reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1314 - Education and Training Requirements for Humane Society and Animal Control Officers -- Continuing Education

(a)    This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(b)    (1)    Within the first 12 months of employment, a new officer of a humane society or animal control shall satisfactorily complete at least 80 hours of training for animal care and control professionals that is approved by the appropriate unit of a county or municipality.
(2)    The training shall include instruction on:
(i)    animal cruelty investigations;
(ii)    the association between animal abuse and the abuse of the elderly or domestic violence, as defined in § 4–701 of the Family Law Article;
(iii)    the use of legal resources, including constitutional law, the Annotated Code of Maryland, and county codes;
(iv)    lawful searches and seizures;
(v)    professionalism and ethical standards;
(vi)    evidence collection and the chain of custody;
(vii)    preparation for civil and criminal proceedings, including basic trial principles and due process protections;
(viii)    conflict resolution and officer safety, including physical and mental health; and
(ix)    animal diseases and zoonosis.
(3)    The unit of the county or municipality may require other training in addition to the training specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(c)    (1)    An officer of a humane society or animal control shall satisfactorily complete at least 6 hours of continuing education approved by the appropriate unit of a county or municipality every year.
(2)    The continuing education shall include instruction on the current laws applicable to officers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1315 - Adoption Fee Waiver for Veterans at Animal Control Facilities -- Limit on Number of Waivers

(a)    This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an animal control facility operated by a county or municipality shall waive the adoption fee for a dog or cat adopted by a veteran who presents a valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration that includes a notation of veteran status in accordance with § 12–302 of the Transportation Article.
(2)    An animal control facility may limit the number of adoption fee waivers granted to an individual under this subsection to one dog and one cat within a 6–month period.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1316 - Governmental Unit Prohibited From Using Public Funds to Influence Certain Governmental Employee Decisions

(a)    A unit of a county or municipal government may not knowingly use public funds to influence the decisions of county or municipal employees to:
(1)    support or oppose an employee organization that represents or seeks to represent the employees of the county or municipality; or
(2)    become a member of an employee organization.
(b)    This section does not apply to an activity performed or an expense incurred in connection with:
(1)    addressing a grievance or negotiating or administering a collective bargaining agreement;
(2)    allowing an employee organization or a representative of an employee organization access to and use of a county’s or municipality’s facilities or properties;
(3)    performing an activity required by federal or State law or a collective bargaining agreement;
(4)    negotiating, entering into, or carrying out a voluntary recognition agreement with an employee organization; or
(5)    paying wages to a represented employee while the employee is performing duties if the payment is permitted under a collective bargaining agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous › Section 1-1317 - Regulation of Local Ordinances on Amateur Radio Station Antenna Structures

(a)    In this section, “amateur radio” means the use of a radio frequency spectrum for purposes of noncommercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self–training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, or emergency communication by a duly authorized person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
(b)    This section applies to all counties and municipalities.
(c)    It is the intent of the General Assembly to codify the provisions of 47 C.F.R. § 97.15 concerning the Federal Communications Commission’s preemption of local ordinances regulating amateur radio station antenna structures.
(d)    A county or municipal ordinance regulating amateur radio station antenna structures:
(1)    may not preclude amateur radio communications;
(2)    shall reasonably accommodate amateur radio communications; and
(3)    shall constitute the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the legitimate purpose of the ordinance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1402 - Construction of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purposes.
(b)    The powers granted to an authority under this subtitle are supplemental to powers granted to an authority under any other law.
(c)    This subtitle does not authorize an authority to:
(1)    exercise the power of eminent domain; or
(2)    impose any tax or special assessment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1404 - Board of Directors

An ordinance that creates an authority shall establish a board to govern the authority and shall include provisions for:
(1)    appointment procedures;
(2)    powers of the board;
(3)    removal procedures;
(4)    term lengths; and
(5)    the election of a chair.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1405 - Powers

(a)    Except as limited by the authority’s articles of incorporation, an authority has all the powers specified in this subtitle.
(b)    An authority may:
(1)    adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws for the conduct of business of the authority;
(2)    sue and be sued;
(3)    maintain an office at a place the authority designates;
(4)    borrow money;
(5)    issue bonds and other obligations for any corporate purpose in accordance with this subtitle or an ordinance adopted under this subtitle;
(6)    invest money of the authority in instruments, obligations, securities, or property;
(7)    enter into contracts and execute the instruments or agreements necessary or convenient to carry out this subtitle or an ordinance adopted under this subtitle to accomplish the purposes of the authority;
(8)    solicit and accept gifts, grants, loans, or other assistance in any form from any public or private source, subject to this subtitle or any ordinance adopted under this subtitle;
(9)    participate in a program of the federal government, the State, a political subdivision of the State, or an intergovernmental entity created under State law;
(10)    contract for goods and services;
(11)    study, develop, and prepare reports or plans to assist in the authority’s exercise of powers and to monitor and evaluate the authority’s progress;
(12)    contract with public or private entities for services necessary to manage and operate the authority;
(13)    provide acquisition, management, and sale services to a local government for property owned by the local government;
(14)    create, own, control, or be a member of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other person, whether operated for profit or not for profit, for the purposes of developing property in order to maximize marketability;
(15)    exercise a power usually possessed by a private corporation in performing similar functions, unless to do so would conflict with State law;
(16)    insure against losses in connection with the real property, assets, or activity of the authority;
(17)    design, develop, construct, demolish, rehabilitate, renovate, relocate, and otherwise improve real property or interests in real property;
(18)    raise revenue by any legal means required to make the operations and activities of the authority self–sustaining; and
(19)    do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted by this subtitle or by an ordinance adopted under this subtitle.
(c)    An authority may delegate to a member or officer a power granted to the authority by this subtitle, including the power to execute a bond, obligation, certificate, deed, lease, mortgage agreement, or other document or instrument.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1406 - Property

(a)    An authority may:
(1)    acquire real property or rights or interests in real property, directly or through a person or governmental entity, by gift, devise, transfer, exchange, foreclosure, purchase, or otherwise on terms and conditions and in a manner the authority considers proper;
(2)    own property in the authority’s name, including tax foreclosed property and property without clear title;
(3)    sell, lease as lessor, transfer, and dispose of the authority’s interest in property;
(4)    procure insurance against loss in connection with the property, assets, or activities of the authority; and
(5)    execute deeds, mortgages, contracts, leases, purchases, or other agreements regarding the property of the authority.
(b)    Property purchased, owned, or sold under this section may not be located outside the jurisdiction of the local government in which the authority is located.
(c)    (1)    An authority may  quiet title or foreclose on a property in which it holds an interest that is not fee simple title by:
(i)    conducting an examination of title to determine the identity of any person possessing a claim or interest in the property; and
(ii)    filing a complaint to quiet title in accordance with Title 14, Subtitle 6 of the Real Property Article.
(2)    An authority may join in a single complaint to quiet title or foreclose on one or more parcels of real property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1409 - Internal Administration

(a)    An authority shall:
(1)    adopt a code of ethics for the authority’s directors, officers, and employees;
(2)    establish policies and procedures requiring:
(i)    the disclosure of relationships that may create a conflict of interest; and
(ii)    any member of the board with a direct or indirect interest in a matter before the authority to disclose the member’s interest to the board before the board takes any action on the matter; and
(3)    comply with the Open Meetings Act.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle or the ordinance establishing an authority, the procedures of the incorporating local government control any matter relating to the internal administration of an authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1411 - Property Rights

(a)    With respect to property held or owned by the authority, the authority may:
(1)    grant or acquire a license, an easement, or an option;
(2)    set, charge, and collect rents, fees, and charges for use of the property;
(3)    pay taxes or special assessments due;
(4)    take any action, provide any notice, or institute any proceeding required to clear or quiet title in order to establish ownership by and vest title to property in the authority;
(5)    abate violations of the local and State building, fire, health, and related codes; and
(6)    hold, manage, maintain, operate, repair, lease as lessor, secure, prevent the waste or deterioration of, or demolish the property and take all other actions necessary to preserve the value of the property.
(b)    An authority shall be made a party to, and shall defend any action or proceeding concerning, claims against property held by the authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1412 - Property -- Inventory and Classification; Fee

(a)    Property held by an authority shall be inventoried and classified according to title status and suitability for use.
(b)    A clerk of the court may not charge a fee to record a document evidencing the transfer under this subtitle of property to the authority by the State or a local government.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1415 - State and Local Taxes

(a)    An authority is exempt from any State or local tax or assessment on the authority’s properties or activities or on any revenue from the properties or activities.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, property that an authority sells or leases to a private entity is subject to State and local property taxes from the time of the sale or lease.
(c)    The principal of and interest on bonds, the transfer of bonds, and any income derived from the bonds, including profits made on their sale or transfer, are exempt from all State and local taxes.
(d)    Sale or lease to a nonprofit organization, as defined in § 1–101 of the Housing and Community Development Article, is exempt from State and local property taxes from the time of sale or lease, if:
(1)    the nonprofit organization has entered into an agreement with an authority to redevelop the property; and
(2)    the agreement is in force and effect and not defaulted on within the application period.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1416 - Civil Action

(a)    An authority may bring a civil action to prevent, restrain, or enjoin the waste of or unlawful removal of any property from real property held by the authority.
(b)    (1)    An authority shall be made a party to any action to set aside:
(i)    title to property the authority holds; or
(ii)    the sale of property by the authority.
(2)    A hearing in an action under this subsection may not be held until the authority is served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1418 - Local Laws

An authority is subject to any local:
(1)    land use controls;
(2)    permitting processes for construction, demolition, or repair of a property; and
(3)    zoning laws.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1421 - Trust Agreement

(a)    The corporate trustee under a trust agreement may be a trust company or bank that has the powers of a trust company in or outside the State.
(b)    An expense incurred in carrying out the trust agreement or a resolution may be treated as part of the cost of the operation of a project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1422 - Conclusive and Binding Determination of Authority

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, in a proceeding involving the validity or enforceability of a bond or the security for a bond, the determination of an authority under this subtitle is conclusive and binding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1423 - Securities

Bonds are securities:
(1)    that may be deposited with and received by a unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the State is authorized by law; and
(2)    in which any of the following persons or entities may legally and properly invest money, including capital that the person or entity owns or controls:
(i)    an officer or a unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State;
(ii)    a bank, a trust company, a savings and loan association, an investment company, or any other person conducting a banking business;
(iii)    an insurance company, an insurance association, or any other person conducting an insurance business;
(iv)    a personal representative, a guardian, a trustee, or any other fiduciary; and
(v)    any other person.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1424 - Liability; Full Faith and Credit

(a)    A bond is not:
(1)    a debt or liability of the State or a political subdivision of the State; or
(2)    a pledge of the full faith and credit of the State or a political subdivision of the State.
(b)    Each bond shall state on its face that neither the State nor a political subdivision of the State is obliged to pay the principal of or interest on the bond except from revenues pledged to the payment of the bond.
(c)    The issuance of bonds does not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the State or any political subdivision:
(1)    to impose or pledge a tax to pay the bonds; or
(2)    to appropriate money to pay the bonds.
(d)    This subtitle does not prohibit an authority from pledging its full faith and credit in connection with the issuance of bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1425 - Rates, Rents, and Fees

(a)    An authority may:
(1)    impose rates, rents, fees, and charges related to a project and for the services related to a project; and
(2)    contract with any person or governmental entity to exercise its authority under this section.
(b)    The rates, rents, fees, and charges established by an authority under this section shall be imposed and adjusted so that the aggregate amount of the rates, rents, fees, and charges from the project, when added to other available money, is sufficient to:
(1)    pay for the expenses of the project;
(2)    pay the principal of and the interest on the bonds that the authority issued for the project as they become due and payable; and
(3)    create and maintain reserves required or provided for in a trust agreement.
(c)    The rates, rents, fees, and charges established by an authority under this section are not subject to supervision or regulation by any unit of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1426 - Pledge of Revenue

(a)    (1)    Any pledge of revenues and other money under § 1–1420(i) of this subtitle is valid and binding from the time the pledge is made.
(2)    (i)    The revenue or money that an authority pledges and receives is subject immediately to the lien of the pledge.
(ii)    Neither physical delivery of the revenue or money nor any other act is required to validate the lien.
(3)    The lien of the pledge is valid and binding against each party with a claim against the authority in tort, contract, or otherwise, regardless of whether the party has notice of the lien.
(b)    The trust agreement and any other agreement or lease creating a pledge under this section need not be filed or recorded, except in the records of the authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1427 - Trust Funds

(a)    Proceeds from the sale of bonds and other revenues received under this subtitle are trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    Each officer, bank, or trust company that receives trust money from an authority under this subtitle shall act as trustee of the money and shall hold and apply the money for the purposes specified under this subtitle.
(2)    The officer, bank, or trust company holding money is subject to:
(i)    any regulation adopted under this subtitle; and
(ii)    the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or the trust agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1428 - Refunding Bonds

(a)    (1)    An authority may issue bonds to refund outstanding bonds of the authority, including paying:
(i)    any redemption premium;
(ii)    interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption, purchase, or maturity of the bonds; and
(iii)    any part of the cost of acquiring or improving property as part of a project.
(2)    Refunding bonds may be issued for any corporate purpose, including:
(i)    realizing savings in the effective costs of debt service, directly or through a debt restructuring; or
(ii)    alleviating a potential or actual default.
(b)    Refunding bonds issued under this section shall be issued in the same manner and are subject to this subtitle to the same extent as any other bond.
(c)    An authority may issue refunding bonds in one or more series in an amount greater than the amount of the bonds to be refunded.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1429 - Bond Anticipation Notes

(a)    An authority may issue negotiable bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the sale of bonds for any corporate purpose.
(b)    Bond anticipation notes issued under this section shall be issued in the same manner as bonds.
(c)    Bond anticipation notes issued under this section and the resolution authorizing them may contain any provision, condition, or limitation that may be included in a trust agreement.
(d)    An authority may issue bond anticipation notes to pay any other bond anticipation notes.
(e)    Bond anticipation notes shall be paid from:
(1)    money available and not otherwise pledged;
(2)    revenues of the authority; or
(3)    the proceeds of the sale of the bonds in anticipation of which the notes were issued.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1430 - Conveyance of Title and Release of Collateral

(a)    An authority shall convey title to property relating to a project and release collateral in accordance with this section when:
(1)    (i)    the principal of and interest on bonds issued to finance or refinance the project, including any refunding bonds, have been fully paid and retired; or
(ii)    adequate provision has been made to fully pay and retire the bonds;
(2)    all other conditions of the trust agreement have been satisfied; and
(3)    the lien of the trust agreement has been released.
(b)    On satisfaction of the conditions under subsection (a) of this section, an authority promptly shall execute any deed, conveyance, release, or document and take any other action necessary to convey title to the property and release collateral free of any lien or encumbrance created through the authority.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Establishment of Land Bank Authorities › Section 1-1431 - Enforcement of Rights and Duties

(a)    A bondholder, a holder of any coupons attached to bonds, or a trustee under a trust agreement securing the bonds may sue:
(1)    to protect and enforce rights under State law or a trust agreement; and
(2)    to enforce and compel the performance of duties by an authority or its officer, employee, or agent that this subtitle or a trust agreement requires, including imposing rates, rents, fees, and charges that the trust agreement requires to be imposed.
(b)    The rights under this section are subject to any trust agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division I - Definitions; General Provisions › Title 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Subtitle 15 - School Construction Permit Process › Section 1-1501 - School Construction Permits

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Construction” means the process of building, altering, repairing, renovating, improving, or demolishing any structure, building, or other improvement to real property.
(ii)    “Construction” includes systemic renovation projects as defined in COMAR 23.03.02.15.
(3)    “School facility” means a structure, a building, a parking facility, an athletic facility, a testing facility, or any other facility in the State that is used for the education of students.
(b)    To the extent practicable, each county or municipality shall expedite the process for the application and issuance of a permit related to or required for the construction of a public or private school facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Municipal charter” means a charter adopted under Article XI–E of the Maryland Constitution and a local law enacted by the General Assembly relating to the incorporation, organization, government, or affairs concerning administration and services of a municipality.
(c)    “Qualified voter” means an individual authorized under a municipal charter to vote in elections in the municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-103 - Municipality as Corporation; General Powers

(a)    The residents of a municipality are a municipal corporation.
(b)    Under the municipality’s corporate name, the municipality:
(1)    has perpetual succession;
(2)    may sue and be sued; and
(3)    may enact and adopt ordinances, resolutions, or bylaws necessary to exercise the authority of the municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-104 - Limitations on Home Rule

(a)    In this section, “special district” means a special tax area or district, sanitary district, park or planning district, soil conservation district, or public agency exercising specific powers in a defined area that does not exercise general municipal functions.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a municipality located in a special district may not exercise, divest, or duplicate in the municipality’s corporate limits any special power or duty conferred on the special district.
(2)    Subject to the consent of the special district, a municipality may, within its corporate limits, provide recreational facilities within a special district’s jurisdiction.
(c)    A municipality may not exempt an area from any property tax, special benefit assessment, or service charge imposed to support a special district.
(d)    A local law conferring a special power or duty on a special district does not authorize the special district to exercise that power or perform that duty in an area where a municipality continues to exercise the power or perform the duty.
(e)    A municipality may not amend or repeal its charter or exercise its powers of annexation or incorporation as to affect the power of:
(1)    the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, relating to zoning; or
(2)    the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, relating to sanitation, including sewer, water, and similar facilities.
(f)    Article XI–E of the Maryland Constitution, this division, and Division I of the Land Use Article do not authorize a municipality, through procedures under this title or other changes in the municipal charter, to exercise planning authority, subdivision control, or zoning jurisdiction in a political subdivision in which a State, regional, or county unit exercises planning authority, subdivision control, or zoning jurisdiction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-106 - Referendum on Tax Rates and Municipal Debt

(a)    The legislative body of a municipality may set a date and establish procedures for submitting to the qualified voters of the municipality at a regular or special municipal election a local law, enacted under Article XI–E, § 5 of the Maryland Constitution, that sets a maximum property tax rate or a maximum amount of debt that may be incurred by the municipality.
(b)    The legislative body of a municipality may take necessary action to ensure that a local law setting a maximum property tax rate or a maximum amount of debt that may be incurred by the municipality does not take effect without approval by a majority of those who voted on the question at a regular or special municipal election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-108 - Absentee Voting

(a)    A qualified voter may vote in a municipal election by absentee ballot.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a municipality shall provide a procedure to vote by absentee ballot.
(2)    A municipality may not require an individual to provide a reason that the individual will be unable to vote in person on election day in order to vote by absentee ballot.
(c)    A municipality may use any method to enable absentee voters to vote, including using any facilities to transmit and receive applications for absentee ballots.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-108.1 - Voting Offenses, Penalties, and Enforcement in Municipal Elections

As to voting in a municipal election:
(1)    a person is subject to the offenses and penalties related to voting specified under § 16–201 of the Election Law Article; and
(2)    the State Prosecutor or the State’s Attorney for the county in which the municipal election was held and where the offense is alleged to have occurred may prosecute the person for the offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-108.2 - Submission of Campaign Finance Reports to State Board of Elections

If a municipality requires candidates in a municipal election to file campaign finance reports, within 10 days after the filing deadline, each candidate in the municipal election shall submit to the State Board of Elections a copy of the campaign finance report that was filed by the candidate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-108.3 - Inclusion of Municipal Offices and Questions on State Ballot

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Ballot” means a ballot prepared by the State Board of Elections under Title 9 of the Election Law Article.
(3)    “State Board” means the State Board of Elections.
(b)    A municipality may request that the State Board include on a ballot the offices and questions to be voted on in a municipal election.
(c)    (1)    A municipality that makes a request under this section shall:
(i)    file the request with the State Board on or before the day that is 18 months before the deadline date applicable for individuals who are required to file a certificate of candidacy as required under § 5–303 of the Election Law Article; and
(ii)    certify as part of the request that the charter of the municipality requires, and the municipality has established, deadlines and procedures for the administration of municipal elections for the municipality that are consistent with the deadlines and procedures for State and county elections established by the State Board with regard to:
1.    the filing of certificates of candidacy;
2.    the filling of a vacancy in office;
3.    the filing of a petition; and
4.    the certification of a ballot question.
(2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if the State Board previously included a municipal election on the ballot, that municipality’s elections may continue to appear on the ballot without the municipality filing an additional request under this section.
(ii)    A municipality shall file a request under this section if, since the municipality’s election last appeared on the ballot, there has been a significant change in the method the municipality uses to conduct its elections.
(3)    Within 30 days after receipt of a municipality’s request under this section, the State Board, after consultation with the local board in the county where the municipality is located, shall notify the municipality of its decision whether to include the municipal election on the ballot.
(d)    If the State Board approves a municipality’s request under this section, the State Board shall:
(1)    include the offices and questions at the end of the ballot; and
(2)    arrange the offices and questions in a similar order as other offices and questions are arranged on the ballot.
(e)    A municipality shall reimburse the State Board and the applicable local board for any additional costs incurred by the State Board or local board on account of including the offices and questions to be voted on in a municipal election on the ballot.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-110 - Publication of Code of Ordinances

(a)    (1)    In this section, “ordinance” means a legislative enactment of general application and continuing force for a municipality.
(2)    “Ordinance” does not include a public local law under § 9–102 of this article.
(b)    Each year, if a municipality enacts any ordinance appropriate for codification during the year, the governing body of a municipality shall provide for the preparation and distribution of a supplement to or new edition of its code of ordinances.
(c)    (1)    A supplement published under subsection (b) of this section shall contain each ordinance that is in effect and has been enacted or amended since the municipality’s most recent code of ordinances was published.
(2)    A new code published under subsection (b) of this section shall contain each ordinance that is in effect at the time of publication.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “County liaison” means a county official, or the designee of the county official, who coordinates communication between the organizing committee and the county.
(c)    “Organizing committee” means the group of individuals from the organizing community that works with the county commissioners or county council on the proposed municipal incorporation after a petition for incorporation is verified.
(d)    “Organizing community” means individuals residing in an unincorporated area who are interested in forming a municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-204 - Petition for Incorporation

(a)    A proposal to incorporate an area as a municipality is initiated when a valid petition is presented to the county commissioners or county council of a county by:
(1)    at least 25% of the registered voters who are residents of the area proposed to be incorporated; or
(2)    at least 20% of the registered voters who are residents of the area proposed to be incorporated, together with the owners of at least 25% of the assessed valuation of the real property of the area proposed to be incorporated.
(b)    The Office of the Attorney General shall:
(1)    create a standard petition form for use by an organizing community; and
(2)    provide the board of elections of each county with the form for distribution to an organizing community.
(c)    A petition presented under subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1)    express the interest of the subscribing individuals in the incorporation of the area;
(2)    contain a detailed description of the boundaries of the area proposed to be incorporated, including a survey of courses and distances or general landmarks and place names;
(3)    state the name of the new municipality, which may not be the same as a name used by a municipality or county in the State; and
(4)    state the names of the individuals who will initially represent the organizing community on the organizing committee.
(d)    The organizing community shall obtain the minimum number of valid signatures required under subsection (a) of this section within 18 months after the organizing community receives the standard petition form from the county board of elections.
(e)    Each person signing the petition shall indicate on the petition:
(1)    the person’s name and residence address; and
(2)    if the petition is intended to be presented under subsection (a)(2) of this section and the person signing the petition owns real property in the area proposed to be incorporated, the location and assessed valuation of the property.
(f)    Within 60 days after receiving a petition, the county commissioners or county council shall:
(1)    verify that each person who signed the petition:
(i)    resides in the area proposed to be incorporated;
(ii)    is registered to vote in the elections of that county; and
(iii)    if applicable, owns real property within the area proposed to be incorporated;
(2)    verify that the petition meets the requirements of this section; and
(3)    appoint a county liaison if the petition meets the requirements of this section.
(g)    A petition, when received, becomes the property of the county commissioners or county council and may not be used to initiate another incorporation.
(h)    A proposal to incorporate a municipality and to adopt a municipal charter may not be rescinded after the formal submission of the proposal in a manner other than that of a formal charter repeal as provided in §§ 4–313 and 4–314 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-205 - Report of Organizing Committee

(a)    (1)    Within 90 days after the county commissioners or county council has verified that a petition presented under § 4–204 of this subtitle is valid, the organizing committee shall:
(i)    actively seek information and input from the county;
(ii)    hold a public meeting to collect testimony on the proposed incorporation; and
(iii)    provide the county commissioners or county council with a report on issues related to the proposed incorporation.
(2)    During the 90–day period, the county shall cooperate fully with the organizing committee.
(b)    The organizing committee shall:
(1)    notify the county liaison of all meetings and deliberations of the organizing committee; and
(2)    give the county liaison full opportunity to participate in all meetings and deliberations of the organizing committee.
(c)    Within 45 days after receiving the report required under subsection (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the county commissioners or county council or its designee may review the report and provide comments to the organizing committee on issues relating to the proposed incorporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-206 - Submission of Proposed Municipal Charter

(a)    The organizing committee shall present to the county commissioners or county council a proposed municipal charter:
(1)    within 45 days after receiving the comments submitted to the organizing committee under § 4–205(c) of this subtitle; or
(2)    if the county commissioners or county council has not submitted comments, within 90 days after the report is submitted by the organizing committee under § 4–205(a)(1)(iii) of this subtitle.
(b)    The organizing committee shall submit statements with the proposed municipal charter describing:
(1)    the likely fiscal effect of the proposed incorporation on residents of the proposed municipality, residents in the vicinity of the proposed municipality, and the county;
(2)    the services that the proposed municipality is expected to provide; and
(3)    the impact that the proposed incorporation is expected to have on property tax rates.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-207 - Referendum Request

(a)    (1)    If the county commissioners or county council approves the referendum request, between 40 and 60 days after it receives the proposed municipal charter, the county commissioners or county council shall specify, by resolution, the day and hours for a vote on the proposed incorporation by the voters of the area to be incorporated.
(2)    The resolution shall include the exact text of the proposed municipal charter as submitted by the organizing committee.
(b)    (1)    If the county commissioners or county council rejects the referendum request, the county commissioners or county council shall:
(i)    provide in writing and make available to the public within a reasonable time the reasons for the rejection; and
(ii)    establish reasonable procedures by which the county commissioners or county council shall reconsider a referendum request, including an opportunity for a public hearing with sufficient advance public notice.
(2)    After the hearing and reconsideration process is completed, the county commissioners or county council, by resolution, shall affirm the rejection or approve the referendum request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-208 - Posting and Publication

(a)    The county commissioners or county council shall notify the voters of the area proposed to be incorporated by posting and publication of the proposal to incorporate, including a fair summary of the proposed municipal charter.
(b)    For at least 4 weeks immediately before the referendum, the county commissioners or county council shall make available an exact copy of the proposed municipal charter for public inspection at its office.
(c)    The county commissioners or county council shall publish notice of the referendum, together with a fair summary of the proposed municipal charter, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area proposed to be incorporated at least once a week during the 4 weeks immediately before the referendum.
(d)    On the day of the referendum, the county commissioners or county council shall make available an exact copy of the proposed municipal charter for public inspection at each place for voting on the referendum.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-209 - Referendum; Proclamation of Result

(a)    Except as expressly or necessarily modified by this subtitle, a referendum shall be conducted generally according to the procedures and practices for regular countywide elections.
(b)    (1)    On the day and during the hours specified for the referendum, the question of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter shall be submitted to the registered voters of the area proposed to be incorporated.
(2)    The county board of elections shall arrange for and conduct the referendum.
(3)    The wording specified by the county commissioners or county council in the resolution authorizing a referendum on the question of the proposed incorporation shall be placed on the ballots used at the referendum.
(c)    Promptly after the canvass is complete, the county board of elections shall certify the results to the county commissioners or county council.
(d)    Within 10 days after receiving a certification of the vote on the referendum from the county board of elections:
(1)    if a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter:
(i)    the county commissioners or county council publicly shall so proclaim; and
(ii)    on the 30th day after the public proclamation, the area proposed to be incorporated shall become a municipality operating under the municipal charter; or
(2)    if less than a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter:
(i)    the county commissioners or county council publicly shall so proclaim; and
(ii)    the proclamation shall state that the proposed incorporation is not approved.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division II - Municipalities › Title 4 - In General › Subtitle 2 - Incorporation of Municipalities › Section 4-210 - Nomination and Election of Municipal Officers

(a)    An election of officers for a proposed municipality shall be conducted at the same time and place as the referendum on the question of incorporation and is subject to the same procedures and practices.
(b)    An individual may not be initially nominated or elected to a municipal office unless the individual qualifies under the requirements specified for that office in the proposed municipal charter.
(c)    (1)    A candidate for an elected office of a proposed municipality shall be nominated by a certificate of nomination filed by the candidate with the county board of elections.
(2)    The certificate of nomination shall include:
(i)    the name and residence address of the candidate; and
(ii)    the office that the candidate seeks.
(d)    After certificates of nomination by candidates for municipal office are filed, the county board of elections shall prepare ballots to allow the registered voters of the area proposed to be incorporated to vote on the candidates who are nominated under this section.