reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 3 - State Publications and Depository Program › Section 23-302 - State Publications Depository and Distribution Program

(a)    There is created, as part of the State Library Resource Center at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, a State Publications Depository and Distribution Program.
(b)    This Program is responsible for:
(1)    The collection of State publications;
(2)    The distribution of State publications to the depository libraries;
(3)    The monthly issuance of a list of all State publications that have been received by the Center. This list shall be sent to all depository libraries and to others upon request and the Center may provide for subscription services; and
(4)    Making determinations on exemptions of State publications from the depository requirements of this subtitle.
(c)    The Administrator of the Program shall be appointed by the Director of the State Library Resource Center.
(d)    Funding for the Program shall be provided in the budget of the State Library Board in a program entitled State Publications Depository.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 3 - State Publications and Depository Program › Section 23-303 - Responsibilities of State Agencies

(a)    Each State agency shall designate an agency publications contact person, and shall notify the Center of the designation.
(b)    Each State agency shall furnish to the Center a sufficient quantity of each publication to meet the requirements of the depository system.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 3 - State Publications and Depository Program › Section 23-304 - Responsibilities of Bicounty Agencies

Each bicounty agency shall:
(1)    Designate an agency publications contact person, and notify the Center of the designation;
(2)    Furnish to the Center 1 copy of each publication to meet the requirements of the depository system; and
(3)    Furnish 1 copy each to a designated branch library within each county library system of the counties in which the bicounty agency operates or furnish all copies to the Center for distribution as stated in this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-401 - Authorized

(a)    The governing body of each county may establish, and appropriate an amount to support, a county public library system free from political influence.
(b)    Each county public library system shall be governed by a board of trustees. However, a charter county may:
(1)    Establish a county library agency and grant it some or all of the powers of a board of trustees; or
(2)    Have a board of library trustees, provide for the board’s selection, and determine its powers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-403 - Boards of Library Trustees

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, each board of library trustees consists of seven members appointed by the county governing body from nominees submitted by the board of library trustees.
(2)    A board that existed before 1945 under a corporate charter may continue as constituted if:
(i)    It has at least seven members;
(ii)    The members are chosen on the basis of character, ability, and demonstrated interest in library matters; and
(iii)    The members meet the qualifications required under subsection (b) of this section.
(3)    In Harford County, the Board of Trustees consists of at least 7 members, but not more than 11 members, appointed by the county governing body from nominees submitted by the Board of Trustees.
(b)    The members of the board shall be:
(1)    Representative of the area the library serves; and
(2)    Residents of the county that the library serves.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a member of a board serves for a term of 5 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. These terms are staggered as required by the terms of the members serving on the board as of July 1, 1978.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, a member may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
(3)    A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term:
(i)    Serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and
(ii)    Is eligible for appointment to serve two additional consecutive terms.
(4)    A member of the Board of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System may serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms of office.
(d)    In Charles County, a member of the Board serves for a term of 4 years.
(e)    In Harford County, a member of the Board serves for a term of 5 years, beginning on July 1, and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(f)    Each member of a board serves without compensation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-404 - Officers; Meetings; Attendance

(a)    Each year, each board of library trustees:
(1)    Shall elect one of its members as its chairman; and
(2)    May elect any other officer it requires.
(b)    The treasurer of each board of library trustees shall be bonded adequately.
(c)    Each board of library trustees may determine the time and place of its meetings and may adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings. However:
(1)    Each board shall meet at least once every 3 months;
(2)    Any final action of a board shall be taken at a public meeting; and
(3)    The minutes of board meetings shall be open to the public.
(d)    (1)    Any member of a board of library trustees who fails to attend at least half of the scheduled meetings of the board during any calendar year shall be considered to have resigned from the board.
(2)    The chairman of the board of library trustees shall report the member’s name and nonattendance to the county governing body by January 15 of the following year.
(3)    The county governing body may reject the resignation if the member explains his nonattendance satisfactorily.
(4)    The resignation is effective from the date of the final review by the county governing body, which shall be within 10 days after it receives the report from the chairman of the board of library trustees. The county governing body shall fill any resulting vacancy as provided in § 23-403 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-405 - Powers and Duties of Board

(a)    In addition to any other powers granted or duties imposed by this subtitle, each board of library trustees has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each board of library trustees:
(i)    Shall establish and operate the library to provide free services to residents of the county in which it is located; and
(ii)    May permit persons outside of the county to use the library facilities on the terms and conditions it determines.
(2)    In Baltimore City and Baltimore, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, the board of library trustees in each of these counties may permit a library to charge fees for the rental of media.
(c)    Each board of library trustees may:
(1)    Establish and operate libraries at any location in the county;
(2)    Determine the policy of the library; and
(3)    Adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and bylaws for the use of the library and the conduct of its business.
(d)    Each board of library trustees may:
(1)    Advise in the preparation of, and approve, the library budget;
(2)    Receive, account for, control, and supervise, under the rules and regulations of the county governing body, the spending of all public funds received by the library; and
(3)    Use the services of the fiscal agencies of the county governing body.
(e)    Each board of library trustees shall:
(1)    Provide for an audit at least annually, by an accountant approved by the State Librarian of its business and financial transactions and of the accounts of its treasurer;
(2)    Make public the results of the annual audit; and
(3)    Make an annual report to the county governing body and the State Librarian on or before November 1 of each year, except that a county having a population of more than 500,000 and having a county library agency as provided by § 23–401(b) of this subtitle shall submit their report by January 1. The report shall show:
(i)    The amounts of money received from the library fund and other sources;
(ii)    The itemized expenses;
(iii)    The number of books and periodicals the library has;
(iv)    The results of the annual audit; and
(v)    Any other information the State Library Board requires.
(f)    Each board of library trustees may:
(1)    Accept any gift, grant, or appropriation for library purposes from any person under any appropriate terms and conditions;
(2)    Own and dispose of these gifts, grants, and appropriations;
(3)    Recommend to the county governing body the acquisition, use, or conveyance of property, for any purpose valid under this subtitle;
(4)    Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of library buildings, subject to the approval of the county governing body;
(5)    Make contracts for any library service with any person; and
(6)    Do anything else necessary for the proper control and development of the library.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-407 - Volunteer Aides in Public Libraries

The board of library trustees of any library may use volunteer aides. These volunteer aides may not replace library personnel but shall assist regular personnel in carrying out their duties. Each board of library trustees shall develop guidelines for the selection and use of volunteer aides in its library system. Volunteer aides shall be considered agents of the board of library trustees for the limited purpose of comprehensive liability insurance coverage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-408 - Theft or Mutilation of Books or Other Property

(a)    A person may not unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure, or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library.
(b)    Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250, imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-409 - Restrictions on Fines on Minor's Overdue Library Materials -- Adoption of Regulations

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Fee” means an amount charged by a public library to an individual for the replacement of library materials that have not been returned.
(3)    “Fine for overdue library materials” includes any fine charged by a public library to an individual for not returning library materials by the due date.
(4)    “Special collections” includes items such as cake pans, tools, and frame art.
(b)    This section does not apply to special collections.
(c)    (1)    A public library may not charge a fine for overdue library materials on a minor’s library materials.
(2)    (i)    A public library may not charge a fee for a minor’s overdue library materials until 21 days after the date on which the library materials were due.
(ii)    If a minor’s overdue library materials are returned after a public library has charged a fee, the public library shall cancel the fee.
(d)    A public library may not attempt to collect any outstanding fees for overdue library materials that are incurred by a minor after June 30, 2021.
(e)    Each board of library trustees shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 4 - County Public Libraries › Section 23-410 - Service Offerings Required by Public Libraries

Beginning January 1, 2024, each public library must offer at least one of the following services alone or in partnership with units of government or nonprofit organizations:
(1)    A program to increase scores on the kindergarten assessment administered under § 7–210 of this article;
(2)    A program designed to close learning gaps created by lack of access to education, including learning gaps that occurred during the COVID–19 pandemic;
(3)    An initiative to expand digital equity and access to free computing and broadband Internet;
(4)    An educational program providing technology instruction and skills, health literacy, instruction on operating a small business, and instruction on workforce development;
(5)    Serving as a community resource and distribution site during public emergencies;
(6)    A program to reduce barriers to STEM education, including by providing activities, classes, programs, and events; and
(7)    Support for mental health and reducing social and physical isolation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Adjusted assessed valuation of real property” means the most recent estimate by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation before the State budget is submitted to the General Assembly, of the sum of 100 percent of the assessed valuation of operating real property of public utilities and 50 percent of the assessed value of all other real property for State purposes as of July 1 of the first completed fiscal year before the fiscal year for which the calculation of State library aid is made under this subtitle.
(c)    “Capital expense” means principal and interest payments, or current capital spending or accumulation for:
(1)    The purchase of land for libraries;
(2)    The purchase and construction of library buildings;
(3)    Remodeling and adding to library buildings; and
(4)    The purchase of equipment and furniture for these library buildings.
(d)    “Net taxable income” means the amount certified by the State Comptroller for the second full calendar year before the fiscal year for which the calculation of State library aid is made under this subtitle, based on tax returns filed on or before July 1 after that calendar year.
(e)    “Population” means population determined from figures available as of July 1 of the calendar year before the fiscal year for which the calculation is made, from:
(1)    The latest decennial census; or
(2)    Estimates prepared by the Maryland Department of Health.
(f)    “Real property” means all property classified as real property under § 8–101(b) of the Tax – Property Article.
(g)    “Wealth” means the sum of net taxable income and adjusted assessed valuation of real property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-502 - Program Established

(a)    There is a county-State minimum library program for the support and growth of public libraries.
(b)    The State shall share in the current operating and capital expenses of the county public library systems that participate in the minimum library program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-503 - State and Counties to Share Cost

(a)    (1)    The entire capital and operating cost of the minimum library program for this State as a whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection.
(2)    The State shall provide:
(i)    Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum program; and
(ii)    Not less than 20 percent of the cost of the minimum program in any county.
(3)    The counties participating in the program together shall provide through local taxes approximately 60 percent of the total statewide cost of the minimum program.
(b)    (1)    Each county public library system that participates in the minimum library program shall be provided for each resident of the county, to be used for operating and capital expenses:
(i)    For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 – $14.00;
(ii)    For fiscal year 2016 – $14.27;
(iii)    For fiscal year 2017 – $14.54;
(iv)    For fiscal year 2018 – $15.00;
(v)    For fiscal year 2019 – $15.50;
(vi)    For fiscal year 2020 – $16.00;
(vii)    For fiscal year 2021 – $16.43;
(viii)    For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10;
(ix)    For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50;
(x)    For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90;
(xi)    For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30;
(xii)    For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70; and
(xiii)    For fiscal year 2027 – $19.10.
(2)    (i)    The State shall share in this amount.
(ii)    Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess.
(c)    Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-505 - Matching Amounts; Current and Capital Expenses

(a)    To be eligible for its State share of the minimum program, a county government shall levy an annual tax sufficient to provide an amount for library purposes equal to:
(1)    The wealth of the county; times
(2)    A uniform percentage, rounded to the fifth decimal place equal to:
(i)    60 percent of the total minimum program for current and capital expenses to be shared for all counties; divided by
(ii)    The total wealth of all the counties.
(b)    The State share of the minimum program for current and capital expenses for each county is the difference between the county share calculated under subsection (a) of this section and the minimum program for current and capital expenses to be shared under § 23-503 of this subtitle.
(c)    Not more than 20 percent of the county and State shares may be applied to capital expenses.
(d)    The county appropriation for capital expenses may include funds from any source except the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-506 - Payment and Use of Funds

(a)    The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle:
(1)    To the board of library trustees of each county that has a board of trustees; or
(2)    In each county that does not have a board of library trustees, to the county.
(b)    (1)    Current operating funds shall be administered by the county board of library trustees.
(2)    Capital expense funds shall be administered by the county council, board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
(c)    (1)    The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library purposes.
(2)    The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to any conditions specified by the appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-506.1 - Prevention of Access by Minors to Obscene Materials or Child Pornography

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Child pornography” means a violation of § 11–207 of the Criminal Law Article.
(3)    “Obscene” has the meaning stated in § 11–203 of the Criminal Law Article.
(b)    On or before January 1, 2001, each county or board of trustees of a county library shall:
(1)    Adopt and implement policies and procedures to prevent minors from obtaining access through the library, by means of the Internet, the World Wide Web, Usenet, or any other interactive computer service to materials that are obscene or constitute child pornography; and
(2)    Submit the policies and procedures required under this section to the State Librarian for review.
(c)    The State Librarian or a designee of the State Librarian shall regularly monitor the county libraries to determine whether each library is complying with the policies and procedures adopted for preventing a minor from obtaining Internet access to obscene materials through the library.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 5 - Financing for County Public Libraries › Section 23-507 - Withholding by Comptroller

The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State funds from any county that fails:
(1)    To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program; or
(2)    To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for operating the county library.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Board of Library Trustees for Howard County.
(c)    “Certified exclusive representative” means the employee organization that has been certified as the collective bargaining agent for a bargaining unit.
(d)    “County Council” means the Howard County Council.
(e)    “County Executive” means the Howard County Executive.
(f)    “Director” means the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Library System, or the President and Chief Executive Officer’s designee.
(g)    “Employee” means a full–time library staff member who receives employment benefits.
(h)    “Employee organization” means an organization that includes employees of the employer and has as a primary purpose the representation of the employees in their relations with the employer.
(i)    “Employer” means the Howard County Library System.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-602 - Permitted Activities

Employees of the employer may:
(1)    Form, join, and participate in an employee organization;
(2)    Bargain collectively through a certified exclusive representative of their choice;
(3)    Engage in lawful concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection; and
(4)    Refrain from any activity covered under items (1) through (3) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-603 - Duty of Good Faith; Fostering Positive Labor Relations; Goal of Collective Bargaining

(a)    The employer and the certified exclusive representative have a responsibility to engage in good faith bargaining over matters required by law.
(b)    The employer and the certified exclusive representative jointly shall be responsible for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect, communication, and cooperation.
(c)    The goal of collective bargaining is the delivery of quality public services to the residents of the State in a manner that is consistent and compliant with law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-605 - Certification of Employee Organization

(a)    (1)    An employee organization that is seeking certification as the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit shall submit a petition to the Director that includes the signatures of at least 30% of the eligible employees in the bargaining unit indicating the wish to be represented exclusively by the employee organization specified in the petition for the purpose of collective bargaining.
(2)    An employee organization that submits a petition to the Director under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not discriminate with regard to terms or conditions of membership because of gender, color, creed, race, national origin, religion, sexual preference, gender identity, or political affiliation.
(b)    If the Director does not challenge the validity of the petition within 30 days after the Director receives the petition, the petition shall be submitted to the State Mediation and Conciliation Service for the purpose of holding a consent election and certification of the employee organization in accordance with Title 4, Subtitle 2, Part II of the Labor and Employment Article.
(c)    If the Director challenges the validity of the petition, either the employer or the employee organization may submit a request to the State Mediation and Conciliation Service to determine the validity of the petition and whether to conduct a consent election and certify the employee organization in accordance with Title 4, Subtitle 2, Part II of the Labor and Employment Article.
(d)    Any costs associated with this section shall be shared equally by the employer and the employee organization specified in the petition.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-606 - Certified Exclusive Representative of Unit

(a)    The employer shall recognize the right of the certified exclusive representative to represent the employees in the unit in collective bargaining and in the settlement of grievances.
(b)    The certified exclusive representative of a unit shall:
(1)    Serve as the sole agent for the unit in collective bargaining; and
(2)    Represent all employees in the unit fairly, without discrimination, and without regard to whether the employee is a member of the employee organization.
(c)    The certified exclusive representative meets the requirement of subsection (b)(2) of this section if its actions with respect to employees in the unit are not arbitrary, discriminatory, or in bad faith.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-607 - Collective Bargaining Agreements

(a)    If an exclusive representative is certified under § 23–605 of this subtitle, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall enter into a collective bargaining agreement that contains provisions regarding:
(1)    Wage, hours, and terms and conditions of employment;
(2)    The orderly processing and settlement of grievances regarding the interpretation and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement, which may include:
(i)    Binding arbitration; and
(ii)    Provisions for the exclusivity of forum; and
(3)    The time for submission of items to the County Executive under § 23–609(e)(1) of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    The employer automatically shall deduct from the paycheck of an employee who is a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative dues authorized and owed by the employee to the certified exclusive representative if the employee submits to the employer a dues deduction authorization card that has been duly executed by the employee.
(2)    Any dues deducted from paychecks under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be remitted to the certified exclusive representative.
(3)    The employer automatically shall stop making payroll deductions under paragraph (1) of this subsection on behalf of a certified exclusive representative if:
(i)    The certified exclusive representative is decertified under § 23–611 or § 23–613 of this subtitle;
(ii)    The certified exclusive representative’s right to dues is revoked under § 23–613 of this subtitle; or
(iii)    The employee ceases to be a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative.
(c)    The grievance procedures included in the collective bargaining agreement under subsection (a)(2) of this section may not allow an arbitrator to alter the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
(d)    Nothing in this section may be construed to:
(1)    Authorize or otherwise allow an employee to engage in a strike as defined in § 3–303 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; or
(2)    Restrict the authority of the County Executive or the County Council to determine the budget of the employer.
(e)    (1)    A collective bargaining agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall be effective on ratification by the majority of votes cast by the employees in the bargaining unit and approval by the Director.
(2)    A single year or multiyear collective bargaining agreement shall expire at the close of Howard County’s fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-608 - Agreement Date; Impasse; Submission of Disputes to Mediation

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall reach an agreement by March 1 of the year a collective bargaining agreement will expire.
(2)    The employer and the certified exclusive representative mutually may agree to extend negotiations for a period not to extend past June 30 of the year a collective bargaining agreement will expire.
(b)    An impasse is reached during the negotiations between the employer and the certified exclusive representative if the employer and the certified exclusive representative do not reach an agreement by:
(1)    March 1 of the year a collective bargaining agreement will expire; or
(2)    The date to which negotiations were extended under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(c)    (1)    If an impasse is reached under subsection (b) of this section, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall submit a final offer to the other party within 24 hours of the impasse being reached.
(2)    Unless the impasse reached under subsection (b) of this section has been resolved, the dispute and the final offers shall be submitted to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service within 5 days after the impasse is reached.
(d)    (1)    Within 30 days after the dispute is submitted to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service under subsection (c)(2) of this section, a mediator appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall:
(i)    Meet with the Director and the certified exclusive representative; and
(ii)    Make written findings of fact and recommendations for the resolution of the dispute.
(2)    Copies of the mediator’s written findings and recommendations shall be submitted to the Director and the certified exclusive representative.
(3)    Any costs associated with this subsection shall be shared equally by the employer and the certified exclusive representative.
(e)    (1)    The Director and certified exclusive representative shall meet within 5 days after the conclusion of mediation held under subsection (d) of this section to reach a voluntary resolution of the dispute.
(2)    If the Director and the certified exclusive representative do not reach a voluntary resolution of the dispute under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Director shall submit to the Board:
(i)    The final offer of the Director;
(ii)    The final offer of the certified exclusive representative; and
(iii)    The written findings and recommendations of the mediator.
(3)    The Board may:
(i)    Select one of the proposals submitted under paragraph (2) of this subsection; or
(ii)    Reject all proposals submitted under paragraph (2) of this subsection and require the dispute to be submitted for mediation in accordance with this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-611 - Decertification

An employee organization shall be deemed decertified if a petition is submitted to the Director that includes the signatures of more than 50% of the employees in the bargaining unit indicating the wish to decertify the employee organization as the exclusive representative for collective bargaining purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-612 - Prohibited Acts

(a)    The employer may not:
(1)    Interfere with, coerce, or restrain an employee in the exercise of any right given to the employee under this subtitle;
(2)    Interfere with or assist in the formation, administration, or existence of an employee organization;
(3)    Provide financial assistance or other support to an employee organization;
(4)    Encourage or discourage membership in an employee organization by discriminating against an employee through hiring, tenure, promotion, or other conditions of employment;
(5)    Discharge or discriminate against an employee because the employee has signed or filed an affidavit, a petition, or a complaint or has given any information or testimony in a proceeding held under this subtitle;
(6)    Refuse to bargain in good faith with an employee organization that is certified as the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit over a subject of bargaining; or
(7)    Refuse to participate in good faith in the mediation, fact–finding, or grievance procedure under this subtitle.
(b)    An employee organization or its agent may not:
(1)    Interfere with, restrain, or coerce an employee in the exercise by the employee of any right given to the employee under this subtitle;
(2)    Cause or attempt to cause the employer to discriminate against an employee in the exercise by the employee of any right given under this subtitle;
(3)    Coerce, discipline, fine, or attempt to coerce a member of the employee organization as punishment or reprisal;
(4)    Coerce, discipline, fine, or attempt to coerce a member of the employee organization for the purpose of impeding the member’s work performance;
(5)    Refuse to negotiate in good faith with the employer as required by this subtitle; or
(6)    Fail or refuse to cooperate in impasse procedures under § 23–608 of this subtitle or decisions that result from those procedures.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-613 - Strikes

(a)    In this section, “strike” has the meaning stated in § 3–303 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(b)    An employee or an employee organization may not engage in, induce, initiate, direct, support, or ratify a strike.
(c)    If a strike occurs, on request of the employer, a court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin the strike.
(d)    An employee may not receive compensation from the employer while the employee is engaged in a strike.
(e)    If an employee organization violates this section, the employer may:
(1)    Impose disciplinary action, including dismissal, on employees engaged in the prohibited conduct;
(2)    Revoke the certification of and disqualify the employee organization from representing employees for a period not to exceed 2 years; or
(3)    Revoke the employee organization’s right to dues and service fees.
(f)    The employer may not engage in, initiate, or direct a lockout of employees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 6 - Howard County Library System -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-614 - Collective Bargaining Agreement Supersedes Conflicting Regulation or Administrative Policy of Employer

Except as otherwise provided by law, if employees have entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the employer under this subtitle, the collective bargaining agreement entered into under § 23–607 of this subtitle supersedes any conflicting regulation or administrative policy of the employer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 7 - Electronic Literary Product Licenses › Section 23-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Electronic literary product” means:
(1)    A text document that has been converted into or published in a digital format that is read on a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device; or
(2)    An audio recording of a text document, read out loud in a format that is listened to on a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device.
(c)    “Publisher” means a person in the business of manufacturing, promulgating, and selling books, audio books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or other literary productions, including those in digital form, that consist of text, imagery, audio recordings, or any combination of text, image, and audio recording.
(d)    “Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices” has the meaning stated in § 13–301 of the Commercial Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 7 - Electronic Literary Product Licenses › Section 23-702 - Publishers to License Electronic Literary Products -- Terms -- Limitation on Numbers -- Violations

(a)    Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a publisher who offers to license an electronic literary product to the public also shall offer to license the electronic literary product to public libraries in the State on reasonable terms that would enable public libraries to provide library users with access to the electronic literary product.
(b)    The terms of a license under subsection (a) of this section may include:
(1)    A limitation on the number of users a public library may simultaneously allow to access an electronic literary product;
(2)    A limitation on the number of days a public library may allow a user to access an electronic literary product; and
(3)    The use of technological protection measures that would prevent a user from:
(i)    Maintaining access to an electronic literary product beyond the access period specified in the license; and
(ii)    Allowing other users to access an electronic literary product.
(c)    The terms of a license under subsection (a) of this section may not include a limitation on the number of electronic literary product licenses a public library may purchase on the same date the electronic literary product license is made available to the public.
(d)    A violation of this subtitle shall constitute an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice and is subject to enforcement in accordance with Title 13, Subtitle 4 of the Commercial Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Baltimore County Public Library Board of Trustees.
(c)    “Certified exclusive representative” means the employee organization that has been certified as the collective bargaining agent for a bargaining unit.
(d)    “Confidential employee” means an employee who:
(1)    Has access to confidential information, including budgetary and fiscal data, subject to use by the employer in collective bargaining or in the adjudication of grievances; or
(2)    Works in a close and continuing confidential relationship assisting or aiding a management employee.
(e)    “County Council” means the Baltimore County Council.
(f)    “County Executive” means the Baltimore County Executive.
(g)    “Director” means the Director of the Baltimore County Public Library, or the Director’s designee.
(h)    (1)    “Employee” means a full–time or part–time employee of the library.
(2)    “Employee” does not include a confidential employee, management employee, or supervisory employee.
(i)    “Employee organization” means an organization that admits employees of the employer as members and has as a primary purpose the representation of the employees in their relations with the employer.
(j)    “Employer” means the Baltimore County Public Library and the Board.
(k)    “Management employee” means an employee who generally has authority and who:
(1)    Formulates policy that is applicable throughout a bargaining unit;
(2)    Has a significant role in personnel administration, employee relations, or the preparation and administration of budgets for the employer; or
(3)    May reasonably be required to:
(i)    Assist directly in the preparation for and conduct of collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the employer; or
(ii)    Have a major role in the administration of resulting collective bargaining agreements.
(l)    “Supervisory employee” means an employee who is authorized to:
(1)    Hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees;
(2)    Responsibly direct employees for more than 50% of the employee’s working hours; or
(3)    Address and resolve the grievances of employees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-802 - Employee Deemed Supervisory in Certain Circumstances -- Differentiation Between Supervisory and Nonsupervisory Employee

(a)    An employee who may effectively recommend an action listed in § 23–801(l) of this subtitle may be deemed a supervisory employee if the employee’s exercise of the authority requires the exercise of independent judgment and is not merely of a routine or clerical nature.
(b)    The exercise of any single function listed in § 23–801(l) of this subtitle may not necessarily require the conclusion that the individual exercising that function is in fact a supervisory employee within the meaning of the definition.
(c)    In differentiating a supervisory employee from a nonsupervisory employee:
(1)    A class title alone may not be the basis for determination; and
(2)    The nature of the supervisory employee’s work, including whether or not a significant portion of the supervisory employee’s working time is spent as part of a team that includes nonsupervisory employees shall be considered.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-803 - Possible Actions by Employees

Employees of the employer may:
(1)    Form, join, and participate in an employee organization;
(2)    Bargain collectively through a certified exclusive representative of their choice;
(3)    Engage in lawful concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection; and
(4)    Refrain from any activity covered under items (1) through (3) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-804 - Good Faith Bargaining -- Joint Responsibility for Positive Labor Relations Environment -- Goal of Collective Bargaining

(a)    The employer and the certified exclusive representative have a responsibility to engage in good faith bargaining over matters required by law.
(b)    The employer and the certified exclusive representative jointly shall be responsible for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect, communication, and cooperation.
(c)    The goal of collective bargaining is the delivery of quality public services to the residents of the State in a manner that is consistent and compliant with law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-805 - Certified Exclusive Representative

(a)    The employer shall recognize the right of the certified exclusive representative to represent the employees in the unit in collective bargaining and in the grievance process.
(b)    The certified exclusive representative of a unit shall:
(1)    Serve as the sole agent for the unit in collective bargaining; and
(2)    Represent all employees in the unit fairly and in good faith, in a manner that is not arbitrary or discriminatory.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division IV - Other Education Provisions › Title 23 - Libraries › Subtitle 8 - Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining › Section 23-807 - Provisions in Collective Bargaining Agreement -- Automatic Dues Deduction -- Limited Construction -- Agreement Effective Date

(a)    If an employee organization is certified as described in this subtitle, the employer and the employee organization shall enter into a collective bargaining agreement that contains provisions regarding:
(1)    Wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment;
(2)    The orderly processing and settlement of grievances regarding the interpretation and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement; and
(3)    Other topics that the parties may mutually agree to that were suitable for bargaining.
(b)    (1)    The employer automatically shall deduct from the paycheck of an employee, who is a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative, dues authorized and owed by the employee to the certified exclusive representative if the employee submits to the employer a dues deduction authorization card that has been duly executed by the employee.
(2)    Any dues deducted from paychecks under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be remitted to the certified exclusive representative.
(3)    The employer automatically shall stop making payroll deductions under paragraph (1) of this subsection on behalf of a certified exclusive representative if:
(i)    The certified exclusive representative is decertified;
(ii)    The certified exclusive representative’s right to dues is revoked;
(iii)    The employee ceases to be a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative; or
(iv)    The employee resigns from membership in the employee organization.
(c)    This section may not be construed to:
(1)    Authorize or otherwise allow an employee to engage in a strike as defined in § 3–303 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; or
(2)    Restrict the authority of the County Executive or the County Council to determine the budget of the employer.
(d)    (1)    A collective bargaining agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall be effective on ratification by the majority of votes cast by the employees in the bargaining unit and approval by the Director and Board.
(2)    A single year or multiyear collective bargaining agreement shall expire at the close of Baltimore County’s fiscal year.