reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part I - Hospitals › Section 1-1001 - Hospitals and Facilities for Care of Sick

(a)    A county or municipality may establish a hospital or other facility for the care of the sick by:
(1)    building or contracting for the use of a facility; or
(2)    joining with another county or municipality to establish a joint facility.
(b)    A county or municipality may recover the expenses incurred by a hospital or another facility in caring for a patient who is not indigent:
(1)    from the patient, within 3 years after the patient is discharged from the facility; or
(2)    from the estate of the patient, if the patient dies in the facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part I - Hospitals › Section 1-1002 - Hospital Run by Political Subdivision

A hospital, as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article, that is operated by a political subdivision may accept a valid credit card as payment for a bill.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1007 - Membership

(a)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in subsection (d)(1) of this section, a board consists of 10 members.
(ii)    The county commissioners, the county council of the county, or, subject to the confirmation of the Frederick County Council, the County Executive of Frederick County shall appoint the initial members of the board for the following terms:
1.    three members for 3 years;
2.    three members for 2 years; and
3.    three members for 1 year.
(iii)    The county commissioners, the county council, or, subject to the confirmation of the Frederick County Council, the County Executive of Frederick County shall appoint one of its members to be an ex officio member of the board.
(2)    Each member of the board shall be a resident of the county.
(b)    Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d)(3) of this section, a successor member shall be elected by a majority vote of the board for:
(1)    a term of 3 years if a term expires; or
(2)    the rest of the term if a term is vacated.
(c)    Subject to the confirmation of the Frederick County Council, the Chief Executive of Frederick County shall appoint a successor member for:
(1)    a term of 3 years if a term expires; or
(2)    the rest of the term if a term is vacated.
(d)    (1)    In St. Mary’s County, the board consists of at least 10 but not more than 15 members.
(2)    (i)    Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may create new positions on the board.
(ii)    The county commissioners shall set the term for each new position to:
1.    3 years or less; and
2.    ensure balanced staggering of the expiration of the terms of all members.
(3)    The county commissioners shall appoint a successor member for:
(i)    a term of 3 years if a term expires; or
(ii)    the rest of the term if a term is vacated.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1009 - Meetings; Compensation

(a)    The board shall meet at least once a month to conduct its business.
(b)    A member of the board serves without compensation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1010 - Powers and Duties

(a)    The board shall establish, maintain, and operate a nursing home or other facility or service for the care and treatment of aged, convalescent, and chronically ill individuals.
(b)    The board has the following powers and duties:
(1)    (i)    to accept gifts, legacies, bequests, or endowments for purposes of the board; and
(ii)    unless otherwise specified by the donor, in the discretion of the board, to spend both principal and income of a gift, legacy, bequest, or endowment for the purposes of the board;
(2)    (i)    to acquire and hold property in the name of the county commissioners or county council of the county;
(ii)    to preserve and administer property acquired by the board; and
(iii)    to sell or otherwise dispose of property acquired by the board;
(3)    to provide adequate facilities and services for the care and treatment of aged, convalescent, and chronically ill individuals, including:
(i)    physical care;
(ii)    medical care;
(iii)    nursing care;
(iv)    recreational services;
(v)    rehabilitative services;
(vi)    special education; and
(vii)    dissemination of information relating to causes and prevention of chronic and debilitating illnesses;
(4)    (i)    subject to item (ii) of this item, to charge fees for admission to and maintenance in a facility and for services provided; and
(ii)    to charge fees to indigent individuals in direct proportion to the individual’s ability to pay;
(5)    to apply to the purposes of the board all money, assets, or property the board receives;
(6)    to adopt rules and regulations for the board’s facilities and services;
(7)    to cooperate with and assist, as much as practicable, any unit of the State, the United States, any subdivision of either, or any person;
(8)    to hire a director of any facility or service and to provide for additional employees and the qualifications and wages of the employees;
(9)    to require any facility or service to maintain standards to qualify for a license as a hospital under Title 19, Subtitle 3, Part III of the Health – General Article; and
(10)    to integrate each of the board’s facilities with those of the Secretary of Health.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1012 - Funding

(a)    As much as possible, the activities of the board shall be supported by the public, voluntary contributions, fees and charges, and payments from the State and federal government.
(b)    To maintain an adequate level of medical and nursing care for aged, convalescent, and chronically ill individuals, the county commissioners or county council of a county may:
(1)    make annual appropriations to support the operations of the board; and
(2)    make appropriations or borrow funds for land acquisition and capital improvements and issue bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1013 - Reporting Requirements

The board shall report annually to the county commissioners or county council of the county on the activities of the board during the preceding year, including any recommendations or requests the board considers appropriate to achieve the objectives and purposes of this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part II - Citizens Nursing Home Boards › Section 1-1014 - Frederick County

In addition to the authority provided in this part, the governing body of Frederick County may establish, maintain, and operate a nursing home or other facility or service for the care and treatment of aged, convalescent, and chronically ill individuals in Frederick County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 10 - Hospitals and Related Facilities › Part III - County Contributions › Section 1-1017 - Contributions Established

(a)    (1)    The county commissioners or county council of a county may cooperate, consistent with this subtitle, for the construction or reconstruction of hospitals or related facilities by contributing up to one–third of the cost of any hospital or related facility.
(2)    To pay the county contribution under this subsection, the county commissioners or county council may:
(i)    use general fund revenues of the county; or
(ii)    within the limits of any restriction on the borrowing power of the county, issue bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness, pledging the full faith and credit of the county to the payment of principal of and interest on the bonds, notes, or evidence of indebtedness.
(3)    For the purposes of this subsection, the Secretary of Health, as the sole unit to represent the State, shall cooperate with the county.
(b)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Kent County may cooperate, consistent with this subtitle, for the construction of a nursing home or related facilities by contributing up to one–third of the cost of the nursing home or related facilities.
(2)    A nursing home constructed under this subsection shall have at least 25 beds.
(3)    To pay the county contribution under this subsection, the county commissioners may:
(i)    use general fund revenues of the county; or
(ii)    within the limits of any restriction on the borrowing power of the county, issue bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness, pledging the full faith and credit of the county to the payment of principal of and interest on the bonds, notes, or evidence of indebtedness.
(4)    For the purposes of this subsection, the Secretary of Health, as the sole unit to represent the State, shall cooperate with the county commissioners.
(c)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County shall cooperate, consistent with this subtitle, for the construction of a nursing home hospital or related facilities by contributing up to $200,000 of the cost of any nursing home hospital or related facilities.
(2)    A nursing home hospital constructed under this subsection shall:
(i)    have 60 beds;
(ii)    be located in the town of Crisfield, on the same grounds as McCready Hospital;
(iii)    have a corridor connecting it to McCready Hospital; and
(iv)    be known as the Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.
(3)    To pay the county contribution under this subsection, the county commissioners may:
(i)    use general fund revenues of the county; or
(ii)    within the limits of any restriction on the borrowing power of the county, issue bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness, pledging the full faith and credit of the county to the payment of principal of and interest on the bonds, notes, or evidence of indebtedness.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Bond” means a bond, note, or other similar instrument that a county or municipality issues under this subtitle.
(c)    “Chief executive” means the president, chair, mayor, county executive, or any other chief executive officer of a county or municipality.
(d)    “Commercial property” means real property that is:
(1)    not designed principally or intended for human habitation; or
(2)    used for human habitation and is improved by more than four single family dwelling units.
(e)    (1)    “Environmental remediation project” means a project that is intended to remove environmental or health hazards.
(2)    “Environmental remediation project” includes:
(i)    a project that promotes indoor air and water quality;
(ii)    asbestos remediation;
(iii)    lead paint removal; and
(iv)    mold remediation.
(f)    “Program” means a clean energy loan program established under this subtitle.
(g)    (1)    “Resiliency project” means a project that is intended to increase the capacity of a property to withstand natural disasters and the effects of climate change.
(2)    “Resiliency project” includes:
(i)    a flood mitigation project;
(ii)    a stormwater management project;
(iii)    a project to increase fire or wind resistance;
(iv)    a project to increase the capacity of a natural system;
(v)    an inundation adaptation project;
(vi)    alternative vehicle charging infrastructure; and
(vii)    energy storage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1103 - Purpose of Program; Private Lenders

(a)    The purpose of a program is to provide loans to residential property owners, including low income residential property owners, and commercial property owners to finance or refinance:
(1)    energy and water efficiency projects;
(2)    environmental remediation projects;
(3)    renewable energy projects; and
(4)    resiliency projects.
(b)    A private lender may provide capital for a loan provided to a commercial property owner under the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1104 - Requirements for Ordinance or Resolution

(a)    An ordinance or resolution enacted under § 1–1102 of this subtitle shall provide for:
(1)    eligibility requirements for participation in the program, including eligibility requirements for:
(i)    energy and water efficiency projects, renewable energy devices, environmental remediation projects, and resiliency projects; and
(ii)    property and property owners; and
(2)    loan terms and conditions, including a provision that requires that a loan be repaid over a term not to exceed the useful life of the project as determined by the program.
(b)    Eligibility requirements under subsection (a) of this section shall include a requirement that the county or municipality give due regard to the property owner’s ability to repay a loan provided under the program, in a manner substantially similar to that required for a mortgage loan under §§ 12–127, 12–311, 12–409.1, 12–925, and 12–1029 of the Commercial Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1105 - Surcharge Required

(a)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a program shall require a property owner to repay a loan provided under the program through a surcharge on the owner’s property tax bill.
(b)    Except for a surcharge authorized under subsection (c) of this section, a county or municipality may not set a surcharge greater than an amount that allows the county or municipality to recover the costs associated with:
(1)    issuing bonds to finance the loan; and
(2)    administering the program.
(c)    With the express consent of any holder of a mortgage or deed of trust on a commercial property that is to be financed through a loan to the commercial property owner under the program:
(1)    a county or municipality may collect loan payments owed to a private lender or to the county or the municipality for a loan to a commercial property owner, and costs associated with administering the program, through a surcharge on the property owner’s property tax bill;
(2)    an unpaid surcharge under this subsection shall be, until paid, a lien on the real property on which it is imposed from the date it becomes payable; and
(3)    the provisions of Title 14, Subtitle 8 of the Tax – Property Article that apply to a tax lien shall also apply to a lien created under this subsection.
(d)    A person who acquires property subject to a surcharge under this section assumes the obligation to pay the surcharge.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1106 - Bonds -- General Authority

(a)    A county or municipality may issue bonds to finance loans made through a program.
(b)    To issue a bond, a county or municipality shall adopt an ordinance or a resolution that specifies the maximum principal amount of the bond.
(c)    In the ordinance or resolution, the county or municipality may:
(1)    specify the items listed in subsection (d) of this section;
(2)    authorize the finance board of the county or municipality to specify those items by ordinance or resolution; or
(3)    authorize the chief executive to specify those items by executive order.
(d)    For each issuance of a bond, the county or municipality may specify:
(1)    the principal amount;
(2)    the interest rate or, for floating or variable rates of interest, the method to determine the interest rate;
(3)    the manner and terms of sale, including whether by competitive or negotiated sale;
(4)    the time of execution, issuance, and delivery;
(5)    the form and denomination;
(6)    the source, manner, times, and places to pay principal or interest;
(7)    conditions for redemption before maturity;
(8)    the purposes for which proceeds may be spent;
(9)    the source of security; and
(10)    other provisions that are necessary or desirable to effect the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1107 - Bonds -- Intent; Procedures; Restrictions

(a)    A county or municipality may incur general obligation debt for the purposes under this subtitle.
(b)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a county or municipality may issue bonds to finance loans made under a program in accordance with the procedures of the county or municipality for authorization to sell and issue other evidences of indebtedness.
(c)    A bond issued in accordance with an ordinance or a resolution that pledges the full faith and credit of a county or municipality is subject to:
(1)    any applicable requirement of the Maryland Constitution and the county’s or municipality’s charter and laws on referendum for the issuance of general obligation debt; and
(2)    any limitation imposed by public general law, public local law, or charter on general obligation debt of the county or municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1108 - Bonds -- Conditions of Issuance

(a)    A bond:
(1)    may be in bearer form;
(2)    may be registrable as to principal alone or as to both principal and interest; and
(3)    is a security under § 8–102 of the Commercial Law Article, whether or not the bond is one of a class or series or is divisible into a class or series of instruments.
(b)    (1)    A bond shall be signed manually or in facsimile by the chief executive.
(2)    An officer’s signature or facsimile signature on a bond remains valid even if the officer leaves office before the bond is delivered.
(3)    The seal of the county or municipality shall be affixed to the bond and attested to by the clerk or other similar administrative officer of the county or municipality.
(c)    (1)    A bond shall mature not later than 40 years after the date of issue.
(2)    Bonds may be issued as serial bonds or term bonds with provisions for a mandatory sinking fund or other annual principal redemption beginning not later than 3 years after the date of issue.
(d)    (1)    A bond shall be sold in the manner, at public sale or private negotiated sale, and on the terms at, above, or below par, as the county or municipality considers best.
(2)    A bond is not subject to §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1109 - Bonds -- Tax Status

(a)    A bond, the transfer of a bond, the interest payable on a bond, the income derived from a bond, and the profit realized on the sale or exchange of a bond are exempt from State and local taxes.
(b)    A county or municipality may issue bonds without regard to the federal tax status of the bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 11 - Clean Energy Loan Programs › Section 1-1110 - Findings Conclusive

In an action involving the validity or enforceability of a bond or security for a bond, a finding by a county or municipality is conclusive as to:
(1)    the public purpose of an action taken under this subtitle; and
(2)    any other matter relating to the issuance of a bond.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Distribute” means to:
(1)    give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue;
(2)    offer to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue; or
(3)    cause or hire any person to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue or offer to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue.
(c)    (1)    “Tobacco product” means a product that is:
(i)    intended for human inhalation, absorption, ingestion, smoking, heating, chewing, dissolving, or any other manner of consumption that is made of, derived from, or contains:
1.    tobacco; or
2.    nicotine; or
(ii)    an accessory or a component used in any manner of consumption of a product described in item (i) of this paragraph.
(2)    “Tobacco product” includes:
(i)    cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus;
(ii)    electronic smoking devices; and
(iii)    filters, rolling papers, pipes, and liquids used in electronic smoking devices regardless of nicotine content.
(3)    “Tobacco product” does not include a drug, device, or combination product authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1202 - Display of Tobacco Products

(a)    This section applies only in:
(1)    Carroll County; and
(2)    Garrett County.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    the sale of a tobacco product from a vending machine that complies with State law;
(2)    a tobacconist establishment that engages primarily in the sale of tobacco products other than cigarettes, as defined in § 16–101 of the Business Regulation Article; or
(3)    a business that engages primarily in the retail sale of beer, wine, and liquor.
(c)    A person who owns or operates a business that engages in the retail sale of a tobacco product may not store or display a tobacco product unless the tobacco product:
(1)    is not immediately accessible to customers; and
(2)    is accessible only to the owner or operator of the business or an agent of the owner or operator.
(d)    A person who violates subsection (c) of this section commits a civil infraction and is subject to a civil penalty of:
(1)    $100 for the first violation; and
(2)    $300 for any subsequent violation.
(e)    A citation for a second violation may not be issued within 30 days after the date of the first citation.
(f)    After a citation is issued for a second violation, a citation may be issued each day that the violation continues after the date of the second citation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1203 - Distribution of Tobacco Products

(a)    This section applies only in:
(1)    Carroll County;
(2)    Cecil County;
(3)    Garrett County; and
(4)    St. Mary’s County.
(b)    Subsection (c)(3) of this section does not apply to the distribution of a coupon that is redeemable for a tobacco product if the coupon:
(1)    is contained in a newspaper, magazine, or other type of publication and the coupon is incidental to the primary purpose of the publication; or
(2)    is sent through the mail.
(c)    A person may not:
(1)    distribute a tobacco product to an individual under the age of 21 years, unless:
(i)    the individual is acting solely as the agent of the individual’s employer who is engaged in the business of distributing tobacco products; or
(ii)    the individual:
1.    is at least 18 years of age;
2.    is an active duty member of the military; and
3.    presents a valid military identification;
(2)    distribute cigarette rolling papers to an individual under the age of 21 years, unless the individual:
(i)    is at least 18 years of age;
(ii)    is an active duty member of the military; and
(iii)    presents a valid military identification; or
(3)    distribute to an individual under the age of 21 years a coupon redeemable for a tobacco product, unless the individual:
(i)    is at least 18 years of age;
(ii)    is an active duty member of the military; and
(iii)    presents a valid military identification.
(d)    A person has not violated this section if:
(1)    the person examined the driver’s license or other valid government–issued identification presented by the recipient of a tobacco product, cigarette rolling paper, or coupon redeemable for a tobacco product; and
(2)    the license or other identification positively identified the recipient as being at least 21 years old or as being at least 18 years of age and an active duty member of the military.
(e)    (1)    In Carroll County and St. Mary’s County, a person who violates this section commits a civil infraction and is subject to a civil penalty of:
(i)    $300 for the first violation; and
(ii)    $500 for any subsequent violation within 24 months after the previous citation.
(2)    In Cecil County, a person who violates this section commits a civil infraction and is subject to a civil penalty of:
(i)    $300 for the first violation;
(ii)    $500 for a second violation; and
(iii)    $750 for any subsequent violation.
(3)    In Garrett County, a person who violates this section commits a civil infraction and is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $300.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1204 - Citation

(a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county health officer or a designee of a county health officer may issue a civil citation to a person who violates this subtitle.
(2)    In Cecil County, only a sworn law enforcement officer may issue a civil citation to a person who violates this subtitle.
(b)    A citation issued under this subtitle shall include:
(1)    the name and address of the person charged;
(2)    the nature of the violation;
(3)    the location and time of the violation;
(4)    the amount of the civil penalty;
(5)    the manner, location, and time in which the civil penalty may be paid;
(6)    the cited person’s right to elect to stand trial for the violation; and
(7)    a warning that failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner in accordance with the citation:
(i)    is an admission of liability; and
(ii)    may result in an entry of a default judgment that may include the civil penalty, court costs, and administrative expenses.
(c)    The county health officer or sworn law enforcement officer shall retain a copy of the citation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1205 - Election to Stand Trial

(a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who receives a citation under this subtitle may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing a notice of intention to stand trial with the county health officer at least 5 days before the date set in the citation for the payment of the civil penalty.
(2)    In Cecil County, a person who receives a citation under this subtitle may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing a notice of intention to stand trial and a copy of the citation with the District Court at least 5 days before the date set in the citation for payment of the civil penalty.
(b)    After receiving a notice of intention to stand trial under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the county health officer shall forward the notice and a copy of the citation to the District Court.
(c)    After receiving the citation and notice, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 12 - Tobacco Product Sales › Section 1-1206 - Prosecution of Violations

(a)    In a proceeding before the District Court, a violation of this subtitle shall be prosecuted in the same manner and to the same extent as a municipal infraction under §§ 6–108 through 6–115 of this article.
(b)    The governing body of the county in which the violation occurred may authorize the county attorney to prosecute a civil infraction under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1301 - Resident Agents

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Department” means the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
(3)    “Governing authority” means:
(i)    the governing body of a county or municipality;
(ii)    a board of directors; or
(iii)    any other body that governs an entity to which this section applies.
(b)    This section applies to the following governmental entities:
(1)    counties;
(2)    municipalities;
(3)    bicounty or multicounty agencies;
(4)    public authorities;
(5)    special taxing districts; and
(6)    any other political subdivision or unit of a political subdivision of the State.
(c)    Each governmental entity shall have a resident agent who is:
(1)    a resident of the State;
(2)    a Maryland corporation; or
(3)    an officer of the governmental entity.
(d)    A governmental entity shall designate or change its resident agent by filing for record with the Department:
(1)    a certification of the person who the charter of the governmental entity authorizes to accept service of process for the governmental entity; or
(2)    absent a charter designation, a certified copy of a resolution of the governmental entity’s governing authority that authorizes the designation.
(e)    (1)    A governmental entity may change the address for its resident agent by filing for record with the Department a statement of the change signed by the chair or other principal officer of the governing authority of the governmental entity.
(2)    A resident agent whose address changes may notify the Department by filing for record with the Department a statement of the change signed by or for the resident agent.
(f)    A resident agent may resign by filing a statement of resignation with the Department.
(g)    There is no fee for a filing under this section.
(h)    A designation, change of agent, change of address, or resignation is effective as provided in the Corporations and Associations Article for a corporate resident agent.
(i)    (1)    Service of process on the resident agent of a governmental entity constitutes effective service of process under the Maryland Rules on the governmental entity in an action brought against the governmental entity.
(2)    Any notice required by law to be served by personal service on the resident agent or any other agent or officer of a governmental entity may be served in the manner provided by the Maryland Rules that relate to service of process on governmental entities.
(3)    Service under the Maryland Rules is equivalent to personal service on the resident agent or other agent or officer of a governmental entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1302 - Adoption of Regulations by Reference

(a)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a State law or regulation requires a county or municipality to adopt legislation or a regulation at least as strict or effective as the applicable State law or regulation, the county or municipality may adopt the State law or regulation by reference.
(b)    If a county or municipality adopts a State law or regulation by reference, the county or municipality shall specify:
(1)    whether it also adopts by reference any amendments to the State law or regulation effective after the local adoption of the State law or regulation by reference; and
(2)    any exceptions to the State law or regulation if the State law or regulation authorizes local options.
(c)    The authorization under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    does not affect any requirement that a county or municipality form and maintain a local program, plan, or standard, including implementation and enforcement processes, required under any State law or any regulation adopted under the authority of that law; and
(2)    if a State law or regulation adopted under the authority of that law authorizes local options, does not grant more authority than is granted by that law or regulation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1303 - Publication of Regulations

(a)    In this section, “regulation” has the meaning stated in § 10–101 of the State Government Article.
(b)    This section does not apply to a unit of State government.
(c)    Each governmental and quasi–governmental unit shall compile, index, and publish its regulations that affect a member of the general public.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1304 - Civil Penalties

(a)    In this section, “civil penalty” means a civil fine or other monetary penalty administratively imposed.
(b)    Unless otherwise provided by statute, ordinance, or regulation, an officer or unit of a county, municipality, bicounty agency, or board of license commissioners authorized by law to impose a civil penalty up to a specific dollar amount for violation of a statute, ordinance, or regulation shall consider the following in setting the amount of the civil penalty:
(1)    the severity of the violation;
(2)    the good faith of the violator; and
(3)    any history of prior violations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1305 - Outdoor Advertising Signs

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Fair market value” means a value that:
1.    is determined by a schedule adopted by the Department of Transportation; and
2.    includes the value of the integral parts of an outdoor advertising sign, less depreciation.
(ii)    “Fair market value” does not include loss of revenue.
(3)    (i)    “Outdoor advertising sign” means an off–premises outdoor sign that is:
1.    commercially owned and maintained; and
2.    used to advertise goods or services for sale in a location other than the location where the sign is placed.
(ii)    “Outdoor advertising sign” includes a sign composed of painted bulletin or poster panel, generally referred to as a billboard.
(b)    A county or municipality shall pay the fair market value of an outdoor advertising sign that:
(1)    was lawfully erected and maintained under a State, county, or municipal law or ordinance; and
(2)    is removed or required to be removed by the county or municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1306 - Compliance With Workers' Compensation Act

(a)    In this section, “covered employee” has the meaning stated in § 9–101 of the Labor and Employment Article.
(b)    Before a county or municipality may issue a license or permit to an employer to engage in an activity in which the employer may employ a covered employee, the employer shall file with the issuing authority:
(1)    a certificate of compliance with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act; or
(2)    the number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1307 - Use of Population Count to Create Legislative Districts for Election of Governing Body

The population count used after each decennial census to create the legislative districts that are used to elect the governing body of a county or a municipality:
(1)    may not include individuals who:
(i)    were incarcerated in State or federal correctional facilities, as determined by the decennial census; and
(ii)    were not residents of the State before their incarceration; and
(2)    shall include individuals incarcerated in State or federal correctional facilities, as determined by the decennial census, at their last known residence before incarceration if the individuals were residents of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1308 - Affordable Housing Programs

To support, foster, or promote an affordable housing program for individuals or families of low or moderate income, a county or municipality may:
(1)    establish local trust funds or appropriate funds;
(2)    waive or modify building permit or development impact fees and charges that are not mandated under State law for the construction or rehabilitation of lower income housing units:
(i)    in proportion to the number of lower income housing units of a development; and
(ii)    1.    that are financed, wholly or partly, by public funding that requires mortgage restrictions or recorded covenants restricting the rental or sale of the housing units to lower income residents in accordance with specific government program requirements; or
2.    that are developed by a nonprofit organization that:
A.    has been exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for at least 3 years; and
B.    requires the homebuyer to participate in the construction or rehabilitation of the housing unit;
(3)    enact legislation that restricts cost and resale prices and requires development of affordable housing units as part of any subdivision in return for added density;
(4)    provide land or property from the inventory of the county or municipality; and
(5)    support PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) programs to encourage construction of affordable housing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1309 - Street Lighting Equipment

(a)    In this section, “electric company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)    This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(c)    On written request by a county or municipality, an electric company shall sell to the county or municipality some or all of the electric company’s existing street lighting equipment that is located in the county or municipality.
(d)    If the county or municipality purchases street lighting equipment from an electric company, the county or municipality shall pay to the electric company the fair market value of the street lighting equipment.
(e)    A county or municipality that purchases street lighting equipment in accordance with this section:
(1)    shall be responsible for the maintenance of the street lighting equipment; and
(2)    may contract with an outside entity for the maintenance of the street lighting equipment.
(f)    (1)    Any person who controls the right to use space on any pole, lamppost, or other mounting surface previously used in the county or municipality by the electric company for street lighting equipment shall allow a county or municipality that has purchased the street lighting equipment to assume the rights and obligations of the electric company with respect to the space for the unexpired term of any lease or other agreement under which the electric company used the space.
(2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, the county or municipality may not restrict or prohibit universal access for electricity or any other service by assuming the rights and obligations of an electric company as to space on any pole, lamppost, or other mounting surface used for street lighting equipment.
(3)    Any dispute between an electric company and a county or municipality arising under this subsection shall be submitted to the Public Service Commission for resolution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1310 - Swimming Pool Automated External Defibrillator Programs

(a)    In this section, “swimming pool” means a pool that is owned and operated by the governing body of a county or municipality.
(b)    (1)    Each county or municipality that owns or operates a swimming pool shall develop and implement an automated external defibrillator program that meets the requirements of § 13–517 of the Education Article for each swimming pool owned or operated by the county or municipality.
(2)    The program required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include provisions that:
(i)    ensure an automated external defibrillator is provided on–site; and
(ii)    an individual trained in the operation and use of an automated external defibrillator is present at each swimming pool.
(c)    The Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems jointly shall adopt regulations that:
(1)    establish guidelines for periodic inspections and annual maintenance of the automated external defibrillators; and
(2)    assist each county or municipality in carrying out the provisions of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1311 - Water Access as Part of Construction or Improvement Project Involving Bridge or Other Transportation Facility Adjacent to or Crossing Waterway

(a)    A county or municipality, in developing a construction or improvement project involving a bridge or other transportation facility that is adjacent to or crosses a waterway, shall consider any reasonable and appropriate measures to provide or improve in the vicinity of the bridge or other transportation facility water access for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or any other nonmotorized water dependent recreational activity.
(b)    A county or municipality, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and interested stakeholders, shall establish:
(1)    standards and guidelines for identifying appropriate bridges and other transportation facilities to be considered for the provision or improvement of water access under this section; and
(2)    best practices and cost effective strategies for accommodating water access under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1312 - Penalties for Failure to Register and Renew Alarm System

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Alarm system contractor” has the meaning stated in § 12–806 of this article.
(3)    “Alarm user” has the meaning stated in § 12–806 of this article.
(b)    This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(c)    If a county or municipality requires an alarm user or an alarm system contractor to register an alarm system, the county or municipality may impose a penalty against an alarm system contractor for failure to register an alarm system only if:
(1)    the alarm system contractor requested a dispatch to an alarm user; and
(2)    the alarm system contractor failed to register the alarm system.
(d)    If a county or municipality requires an alarm user or an alarm system contractor to renew an alarm system’s registration, the county or municipality may impose a penalty against an alarm system contractor for failure to renew an alarm system’s registration only if:
(1)    the alarm system contractor requested a dispatch to an alarm user;
(2)    the alarm system contractor failed to renew the alarm system’s registration; and
(3)    the county or municipality provided the alarm system contractor notice that:
(i)    the alarm system’s registration expired;
(ii)    the alarm user or the alarm system contractor did not renew the alarm system’s registration; or
(iii)    the alarm system’s registration has been suspended.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1313 - Program to Evaluate Complaints of Drainage Defects

** TAKES EFFECT OCTOBER 1, 2020 PER CHAPTER 350 OF 2019 **
(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Drainage defect” means improper grading, poor soil composition, or any other design or workmanship defect attributable to a homebuilder that results in a flooded yard or water in the basement of a new home.
(3)    “Homebuilder” means a person that undertakes to erect or otherwise construct a new home.
(4)    “Owner” means the purchaser of a new home who uses the home primarily for residential purposes in Prince George’s County.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of Prince George’s County shall establish a program to evaluate complaints of drainage defects in the county.
(c)    The program required under subsection (b) of this section shall include procedures for:
(1)    an owner to request an evaluation of a drainage defect;
(2)    requiring the county to complete a written evaluation of alleged drainage defects; and
(3)    requiring the county to collect data regarding homebuilders who have built homes with drainage defects.