means an employee of the Natural Resources Police Force to whom the Secretary assigns police powers under § 1–204 of this subtitle.
(g)    (1)    “Noncommissioned rank” means a rank other than a commissioned rank.
(2)    “Noncommissioned rank” does not include the Secretary.
(h)    “Rank” means the status, established by rule, of police employees who have the same relative position in the chain of command.
(i)    (1)    “Rule” means a rule, an order, or any other directive adopted by the Secretary under this subtitle.
(2)    “Rule” does not include a regulation within the meaning of Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-201.1 - Legislative Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    The consumptive nature of an expanding population poses a clear and present threat to the long–term viability of the fisheries and wildlife of the State;
(2)    An increased understanding by citizens of the intrinsic value of the fisheries and wildlife of the State will help to ensure the perpetuation of these coveted natural resources for the benefit of future generations;
(3)    The responsibility for protecting the natural resources of the State is vested in the Natural Resources Police Force within the Department;
(4)    Budgetary reductions attributable to a lingering economic recession have reduced the number of conservation law enforcement personnel to the measurable detriment of the natural resources of the State;
(5)    Entrusting the enforcement of State conservation laws to the Natural Resources Police Force, coupled with increasing the homeland security responsibilities of the Natural Resources Police Force, requires an investment that is commensurate with the level of protection the public considers appropriate;
(6)    A diminishing enforcement presence on land and on the waterways correlates to an increasing number of violations of State conservation laws and an erosion of the protections afforded to citizens by the public trust doctrine, which sets forth the responsibility of the government to administer, protect, manage, and conserve fish and wildlife; and
(7)    The prevalence of violations of State conservation laws presents a significant problem that warrants an enhanced investment in conservation law enforcement by:
(i)    Increasing the presence of Natural Resources Police Force personnel on land and on the waterways through the use of present and future revenue sources; and
(ii)    Ensuring that the Natural Resources Police Force is properly equipped with the equipment, vehicles, and boats necessary to comply with its statutory mandate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-201.2 - Established; Responsibilities

(a)    There is a Natural Resources Police Force in the Department that serves as a public safety agency with statewide authority to enforce conservation, boating, and criminal laws.
(b)    The responsibilities of the Natural Resources Police Force include:
(1)    Providing maritime and rural search and rescue services;
(2)    Providing public education in hunting, boating, and water safety;
(3)    Providing primary law enforcement services for State parks, State forests, wildlife management areas, and public lands owned and managed by the Department; and
(4)    Serving as the lead agency for maritime homeland security on State waterways.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-203.1 - Promotions in Rank -- Appointments Without Examination -- Obsolete Ranks

(a)    In this section, “obsolete rank” means a rank designated by the Secretary to which no further promotions will be made.
(b)    The Secretary shall make all promotions.
(c)    (1)    Promotion to a rank shall be made in the manner required by rule.
(2)    For a noncommissioned rank that has fewer than 25 Natural Resources police officers, the Secretary by rule may direct that it is unnecessary to fill the noncommissioned rank for purposes of promotion.
(3)    (i)    This paragraph does not apply to a rank that requires technical knowledge.
(ii)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a Natural Resources police officer may not be appointed or promoted to a rank unless the officer:
1.    Is bypassing an obsolete rank and currently fills the rank immediately below the obsolete rank; or
2.    Has filled the rank immediately below the rank to which the officer is to be promoted.
(d)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may appoint without examination:
(i)    A Natural Resources police officer who holds a commissioned rank to the rank of Major; and
(ii)    A Natural Resources police officer who holds a commissioned rank of not less than Captain to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
(2)    A Natural Resources police officer appointed in accordance with this subsection continues to serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(3)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on termination of an appointment under this subsection, the Natural Resources police officer may:
(i)    Return to the rank held before the appointment; or
(ii)    Be promoted to a higher rank to which the officer became eligible for promotion during the appointment.
(e)    An incumbent Natural Resources police officer in an obsolete rank remains in that rank until promoted, demoted, retired, or terminated.
(f)    Promotions of civilian employees of the Natural Resources Police Force shall be made in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-204 - Powers and Duties Generally; Overtime Work

(a)    In addition to any other powers conferred by this title, the Secretary and every Natural Resources police officer shall have all the powers conferred upon police officers of the State. These powers may be exercised anywhere within the State. The Natural Resources Police Force specifically is charged with enforcing the natural resource and conservation laws of the State.
(b)    Every Natural Resources police officer appointed under § 1–203 of this subtitle shall perform duties the Secretary designates.
(c)    Any law enforcement employee of the Department of Natural Resources who works overtime for any reason, whether or not the employee receives monetary payment for that overtime work, shall be considered to be employed by this State during those hours for purposes of all other employee entitlements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-205 - Citations; Written Promise to Appear; Failure to Appear

(a)    If a Natural Resources police officer apprehends a person for violating any law punishable as a misdemeanor, the officer may prepare a written or electronic citation containing:
(1)    A notice to appear in court;
(2)    The name and address of the person charged;
(3)    Relevant license numbers, if any;
(4)    The offense charged;
(5)    The time and place the person shall appear in court;
(6)    An acknowledgment of receipt of the citation by the person charged made in a manner determined by the Department; and
(7)    Other pertinent information required by the Secretary.
(b)    (1)    The person charged may promise to appear in court by acknowledging receipt of the citation prepared by the officer in a manner determined by the Department.
(2)    If the person charged acknowledges receipt of the citation, the officer is not required to take the person into physical custody for the violation unless:
(i)    The person charged does not furnish satisfactory evidence of identity; or
(ii)    The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person charged will not appear.
(c)    A person may not fail to comply with a notice to appear in a citation issued under this section unless:
(1)    Sufficient collateral for the offense is posted;
(2)    The fine is paid in advance of trial; or
(3)    The person is represented by counsel in court.
(d)    (1)    If a person fails to comply with the notice to appear in a citation issued under this section, the court may:
(i)    Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, issue a warrant for the person’s arrest; or
(ii)    After 5 days, notify the court’s clerk of the person’s noncompliance.
(2)    On receipt of notice of noncompliance from the court, the clerk shall notify the person by mail at the address indicated on the citation that a warrant for the person’s arrest may be issued by the court unless, by the end of the 15th day after the date on which the notice is mailed, the person:
(i)    Pays the fine on the original charge as provided for in the original citations and a fine of $100 for failing to appear; or
(ii)    Posts bond or a penalty deposit and requests a new trial date.
(3)    If a person fails to pay the fines or post the bond or penalty deposit under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the court may issue a warrant.
(4)    When the original offense is not punishable by incarceration, a warrant may not be issued for the person under this subsection until 20 days after the original trial date.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-206 - Obedience to Orders of Officers

A person may not willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful or reasonable order or direction of any Natural Resources police officer or any law enforcement officer in connection with the enforcement of any provisions of law required to be enforced by the Secretary or the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-207 - Impersonating an Officer

A person may not falsely represent himself as being a Natural Resources police officer, with fraudulent design upon person or property, or to have, use, wear, or display, without authority of the Secretary, any uniform, shield, button, ornament, or shoulder patch of the Department, or to have any simulation or imitations of these articles for the purpose of deception.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-208 - Assistance From Other Officials

(a)    Every sheriff and law enforcement officer has the powers of a Natural Resources police officer.
(b)    Whenever the Secretary or any Natural Resources police officer requires the advice and assistance of the State’s Attorneys, sheriffs of the several counties of the State or Baltimore City, or any law enforcement officer, these officers shall render the required assistance as in other State cases.
(c)    The provisions of this section do not apply to the Sheriff of Baltimore County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-209 - Penalties

(a)    Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both, with costs imposed in the discretion of the court.
(b)    Any violation of any rule or regulation, or restriction promulgated pursuant to the provision of this subtitle, is a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-210 - Pursuit of Offenders Across Maryland-Virginia Water Boundary

(a)    (1)    When, in the opinion of the legally constituted authorities of Maryland, there has occurred on the waters of Maryland a violation of this article, or when, in the opinion of the legally constituted authorities of Virginia, there has occurred on the waters of Virginia a violation of the laws of Virginia enforceable under § 28.2-900, Code of Virginia, the legally constituted authorities of the state in which the offense was committed may pursue the offender up to and across the Maryland-Virginia Boundary into the state in which the offender flees.
(2)    If a capture is made in continuous pursuit under the authority of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the offender, vessel, and property shall be dealt with as authorized by the laws of the state in which the offense was committed.
(b)    This section shall be in effect for so long as the Commonwealth of Virginia has in force similar legislation authorizing legally constituted authorities of Maryland to pursue and make arrests in Virginia for violations of the Laws of Maryland.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2 - Natural Resources Police Force › Section 1-211 - Annual Report on Enforcement of Natural Resources and Conservation Laws -- Information Included

(a)    On or before September 30 each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on information for the immediately preceding fiscal year relating to the enforcement of natural resources and conservation laws.
(b)    The report submitted under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    The following information on a statewide basis:
(i)    With respect to the enforcement of State conservation laws:
1.    The total number of inspections conducted, including the total number of inspections conducted per Natural Resources police officer;
2.    The total number of citations and warnings issued; and
3.    The total number of violations that led to a conviction;
(ii)    With respect to the enforcement of the State Boat Act, the total:
1.    Number of inspections;
2.    Number of citations and warnings issued, including operating–under–the–influence citations; and
3.    Number of boating accidents, including the total number of fatalities and total dollar amount of resulting property damage; and
(iii)    With respect to activities reported to the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers, the total number of:
1.    Reported incidents, including the total number that led to formal charges and, if applicable, convictions; and
2.    Rewards of financial compensation distributed, including the total dollar amount distributed; and
(2)    For each of the Eastern Region, Southern Region, Western Region, and Central Region, the following information:
(i)    The total number of inspections relating to each of the following:
1.    Commercial fishing;
2.    Recreational fishing;
3.    Crabs;
4.    Oysters;
5.    Game and wildlife; and
6.    Boating; and
(ii)    The total number of:
1.    Oyster citations and warnings issued;
2.    Operating–under–the–influence citations issued; and
3.    Boating accidents, including the total number of fatalities and the total dollar amount of resulting property damage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 2A - Abandoned, Lost, or Seized Personal Property › Section 1-2A-01 - Abandoned, Lost, or Seized Personal Property

(a)    Unless otherwise provided by law, the Department shall maintain custody of any abandoned, lost, or seized personal property that comes into the custody of the Department until the Department determines that the custody by the Department is not necessary to any investigation or prosecution.
(b)    Unless otherwise provided by law, after a determination described under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall return abandoned, lost, or seized personal property to the person who:
(1)    Establishes the person’s right to possession of the abandoned, lost, or seized personal property; and
(2)    Gives a proper receipt for the abandoned, lost, or seized personal property.
(c)    (1)    Unless otherwise provided by law, if abandoned, lost, or seized personal property is in the custody of the Department for 6 months or custody by the Department is not necessary to any investigation or prosecution, the Department shall give notice by certified mail to the last known address of the person entitled to possession, if known.
(2)    Unless otherwise provided by law, if the person entitled to possession of the abandoned, lost, or seized personal property fails to respond to the notice described under this subsection within 30 days from the date the notice is mailed, the Department may dispose of the property in the best interest of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 3 - Maryland Environmental Policy Act › Section 1-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Environmental effects report” means a report on each proposed State action significantly affecting the environment, natural as well as socioeconomic and historic.
(c)    “Historic resources” means those resources included in the Maryland inventory of historic sites.
(d)    “Proposed State action” means requests for legislative appropriations or other legislative actions that will alter the quality of the air, land, or water resources. It does not include a request for an appropriation or other action with respect to the rehabilitation or maintenance of existing secondary roads.
(e)    “State agencies” includes the executive and administrative departments, offices, boards, commissions, and other units of the State government and any such bodies created by the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 3 - Maryland Environmental Policy Act › Section 1-302 - Declaration of Policy

(a)    The General Assembly of Maryland finds and declares the facts and policies set forth in this section.
(b)    The protection, preservation, and enhancement of the State’s diverse environment is necessary for the maintenance of the public health and welfare and the continued viability of the economy of the State and is a matter of the highest public priority.
(c)    All State agencies must conduct their affairs with an awareness that they are stewards of the air, land, water, living and historic resources, and that they have an obligation to protect the environment for the use and enjoyment of this and all future generations.
(d)    Each person has a fundamental and inalienable right to a healthful environment, and each person has a responsibility to contribute to the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the environment.
(e)    It is the continuing policy of the State to cooperate with the federal government, other state governments, the District of Columbia, the political subdivisions of the State, and other concerned public and private organizations and individuals, in a manner calculated to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment.
(f)    The determination of an optimum balance between economic development and environmental quality requires the most thoughtful consideration of ecological, economic, developmental, recreational, historic, architectural, aesthetic, and other values.
(g)    Beneficial environmental effects of proposed actions can be identified and measures devised to obtain these benefits if environmental evaluations are made a part of the decision-making process of the State.
(h)    Adverse environmental effects of proposed actions can be anticipated, minimized, and often eliminated if environmental evaluations are made a part of the decision-making processes of the State.
(i)    Environmental effects reports can facilitate the fullest practicable provision of timely public information, understanding, and participation in the decision-making processes of the State.
(j)    The General Assembly has an obligation to the people of Maryland to review and evaluate proposed appropriations and other proposed legislation and the conduct of the State agencies in carrying out the policy set forth in this subtitle.
(k)    The policies, rules, regulations, and public laws of the State shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 3 - Maryland Environmental Policy Act › Section 1-303 - Responsibilities and Duties of State Agencies

All State agencies, except where existing law expressly prohibits, shall identify, develop, and adopt methods and procedures that will assure that:
(1)    Environmental amenities and values are given appropriate consideration in planning and decision-making along with economic and technical considerations;
(2)    Studies are undertaken to develop and describe appropriate alternatives to present policies, programs, and procedures that involve significant adverse environmental effects or unresolved conflicts concerning uses of available resources; and
(3)    Planning and decision-making involving environmental effects are undertaken with the fullest practicable provision of timely public information and understanding and in coordination with public and private organizations and individuals with jurisdiction by law, special expertise, or recognized interest.