reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 3 - Maryland Environmental Policy Act › Section 1-304 - Environmental Effects Reports

(a)    As of July 1, 1974, all State agencies shall prepare, in conjunction with each proposed State action significantly affecting the quality of the environment, an environmental effects report including, but not limited to, a discussion of:
(1)    The effects of the proposed action on the environment, including adverse and beneficial environmental effects that are reasonably likely if the proposal is implemented or if it is not implemented;
(2)    Measures that might be taken to minimize potential adverse environmental effects and maximize potential beneficial environmental effects, including monitoring, maintenance, replacement, operation, and other follow-up activities; and
(3)    Reasonable alternatives to the proposed action that might have less adverse environmental effects or greater beneficial environmental effects, including, the alternative of no action.
(b)    The Secretary of Natural Resources prior to December 31, 1973, shall issue guidelines to assist State agencies in the preparation of environmental effects reports in accordance with this subtitle and pursuant to the public notice provisions of § 10-112 of the State Government Article, including, but not limited to, provision for:
(1)    Comment upon the proposed State action by public and private organizations and individuals with jurisdiction by law, special expertise, or recognized interest prior to the request for legislation;
(2)    The possibility of the preparation of single program environmental effects reports if a series of actions taken individually are of minimal significance but if the cumulative effect of the actions on the environment is significant or if a series of actions are related either geographically or as logical parts in a chain of contemplated actions;
(3)    The possibility of the preparation of modified environmental effects reports on remaining decisions significantly affecting the quality of the environment that are parts of actions begun before but not completed by July 1, 1974; and
(4)    The issuance of guidelines, in accordance with this subtitle and pursuant to the guidelines issued by the Secretary of Natural Resources, for the preparation of environmental effects reports by each State agency that takes actions that significantly affect the quality of the environment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 4 - General Provisions › Section 1-401 - Compliance With Workers' Compensation Act

Before a license or permit may be issued under this article to an employer to engage in an activity in which the employer may employ a covered employee, as defined in § 9-101 of the Labor and Employment Article, 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 › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 4 - General Provisions › Section 1-402 - Renewal of License or Permit; Verification of Payment of Taxes and Unemployment Insurance Contributions

(a)    A license or permit is considered renewed for purposes of this section if the license or permit is issued by a unit of State government to a person for the period immediately following a period for which the person previously possessed the same or a substantially similar license.
(b)    Before any license or permit may be renewed under this article, the issuing authority shall verify through the Office of the Comptroller that the applicant has paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor or that the applicant has provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 4 - General Provisions › Section 1-403.1 - Digital or Electronic Format of License or Stamp -- Satisfying Requirement to Possess or Display. [Effective Until July 1, 2024]

(a)    The Department shall make available and, on request, issue any license or stamp authorized under §§ 4–604, 4–614, 4–745, or 10–301(g) of this article in a digital or electronic format.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual may satisfy any requirement under this article to possess or display a license or stamp issued under §§ 4–604, 4–614, 4–745, or 10–301(g) of this article by possessing or displaying the document in a digital or electronic format as provided by the Department.
(2)    An annual special Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license shall be permanently affixed to a boat in accordance with § 4–745(d)(2) of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 4 - General Provisions › Section 1-404 - County Authority to Deny Applications for Local Land Use on Protected Lands

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Administrator” means the final authority in the decision making process for accepting land into a land conservation program in the Department of Natural Resources.
(3)    “Conservation easement” means an easement held or co-held by the Department of Natural Resources or the Maryland Environmental Trust.
(4)    “Land conservation program” includes the Maryland Environmental Trust, Program Open Space, and the Rural Legacy Program.
(5)    “Project” means an acquisition or development project under Program Open Space, in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 9 of this article.
(6)    “Protected land” means land that is protected by a land conservation program.
(7)    “Rural Legacy Area” has the meaning stated in § 5-9A-02 of this article.
(b)    This section applies to applications affecting land that is protected by a program within the Department of Natural Resources, including land that is:
(1)    Subject to a conservation easement within a designated Rural Legacy Area;
(2)    Subject to a conservation easement held by the Maryland Environmental Trust; or
(3)    Subject to a conservation easement funded under Program Open Space.
(c)    If the administrator of a land conservation program has not approved the use for the land for which an application is made, a county or municipal corporation may deny an application for:
(1)    A subdivision plat or plan;
(2)    A residential building permit; or
(3)    Any other nonagricultural use or activity, including an access road.
(d)    This section may not be construed to limit the authority of a county to grant or deny an application for a land use permit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 4 - General Provisions › Section 1-406 - Old-Growth Forest on State Conservation Land -- Actions to Protect

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Old–growth forest” means a forest:
(i)    At least 5 acres in size with a preponderance of old trees, of which the oldest exceed at least half the projected maximum attainable age for the species; and
(ii)    That exhibits several of the following characteristics:
1.    Shade–tolerant species are present in all age and size classes;
2.    Randomly distributed canopy gaps are present;
3.    A high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present;
4.    An accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and
5.    Pit and mound topography can be observed.
(3)    “State conservation land” means:
(i)    State parks;
(ii)    Wildlife management areas; and
(iii)    Natural resources management areas.
(b)    Whenever the Department identifies an old–growth forest on State conservation land, the land shall be managed in a manner that prohibits logging.
(c)    Nothing in this section may be interpreted to prohibit the Department from taking actions to protect old–growth forest from fire, animals, insects, disease, and erosion in a manner that has minimal adverse effects on the ecosystem and subject to conditions the Secretary considers necessary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Person” means any resident of the State of Maryland, any corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland, or any partnership, organization, association, or legal entity doing business in the State.
(c)    “Political subdivision” means a county, the City of Baltimore, a multicounty agency, municipal corporation, single purpose district, and soil conservation or sanitary district.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-502 - Declaration of Legislative Policy and Intent

The General Assembly finds and declares that the natural resources and the scenic beauty of the State of Maryland are in danger of irreparable harm occasioned by the use and exploitation of the physical environment. It further finds that improper use and exploitation constitute an invasion of the right of every resident of Maryland to an environment free from pollution to the extent possible. It further finds that the courts of the State of Maryland are an appropriate forum for seeking the protection of the environment and that an unreasonably strict procedural definition of “standing to sue” in environmental matters is not in the public interest.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-503 - Actions for Declaratory and Equitable Relief

(a)    The following persons have standing to bring and maintain an action provided for in this section in the courts of equity of this State:
(1)    The State of Maryland, or any agency or officer of the State, acting through the Attorney General;
(2)    Any political subdivision of the State of Maryland, or any agency or officer of it acting on its behalf; and
(3)    Any other person, regardless of whether he possesses a special interest different from that possessed generally by the residents of Maryland, or whether substantial personal or property damage to him is threatened. However, an individual citizen either shall reside in the county or Baltimore City where the action is brought, or shall demonstrate that the alleged condition, activity, or failure complained of affects the environment where he resides.
(b)    Any person given standing by subsection (a) of this section may bring and maintain an action for mandamus or equitable relief, including declaratory relief against any officer or agency of the State or political subdivision for failure on the part of the officer or agency of the State or political subdivision to perform a nondiscretionary ministerial duty imposed upon them under an environmental statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or order, or for their failure to enforce an applicable environmental quality standard for the protection of the air, water, or other natural resources of the State, as expressed in a statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or order of the State, or any political subdivision upon the request of the defendant, the court in its discretion may join as a party defendant any person against whom the plaintiff is requesting that governmental action be taken following notice to that person and if the court determines that the joinder would serve the interests of justice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-505 - Venue, Pleadings, and Procedure

(a)    An action pursuant to this subtitle shall be brought in the circuit court where the alleged condition, activity, or failure complained of is occurring, has occurred, or is likely to occur.
(b)    If the plaintiff is a person other than the State, an action does not lie under this subtitle unless the plaintiff, at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the action, has delivered a sufficient written notice of the alleged condition, activity, or failure to the agency of the State or its political subdivision responsible for initiating or instituting some official action as a result of the alleged condition, activity, or failure. A copy of the notice shall be simultaneously delivered to the Attorney General.
(c)    In addition to the copies which are to be served upon any person named as a defendant, a copy of the summons and bill of complaint and of any supporting papers and exhibits attached to it, including in all cases a certificate from the plaintiff under subsection (b) of this section of the date of the mailings, a copy of the mailed written notice and the signed certified mail receipts returned by the addressees, must be served upon the Attorney General, for purposes of notice and also to give him an opportunity to intervene. It is discretionary with the Attorney General and with each interested State agency or official represented by him whether to appear in the action but, upon application, at any time during the pendency of the action the Attorney General shall be permitted to intervene.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-506 - Stay of Proceedings

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the court may grant a stay of the proceedings brought pursuant to this subtitle upon motion of defendant made upon notice to all parties and to the Attorney General whether or not a party whenever there is pending any of the following at the time of commencement of an action brought pursuant to this subtitle:
(1)    Any administrative enforcement hearing initiated by an agency of the State or a political subdivision, either prior to or after receipt of the statutory notice required by § 1-505(b) and (c) of this subtitle, with jurisdiction by law over the condition or activity complained of, if the proceeding is being diligently prosecuted in the opinion of the court;
(2)    Judicial review of any administrative action taken with respect to the condition or activity complained of;
(3)    An action in court brought by the Attorney General on behalf of a State agency represented by him or by a political subdivision of the State with respect to the condition or activity complained of; or
(4)    An appeal from a judgment rendered with respect to an action brought under item (3) of this subsection.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the court also may grant the stay provided for in subsection (a) of this section upon motion made by the Attorney General on behalf of the people of the State or by a State agency or official represented by him, whether or not he is a named party defendant.
(c)    A stay shall be granted for a time the court considers reasonable for completion of the administrative or judicial proceeding, the pendency of which is the basis for the motion for the stay, but in no event may a stay be granted for longer than 90 days without a showing of sufficient cause by the defendant or the Attorney General.
(d)    The court, upon motion demonstrating sufficient cause, may grant extensions of the stay for additional periods not to exceed 90 days each.
(e)    A stay pursuant to this section may not be granted if the court finds that the condition or activity complained of either presents an imminent danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the people of the State or results in, or is likely to result in, irreversible or irreparable damage to the air, water, or other natural resources of the State except pursuant to § 1-504(f)(2) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-507 - Procedures

(a)    An action brought pursuant to this subtitle may not be compromised, discontinued, or dismissed by consent, by default, or for neglect to prosecute, except with the approval of the court. The approval may not be granted when the court determines that a monetary settlement, in excess of court costs and attorneys fees, has been offered by a defendant to a plaintiff, who has standing to sue only by virtue of this subtitle, as consideration for the settlement. If the court upon application of a defendant determines that an action in which a plaintiff has acquired standing solely by virtue of this subtitle was brought in bad faith or solely for purposes of harassment or delay, it may, after further hearing on this specific question, award to the defendant against the plaintiff a judgment for all or part of the court costs, including attorneys fees, as the defendant may establish were incurred by him in defending the action together with any damages sustained by the defendant as a result of the action having been brought, including witness fees.
(b)    The Maryland Rules apply to all actions brought under this subtitle except where the provisions of this subtitle specifically describe other procedures.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act › Section 1-508 - Existing Rights and Remedies Reserved

It is the purpose of this subtitle to provide certain remedies to abate the pollution, destruction, or substantial or unreasonable impairment of the air, water, or other natural resources of the State and therefore nothing contained in it abridges or alters rights of action or remedies which exist. A provision in this subtitle, or any act done by virtue of this subtitle, may not be construed as estopping or limiting the State or any person in the exercise of his rights to suppress nuisances or to abate any pollution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River › Section 1-601 - Policy of State

It is the policy of the State to foster water safety for recreational uses of the Potomac River, including swimming, bathing, wading, diving, tubing, rafting, and other uses involving contact with the water. There is a particular need to restrict the recreational use of certain waters known to be hazardous to personal safety some or all of the time, specifically, that section of the Potomac River beginning at the District of Columbia and Maryland boundary line which crosses the Potomac River approximately one-half mile north of Chain Bridge and continuing upstream to a line across the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry Road.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 6 - Recreational Use of the Potomac River › Section 1-604 - Penalties for Violations

Any person who violates any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding 2 months, or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Conserve”, “endangered species”, “nongame species”, “species”, and “threatened species” have the meanings stated in § 10-2A-01 of this article.
(c)    “Fund” means the State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund established under § 1-702 of this subtitle.
(d)    “Income tax checkoff system” means the checkoff system established under § 2-110 of the Tax - General Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-702 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.
(b)    There is a State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.
(c)    (1)    The net proceeds from contributions under the income tax checkoff system and any other donations to the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(2)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(3)    The Fund shall be used only as provided in §§ 1–703 through 1–705 of this subtitle.
(4)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(5)    The Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(6)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.
(7)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(d)    The Fund shall be maintained for the purposes stated in this subtitle and unspent portions of the Fund shall remain in the Fund and may not revert to the General Fund of the State.
(e)    Money expended from the Fund for the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Endangered Species Conservation programs is supplemental and is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for the Trust or for those programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-703 - Distributions

(a)    (1)    The Secretary may distribute not more than 5% of the net proceeds of the Fund to a promotional account to be used to promote further donations to the Fund.
(2)    Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this title.
(b)    After making the distributions allowed under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall distribute the remainder of the net proceeds of the Fund as follows:
(1)    50% to the Chesapeake Bay Trust established under § 8–1902 of this article, to be used by the Trust only as provided in § 1–704 of this subtitle; and
(2)    50% to an endangered species account, to be used only to conserve nongame, threatened and endangered species as provided in § 1–705 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-704 - Grants to Nonprofit Organizations, Community Associations, Etc

The Chesapeake Bay Trust shall use the funds it receives under § 1-703 of this subtitle only to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, community associations, civic groups, schools, or public agencies for citizen involvement projects that will enhance or promote:
(1)    Public education of the State’s citizens concerning the Chesapeake Bay;
(2)    The preservation or enhancement of water quality and fishery or wildlife habitat;
(3)    The restoration of aquatic or land resources;
(4)    Reforestation projects;
(5)    The publication or production of educational materials on the Chesapeake Bay; or
(6)    Training in environmental studies or environmental enhancement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-705 - Promotion of Conservation, Propagation, and Habitat Protection of Nongame, Threatened or Endangered Species

(a)    The Secretary shall use the funds credited to the endangered species account under § 1-703 of this subtitle only to promote the conservation, propagation, and habitat protection of nongame, threatened or endangered species, including:
(1)    The acquisition, through absolute purchase or the purchase of easements, of habitats necessary to conserve, protect, or propagate nongame, threatened or endangered species;
(2)    The monitoring, surveying, and protection of nest sites of bald eagles, Delmarva fox squirrels, peregrine falcons, and piping plovers;
(3)    The promotion of voluntary protection of habitat for threatened and endangered species by monitoring information and management assistance to private landowners;
(4)    The initiation of surveys and recovery programs, including habitat restoration or protection, for other threatened or endangered species;
(5)    The protection of threatened or endangered species in natural heritage areas identified under the Natural Heritage Program;
(6)    The surveying of nongame birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians not currently receiving review, particularly those species whose population status is questionable, such as the bog turtle;
(7)    The development and implementation of an urban wildlife program to provide individuals in urban and suburban areas the opportunity to observe wildlife; and
(8)    The development and implementation of a public education and information program to educate the public and school children about wildlife and habitat conservation.
(b)    (1)    In developing the wildlife conservation programs under this section, the Secretary shall solicit the advice of the Threatened and Endangered Species Committee established in the Department.
(2)    The Secretary shall obtain recommendations from the Natural Heritage Program in the Department as to implementation of threatened and endangered species conservation programs under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 7 - State Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund › Section 1-706 - Annual Report to General Assembly

(a)    On or before September 30 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the General Assembly, pursuant to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the administration of the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund.
(b)    The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    The gross amount of donations to the Fund;
(2)    The costs of administration by the Comptroller of the income tax checkoff system;
(3)    A description of promotional efforts undertaken with money from the Fund; and
(4)    A detailed accounting of the use of the Fund:
(i)    By the Chesapeake Bay Trust; and
(ii)    For wildlife conservation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 8 - Penalties and Fines › Section 1-801 - Prepayable Fines

(a)    The Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland may establish, by administrative regulation under the provisions of § 1-605 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, a schedule of prepayable fines for first offense misdemeanor violations of this article and regulations adopted under this article. The amount of a prepayable fine may be no more than the maximum and no less than the minimum criminal penalty established by the General Assembly in this article.
(b)    By paying a fine set under this section in lieu of appearing for trial in District Court, a person is voluntarily accepting a conviction for the offense charged.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 9 - Recreational License Incentive Discount Program › Section 1-901 - Recreational License Incentive Discount Program

(a)    In this subtitle, “Program” means the Recreational License Incentive Discount Program.
(b)    There is a Recreational License Incentive Discount Program in the Department.
(c)    The Program is established to provide incentives for eligible individuals to obtain recreational fishing and hunting licenses.
(d)    (1)    In administering the Program, the Department may offer incentive discounts for recreational fishing and hunting licenses issued under §§ 4–604, 4–745, and 10–301 of this article.
(2)    An incentive discount offered or provided under the Program:
(i)    May not exceed 50% of the underlying license fee; and
(ii)    May be offered or provided for a specific recreational license only to an individual who has not held that license within the previous 2 years.
(e)    The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources › Subtitle 10 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1001 - List on Website of Native Plant Species

(a)    The Department shall create, maintain, and publish on its website a list of plant species native to the State.
(b)    The list created under subsection (a) of this section shall identify native plants that may be used and planted as an alternative to the use and planting of tier 2 invasive plants.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 2-101 - Enumeration

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey.
(c)    “Department” means Department of Natural Resources.
(d)    “Paleontology” means the branch of geology that deals with prehistoric forms of life through the study of plant and animal fossils.
(e)    “Secretary” means Secretary of Natural Resources.
(f)    “Survey” means Maryland Geological Survey.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey › Section 2-201 - Maryland Geological Survey -- Established; Appointment of Director

(a)    There is a Maryland Geological Survey in the Department.
(b)    The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, shall appoint the Director of the Survey. The Director shall hold office under and subject to the provisions of § 1-101(d) of this article. He shall be a person with executive ability, and special training and experience in handling problems in the fields of geology and water resources.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey › Section 2-202 - Functions

The Survey shall:
(1)    Conduct topographic, geologic, hydrographic, and geophysical surveys;
(2)    Prepare topographic, geologic, and other types of maps to meet specific needs;
(3)    Prepare reports on the extent and character of the State’s geology, mineral, and water resources; and
(4)    Periodically assess the paleontological resources of the State and coordinate the assessment with interested persons and public agencies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Maryland Geological Survey and Commission of Maryland Geological Survey › Section 2-204 - Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey

(a)    There is a Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey in the Survey. It consists of five members appointed by the Secretary from among citizens of the State who have character, ability, and active interest in the proper development, use, and conservation of geologic, mineral, and water resources. The members shall select their own chairman. A member’s term of office is five years. The Secretary may remove any member for cause, and any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member may not receive compensation for his services, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses and disbursements made in order to attend any meeting or perform any other official duty.
(b)    The Commission shall advise the Director of the Survey with respect to any matter within the Survey’s jurisdiction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 4 - State Boundary Monuments › Section 2-402 - Duty and Authority of Survey

The Survey shall examine, at least once every ten years, every monument which marks the boundaries of the State. Whenever the Survey finds the monument is lost, removed, or displaced causing the boundary to become obscure, inaccurate, or incorrect, it shall cooperate with the proper officials and agencies of the adjacent state, commonwealth, or district to replace, restore, or repair the monuments on the common boundary line. The Survey, on behalf of the State, may make any joint agreement or contract with appropriate officials or agencies of any adjacent state, commonwealth, or district, and the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, or any similar disinterested party or agency, to resurvey, remark, or otherwise delineate more clearly any part of any common boundary between the State and any adjacent state, commonwealth, or district. In any resurvey, the present established boundaries of the State shall be preserved with the greatest possible fidelity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 2 - Maryland Geological Survey › Subtitle 4 - State Boundary Monuments › Section 2-404 - Destruction or Possession of Monument Prohibited

A person may not move, remove, break, mutilate, deface, destroy, or otherwise injure any monument marking any boundary between the State and any adjacent state, commonwealth, or district. Any person who possesses any monument previously placed, or prepared to be placed, on any State boundary, upon demand by the Survey, shall surrender and deliver the monument to the Survey.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-102 - Legislative Intent; Purpose; Construction

(a)    To assist with the preservation, improvement, and management of the quality of air, land, water, and natural resources, and to promote the health and welfare of the citizens of the State, it is the intention of the General Assembly in enactment of this subtitle to provide for dependable, effective, and efficient water supply and purification and disposal of liquid and solid wastes, to encourage reductions in the amount of waste generated and discharged to the environment and the generation of energy and the recovery of useable resources from such waste to the extent practicable; to promote the conservation of energy usage and to enable and provide for the production of energy from solid wastes and renewable and other sources; to encourage private sector participation in environmental protection; and to serve its political subdivisions and economic interests. For these purposes, the General Assembly creates an instrumentality of the State constituted as a body politic and corporate to provide water supply wastewater purification and disposal, solid and hazardous waste disposal, and energy conservation, generation, and transmission services in compliance with State and federal laws, regulations, and policies governing air, land, and water pollution to public and private instrumentalities, and with safeguards to protect the autonomy of the political subdivisions and the rights of the private entities it serves. It is also the intent of the General Assembly that the instrumentality may not participate in competitive bidding with the private sector to provide its services.
(b)    This subtitle shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes. However, nothing contained in it shall restrict any control which the Departments of the Environment and Natural Resources, or of their units, are empowered to exercise over any water supply, wastewater purification, solid waste disposal, or energy project authorized by this subtitle, nor interfere with or affect the operation of existing wastewater purification, water supply, solid waste disposal, or energy projects found by the Secretary of the Environment to be adequately and lawfully operated by municipalities having jurisdiction or responsibility for them, except by their express consent and agreement. Nothing in this subtitle shall restrict any control which the Public Service Commission is empowered to exercise over any energy project authorized by this subtitle.
(c)    Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to alter, change, or modify the zoning or land use planning authority of any municipality or public instrumentality or cause a municipality or public instrumentality to take action inconsistent with the county solid waste management plan required under Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the Environment Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-103.3 - Conflict of Interest Policy for Board Members -- Copies Supplied

(a)    On or before October 31, 2021, the Board shall adopt a conflict of interest policy for members of the Board that includes:
(1)    Standards for the disclosure of financial interests;
(2)    Standards for Board member participation in contracts with the Service in accordance with this subtitle, including an attestation that the Board member has complied with the conflict of interest standards adopted by the Board;
(3)    Standards for recusal from voting;
(4)    A requirement that a Board member may not use the Board member’s position on the Board for personal gain when contracting with the Service; and
(5)    A requirement that a Board member provide an attestation of any business relationship with the Service.
(b)    The Board shall send a copy of the conflict of interest policy adopted under subsection (a) of this section to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House:
(1)    After the policy is initially adopted; and
(2)    Each time a substantive change is made to the policy.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-103.5 - Recurring Assessment of Board's Operations -- Items Evaluated -- Assessment Posted on Website

(a)    On or before December 31, 2021, and each December 31 every 5 years thereafter, the Board shall obtain an assessment of the Board’s operations by an independent consultant or accountant.
(b)    The assessment required under subsection (a) of this section shall include an evaluation of:
(1)    The structure of the Board, including the Board’s:
(i)    Composition;
(ii)    Charter, bylaws, and other governing documents and procedures;
(iii)    Diversity;
(iv)    Subcommittees or workgroups; and
(v)    Frequency of meetings;
(2)    The dynamics and functioning of the Board, including:
(i)    The Board’s annual calendar;
(ii)    Access to information;
(iii)    Communication with Service personnel;
(iv)    Planning; and
(v)    Cohesiveness and conduct of Board meetings;
(3)    The Board’s role in the Service’s short–term and long–term strategy;
(4)    The financial reporting process, internal audit, and internal controls;
(5)    The Board’s role in monitoring the Service’s policies, strategies, and systems;
(6)    The Board’s role in supporting and advising the Service;
(7)    The role of the Chair of the Board; and
(8)    Any other issue relevant to the Board’s operations.
(c)    The Board shall:
(1)    Review each assessment required under this section at a meeting of the Board; and
(2)    Make any changes or recommendations that the Board considers appropriate based on the assessment.
(d)    (1)    The Board shall submit each assessment required under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
(2)    The Service shall post a copy of each assessment on the Service’s website, including a link to a copy of the most recent assessment on the homepage of the website.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-105 - Responsibilities and Activities; Limitation Upon Powers

(a)    The Service is responsible for carrying out the following general activities subject to the limitations stated in this section.
(b)    Planning, integrating, and establishing geographic service regions and districts, in cooperation with affected municipalities and based upon approved State–county master plans for water and sewerage, and solid waste disposal as provided in the Environment Article, as well as other plans and studies permitted by this subtitle.
(c)    Research and developmental studies and investigations into improved methods and techniques of water supply, liquid wastes, solid wastes, and energy generation, acquisition, transportation, processing, recycling, purification, disposal and management, and technical consultation and assistance to design, management, and operation personnel of the Service and, pursuant to an order or request, to appropriate municipalities or persons possessing similar responsibilities.
(d)    To the extent appropriate in each instance, acquisition, design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, improvement, operation, maintenance, and repair of a water supply project, wastewater purification project, and solid waste disposal project, pursuant to an order of the Secretary of the Environment as further provided in §§ 3–109 and 3–110 of this subtitle; or pursuant to a mandatory agreement to provide requested services, as provided in § 3–107 of this subtitle; or pursuant to an approved five–year plan, as provided in § 3–106 of this subtitle.
(e)    Except upon request of a municipality and pursuant to a contract between the Service and the municipality, the Service may not acquire, construct, operate, or establish a wastewater purification project or solid waste disposal project, as the case may be, for (1) any area or district which, in the determination of the Secretary of the Environment, is receiving adequate service from a project owned by a municipality and operated in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; (2) any area or district which, in the determination of that Secretary, will receive, within a reasonable time, adequate service from a project owned by a municipality and operated in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; or (3) dredging or dredged material disposal projects.
(f)    Execute the powers and perform the duties set forth in Title 7, Subtitle 4 of the Environment Article, including the financing, acquisition, leasing, and operation of hazardous waste disposal facilities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-110 - Pollution Abatement Projects to Be Provided Upon Directive of Secretary of the Environment; Costs and Operation of Projects

(a)    Upon the failure of a person to comply with an order to abate pollution provided for in Title 7, Subtitle 2 or Title 9, Subtitle 3 of the Environment Article, the Secretary of the Environment, if no remedy provided in Title 7, Subtitle 2 or Title 9, Subtitle 3 of the Environment Article is sought against that person, may direct the Service to provide projects necessary to abate the pollution.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, upon receipt of the directive from the Secretary of the Environment, the Service shall provide the project necessary to abate the pollution, and the person shall discharge or deliver his wastes only to a Service project or avail himself of the projects provided by the Service to abate the pollution. The cost of projects provided by the Service to abate pollution under the terms of this section shall be borne by the person against whom the order to abate pollution was issued. That person and the Service shall determine by agreement the costs, rental, charges, or other fees to be paid by the person to the Service. If the fees and charges remain unpaid for a period of 60 days, the unpaid amount becomes a lien against the property served if it is recorded and indexed as provided in this subtitle, and the matter shall be referred to the Attorney General for collection.
(c)    All projects provided by the Service under this section remain under the control and operation of the Service. It is unlawful for a person provided with projects by the Service under this section to duplicate or use any other project serving the same purpose.
(d)    (1)    In the event the Service determines, at any time, that it will be unable to recoup all or a portion of its costs from the persons subject to the order of the Secretary of the Environment, the Service shall provide to the Secretary a full accounting of all costs incurred or anticipated to be incurred by it in complying with the Secretary’s directive.
(2)    Within 30 days of receipt of the accounting, the Secretary may request that the Service provide additional information.
(3)    Within 90 days of receipt of the accounting or, when applicable, the additional information, the State shall pay to the Service the full amount of the Service’s costs that are not paid or reasonably expected to be paid by the persons.
(4)    (i)    The State’s payment of any amount to the Service does not preclude the State from seeking or obtaining reimbursement from the municipality or persons subject to the order of the Secretary.
(ii)    The Service shall cooperate fully with the Secretary in seeking reimbursement from the municipality or persons.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-111 - Duplicating or Using Projects Similar to Service Provided Projects

Except as provided in § 3-104 of this subtitle, or in an approved five-year plan adopted under this subtitle, it is unlawful for a municipality or person provided with any projects by the Service under this subtitle to duplicate or use any other similar projects serving the same purpose unless the Service expressly permits it to do so.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-112 - Authority to Issue Revenue Bonds and Determine Matters Relating Thereto

(a)    The Service may provide by resolution, adopted by a majority of the Board, for the issuance of bonds and notes of the Service.
(b)    The Board has absolute discretion to determine with respect to the bonds or notes of any issue: (1) the date or dates of issue; (2) the date or dates and amount or amounts of maturity, provided only that no bond of any issue may mature later than 40 years from the date of its issue; (3) the rate or rates of interest payable thereon and the date or dates of such payment; (4) the form or forms, denomination or denominations, manner of execution and the place or places of payment thereof, and the interest thereon, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the State; (5) whether the bonds or notes or any part thereof are made redeemable before maturity and, if so, upon what terms, conditions, and prices; (6) whether there shall be a debt service reserve fund and, if so, its amount; and (7) any other matter relating to the form, terms, conditions, issuance, and sale thereof.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 3 - Environmental Programs › Subtitle 1 - Maryland Environmental Service › Section 3-113 - Provisions Applicable to All Bonds

(a)    If any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or notes ceases to be the officer before the delivery of the bonds or notes, the signature or facsimile is nevertheless valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he had remained in office until delivery.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title or any recitals in any bonds and notes issued hereunder, all bonds and notes shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State.
(c)    The bonds may be issued in registered form or in such other form as determined by the Board. Provision may also be made for the replacement of bonds which become mutilated or are lost or destroyed.
(d)    The bonds and notes are exempt from the provisions of §§ 8–206 and 8–208 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The Service may sell its bonds and notes in the manner, either at public or at private sale, and for the price it determines.
(e)    The bonds and notes may be issued by the Service without obtaining the consent of any unit of the State government, and without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things than those specifically required hereunder.