reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 6 - Agriculture and Seafood Industries › Section 13-603 - Agricultural and Natural Resources Demonstration Work

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    (1)    Under rules it adopts, the governing body of a county may appropriate and use money it considers necessary to support farmers’ cooperative demonstration work in the county, including home demonstration work and boys and girls club work, that is similar to work that the United States Department of Agriculture or the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension may conduct.
(2)    The governing body of a county may cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension to jointly conduct and fund the demonstration work on terms and conditions agreed to by the governing body of the county, the Department, and the Extension.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 6 - Agriculture and Seafood Industries › Section 13-604 - Right to Farm -- Anne Arundel County

(a)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the County Council of Anne Arundel County may adopt an ordinance, a resolution, or a regulation or take any other action that the County Council considers necessary to protect a person’s right to farm or engage in agricultural or forestry operations.
(b)    Before adopting an ordinance, a resolution, or a regulation or taking any other action under subsection (a) of this section, the County Council of Anne Arundel County shall:
(1)    hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance, resolution, regulation, or action; and
(2)    provide reasonable notice of the hearing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 6 - Agriculture and Seafood Industries › Section 13-606 - Agricultural Preservation Districts -- Washington County

(a)    By ordinance, the County Commissioners of Washington County:
(1)    may establish methods to:
(i)    provide supplemental payments to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, independently or under a lease arrangement with an outside funding source; or
(ii)    purchase development rights in an agricultural preservation district; and
(2)    in accordance with regulations and procedures adopted by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, may provide for:
(i)    the establishment of agricultural preservation districts; and
(ii)    standards and guidelines under which real property is eligible for inclusion in an agricultural preservation district.
(b)    (1)    The methods to provide supplemental payments or purchase development rights under subsection (a)(1) of this section may include the creation of a long–term obligation of Washington County in the nature or form of an installment purchase agreement.
(2)    An obligation authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection is exempt from §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 7 - Environmental Issues › Section 13-701 - License for Weather Modification in Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties

(a)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Frederick County;
(2)    Garrett County; and
(3)    Washington County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    The county commissioners may adopt an ordinance or resolution to:
(1)    provide for the licensure of persons engaging in weather modification; and
(2)    require the reporting of any activity performed with the intention of producing artificial changes in the composition, behavior, or dynamics of the atmosphere as defined in the National Weather Modification Policy Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. § 330 et seq.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 7 - Environmental Issues › Section 13-702 - Advisory Committee on Natural Resources and Community Appearance in Prince George's County

(a)    (1)    By resolution, the County Council of Prince George’s County may create an official advisory committee on natural resources and community appearance to guide and accomplish the work of the County Council sitting as district council.
(2)    The resolution shall specify the membership, duties, and functions of the committee.
(b)    (1)    It is the intent of the General Assembly that all units of State government cooperate with the County Council of Prince George’s County to the fullest possible extent to guide the orderly growth of the county through an advisory committee created under this section.
(2)    At the request of the County Council, an official designated by a unit of State government may serve as a member of the advisory committee.
(c)    The duties of the advisory committee may include making technical recommendations for:
(1)    the preservation, exploitation, and site rehabilitation of mineral deposits; and
(2)    the means and methods of encouraging development above minimum standards.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 7 - Environmental Issues › Section 13-703 - Sedimentation Control in St. Mary's County

(a)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)    adopt an ordinance, a rule, or a regulation for erosion and siltation control requirements to facilitate sedimentation control in the county; and
(2)    provide for the enforcement of any ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted under this section.
(b)    (1)    A violation of an ordinance, a rule, or a regulation adopted under this section is a misdemeanor.
(2)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may establish a criminal penalty of a fine, imprisonment, or both for a violation of an ordinance, a rule, or a regulation adopted under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 7 - Environmental Issues › Section 13-705 - Control of Pollution and Industrial Waste in Cecil County

(a)    By ordinance or resolution, the County Commissioners of Cecil County may:
(1)    provide for the control of air pollution, water pollution, and industrial waste coming from land in the county;
(2)    provide for the appointment of inspectors to enforce an ordinance or a resolution adopted under item (1) of this subsection; and
(3)    establish penalties for violations of an ordinance or a resolution adopted under item (1) of this subsection.
(b)    Before adopting an ordinance or a resolution under this section, the County Commissioners of Cecil County shall:
(1)    publish a summary of the proposed ordinance or resolution in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county for at least 3 weeks that specifies the date for a public hearing;
(2)    hold a public hearing; and
(3)    give notice that copies of the proposed ordinance or resolution may be obtained on application to the clerk of the County Commissioners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 8 - Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways › Section 13-801 - Public Landings

(a)    This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county may establish a public landing on any navigable waters.
(c)    (1)    This subsection does not apply in Queen Anne’s County.
(2)    The proceedings on an application to establish a public landing are the same as the proceedings on an application to open a public road under Title 12, Subtitle 6 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 8 - Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways › Section 13-802 - Floating Homes -- Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties

(a)    (1)    In this section, “floating home” means a vessel that:
(i)    is used or designated as a dwelling unit, place of business, or private or social club; and
(ii)    has a volume coefficient that is greater than 3,000 square feet, based on the ratio of the habitable space of the vessel measured in cubic feet and the draft depth of the vessel measured in feet of depth.
(2)    “Floating home” includes a structure that:
(i)    is constructed on a barge that is primarily immobile and not used for navigation; or
(ii)    functions primarily as a land structure while the vessel is moored or docked in the State.
(b)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Calvert County;
(2)    Charles County; and
(3)    St. Mary’s County.
(c)    The governing body of a county may adopt:
(1)    laws to regulate mooring, docking, anchoring, and installing a floating home in the waters of the county; and
(2)    penalties for a violation of a law adopted under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 8 - Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways › Section 13-803 - Fund for Waterway Improvements -- Charles County

The County Commissioners of Charles County may maintain a fund of not more than $40,000 to provide for:
(1)    the improvement of channels to make waters in the county navigable;
(2)    the construction of breakwater and other waterway improvement projects; and
(3)    mosquito control in waters in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 8 - Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways › Section 13-804 - Fishing, Docking, and Mooring -- Dorchester and Somerset Counties

(a)    This section applies only to Dorchester County and Somerset County.
(b)    This section does not apply to boats moored in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Natural Resources.
(c)    The governing body of a county may regulate fishing from a county bridge.
(d)    The governing body of a county may regulate the docking, mooring, and abandonment of vessels along or within waterways in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 8 - Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways › Section 13-805 - Public Docks, Piers, and Harbor Facilities -- Dorchester County

(a)    (1)    The governing body of Dorchester County may adopt regulations concerning maintaining and operating public docks, piers, wharves, and harbor facilities owned or leased by the county.
(2)    A regulation adopted under this subsection may include provisions related to:
(i)    permits;
(ii)    berths;
(iii)    mooring;
(iv)    swimming;
(v)    trash disposal and removal; and
(vi)    sunken vessels.
(b)    The governing body of Dorchester County may adopt penalties for a violation of a regulation adopted under this section, including imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-901 - Building Codes; Regulation of Buildings and Signs

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Charles County;
(6)    Howard County;
(7)    Prince George’s County;
(8)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)    Worcester County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    regulate the construction of buildings and signs;
(2)    adopt a building code;
(3)    provide for enforcement of the code;
(4)    require permits for the construction of buildings and signs;
(5)    impose permit and inspection fees;
(6)    provide for inspection of buildings and structures;
(7)    provide for condemnation of dangerous or insecure buildings or structures as provided under other public general law; and
(8)    require dangerous or insecure buildings and structures to be made safe or demolished.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-903 - Cecil County Building Code

(a)    The governing body of Cecil County may adopt a building code to provide for:
(1)    constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and structures;
(2)    the appointment of inspectors to enforce the code; and
(3)    penalties for a violation of the code.
(b)    In Cecil County, the building code may incorporate by reference all or part of a code proposed by any governmental unit or trade or professional association for general distribution in printed form as a standard model on any subject relating to constructing, maintaining, or repairing a building or other structure.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-904 - Charles County Building Code

(a)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Charles County shall adopt a building code that:
(i)    specifies standards for constructing, maintaining, or repairing buildings and structures; and
(ii)    substantially conforms to the basic building code adopted by the International Code Council.
(2)    After a hearing on the proposed changes, the county commissioners may amend the code.
(b)    In Charles County, the building code adopted under this section does not apply to any farm buildings or any other outbuilding with a cost of less than $2,500.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Charles County may impose a fee for a permit issued under the building code.
(d)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Charles County shall appoint a building inspector and assistant inspectors at salaries as provided in the county budget.
(2)    The inspectors shall enforce the building code and the related regulations.
(e)    The County Commissioners of Charles County may:
(1)    provide penalties for a violation of the building code; and
(2)    abate a violation of the building code.
(f)    (1)    If the County Commissioners of Charles County abate a violation of the building code, the county commissioners may assess against the property the reasonable costs of the abatement.
(2)    The assessment shall be:
(i)    added to the annual tax bill of the property to be collected in the same manner as ordinary taxes are collected; and
(ii)    subject to the same interest and penalty for nonpayment as provided by law for the nonpayment of county taxes.
(3)    The assessment is a lien against the property from the date of assessment until paid.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-905 - Queen Anne's County Building Code

(a)    The County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County may adopt a building code.
(b)    A building code adopted under this section applies to a residential building on a farm but does not apply to another outbuilding on a farm, including a building that houses animals or farm equipment or is used for farm storage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-906 - St. Mary's County Building Code

(a)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may adopt a building code to provide for constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and other structures.
(b)    (1)    A building code adopted under this section may incorporate by reference all or part of a code proposed by any governmental unit or a trade or professional association for general distribution in printed form as a standard model on any subject relating to constructing, maintaining, or repairing buildings or structures.
(2)    Any later amendment to a code or part of a code that is adopted by reference is not effective until the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County incorporate the specific amendment into the county’s building code.
(c)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may appoint inspectors to enforce the building code.
(d)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may provide penalties for a violation of the building code.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part I - Building and Housing Codes; Regulation of Home Builders › Section 13-907 - Washington County -- Licensing of Home Builders

(a)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt licensing requirements for home builders.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may:
(1)    set a license fee; and
(2)    require an applicant or licensee to provide a performance bond.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part II - Electrical Codes; Regulation of Electricians; Elevators › Section 13-910 - Adoption of Electrical Codes

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Charles County;
(6)    Howard County;
(7)    Prince George’s County;
(8)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)    Worcester County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    An electrical code adopted under this section does not apply to:
(1)    electrical equipment or electrical appliances or devices used by public utilities in furnishing their services; or
(2)    work performed by public utilities or their affiliated companies.
(d)    (1)    The governing body of a county may:
(i)    adopt an electrical code;
(ii)    provide for inspections to enforce the code; and
(iii)    impose permit and inspection fees.
(2)    An electrical code adopted by the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall be adopted by ordinance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part II - Electrical Codes; Regulation of Electricians; Elevators › Section 13-911 - Licensing of Electricians

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    In accordance with the Maryland Master Electricians Act, the governing body of a county, by ordinance, may:
(1)    provide for the general licensing of electricians;
(2)    license and establish classifications of electricians;
(3)    establish powers and duties of electrical inspectors, including the authority to issue permits and registrations;
(4)    provide for penalties for a violation of an ordinance adopted under this section;
(5)    establish a Board of Electrical Examiners; and
(6)    establish powers and duties of the Board of Electrical Examiners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part II - Electrical Codes; Regulation of Electricians; Elevators › Section 13-912 - Regulation of Elevators

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Charles County;
(6)    Howard County;
(7)    Prince George’s County;
(8)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)    Worcester County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    require the inspection and licensing of elevators; and
(2)    prohibit the use of an elevator if it is unsafe, dangerous, or unlicensed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part III - Plumbing Codes; Regulation of Plumbers › Section 13-915 - Plumbing Codes; Enforcement

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Baltimore City;
(2)    Baltimore County; and
(3)    to the extent that an area is under the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Prince George’s County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    In accordance with the Maryland Plumbing Act, the governing body of a county may:
(1)    adopt a plumbing code;
(2)    provide for inspections to enforce the code; and
(3)    impose permit and inspection fees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part III - Plumbing Codes; Regulation of Plumbers › Section 13-916 - Selected Counties -- Frederick County, Harford County, and Kent County

(a)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(b)    (1)    This subsection applies only to Frederick County, Harford County, and Kent County.
(2)    The governing body of a county may:
(i)    adopt regulations for the issuance of plumbing permits for the installation of sanitary systems, plumbing, and plumbing fixtures; and
(ii)    impose a fee for the permits and for enforcement of the permits.
(c)    (1)    This subsection applies only to Frederick County and Harford County.
(2)    The governing body of a county may:
(i)    adopt a plumbing code to regulate the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and sanitary facilities;
(ii)    employ personnel to enforce the code; and
(iii)    provide criminal penalties for a violation of the code.
(3)    (i)    If the County Commissioners of Frederick County adopt a plumbing code, the county commissioners shall appoint an Advisory Plumbing Board.
(ii)    The Advisory Plumbing Board shall consist of an individual designated by the Frederick County health officer, two plumbers, and two other individuals.
(iii)    The Advisory Plumbing Board shall assist in the drafting, adoption, and enforcement of the plumbing code.
(iv)    The term of a member is 4 years.
(v)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Plumbing Board on October 1, 2013.
(vi)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(vii)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    (i)    If the governing body of Harford County adopts a plumbing code, the governing body shall appoint an Advisory Plumbing Board.
(ii)    The Advisory Plumbing Board shall consist of a physician, a plumber, and one other individual to assist in the drafting, adoption, and enforcement of the plumbing code.
(iii)    The term of a member is 4 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part III - Plumbing Codes; Regulation of Plumbers › Section 13-917 - Washington County -- Licensing of Household Appliance Installers

(a)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt an ordinance or resolution to license household appliance installers to perform plumbing work incident to the installation of home appliances.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may require a license fee and a performance bond before granting a license.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part III - Plumbing Codes; Regulation of Plumbers › Section 13-918 - Washington County -- Licensing of Utility Contractors and Septic System Installers

(a)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt, by ordinance or resolution, licensing requirements for:
(1)    on–site utility contractors who perform plumbing work while installing water or sewer service; and
(2)    septic system installers who place a service line between a septic tank and a building.
(c)    A license issued under this section does not authorize the licensee to do plumbing work within 5 feet from a building being served.
(d)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may set a license fee and require an applicant or licensee to provide a performance bond.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part IV - Compliance With Public Service Commission Regulations; Rent Control › Section 13-921 - Compliance of Residential Property With Public Service Commission Regulations

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Howard County;
(5)    Prince George’s County; and
(6)    Worcester County.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)    The governing body of a county may enact a local law that requires the development of land for residential uses to comply with pertinent underground electric and telephone residential service regulations adopted by the Public Service Commission, including those pertaining to deposits.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 9 - Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations › Part IV - Compliance With Public Service Commission Regulations; Rent Control › Section 13-923 - Washington County -- Rent Control

The County Commissioners of Washington County may enact a local law or adopt regulations to control the increase of rent in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 13 - Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory › Subtitle 10 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 13-1001 - Authority to Impose Fees for Use of Disposable Bags

(a)    This section applies only in Howard County.
(b)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Disposable bag” means a plastic bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale.
(ii)    “Disposable bag” does not include:
1.    a durable plastic bag with handles that is at least 2.25 mils thick and is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse;
2.    a bag used to:
A.    package bulk items, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items;
B.    contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether prepackaged or not;
C.    contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other damp items;
D.    contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; or
E.    contain a newspaper or dry cleaning;
3.    a bag provided by a pharmacist to contain prescription drugs; or
4.    plastic bags sold in packages containing multiple plastic bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags.
(3)    “Store” means a retail establishment that provides disposable bags to customers as a result of the sale of a product.
(c)    (1)    The county may impose, by law, a fee on a store for the use of disposable bags as a part of a retail sale of products.
(2)    The fee imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed 5 cents for each disposable bag used.
(d)    The county may only use the revenue from a fee imposed under subsection (c) of this section for:
(1)    an environmental purpose, including the establishment of a program to provide reusable bags to individuals in the county; or
(2)    the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the fee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-101 - Fiscal Year

(a)    The fiscal year for each county, municipality, or special taxing district begins on July 1 of a calendar year and ends on June 30 of the next calendar year.
(b)    Each county, municipality, and special taxing district shall use the fiscal year for:
(1)    appropriating money;
(2)    authorizing expenditures; and
(3)    balancing books and accounts.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-104 - Pension Systems

(a)    On or before April 30 of each year, the Department of Legislative Services shall report on the status of any pension system of each county, municipality, and special taxing district for the previous fiscal year.
(b)    The report shall be based on information:
(1)    submitted by the county, municipality, or special taxing district under § 16–103 of this subtitle; or
(2)    provided by the State Retirement Agency.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-105 - Summary Statement of County Expenses

(a)    The governing body of each county shall publish annually, in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county, a summary statement of the expenses of the county.
(b)    The summary statement shall state that an itemized statement of county expenses is available for public inspection in the office of the governing body of the county during business hours.
(c)    A clerk who fails to perform the requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall forfeit $100.
(d)    If the charter of a charter county or Baltimore City requires the publication of financial information in a manner that differs from the requirements of this section, the provisions of the charter control.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-106 - Budget and Fiscal Policies; Purchasing Laws

The budget and fiscal policies and purchasing laws of a county govern:
(1)    the county board of elections;
(2)    the State’s Attorney’s office in the county;
(3)    the sheriff’s office in the county;
(4)    the county board of alcoholic beverages license commissioners; and
(5)    except for the office of a clerk of court, the circuit court of the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-107 - Reserve Accounts

(a)    In this section, “reserve account” means a continuing, nonlapsing account or fund in which money is retained to support appropriations that have become unfunded.
(b)    By ordinance or local law, after notice and hearing, a county may establish one or more reserve accounts.
(c)    An ordinance or a local law that establishes a reserve account shall provide for:
(1)    requirements for the accumulation of a fixed amount of money, a percentage of designated revenues, or both;
(2)    the circumstances under which the account may be used; and
(3)    the use of any earnings on the account.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-108 - Governmental Charges

(a)    In this section, “governmental charge” means a tax, a fee, or any other charge that a county or municipality collects.
(b)    (1)    A governing body of a county or municipality may allow a governmental charge to be paid by credit or debit card.
(2)    The governing body of a county or municipality shall determine:
(i)    the governmental charges that may be paid by credit or debit card; and
(ii)    the types of credit or debit cards that will be accepted.
(c)    (1)    The governing body of a county or municipality may add a service charge to a governmental charge paid by a credit or debit card.
(2)    The amount of the service charge:
(i)    may not exceed the fee charged to the county or municipality for use of the credit or debit card; and
(ii)    shall be determined at the time the governmental charge is paid.
(d)    A county or municipality that allows governmental charges to be paid by credit or debit card shall provide notice with each property tax bill or other invoice for which payment by credit or debit card is authorized:
(1)    that a credit or debit card may be used to pay the governmental charge;
(2)    the types of credit and debit cards that may be used; and
(3)    whether a service charge will be added to the governmental charge if a credit or debit card is used.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-109 - Tax on Property

(a)    This section applies only to commission counties.
(b)    The county commissioners of a county shall:
(1)    impose taxes on property within the county subject to taxation; and
(2)    provide for the collection of the taxes.
(c)    The imposition of taxes required under this section may be made by the county commissioners of a county wholly or partly by estimate.
(d)    The county commissioners of a county shall use property tax revenue to:
(1)    support the courts;
(2)    compensate jurors and county or State witnesses;
(3)    pay outpensions established by the county commissioners or by the trustees of the poor;
(4)    pay the funeral expenses of the poor; and
(5)    pay and discharge all claims on or against the county that have been expressly or impliedly authorized by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-110 - Tax for Soil Conservation Districts

(a)    This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county may impose a tax to provide funding to support the work of the soil conservation districts organized in its county under Title 8 of the Agriculture Article.
(c)    The governing body of a county may make agreements for the use of money appropriated for a soil conservation district as the governing body considers advisable or necessary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-111 - Trusts

(a)    This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county may receive, hold, and control in trust all money or other property that is given to the county in trust for the purpose of education.
(c)    By resolution or otherwise, the governing body of a county may provide for the administration of the trust in the manner prescribed by the trust instrument.
(d)    If the governing body of a county is neglectful in administering the trust, the State’s Attorney of the county shall institute proceedings in the circuit court to compel the proper administration of the trust.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-112 - Payments by Counties to Municipalities

Each fiscal year, each county shall pay to each municipality in the county an amount of money equal to the amount received by the municipality for fiscal year 1967 to fiscal year 1968 under former Art. 81, § 30(d) of the Annotated Code, relating to apportionment of shares of taxes on banks and finance corporations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-113 - Allegany County -- Lien for Water or Sewer Services

(a)    In Allegany County, an entity that provides water or sewer services to the public on a nonprofit basis shall have a lien against the property to which the service was supplied if the charges for the services are not paid.
(b)    A lien under this section is subject to the requirements for a mechanic’s lien on real property, including the requirement to record the lien among the appropriate land records.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-114 - Prince George's County -- Administrative Hearing Services

(a)    In this section, “common ownership community” means:
(1)    a condominium organized under Title 11 of the Real Property Article;
(2)    a homeowners association organized under Title 11B of the Real Property Article; or
(3)    a cooperative housing corporation organized under Title 5, Subtitle 6B of the Corporations and Associations Article.
(b)    By ordinance, Prince George’s County may impose a fee to provide administrative hearing services for the resolution of disputes involving a common ownership community located in the county.
(c)    Prince George’s County may specify in the ordinance:
(1)    which remedies must be exhausted before administrative hearing services may be utilized; and
(2)    the process involved in the administrative hearing services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-115 - Washington County -- Issuance or Renewal of Licenses

(a)    In Washington County, a county license or permit may not be issued or renewed until the County Treasurer and any municipality in which the applicant does business certify that there are no delinquent personal property taxes due from the applicant.
(b)    By majority vote, the County Commissioners of Washington County may waive the requirement under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 16-116 - Washington County -- Insufficient Funds

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Check” has the meaning stated in § 8–101 of the Criminal Law Article.
(3)    “Insufficient funds” means insufficient funds as described in § 8–102 of the Criminal Law Article.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(c)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may impose a fee for each check that is presented in payment of any obligation to the county and is dishonored due to insufficient funds.
(2)    The county commissioners shall determine the amount of the fee imposed under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 2 - County Treasurers › Section 16-202 - Calvert County

(a)    The annual salary of the County Treasurer of Calvert County is $57,500.
(b)    (1)    The County Treasurer of Calvert County shall appoint one deputy treasurer.
(2)    The County Commissioners of Calvert County shall set the annual salary of the deputy treasurer.
(c)    (1)    An individual who serves as County Treasurer of Calvert County for at least three terms shall receive an annual pension when the individual leaves office of $150 for each year served.
(2)    The pension shall be paid at least once per month.
(d)    The County Commissioners of Calvert County shall:
(1)    provide in its annual budget a pension of $150 per month to be paid to the surviving spouse of any county treasurer who served as of October 1974; and
(2)    pay the pension for the life of the surviving spouse.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 2 - County Treasurers › Section 16-203 - St. Mary's County

(a)    The annual salary of the County Treasurer of St. Mary’s County is:
(1)    $76,000 for calendar year 2023;
(2)    $89,000 for calendar year 2024;
(3)    $102,000 for calendar year 2025;
(4)    $115,000 for calendar year 2026; and
(5)    beginning in calendar year 2027 and each calendar year thereafter, equal to the salary of the Register of Wills for St. Mary’s County.
(b)    The County Treasurer of St. Mary’s County shall devote full time to the duties of office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 2 - County Treasurers › Section 16-205 - Washington County

(a)    (1)    The annual salary of the County Treasurer of Washington County is:
(i)    as set by the County Commissioners of Washington County under Title 28, Subtitle 2 of this article; or
(ii)    any increased compensation authorized by the County Commissioners of Washington County.
(2)    The County Treasurer shall determine the annual salaries of the deputy treasurer and employees in the office, subject to:
(i)    the approval of the County Commissioners; and
(ii)    any increased compensation authorized by the County Commissioners.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Washington County shall pay the office expenses of the County Treasurer of Washington County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 3 - Uniform System of Financial Reporting › Section 16-302 - Maintenance of Books, Records, Journals, and Fiscal Reports

Each county, municipality, and special taxing district shall maintain its financial records by a method that allows for the recording and reporting of all information contained in them for the fiscal year adopted under § 16–301 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 3 - Uniform System of Financial Reporting › Section 16-303 - Uniform System of Financial Reporting

(a)    Each county, municipality, and special taxing district shall maintain the uniform system of financial reporting established by the Department of Legislative Services.
(b)    If a county, municipality, or special taxing district does not comply with subsection (a) of this section, the Comptroller, after notice from the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services of the noncompliance, may order the discontinuance of all money, grants, or State aid that the county, municipality, or special taxing district is entitled to receive under State law, including money from:
(1)    the income tax;
(2)    the tax on racing;
(3)    the recordation tax;
(4)    the admissions and amusement tax; and
(5)    the license tax.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 3 - Uniform System of Financial Reporting › Section 16-304 - Annual Financial Reports

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before October 31 after the close of its fiscal year, each county, municipality, and special taxing district shall file with the Department of Legislative Services a financial report for that fiscal year.
(2)    (i)    A county, municipality, or special taxing district with a population of over 400,000 may file its financial report on or before December 31 after the close of its fiscal year.
(ii)    Unless subparagraph (i) of this paragraph applies, Howard County may file its financial report on or before November 30 after the close of its fiscal year.
(iii)    Allegany County, Calvert County, Caroline County, Charles County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Queen Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, and Wicomico County may file the county’s financial report on or before December 31 after the close of the county’s fiscal year.
(b)    The financial report required under subsection (a) of this section shall be:
(1)    prepared on the form established by the Department of Legislative Services; and
(2)    verified by the chief executive officer of the county, municipality, or special taxing district.
(c)    If a county, municipality, or special taxing district does not comply with subsection (a) of this section, the Comptroller, on notice from the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services, may order the discontinuance of all money, grants, or State aid that the county, municipality, or special taxing district is entitled to receive under State law, including money from:
(1)    the income tax;
(2)    the tax on racing;
(3)    the recordation tax;
(4)    the admissions and amusement tax; and
(5)    the license tax.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division IV - Local Finance › Title 16 - In General › Subtitle 3 - Uniform System of Financial Reporting › Section 16-305 - Annual Audits

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each county, municipality, and special taxing district created by the State shall have its financial records audited at least once each fiscal year by the persons and for the purposes specified in this section and §§ 16–307 and 16–308 of this subtitle.
(b)    Unless the Legislative Auditor determines, on a case–by–case basis, that more frequent audits are required, the Legislative Auditor may authorize a municipality or a special taxing district created by the State with annual revenues of less than $250,000 in the prior 4 fiscal years to have an audit conducted once every 4 years.
(c)    (1)    The audit required under subsection (a) of this section shall be conducted by a certified public accountant:
(i)    acting in the capacity of an independent auditor or an official auditor of a county or municipality; and
(ii)    who is in compliance with the Maryland Public Accountancy Act.
(2)    An official auditor must be approved by the Legislative Auditor to conduct the audit.
(3)    In conducting the audit, the auditor shall examine the methods, accuracy, and legality of the financial records of the county, municipality, or special taxing district.
(d)    (1)    On the initiative of the Legislative Auditor, the Legislative Auditor may review or audit the financial records of any county, municipality, or special taxing district created by the State.
(2)    A county, municipality, or special taxing district created by the State may request the Legislative Auditor to audit its financial records.