reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 1 - Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Section 7-103 - Mutual Aid Agreements With Other States and Entities

(a)    A fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity may enter into and renew a mutual aid agreement in accordance with this section with:
(1)    Delaware;
(2)    the District of Columbia;
(3)    Pennsylvania;
(4)    Virginia;
(5)    West Virginia; or
(6)    a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity of this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a mutual aid agreement may provide that a party that requests assistance under the mutual aid agreement indemnifies and holds harmless a party that provides assistance under the mutual aid agreement from any claim by a third party for property damage or personal injury that arises out of the mutual aid activities, including travel, of the party that provides assistance that occurs outside its own jurisdiction.
(2)    The party that requests assistance need not indemnify the party that provides assistance if:
(i)    the party that provides assistance does not cooperate in defending against a claim made by a third party; or
(ii)    the claim by a third party arises out of a malicious act of the party that provides assistance.
(c)    Each mutual aid agreement shall provide that each party to the mutual aid agreement shall waive any and all claims against all other parties to the mutual aid agreement if the claim arises out of the activities of a party outside its own jurisdiction under the mutual aid agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 1 - Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Section 7-104 - Agreements With Federal Government to Provide Fire Fighting or Rescue Activities

(a)    A fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity may enter into an agreement with the federal government in accordance with this section to provide fire fighting or rescue activities on property under the jurisdiction of the United States.
(b)    An agreement entered into under this section shall be limited to the provision of fire fighting or rescue equipment and personnel or both.
(c)    An agreement entered into under this section shall include:
(1)    a waiver by each party of any claim against any other party for compensation for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death that occurs in the performance of the agreement;
(2)    a provision to indemnify and hold harmless each party to the agreement from any claim by a third party for property damage or personal injury, within the limitations permitted by federal law, that arise out of the activities of each party to the agreement; and
(3)    a provision that entitles the fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity to obtain reimbursement from the appropriate federal authority for all or part of the cost of providing fire protection on property under the jurisdiction of the United States in accordance with federal law.
(d)    If an individual engaging in an activity authorized under this section sustains an injury that arises out of the activity, the individual is entitled to any or all benefits available under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act as the primary remedy for reimbursement of expenses for medical bills, loss of earnings, and disability that arises under or as a result of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 1 - Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Section 7-105 - Training in Emergency Response Measures

(a)    Each fire department in the State may have members trained in response measures that involve fire and other emergency techniques including, if approved by the Secretary of State Police, the use of helicopters or other equipment of the Department of State Police.
(b)    On request of a fire chief at any location in the State, a firefighter or member of the Department of State Police who has been trained in the response measures described in subsection (a) of this section may function at that location.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 1 - Mutual Aid Agreements by Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Section 7-106 - Benefits Accruing Under Workers' Compensation and Related Laws

For purposes of a workers’ compensation or other law or benefit that would accrue to an individual, career or volunteer, who is performing a service anywhere for a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity under a mutual aid agreement, the individual is considered to have performed that service in the course of employment and in the line of duty.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part I - Disability and Death Benefits › Section 7-202 - Disability Benefits

(a)    (1)    A member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad is eligible for disability benefits from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association if:
(i)    the member’s fire company or rescue squad recommends that the member receive benefits; and
(ii)    the member is permanently or temporarily disabled:
1.    as a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire;
2.    while going to or from a fire;
3.    while performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company;
4.    while actively participating in the emergency medical services unit, or rescue work of a volunteer advanced life support unit or a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company located in the State; or
5.    while providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2)    A benefit under this section shall be paid:
(i)    regardless of the district in which the beneficiary was disabled; or
(ii)    regardless of whether the beneficiary was disabled in this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)    The Board shall pay a benefit under this section from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in the amount and in the manner that the Board determines until the beneficiary is no longer disabled.
(c)    The secretary of the Board shall add the name of each beneficiary under this section to the Disabled Firemen’s and Rescue Squadmen’s List.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part I - Disability and Death Benefits › Section 7-203 - Death Benefits

(a)    (1)    The Board shall pay death benefits under this section if a member of a volunteer fire company or member of a volunteer rescue squad dies:
(i)    as a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire;
(ii)    while going to or from a fire;
(iii)    while performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company;
(iv)    while actively participating in the ambulance, advanced life support, or rescue work of a volunteer advanced life support unit or volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company located in the State; or
(v)    while providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2)    A benefit under this subsection shall be paid:
(i)    regardless of the district in which the decedent died; or
(ii)    regardless of whether the decedent died in this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b)    (1)    The Board shall pay a benefit under this section from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in the amount that the Board determines, but not less than $2,000.
(2)    The Board shall pay a benefit under this subsection:
(i)    to the decedent’s surviving spouse or dependent child;
(ii)    if no individual is eligible under item (i) of this paragraph, to the decedent’s surviving dependent parent;
(iii)    if no individual is eligible under item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph, to each surviving child of the decedent in equal shares;
(iv)    if no individual is eligible under item (i), (ii), or (iii) of this paragraph, to the decedent’s surviving parent; or
(v)    if no individual is eligible under item (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph, to each surviving sister, brother, or grandparent of the decedent in equal shares.
(c)    (1)    If there is a surviving spouse or dependent child:
(i)    until the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive a pension from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association; and
(ii)    until the dependent child becomes an adult, each dependent child is entitled to receive a pension from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
(2)    The Board shall pay a benefit under this subsection from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in the amount, at the times, and in the installments that the Board determines.
(3)    The secretary of the Board shall add the name of each beneficiary under this subsection to the Disabled Firemen’s and Rescue Squadmen’s List.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part I - Disability and Death Benefits › Section 7-204 - Funding

(a)    The Governor shall include in the State budget each year at least $55,000:
(1)    for the purposes set forth in §§ 7-202 and 7-203 of this subtitle; and
(2)    for scholarships for children of members of volunteer fire companies or volunteer rescue squads who are killed or disabled in the line of duty, as provided in § 18-602 of the Education Article.
(b)    The Board:
(1)    shall administer the money provided under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)    may not use it for administrative costs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part I - Disability and Death Benefits › Section 7-205 - On Duty for Purposes of Federal Act

A member of a volunteer fire company or rescue squad who is engaged in a fire fighting or rescue activity with an organized fire or rescue company is considered to be on duty during the activity for the purposes of the Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Act of 1976.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-208 - Calvert County

In Calvert County, the fire and rescue commission shall administer a length of service award program for members of volunteer fire companies and rescue squads, as provided in Title 14 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Calvert County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-210 - Charles County

In Charles County, the County Commissioners shall administer the length of service award program for members of volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, and mobile intensive care units, as provided in §§ 54-8 through 54-11 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Charles County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-211 - Frederick County

(a)    To encourage volunteer service in Frederick County, the governing body of Frederick County may enact a monetary service award plan based on length of service for members of volunteer fire companies in Frederick County.
(b)    The governing body of Frederick County may implement the plan by enacting an ordinance that relates to the provisions and implementation of the plan.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-212 - St. Mary's County

The Board of County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)    establish a length of service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments and rescue squads; and
(2)    adopt bylaws for the program by resolution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-212.1 - Somerset County

By resolution or ordinance, the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County may establish and fund a volunteer service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments, ambulance companies, and rescue squads.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 2 - Members of Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads › Part II - Length of Service Award Programs › Section 7-213 - Washington County

By resolution or ordinance, the Washington County Commissioners may establish and fund a volunteer length of service award program for qualified members of volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 3 - Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs › Section 7-302 - Appointment of Members of Fire Companies as Deputy Sheriffs -- Baltimore, Caroline, Dorchester and Queen Anne's Counties

(a)    This section applies only to Baltimore County, Dorchester County, and Queen Anne’s County.
(b)    The sheriff of a county subject to this section may appoint as deputy sheriffs members of fire companies, whether volunteer, career, incorporated, or unincorporated, to exercise the powers of deputy sheriffs at fires and while going to and from fires.
(c)    (1)    The commanding officer may designate three members of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriffs.
(2)    The commanding officer may be one of the three members designated under this subsection.
(d)    (1)    The sheriff of a county subject to this section shall appoint as deputy sheriff a member of the fire company designated under subsection (c) of this section on request of the designated member.
(2)    A request for appointment shall be accompanied by a written certificate of designation signed by the commanding officer.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member of a fire company appointed as deputy sheriff under this section may exercise the powers of deputy sheriffs at fires and while going to and from fires.
(2)    The powers of members appointed as deputy sheriffs do not apply and may not be exercised in a municipal corporation that maintains an organized police force.
(f)    (1)    The appointment of a member of a fire company as deputy sheriff terminates if the member ceases to be a member of the fire company.
(2)    The sheriff of a county subject to this section may remove a member appointed as deputy sheriff at any time for just cause.
(3)    If a member appointed as deputy sheriff dies, resigns, is dismissed, refuses to serve, or is unable to serve, the commanding officer may designate another member of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriff.
(4)    If the commanding officer designates another member of the fire company to be appointed as deputy sheriff, the sheriff of the county shall appoint that member as deputy sheriff, subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 3 - Members of Fire Companies Appointed as Deputy Sheriffs › Section 7-304 - Appointment of Members of Fire or Ambulance Companies as Fire Police -- Cecil County and Washington County

(a)    In this section, “fire and ambulance company” means a volunteer, career, incorporated, or unincorporated fire or ambulance company.
(b)    This section applies only to Cecil County and Washington County.
(c)    (1)    (i)    The commanding officer may designate to the sheriff of a county up to 20 individuals who are members of the commanding officer’s fire or ambulance company to be appointed as fire police.
(ii)    A written certificate of designation signed by the commanding officer shall accompany each request for appointment under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(2)    (i)    The Sheriff of Washington County shall appoint individuals to serve as fire police in Washington County from those members designated by the commanding officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii)    The Sheriff of Cecil County may appoint individuals to serve as fire police in Cecil County from those members designated by the commanding officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d)    (1)    The powers of individuals serving as fire police are limited to traffic control and scene safety while functioning at:
(i)    parades;
(ii)    accidents;
(iii)    fires;
(iv)    floods;
(v)    other emergencies; or
(vi)    public events conducted by a fire or ambulance company or the Sheriff’s department.
(2)    The powers authorized under this subsection may be exercised:
(i)    in a municipal corporation in the county, subject to the discretion and control of the chief of the police force of the municipal corporation; or
(ii)    in other areas of the county.
(3)    An individual appointed to serve as fire police in Washington County may not use a weapon in the performance of duties authorized under this subsection.
(e)    (1)    The appointment of a member of a fire or ambulance company as fire police terminates if the member ceases to be a member of the fire or ambulance company.
(2)    The sheriff of a county may remove a member appointed as fire police at any time.
(3)    If a member appointed to serve as fire police dies, resigns, is dismissed, refuses to serve, or is unable to serve, the commanding officer may designate another member of the fire or ambulance company to be appointed as fire police.
(f)    An individual appointed to serve as fire police in Washington County under this section is deemed an appointed official and shall be treated as an appointed official for purposes of Title 22 and Title 23 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 7-401 - Provision of Fire, Ambulance, and Rescue Services by For-Profit Entities

(a)    This section does not apply to nonemergency transportation or ambulance billing services performed by an ambulance service or by any other provider.
(b)    A county or municipal corporation that bargains collectively with fire, emergency medical services, paramedic, and rescue personnel may not contract with a for-profit entity to provide the county’s or municipal corporation’s complete fire suppression or ambulance and rescue services without the enactment of an ordinance or other local law that authorizes the action.
(c)    The requirement that a county or municipal corporation enact an ordinance or other local law under subsection (b) of this section may not be satisfied through the enactment of a local budget bill.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 7-402 - Interference, Obstruction, or False Representation Prohibited; Penalty

(a)    A person may not willfully interfere with or obstruct a firefighter, a rescue squad member, or emergency services personnel while the firefighter, rescue squad member, or emergency services personnel:
(1)    is fighting a fire, performing emergency services, or proceeding to a fire or other emergency; or
(2)    is dispatched on a call for emergency services.
(b)    A person may not, with fraudulent design on person or property, falsely represent that the person is a member of a career or volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency services unit of the State or a county or municipal corporation of the State.
(c)    A person may not have, use, wear, or display without proper authority, for the purpose of deception, a uniform, shield, button, ornament, identification, or shoulder patch, or a simulation or imitation of these articles, adopted by a career or volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency services unit.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 7 - Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services Entities › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 7-403 - Limited Access to Private Water Sources

If no public water source is available to a fire company to supply water to extinguish a fire or mitigate an emergency incident, a fire company may enter private property to obtain water from a private water source, such as a privately owned pond, lake, river, stream, canal, cistern, or swimming pool, to extinguish the fire or otherwise mitigate the emergency incident.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 1 - Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund › Section 8-102 - Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund. [Effective Until Contingency Met]

(a)    There is a Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund.
(b)    The purposes of the Fund are to promote:
(1)    the delivery of effective and high quality fire protection, rescue, and ambulance services in the State;
(2)    increased financial support for fire, rescue, and ambulance companies by counties; and
(3)    the continued financial viability of volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies given the greatly increased costs of equipment.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(2)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary may adopt procedures to carry out this subtitle, including additional auditing and reporting requirements.
(3)    The Secretary may not impose training or operational requirements as a precondition to receipt of money, except as otherwise expressly provided in this subtitle.
(d)    The Fund consists of money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund.
(e)    (1)    As authorized by the Secretary, the Treasurer shall make payments out of the Fund to each county on warrant of the Comptroller.
(2)    The Treasurer shall make the payments required under this subsection to the appropriate county on or about November 15.
(f)    (1)    State money provided under this section may only be used to:
(i)    acquire or rehabilitate fire or rescue equipment, including ambulances;
(ii)    acquire or rehabilitate capital equipment used in connection with fire or rescue equipment;
(iii)    rehabilitate facilities used primarily to house fire fighting equipment, ambulances, and rescue vehicles;
(iv)    install life safety and fire protection systems at a fire, a rescue, or an ambulance facility;
(v)    acquire land for the purpose of rehabilitation or construction of a fire, a rescue, or an ambulance facility;
(vi)    acquire wireless telecommunications devices, computers, and related computer equipment if used exclusively for fire protection, rescue, and ambulance services; and
(vii)    acquire machinery and equipment if used exclusively for fire protection, rescue, and ambulance services.
(2)    State money provided under this section may not be used:
(i)    for administrative costs;
(ii)    for compensation or fringe benefits to employees or members of county governments, or fire, rescue, or ambulance companies;
(iii)    for travel or meal expenses;
(iv)    for fuel, utility, or routine maintenance costs of facilities or equipment;
(v)    to acquire new or replacement fire hydrants or water mains;
(vi)    for insurance;
(vii)    for fund–raising activities;
(viii)    to replace or repair eligible items to the extent that insurance proceeds are available;
(ix)    for costs associated with the “9–1–1” emergency telephone system; or
(x)    for land or interests in land, except as provided in paragraph (1)(v) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 1 - Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund › Section 8-105 - Required Reports

(a)    (1)    On or before December 31 of each year, each county shall submit to the Secretary a report for the preceding fiscal year in the format provided by the Secretary.
(2)    The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:
(i)    the amount of money distributed to each recipient and the purpose of expenditure of this money categorized as provided in § 8–102(f)(1) of this subtitle;
(ii)    the amount and disposition of any unencumbered or unexpended money;
(iii)    the amount of expenditures for fire protection by the county, including the amount of money distributed to volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies from sources other than the Fund; and
(iv)    the nature and estimated dollar amount of any in–kind contributions made by the county to volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies.
(b)    (1)    Each year the Secretary shall report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the information provided by the counties on the distribution of money provided under this subtitle, including an assessment of the extent to which the purposes of this subtitle are being achieved.
(2)    The report under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall state the amount of money distributed by each county under § 8–103(b) of this subtitle to volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 1 - Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund › Section 8-106 - Failure to Comply With Subtitle

(a)    (1)    After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, a county may withhold money allocated for the next fiscal year from a fire, rescue, or ambulance company that does not comply with the provisions of this subtitle.
(2)    The failure of a fire, rescue, or ambulance company to comply with this subtitle may result in the forfeiture of the allocated money, in whole or in part.
(3)    Money forfeited by a fire, rescue, or ambulance company under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be reallocated by the county to compliant fire, rescue, and ambulance companies.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary may withhold money allocated for the next fiscal year under this subtitle from a county if the county does not comply with this subtitle.
(2)    After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, failure of a county to comply with this subtitle may result in the forfeiture of the allocated money, in whole or in part.
(c)    Money withheld under this section reverts to the Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 2 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund › Section 8-201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Association” means the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
(c)    “Department” means the Military Department.
(d)    “Fund” means the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund.
(e)    “Volunteer company” means a volunteer ambulance, fire, or rescue company:
(1)    located in the State; or
(2)    located outside the State if the company:
(i)    has been a member of the Association for at least the past 10 years; and
(ii)    has a first due response area in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 2 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund › Section 8-202 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund -- in General

(a)    There is a Volunteer Company Assistance Fund.
(b)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(c)    After consultation with the Association, the Governor may include in the State budget each year an appropriation to the Fund.
(d)    (1)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(2)    Repayments on loans from the Fund shall be placed in the Fund and made available to fund grant or loan requests.
(e)    For the purpose of making loans under this subtitle, the Association shall:
(1)    develop loan criteria;
(2)    develop loan terms, including interest rates; and
(3)    recommend to the Board of Public Works the approval or denial of loans.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 2 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund › Section 8-204 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund -- Requests for Money

(a)    (1)    A volunteer company shall submit each request for a grant or loan from the Fund to the Association for approval by a board of review in accordance with the Association’s bylaws.
(2)    Each request for a grant or loan shall include:
(i)    financial statements for the 2 fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the request is made;
(ii)    any available audit of the financial statements; and
(iii)    a detailed explanation of the reasons for the request.
(3)    For each request for a grant or loan from the Fund, the volunteer company shall certify that the volunteer company applied for money from its local government and was denied, either wholly or partly.
(b)    (1)    If the Association disapproves a request or does not take action within 90 days after the request for any reason other than because funds are not available, the volunteer company requesting a grant or loan may appeal to a panel composed of the president of the Association, the State Fire Marshal, and the chairman of the Fire and Rescue Education and Training Commission.
(2)    The decision of the panel is final and is not subject to further review.
(c)    On approval of a request for a grant or loan, the Association or the panel shall transmit its recommendation to the Board of Public Works.
(d)    As authorized by the Board of Public Works, the Treasurer shall disburse money from the Fund to the Association in the name of a volunteer company for the purposes of this subtitle on warrant of the Comptroller.
(e)    The Baltimore City Fire Department may submit a request for a grant or loan from the Fund for the purposes set forth in § 8-203(b) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 2 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund › Section 8-205 - Annual Appropriation

(a)    After consultation with the Association, the Governor may include in the State budget each year an amount for the purposes set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    The Association may use money appropriated under subsection (a) of this section to:
(1)    formulate, publish, and distribute the fire laws of Maryland and other state and federal standards, laws, guidelines, and recommendations;
(2)    formulate, publish, and distribute an annual report and monthly or other timely bulletins and reports;
(3)    purchase, publish, and distribute fire prevention, emergency services, and safety education materials and sponsor seminars and other public forums to disseminate this information to Association members and residents of the State;
(4)    maintain and distribute records that relate to the annual inspections of fire and rescue equipment and facilities;
(5)    establish and maintain a database on manpower availability and training, operational cost, equipment availability, response time, State and local financial support, and other relevant factors in providing fire and rescue services;
(6)    maintain membership through fees, subscriptions, and meeting attendance in organizations that disseminate training and education and provide guidance to volunteer emergency service organizations and their members and represent their interests on a State and national level;
(7)    provide fuel, insurance, and maintenance to vehicles owned and operated by the Association and used in representing the volunteers and disseminating information throughout the State;
(8)    provide professional services including accounting, auditing, and legal consultation and operational costs associated with the objectives established in this subsection; and
(9)    promote, disseminate, and advocate programs and services that pertain to improving the safety, health, and wellbeing of fire and rescue personnel throughout  the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 2 - Volunteer Company Assistance Fund › Section 8-206 - Annual Reports by Association

(a)    On or before August 30 of each fiscal year, the Association shall submit to the Department, the Legislative Auditor, and to the Board of Public Works an annual report that includes:
(1)    the number and total amount of grants and the number and total amount of loans made in the previous fiscal year;
(2)    for each grant or loan made:
(i)    the volunteer company that received the grant or loan;
(ii)    the amount of the grant or loan; and
(iii)    the specific purpose of making the grant or loan;
(3)    for each volunteer company that received a grant or loan:
(i)    the financial statement of the volunteer company for the previous fiscal year or the year in which the grant or loan was received, whichever is available; and
(ii)    documentation of the volunteer company’s actual expenditures from the grant or loan;
(4)    for each loan made, the terms of the loan, including origination date, loan term, payment terms, payment amount, payments made to date, outstanding balance, and loan status; and
(5)    summary listings of grants and loans made during the previous fiscal year and outstanding loans, by county.
(b)    The Department shall:
(1)    review the documentation submitted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section on an annual basis to determine if each grant or loan was spent in accordance with this subtitle and the request approved by the Board of Public Works; and
(2)    report the findings to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on an annual basis.
(c)    The Legislative Auditor may:
(1)    review the documentation submitted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section to determine if each grant or loan was spent in accordance with this subtitle and the requests approved by the Board of Public Works; and
(2)    report the findings to the Department and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee of the General Assembly.
(d)    The Comptroller may audit the financial affairs of the Association to ensure compliance with this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 3 - County Money and Loans for Volunteer Fire Companies › Section 8-301 - Contribution of Money to Volunteer Fire Companies -- in General

(a)    This section does not apply to Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, and Worcester County.
(b)    The county commissioners of each county have the express power to contribute money to a volunteer fire company in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 3 - County Money and Loans for Volunteer Fire Companies › Section 8-302 - Contribution of Money to Volunteer Fire Companies -- Dorchester County

(a)    This section applies only to Dorchester County.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of Dorchester County shall pay at least the sum of $118,500 each year to the volunteer fire companies in the county for their benefit as long as the volunteer fire companies are active, fire–fighting organizations.
(2)    Each volunteer fire company shall use the money received to support, maintain, equip, and operate the volunteer fire company for the purpose of fighting fires in the county.
(3)    Each volunteer fire company shall comply with the bylaws of the Volunteer Fire Companies Association of Dorchester County.
(4)    The County Commissioners may not make a payment to a volunteer fire company unless the volunteer fire company complies with the bylaws of the Volunteer Fire Companies Association of Dorchester County.
(c)    The County Commissioners shall use property tax revenue to pay volunteer fire companies in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(d)    (1)    The County Commissioners shall distribute the money required by subsection (b) of this section on October 1 of each year to the following volunteer fire companies in at least the following amounts:
Cambridge                            $10,500
Hurlock                                9,500
Secretary                                9,000
Vienna                                9,000
East New Market                            8,000
Eldorado                                7,500
Neck                                    7,500
Lloyds                                7,500
Lakes & Straits                            8,500
Church Creek                            8,500
Madison                                8,500
Hoopers Island                            8,500
Linkwood–Salem                            7,500
Taylors Island                             8,500
(2)    The Elliots Volunteer Fire Company shall receive an amount set by the County Commissioners.
(e)    (1)    Before paying money to a volunteer fire company, the County Commissioners may require the officers of the volunteer fire company to appear before the County Commissioners and submit evidence satisfactory to the County Commissioners that the volunteer fire company:
(i)    is an active fire–fighting organization; and
(ii)    has spent the money received in prior years under this section in accordance with this section.
(2)    If a volunteer fire company ceases to be an active fire–fighting organization or fails to spend the money received in accordance with this section, the County Commissioners shall:
(i)    withhold the current year’s money from the volunteer fire company; and
(ii)    allocate the unspent money to the contingent fund of Dorchester County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 8 - Fire and Rescue Funds › Subtitle 3 - County Money and Loans for Volunteer Fire Companies › Section 8-303 - Guarantee of Loans to Volunteer Fire Companies

(a)    This section applies to Allegany County, Calvert County, Charles County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Kent County, and St. Mary’s County.
(b)    The county commissioners of a county subject to this section have the express power to guarantee or insure financial loans made by a governmental third party to a volunteer fire company that:
(1)    is located within the county; or
(2)    has a mutual aid agreement with the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Long–life battery” means a nonrechargeable, nonreplaceable primary battery that is capable of operating a smoke alarm for at least 10 years in the normal condition.
(c)    “Sleeping area” means a space that includes one or more sleeping rooms and a hall or common area immediately adjacent to any sleeping room.
(d)    “Sleeping room” means an enclosed room with a bed arranged to be used as a bedroom.
(e)    “Smoke alarm” means a single or multiple station device that detects visible or invisible products of combustion and includes a built–in internal alarm signal.
(f)    “Smoke detector” means a system–connected smoke sensing device tied to a fire alarm control panel or a household fire warning panel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-102 - Smoke Alarms Required in Sleeping Areas

(a)    This subtitle applies throughout the State, including Baltimore City.
(b)    An automatic smoke alarm shall be provided in each sleeping area within each residential occupancy, including one– and two–family dwellings, lodging or rooming houses, hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings, as defined in NFPA 101: Life Safety Code as adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
(c)    Smoke alarms shall:
(1)    be installed in accordance with NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code as referenced by the State Fire Prevention Code;
(2)    be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 217, “Standard for safety for single and multiple station smoke alarms”;
(3)    be suitable for sensing visible or invisible products of combustion; and
(4)    sound an alarm suitable to warn the occupants.
(d)    Local jurisdictions may adopt smoke alarm regulations that are more stringent than the provisions of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-103 - Smoke Alarms Required in Sleeping Areas -- New Construction

(a)    This section applies only to new residential units constructed on or after July 1, 2013.
(b)    At least one smoke alarm shall be installed in each sleeping room, in the hallway or common area outside of sleeping rooms, and in the hallway or common area on each level within a residential dwelling unit, including basements and excluding unoccupied attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
(c)    If two or more smoke alarms are required within a residential unit, the smoke alarms shall be arranged so that activation of any one smoke alarm causes alarm activation of all other required smoke alarms within the residential unit.
(d)    Each smoke alarm required by this section shall operate on an alternating current (AC) primary source of electric power with a battery backup or an approved alternate secondary power source.
(e)    In one– and two–family dwellings, a smoke detector installed as a part of an approved household fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarm required by this section, if the smoke detector is installed and located as specified in subsection (b) of this section.
(f)    A smoke detector installed as a part of an approved fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarm required by this section, if the smoke detector is installed and located as specified in subsection (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-105 - Sleeping Rooms Occupied by Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals

(a)    Each sleeping room occupied by a deaf or hard of hearing individual shall be provided with a smoke alarm suitable to alert the deaf or hard of hearing individual.
(b)    (1)    On written request on behalf of a tenant who is deaf or hard of hearing, a sleeping room occupied by a deaf or hard of hearing individual shall be provided with an approved notification appliance designed to alert deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
(2)    The landlord shall provide a notification appliance that, when activated, provides a signal that is sufficient to warn the deaf or hard of hearing tenant in those sleeping rooms.
(c)    Hotels and motels shall have available at least one approved notification appliance for the deaf or hard of hearing individual for each 50 units or fraction of 50 units.
(d)    Hotels and motels shall post in a conspicuous place at the registration desk a permanent sign that states the availability of smoke alarm notification appliances for the deaf or hard of hearing individual.
(e)    (1)    Hotels and motels may require a refundable deposit for notification appliances for the deaf or hard of hearing individual.
(2)    The amount of the deposit may not exceed the value of the notification appliance.
(f)    A landlord may require reimbursement from a tenant for the cost of a smoke alarm required under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-106 - Enforcement; Responsibilities

(a)    Smoke alarm requirements shall be enforced by the State Fire Marshal, a county or municipal fire marshal, a fire chief, the Baltimore City Fire Department, or any other designated authority having jurisdiction.
(b)    (1)    The building permit applicant is responsible for the proper installation of required smoke alarms in residential occupancies constructed on or after July 1, 2013.
(2)    If a building permit is not required, the general contractor shall bear the responsibility described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)    The landlord or property owner is responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of smoke alarms required by this subtitle.
(d)    Occupants of a residential occupancy may not remove or tamper with a required smoke alarm or otherwise render the smoke alarm inoperative.
(e)    (1)    Testing of smoke alarms is the responsibility of the occupant of the residential unit.
(2)    (i)    A tenant shall notify the landlord in writing of the failure or malfunction of a required smoke alarm.
(ii)    The written notification required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested to the landlord, or by hand delivery to the landlord or the landlord’s agent, at the address used for the payment of rent.
(iii)    If the delivery of the notification is made by hand as described in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the landlord or the landlord’s agent shall provide to the tenant a written receipt for the delivery.
(iv)    The landlord shall provide written acknowledgment of the notification and shall repair or replace the smoke alarm within 5 calendar days after the notification.
(f)    (1)    If a residential unit does not contain alternating current (AC) primary electric power, battery operated smoke alarms or smoke alarm operation on an approved alternate source of power may be permitted.
(2)    Battery operated smoke alarms shall be sealed, tamper resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and using long–life batteries.
(g)    A smoke alarm may be combined with a carbon monoxide alarm if the device complies with:
(1)    this subtitle;
(2)    Title 12 of this article; and
(3)    Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards 217 and 2034.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Safety › Title 9 - Fire Protection and Prevention › Subtitle 1 - Smoke Detection Systems › Section 9-106.1 - Sale of Battery Operated Smoke Alarm

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a fire alarm, a smoke detector, a smoke alarm, or an ancillary component that is:
(i)    electronically connected as a part of a listed centrally monitored or supervised alarm system; or
(ii)    capable of sending and receiving notifications by:
1.    a low–power radio frequency wireless communication signal; or
2.    a wireless local area networking capability; or
(2)    any other device that the State Fire Marshal designates as exempt through the regulatory process.
(b)    On or after October 1, 2018, a person may not sell a battery operated smoke alarm in the State for compliance with this subtitle unless the smoke alarm is a sealed, tamper resistant unit incorporating a silence/hush button and using one or more long–life batteries.