reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-122 - One-Call System Registration and Certification Requirements; Owner-Contractor Information Exchange System

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person that operates a one–call system in the State shall register with and obtain certification to operate from the Commission.
(b)    A person operating a one–call system on or before July 1, 1990, is automatically registered with and certified by the Commission to continue to operate.
(c)    (1)    The operator of a one–call system shall install and make available an underground facilities information exchange system in its one–call system in the State.
(2)    The underground facilities information exchange system shall be available to any caller at all times.
(d)    The Commission may grant, amend, or revoke the certification of a person operating a one–call system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-123 - Owner-Member of One-Call System

(a)    (1)    An owner shall be a member of a one–call system.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, an owner becomes a member of a one–call system by registering with the one–call system.
(3)    The Department of Transportation, its administrations, and the Maryland Transportation Authority shall become members of the one–call system through a separate agreement and using the information collected under § 12–124(b)(2) of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    An owner–member of a one–call system shall submit to the one–call system, in writing, the telephone number of the person to which calls concerning proposed excavations or demolitions shall be directed.
(2)    An owner–member shall ensure that all contact information provided to the one–call system remains current.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-124 - Notice to One-Call System

(a)    Before performing excavation or demolition in the State, a person:
(1)    shall initiate a ticket request by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area where the excavation or demolition is to be performed;
(2)    shall select a start work date that commences:
(i)    not sooner than 3 business days after the ticket is initiated; and
(ii)    not later than 12 business days after the ticket is initiated; and
(3)    may add a temporary excavator to an existing ticket.
(b)    Notice provided to a one–call system under subsection (a) of this section shall indicate:
(1)    the location of the proposed excavation or demolition;
(2)    whether the proposed excavation or demolition is within rights–of–way owned or controlled by the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority and, if so, the entity and the permit number or authorization number obtained from that entity;
(3)    the type and extent of work to be performed in connection with the proposed excavation or demolition; and
(4)    the correct name of and contact information for the temporary excavator, if any, performing work under the ticket.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on receiving notice, the one–call system shall promptly transmit a copy of the ticket to all owner–members in the geographic area indicated for that ticket.
(2)    Based on information collected under § 12–124(b)(2) of this subtitle, the one–call system shall promptly transmit a copy of the ticket to the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, as applicable.
(3)    (i)    The ticket shall include a response date and time for owner–members or their contract locators that corresponds with the start work date selected by the person who initiated the ticket.
(ii)    A ticket is valid for 12 business days after the selected start work date on a ticket that is transmitted by the one–call system to an owner–member or their contract locator.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-125 - Repeat Notification

(a)    A person shall repeat the notification required under § 12–124 of this subtitle if the person:
(1)    has not completed or will not complete the excavation or demolition within the time period authorized by the ticket;
(2)    expands the excavation or demolition beyond the location indicated in the notice under § 12–124(b) of this subtitle; or
(3)    adds a temporary excavator to the ticket.
(b)    If a person discovers that a mark is obliterated, destroyed, or removed, or observes a visible indication that an underground facility or structure is not marked as required under § 12–126 of this subtitle, the person shall notify the one–call system to request that all or part of the current scope of work of a valid ticket be re–marked.
(c)    A person shall repeat the notification regardless of:
(1)    any delays by an owner–member in marking its underground facilities; or
(2)    an agreement between the person and an owner–member regarding the time for marking underground facilities.
(d)    Any re–marking made after a notification provided under this section shall comply with the requirements of § 12–126 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-128 - Reimbursement of Political Subdivision, Municipal Corporation, or Governmental Entities

(a)    A political subdivision, municipal corporation, the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority may charge, assess, or collect from a person a one–time initial marking fee not exceeding $35 for reimbursement of expenses that the political subdivision, municipal corporation, the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority incurs to comply with this subtitle.
(b)    If re–marking is requested, or is required after renotification under § 12–125 of this subtitle, a political subdivision, municipal corporation, or any of the transportation entities specified in subsection (a) of this section may charge, assess, or collect from a person a re–marking fee not exceeding $15 for reimbursement of expenses that the political subdivision, municipal corporation, or any of the transportation entities specified in subsection (a) of this section incurs to comply with this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-129 - Detectable Wires for Connecting Buildings to Water Supply or Sewerage Systems

(a)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, any new or replacement piping that is buried or installed for the purposes of connecting a building to a water supply system, a sewerage system, an underground storm drain system, or any other applicable device shall be buried or installed with a wire or an equivalent product or technology that makes the piping detectable or locatable.
(b)    Any wire used to comply with subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1)    be an insulated copper tracer wire that is suitable for direct burial and has an American wire gauge (AWG) of at least 10, or an equivalent product;
(2)    be installed:
(i)    in the same trench as the piping that connects the building to the water supply system or the sewerage system;
(ii)    within 12 inches of the piping that connects the building to the water supply system or the sewerage system; and
(iii)    with at least one end of the wire terminating above grade in a location that is accessible and resistant to physical damage, such as in a cleanout or next to an external wall of the building; and
(3)    run from within 5 feet of an external wall of the building to:
(i)    the point where the piping intersects with the water supply system or the sewerage system; or
(ii)    the point where the sewerage system disposes of or processes the sewage.
(c)    The requirement of subsection (a) of this section with regard to replacement piping connecting a building to a water supply system or a sewerage system:
(1)    applies only to a complete replacement of the piping; and
(2)    does not apply to a repair or a partial replacement of the piping.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part IV - Excavation and Demolition › Section 12-130 - Application to Primary Contractors -- Duties of Primary Contractor and Temporary Excavator

(a)    (1)    This section applies to a primary contractor that:
(i)    performs the excavation duties for the duration of a ticket;
(ii)    initiates the notification to the one–call system to establish a ticket;
(iii)    is on site to supervise all activities and employees; and
(iv)    intends to utilize services or equipment of a temporary excavator.
(2)    For purposes of this section, a primary contractor does not include a private homeowner that intends to hire a temporary excavator.
(b)    A primary contractor:
(1)    shall:
(i)    notify the one–call system when a temporary excavator is to begin work under the ticket;
(ii)    inform the temporary excavator of the exact scope of work as detailed on the existing ticket;
(iii)    directly supervise the on–site activities of the temporary excavator; and
(iv)    assume all liability if damage should occur to an underground facility by any person named as a temporary excavator on the existing ticket; and
(2)    may name only one temporary excavator for the duration of the ticket.
(c)    (1)    A temporary excavator may be:
(i)    a piece of rental equipment and its operator;
(ii)    an excavation contractor that is not an employee of the primary contractor; or
(iii)    an equipment operator that is not a direct employee of the primary contractor.
(2)    The designated temporary excavator shall notify the one–call system with the associated ticket number to verify that the excavator has been hired to work for the primary contractor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part V - Nonexcavation Tickets › Section 12-131 - Designer Initiating Ticket Request

(a)    In connection with a project that may require excavation or demolition, a person may initiate a nonexcavation designer ticket request by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area covering the planned project in accordance with this section.
(b)    (1)    In connection with a project that may require excavation or demolition, a person initiating a nonexcavation designer ticket request under this section:
(i)    may initiate only one ticket request for a single project by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area covering the planned project; and
(ii)    shall, in connection with a nonexcavation designer ticket request:
1.    indicate that the request is for design purposes only and may not be used for the purpose of excavation or demolition;
2.    notify the one–call system of any owner–members from which the person does not require underground facilities information; and
3.    on the request of an owner–member, provide the owner–member with a preliminary drawing that indicates the scope of the project.
(2)    The one–call system shall provide the person requesting a nonexcavation designer ticket an accurate means of contact for each underground facility within 2 business days.
(3)    Each underground facility owner shall maintain current valid contact information with the one–call system for persons to contact.
(c)    (1)    Within 15 business days after receiving notice from a one–call system that a person has made a request under this section, an owner–member of an underground facility in the area of the project shall notify the person of the type and approximate location of the underground facility.
(2)    An owner–member may provide notice of the approximate location of an underground facility through the use of:
(i)    field locates;
(ii)    maps;
(iii)    surveys;
(iv)    installation records; or
(v)    other similar means.
(d)    In the case of an obstruction caused by a suspected cross–bore:
(1)    the person intending to remove the obstruction shall notify the one–call system and request a nonexcavation ticket for a suspected cross–bore which will be transmitted to all pertinent owner–members in the geographic area indicated for that ticket; and
(2)    each owner–member shall take whatever action it considers necessary to respond to this notification.
(e)    (1)    Information provided to a person requesting marking under this section is for informational purposes only.
(2)    An owner–member or agent of an owner–member may not be held liable for any inaccurate information provided to a person under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 1 - Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities › Part VI - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 12-134 - Injunctive Actions

(a)    To stop or prevent a negligent or unsafe excavation or demolition, an owner or the Attorney General may file an action for a writ of mandamus or injunction in a court of competent jurisdiction in Baltimore City or the county in which the excavation or demolition is being performed or is to be performed or in which the person resides or has its principal place of business, if the person:
(1)    is performing an excavation or demolition in a negligent or unsafe manner that has resulted in or is likely to result in damage to an underground facility; or
(2)    is intending to use procedures to carry out the excavation or demolition that are likely to result in damage to an underground facility.
(b)    (1)    To make its judgment or processes effective, the court may join as parties any persons necessary or proper.
(2)    If appropriate, the court shall issue a final order granting the injunction or writ of mandamus.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Communication service” means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means.
(2)    “Communication service” includes the transmission of intelligence by telephone lines, telegraph lines, messenger–call, police, fire alarm, and traffic control circuits and circuits used to transmit standard television or radio signals.
(c)    “Conversion” means to convert an overhead electric or communication facility.
(d)    “Convert” means to remove all or part of an existing overhead electric or communication facility and to replace it at the same or another location with an underground electric or communication facility.
(e)    (1)    “Electric or communication facility” means a works or improvement used or useful in providing electric service or communication service.
(2)    “Electric or communication facility” includes poles, supports, tunnels, manholes, vaults, conduits, ducts, pipes, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appliances, attachments, and appurtenances.
(3)    “Electric or communication facility” does not include a facility that:
(i)    uses or is intended to be used to transmit electricity at nominal voltages in excess of 35,000 volts; or
(ii)    is owned, used by, or provided for a railroad or pipeline and located on or above the right–of–way of the railroad or pipeline.
(f)    “Electric service” means the distribution of electricity for heat, light, or power.
(g)    (1)    “Public agency” means a county, municipal corporation, special district, or public corporation that provides electric service or communication service to the public by means of an electric or communication facility.
(2)    “Public agency” does not include a county, municipal corporation, special district, or public corporation that conducts a proceeding for a conversion under this subtitle.
(h)    “Public utility” means a person that provides electric or communication facilities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-302 - Legislative Findings; Declaration of Intent

(a)    The General Assembly finds that, in many areas of the State, landowners, cities, counties, municipal corporations, public agencies, and public utilities desire to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations through proceedings under this subtitle.
(b)    The General Assembly declares that:
(1)    a public purpose will be served by providing a procedure to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations; and
(2)    it is in the public interest to provide for a conversion through proceedings established under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-304 - Authority of Commission

(a)    This subtitle does not limit the authority of the Commission under this article, the Maryland Constitution, or any other law whether by statute or court decision.
(b)    This subtitle does not limit the authority of the Commission to determine whether, in what manner, and by whom costs are to be assessed, paid, recovered, or absorbed when an underground electric or communication facility is converted, constructed, operated, maintained, repaired, replaced, or enlarged.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-306 - Proceedings for Conversion Authorized

Proceedings under this subtitle may be used to:
(1)    convert an existing electric or communication facility; and
(2)    construct, reconstruct, or relocate any other related electric or communication facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-307 - Initiation of Proceedings for Conversion

(a)    Proceedings for a conversion must be initiated by petition filed under § 12-308 of this subtitle.
(b)    The petition shall:
(1)    define generally the proposed conversion;
(2)    request that proceedings for the proposed conversion be initiated under this subtitle; and
(3)    describe the proposed conversion district by:
(i)    specifying its exterior boundaries;
(ii)    providing a description of the proposed conversion district according to an official or recorded map; or
(iii)    referring to a plat or map filed with the petition that indicates the proposed conversion district by boundary line.
(c)    (1)    A petition for proceedings for a conversion must be signed by not less than 20 landowners within the proposed conversion district whose property constitutes more than 80% of the assessed value of property within the proposed conversion district.
(2)    For purposes of this subsection, the assessed value of the property shall be determined by the last assessment roll used by the county or municipal corporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-308 - Filing of Petition; Execution of Certificate; Presentation

(a)    The petition shall be filed with the clerk of the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation in which the proposed conversion district is located.
(b)    After a petition is filed under subsection (a) of this section, the clerk shall review the petition.
(c)    If the petition is signed by the number of qualified landowners required under § 12-307 of this subtitle, the clerk shall execute a certificate of sufficiency and present the petition and certificate to the legislative body.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-309 - Resolution of Intent to Order Conversion

(a)    On presentation of the petition and the certificate of sufficiency from the clerk under § 12-308 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation may adopt a resolution that declares its intent to:
(1)    order the conversion described in the petition; and
(2)    enter into an agreement with a public agency or public utility that provides for plans and specifications, contributions of labor, materials, or money, and payment for any work, improvement, or service proposed under the petition.
(b)    In addition to a general description of the proposed conversion and the proposed conversion district, the resolution of intent shall contain a notice that states the date, hour, and place at which a person with an objection to the proposed conversion may appear at a public hearing before the legislative body, or its designated committee, and show cause why the proposed conversion should not be carried out in accordance with the resolution of intent and why a resolution ordering the conversion should not be adopted.
(c)    The public hearing required by subsection (b) of this section shall be held not less than 15 days and not more than 60 days after the date the resolution of intent is adopted.
(d)    (1)    A legislative body, or its designated committee, need not provide notice and a public hearing under this section if, when considering the adoption of a resolution of intent, the legislative body finds and determines by four-fifths vote that, on or before the fifth day before the day that the resolution of intent will be considered for adoption, all of the landowners, or their agents, within the proposed conversion district to be assessed have signed and filed a petition with the clerk of the legislative body waiving their right to a public hearing.
(2)    A petition filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:
(i)    a statement that, to the extent of the proposed conversion district to be assessed, the landowners do not object to the proposed conversion, or to an agreement proposed to be made under § 12-311 of this subtitle, and do not have any other objection; and
(ii)    a request that the legislative body, or its designated committee, not hold a public hearing.
(e)    (1)    During the 15 days after the public hearing, if held, landowners within the proposed conversion district may certify the withdrawal of their names from the petition for conversion.
(2)    A petition for conversion shall be considered withdrawn if the number of landowners certifying their withdrawal is such that the remaining signatures of landowners on the petition constitute less than 50% of the total assessed value within the proposed conversion district.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-310 - Investigation and Report on Petition

(a)    After receipt of a petition under § 12-308 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation shall order an investigation and a report on the petition.
(b)    (1)    The report shall include:
(i)    the nature of the conversion;
(ii)    the estimated cost of the conversion and the proceedings for the conversion;
(iii)    funds available from other sources to pay the costs of conversion;
(iv)    existing assessments;
(v)    the estimated conversion costs on each parcel; and
(vi)    the maturity date and probable interest rate of any bonds to be issued.
(2)    Engineering details and cost estimates included in the report may not be in any greater detail than necessary for the formulation of a judgment on the feasibility and expense of the proposed conversion.
(c)    The report shall be available to the public:
(1)    when the notice required under § 12-309 of this subtitle is published; and
(2)    at the public hearing, if held, established in the notice.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-311 - Agreement Between Political Subdivision and Service Provider

(a)    In a proceeding for a conversion, the county or municipal corporation and any public agency or public utility supplying electric service or communication service with the county or municipal corporation shall provide by agreement that:
(1)    at the start or on completion of the conversion, the public agency or public utility has legal title to the electric or communication facilities; and
(2)    the electric or communication facilities are:
(i)    a part of the system of the public agency or public utility; and
(ii)    to be used, operated, maintained, and managed by the public agency or public utility as part of its system.
(b)    Subject to any rules, regulations, or tariffs applicable to the public agency or public utility, the agreement also shall provide for the following:
(1)    the supplying of or approval by the public agency or public utility of plans and specifications related to the conversion and labor or materials to be used in the conversion; and
(2)    the performance by the public agency or public utility of all or part of the conversion or improvements and payment to the public agency or public utility for the conversion or improvements.
(c)    An agreement made under this section must be made before the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation adopts a resolution ordering the conversion.
(d)    (1)    If the proceeding for a conversion is discontinued:
(i)    any agreement made under this section is void;
(ii)    the petitioners shall reimburse the public agency or public utility for engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred that exceed $2,500; and
(iii)    the petitioners or the county or municipal corporation may not reimburse the public agency or public utility for engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred that are $2,500 or less.
(2)    If the proposed conversion is completed, any engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred by the public agency or public utility shall be included as part of the cost of the conversion.
(e)    Before an agreement made under this section takes effect, the Commission may conduct proceedings and shall:
(1)    determine that the agreement is in the public interest; and
(2)    issue an order to approve the agreement, disapprove the agreement, or approve the agreement subject to specified conditions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-312 - Resolution Ordering Conversion

(a)    After approval by the Commission of an agreement under § 12-311 of this subtitle and, if required, a public hearing in accordance with § 12-309 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation may adopt a resolution ordering the conversion to be completed in accordance with the resolution.
(b)    The resolution shall include:
(1)    a description of the proposed conversion district;
(2)    the method of financing the conversion costs, including:
(i)    the issuance of bonds or other evidence of indebtedness;
(ii)    an advance from the general fund of the county or municipal corporation; or
(iii)    direct payment by the landowners in the conversion district of their respective shares of the conversion costs; and
(3)    the amount and duration of property taxes to be levied in the conversion district each year for repayment of any bonds, evidence of indebtedness, or any advances from the general fund of the county or municipal corporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-313 - Responsibility for Costs

(a)    Subject to applicable rules, regulations, tariffs, or ordinances, the landowner is responsible for the costs of construction, reconstruction, relocation, or conversion of all electric or communication facilities of a public agency or public utility from the point of attachment of the electric or communication facility to any improvements located on the landowner’s property within a conversion district.
(b)    (1)    The contractor, public agency, public utility, county, or municipal corporation performing the conversion is responsible for the conversion of all electric or communication facilities to the point of attachment to any improvements located on property within the conversion district.
(2)    The conversion costs incurred under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be included in the total conversion costs that are to be assessed against the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-314 - Notice to Landowners of Responsibility for Costs

(a)    (1)    At least 15 days before the date of commencement of construction, the clerk of the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation shall mail a notice to each landowner within the conversion district that informs the landowner of the provisions of § 12-313 of this subtitle.
(2)    The clerk shall use the names and addresses from the most recent property assessment roll of the county or municipal corporation, or as otherwise known by the clerk.
(b)    The notice mailed under subsection (a) of this section shall include a statement that, unless the landowner complies with the requirements of § 12-313 of this subtitle, all buildings, structures, and other improvements located on the property may be disconnected from the overhead electric or communication facilities that provide electric service or communication service to the buildings, structures, or other improvements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-315 - Consequences of Failure to Comply

(a)    If a landowner fails to comply with § 12-313 of this subtitle, all overhead electric or communication facilities providing electric service or communication service to any building, structure, or other improvement on the property shall be disconnected and removed.
(b)    At least 5 days before the disconnection, the landowner shall be provided written notice of the disconnection by leaving a copy of the notice at the principal building, structure, or other improvement located on the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-316 - Competitive Bidding Requirements

(a)    This section does not authorize a county or municipal corporation to avoid compliance with any competitive bidding requirements for a conversion or improvement to be performed by a private contractor.
(b)    Provisions in State, county, or municipal law that require competitive bidding do not apply to a conversion or improvement performed by:
(1)    a county, municipal corporation, public agency, or public utility; or
(2)    a department, agency, commission, or office of a county or municipal corporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 12 - Underground Facilities › Subtitle 3 - Conversion of Overhead Facilities › Section 12-317 - Bond Issue; Tax Levy to Pay Bonds

(a)    In accordance with its charter or a public general law or public local law, a county or municipal corporation may issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness to carry out this subtitle.
(b)    To pay the principal and interest on bonds or other evidence of indebtedness or an advance from its general fund, a county or municipal corporation may levy property taxes on the assessed value of all real property and classes of assessable personal property within the conversion district.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 1 - Criminal Liability › Section 13-101 - Public Service Commission Violations

(a)    This section does not apply to a violation of the following provisions of this article:
(1)    Title 5, Subtitle 4;
(2)    Title 7, Subtitle 1;
(3)    Title 8, Subtitles 1 and 3; and
(4)    Title 9, Subtitle 3.
(b)    A person may not fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with any provision of this division or any effective and outstanding direction, ruling, order, rule, regulation, or decision of the Commission.
(c)    An individual who knowingly violates or knowingly aids or abets a public service company in the violation of subsection (b) of this section or any provision of this division:
(1)    is guilty of a misdemeanor; and
(2)    unless a different punishment is specifically provided by law, on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for a first offense and not exceeding $5,000 for each additional or subsequent offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-201 - Civil Penalties

(a)    This section does not apply to a violation of the following provisions of this article:
(1)    Title 5, Subtitle 4;
(2)    Title 7, Subtitle 1;
(3)    § 7–213 as it applies to electric cooperatives;
(4)    Title 8, Subtitles 1 and 3;
(5)    Title 9, Subtitle 3; and
(6)    Title 8, Subtitle 4.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 against a person who violates a provision of this division, or an effective and outstanding direction, ruling, order, rule, or regulation of the Commission.
(2)    The civil penalty that the Commission may impose on a common carrier for each violation may not exceed $2,500.
(c)    (1)    A civil penalty may be imposed in addition to any other penalty authorized by this division.
(2)    Each violation is a separate offense.
(3)    Each day or part of a day the violation continues is a separate offense.
(d)    The Commission shall determine the amount of any civil penalty after considering:
(1)    the number of previous violations of any provision of this article;
(2)    the gravity of the current violation;
(3)    the good faith efforts of the violator in attempting to achieve compliance after notification of the violation; and
(4)    any other matter that the Commission considers appropriate and relevant.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a civil penalty collected under this section shall be paid into the Resiliency Hub Grant Program Fund established under § 9–2011 of the State Government Article.
(2)    A civil penalty assessed for a violation of a service quality and reliability standard under § 7–213 of this article shall be paid into the Electric Reliability Remediation Fund under § 7–213(j) of this article.
(3)    A civil penalty assessed for a violation of § 7–505(b)(7), § 7–507, § 7–603, § 7–604, or § 7–606 of this article, or a rule, an order, or a regulation adopted under any of those sections, shall be paid into the Retail Choice Customer Education and Protection Fund under § 7–310 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-202 - Public Service Companies; Safety Violations

(a)    In this section, “safety violation” means a condition or activity likely to cause injury or harm to an individual or property.
(b)    This section does not apply to a safety violation by a gas company that is subject to § 13–203 of this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a public service company that violates a provision of this division that relates to safety is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 for each violation for each day that the violation persists.
(2)    For a common carrier, the maximum civil penalty may not exceed $500 for each violation or related series of violations stemming from a single safety inspection.
(d)    In determining the amount of a civil penalty imposed under this section, the Commission shall consider the:
(1)    appropriateness of the penalty to the size of the public service company;
(2)    number of previous violations of this article by the public service company;
(3)    gravity of the current violation; and
(4)    good faith of the public service company in attempting to achieve compliance after notification of the violation.
(e)    The public service company involved may request reconsideration of a penalty imposed under this section within 30 days after the date of notification of the determination.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-203 - Violation of Safe Service Requirement

(a)    A gas company or gas master meter operator that violates any of the Commission’s standards of safe service or other regulation related to safety adopted under § 5-101 of this article is subject to a civil penalty determined by the Commission that does not exceed the maximum penalties provided in Title 49, Chapter 601 of the U.S. Code (Federal Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act):
(1)    for each violation for each day or part of a day that the violation continues; and
(2)    for a related series of violations.
(b)    Within 30 days after the date of notification of the determination, the gas company or gas master meter operator involved may request reconsideration to obtain a compromise.
(c)    In determining the amount of a civil penalty or compromise, the Commission shall consider the:
(1)    appropriateness of the penalty to the size of the gas company or gas master meter operator;
(2)    gravity of the current violation; and
(3)    good faith of the gas company or gas master meter operator in attempting to achieve compliance after notification of the violation.
(d)    The amount of the penalty, when finally determined or agreed on in compromise, may be:
(1)    deducted from any amount that the State owes to the gas company or gas master meter operator; or
(2)    recovered in a civil action in State court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-204 - Ethics Violation by Personnel of Commission or People's Counsel

Personnel of the Commission or Office of People’s Counsel who are convicted of violating Title 2, Subtitle 3 of this article shall, in addition to any other penalties, be removed or discharged from office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-205 - Failure to File Annual Report or Provide Information to Commission

A public service company is subject to a fine of $100 for each day beyond 30 days after the deadline set by the Commission that the public service company fails to:
(1)    file its annual report with the Commission in accordance with Title 6, Subtitle 2 of this article;
(2)    make a report or furnish information that the Commission requests or requires; or
(3)    fails to give a full, specific, and responsive answer to any question reasonably directed to it by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 13 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Liability › Section 13-206 - Taxicab Violations

An individual who violates a provision of this division concerning for–hire driving services is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for a first offense and not exceeding $100 for each additional or subsequent offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division II - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission › Title 16 - Definitions › Section 16-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this division the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commission” means the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
(c)    “Commissioner” means a member of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
(d)    “County” means a county of the State or Baltimore City.
(e)    “Family responsibilities” means the legal responsibility for the care and support of a dependent individual.
(f)    “Genetic information” has the meaning stated in § 27–909(a) of the Insurance Article.
(g)    “Hookup” means a connection between the plumbing on the owner’s property and the Commission service connection.
(h)    “Municipality” means a municipal corporation that is organized under Article XI–E of the Maryland Constitution.
(i)    “Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, or representative of any kind and any partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(j)    “Public roadway” means any State, county, or municipal street, road, alley, or highway.
(k)    (1)    “Sanitary district” means the Washington Suburban Sanitary District, as described in Chapter 805 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1981.
(2)    “Sanitary district” does not include any special exemption provided for by law.
(l)    “Service connection” means a lateral service line that is constructed by the Commission from a Commission water or sewer main to a property line.
(m)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, “state” means:
(i)    a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or
(ii)    the District of Columbia.
(2)    When capitalized, “State” means Maryland.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division II - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission › Title 17 - Commission › Subtitle 1 - Commissioners › Section 17-102 - Membership

(a)    The Commission consists of:
(1)    three commissioners from Prince George’s County, appointed by the County Executive subject to the confirmation of the County Council; and
(2)    three commissioners from Montgomery County, appointed by the County Executive subject to the confirmation of the County Council.
(b)    (1)    Each commissioner from Prince George’s County shall be a resident of the sanitary district.
(2)    (i)    Each commissioner from Montgomery County shall be a registered voter of Montgomery County.
(ii)    Each commissioner from Prince George’s County shall be a registered voter of Prince George’s County.
(c)    (1)    An individual may not be appointed or continue in office as a commissioner if the individual holds any other position of profit or trust under the Constitution or laws of the State or any political subdivision of the State.
(2)    Not more than two commissioners from Montgomery County may be of the same political party.
(d)    (1)    The term of a commissioner is 4 years and begins on June 1 of the year of appointment.
(2)    The terms of commissioners are staggered as required by the terms provided for commissioners on July 1, 1982.
(3)    At the end of a term, a commissioner continues to serve until a successor is appointed and takes the oath of office.
(4)    A commissioner who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and takes the oath of office.
(5)    A vacancy on the Commission does not impair the right of the remaining commissioners to exercise all the powers of the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division II - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission › Title 17 - Commission › Subtitle 1 - Commissioners › Section 17-103 - Appointment Procedures

(a)    (1)    The County Executive shall make an appointment from a list of applicants.
(2)    The list shall be:
(i)    completed at least 3 weeks before the date the appointment is made; and
(ii)    open to the public for inspection from the time the list is prepared until the appointment is made.
(3)    (i)    If an individual is not appointed from the names on the list, the County Executive shall prepare additional lists and follow the procedure under paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(ii)    The 3–week period before the date the appointment is made begins with the closing of each list.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the County Executive or a designee of the County Executive may interview in private each applicant for appointment or reappointment to the Commission regarding possible or potential conflicts of interest.
(2)    Before appointment, the County Executive or a designee of the County Executive shall interview in private an applicant who is selected for appointment to the Commission regarding possible or potential conflicts of interest.
(3)    Before appointment, the County Executive of Prince George’s County or a designee of the County Executive shall inform the Prince George’s County Council of possible or potential conflicts of interest of an applicant who is selected for appointment to the Commission.
(c)    (1)    A written transcript of an interview under subsection (b) of this section:
(i)    shall be made;
(ii)    may be reviewed by the applicant, unless the right to review is waived by the applicant;
(iii)    may be altered for the applicant by the transcribing officer, if the transcript is accompanied by a statement of the reason given by the applicant for the alteration; and
(iv)    shall be signed by the applicant.
(2)    The transcribing officer shall certify on the transcript that:
(i)    the applicant was sworn by the officer; and
(ii)    the transcript is a true record of the testimony given by the applicant.
(3)    The County Executive of Montgomery County or a designee of the County Executive shall:
(i)    publicly disclose the complete transcribed testimony of an appointee to the Commission 3 weeks after the appointment; and
(ii)    destroy immediately the complete transcript of any other applicant without disclosure of any information contained in the transcript.
(d)    (1)    In Montgomery County, if the County Executive or a designee of the County Executive conducts an interview under subsection (b) of this section, the applicant shall be interviewed:
(i)    in a question and answer fashion;
(ii)    under oath; and
(iii)    about all sources of income, property holdings, business interests, and financial interests of the applicant and the applicant’s spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, and child.
(2)    The County Executive of Montgomery County or a designee of the County Executive may require the applicant to produce documents.