reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-313 - Taxes

(a)    (1)    A county may direct the class or subclass of property that is subject to the county property tax.
(2)    A county may impose a tax on the value of property of any sum that may be necessary:
(i)    to pay the principal and interest of any loan obtained by the county according to law;
(ii)    to provide for the sinking fund authorized under paragraph (3) of this subsection; and
(iii)    for the support and maintenance of the county government.
(3)    A county may create a sinking fund to meet the liabilities incurred by the county.
(b)    A county may provide for:
(1)    the prompt collection of all taxes due the county; and
(2)    the sale of property for the payment of unpaid taxes.
(c)    A county may:
(1)    correct errors in the assessment of property;
(2)    provide for the reduction or abatement of assessments improperly made; and
(3)    provide for the reimbursement of overpayments made because of an assessment error.
(d)    (1)    A county may impose a tax for the organization, operation, and maintenance of:
(i)    libraries;
(ii)    fire and ambulance services; and
(iii)    other municipal services.
(2)    A county may authorize the purchase, sale, construction, maintenance, and operation of all property necessary or incidental to the services listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(e)    A county may impose a tax to pay for additional retirement or disability benefits to any former county employee who is entitled to receive additional benefits.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-314 - Special Taxing Districts

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a county may establish, modify, or abolish special taxing districts for any purpose listed in this title.
(b)    This section does not authorize the modification or abolition of an existing special taxing district that:
(1)    performs municipal services, other than furnishing fire protection or library service; and
(2)    is governed or administered by a committee or a commission elected or appointed independently of the county legislative body.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-315 - Commercial District Management Authority

(a)    In this section, “authority” means a commercial district management authority.
(b)    A county may establish an authority for any commercial district in the county.
(c)    For each authority established, a county:
(1)    shall specify the membership, organization, jurisdiction, and geographical limits of the authority;
(2)    shall specify the purposes of the authority, including:
(i)    promotion;
(ii)    marketing; or
(iii)    the provision of security, maintenance, or amenities in the district;
(3)    may specify which provisions of the county charter or local law relating to personnel, procurement, or similar operational matters apply to the authority, except that minority business enterprise procurement and equal employment opportunity laws may not be waived;
(4)    may approve the annual budget of the authority if the county governing body imposes an ad valorem tax to support the authority; and
(5)    may provide any financing that it considers appropriate for the authority through fees that may be charged to, or taxes that may be imposed against, businesses subject to the authority’s jurisdiction.
(d)    An authority may not:
(1)    exercise the power of eminent domain;
(2)    purchase, sell, construct, or lease as a lessor office or retail space; or
(3)    except as otherwise authorized by law, engage in competition with the private sector.
(e)    Any fee or tax imposed under this section shall be used only for the purposes stated in this section and may not revert to the general fund of the county.
(f)    A county may establish an authority in accordance with this section as a special taxing district.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-317 - Road, Waste Disposal, Soil Erosion, and Building Laws

(a)    After reasonable notice and a public hearing, a county may enact local laws to protect and promote public safety, health, morals, comfort, and welfare, relating to:
(1)    the location, construction, repair, and use of streets and highways;
(2)    the disposal of wastes;
(3)    the control of soil erosion and the preservation of the natural topography; or
(4)    the erection, construction, repair, and use of buildings and other structures.
(b)    A county may enact local laws to provide for appropriate administrative and judicial proceedings, remedies, and sanctions to administer and enforce local laws enacted under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-318 - Fences

A county may:
(1)    regulate the construction and maintenance of fences;
(2)    provide for a procedure to enforce the rights of parties with reference to a fence; and
(3)    provide for a lien for repairs to a fence made by an owner who is not in default.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-319 - Highways, Bridges, and Streets

(a)    A county may provide for:
(1)    building, maintaining, and repairing any street, road, lane, alley, footway, bridge, culvert, highway, or public place that is condemned, ceded, opened, widened, extended, or straightened as public property; and
(2)    the assessment of the costs of any work done in accordance with item (1) of this subsection on the assessable basis of the county.
(b)    A county may provide:
(1)    that the owner or possessor of any lot shall grade, regrade, pave, repave, or repair the footways in front of the lot; and
(2)    for the enforcement of item (1) of this subsection by fine or penalty.
(c)    A county may regulate the opening of street surfaces.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-320 - Public Drainage Improvement Projects

(a)    A county may provide for the draining of swamps and lowlands.
(b)    (1)    At the request of the board of managers of a drainage association, the county legislative body shall appoint a board of viewers to determine if the original determination as to which lands have benefited from the drainage improvement project has changed.
(2)    The board of viewers shall have the same qualifications, rights, powers, privileges, and duties as the original board of viewers.
(3)    The board of viewers shall report its findings to the county legislative body.
(4)    The report shall be considered in the same manner as the original report, including the same right to a public hearing and the right to judicial review.
(5)    Any revision in the original determination as to which lands benefit from the improvements shall become the basis for all future assessments for paying for the improvements, including related expenses such as damages and the maintenance of the improvements.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-321 - Storm Drainage Districts

A county may enact local laws that provide for:
(1)    the creation of a storm drainage district;
(2)    the imposition of taxes in the storm drainage district;
(3)    the financing, construction, and maintenance of storm drainage projects; and
(4)    the regulation of storm drainage facilities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-323 - Parks and Recreation Programs

(a)    A county may enact local laws providing for the development and administration of a recreational program including:
(1)    the construction, equipment, and use of parks, community centers, and recreational buildings and facilities;
(2)    the acquisition of sites for parks, community centers, and recreational buildings and facilities;
(3)    financial support for artistic, musical, and cultural public and private nonprofit organizations and activities; and
(4)    the furnishing of recreational and other municipal services in connection with parks, community centers, and recreational buildings and facilities.
(b)    A county may exercise the authority granted under Title 1, Subtitle 6 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-324 - Zoning and Planning

(a)    (1)    A county may enact local laws relating to zoning and planning to protect and promote public safety, health, morals, and welfare, including:
(i)    except as provided in § 10–305 of this subtitle, providing for the right to seek review in the circuit court of any matter arising under any local planning or zoning law; and
(ii)    establishing a program for the transfer of development rights.
(2)    A county may provide that a violation of a zoning law or regulation enacted under this section is a civil zoning violation, enforceable as provided under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of the Land Use Article.
(3)    Any decision of the circuit court under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection may be appealed to the Court of Special Appeals.
(b)    (1)    It is the policy of the State that the orderly development and use of land and structures requires comprehensive regulation through implementation of planning and zoning controls.
(2)    It is the policy of the State that planning and zoning controls shall be implemented by local government.
(3)    To achieve the public purposes of this regulatory scheme, the General Assembly recognizes that local government action will displace or limit economic competition by owners and users of property.
(4)    It is the policy of the State that competition and enterprise shall be so displaced or limited for the attainment of the purposes of the State policy for implementing planning and zoning controls as provided by public local law and public general law.
(c)    Subsection (b) of this section does not:
(1)    grant to the county powers in any substantive area not otherwise granted to the county by other public general law or public local law;
(2)    restrict the county from exercising any power granted to the county by other public general law, public local law, or otherwise;
(3)    authorize the county or its officers to engage in any activity that is beyond their power under other public general law, public local law, or otherwise; or
(4)    preempt or supersede the regulatory authority of any unit of State government under any public general law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-325 - Historic Landmark Zoning and Preservation

(a)    (1)    A county may enact laws for historic and landmark zoning and preservation:
(i)    generally;
(ii)    in accordance with Title 8 of the Land Use Article; or
(iii)    to be administered generally by a Historic District Commission.
(2)    A law enacted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may provide for appeals or judicial review.
(b)    The authority conferred under this section is in addition to any charter provision or local law that provides for planning and zoning.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 10 - Express Powers Act › Subtitle 3 - Express Powers of Charter Counties and Code Counties › Section 10-328 - Nuisances and Health

(a)    A county may provide for the prevention, abatement, and removal of nuisances.
(b)    A county may provide for the prevention of contagious diseases in the county.
(c)    A county may regulate any place where offensive trades are conducted or that may involve or give rise to unsanitary conditions or conditions detrimental to health.
(d)    This title does not affect:
(1)    any power or duty of the Secretary of Health or the Secretary of the Environment; or
(2)    any public general law relating to health.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 1 - General Powers › Section 11-103 - Limit on Rate of Property Tax or Maximum Indebtedness -- Legislative Intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly that the authority exercised under Article XI–F, § 8, of the Maryland Constitution, to limit the rate of property tax that a code county may impose or regulate the maximum amount of indebtedness that a code county may incur, be exercised only when there is the possibility that the code county is imposing an excessive rate of property taxation or is incurring indebtedness in an excessive amount.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-201 - Authority of County Commissioners

(a)    Unless a law, a resolution, or an ordinance classifies a violation as a criminal offense, the county commissioners may provide, by law, that a violation of an ordinance, a resolution, or a public local law is a civil infraction.
(b)    A civil infraction is a civil offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-202 - Citations

(a)    Any official authorized by the county commissioners to serve a citation may serve a citation on a person who the official believes is committing a civil infraction.
(b)    The issuing authority shall retain a copy of the citation.
(c)    The citation shall contain:
(1)    a certification by the official who issued the citation attesting to the truth of the matter set forth in the citation;
(2)    the name and address of the defendant;
(3)    the nature of the civil infraction;
(4)    the location and time that the civil infraction occurred;
(5)    the amount of the fine assessed;
(6)    the manner, location, and time in which the fine may be paid to the county; and
(7)    notice of the defendant’s right to elect to stand trial.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-203 - Penalty

A county may impose:
(1)    for the first commission of a civil infraction, a fine not exceeding $500; and
(2)    for a second or subsequent commission, a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-204 - Election by Person Receiving Citation

A defendant who receives a citation under this subtitle may:
(1)    pay the fine to the county within 20 days after the day on which the citation is received; or
(2)    elect to stand trial for the civil infraction as provided in § 11–205 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-205 - Trial

(a)    (1)    To elect to stand trial for a civil infraction, the defendant shall provide notice of intention to stand trial to the county at least 5 days before the payment date specified in the citation.
(2)    After receiving the notice of intention to stand trial, the county shall forward a copy of the citation to the District Court having venue.
(3)    After receiving the citation, the District Court shall:
(i)    schedule the case for trial; and
(ii)    notify the defendant of the trial date.
(b)    (1)    The county shall send a formal notice of the civil infraction to the defendant’s last known address if a defendant:
(i)    does not file a notice of intention to stand trial for the civil infraction within the time required under subsection (a) of this section; and
(ii)    does not pay the fine for the civil infraction by the payment date specified in the citation.
(2)    If the citation has not been satisfied within 15 days after the date of the notice, the county shall assess an additional fine not exceeding twice the original fine.
(3)    If the citation has not been satisfied within 35 days after the date of the notice, the county may request adjudication of the case in the District Court.
(4)    After receiving a request from the county, the District Court shall promptly:
(i)    schedule the case for trial; and
(ii)    summon the defendant to appear.
(5)    A defendant’s failure to respond to a summons issued under paragraph (4) of this subsection is contempt of court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-206 - Prosecution of Civil Infractions by State's Attorney

(a)    (1)    Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the State’s Attorney for a county shall prosecute a civil infraction in the same manner as a prosecution of a violation of the criminal laws of the State.
(2)    The State’s Attorney may enter a nolle prosequi or place the case on the stet docket in the same manner as provided by law for a violation of the criminal laws of the State.
(b)    (1)    Subject to the approval of the county commissioners, the State’s Attorney may designate in writing the county attorney or an assistant county attorney to prosecute civil infractions.
(2)    The county attorney or assistant county attorney designated under this subsection may exercise the powers of the State’s Attorney in connection with a civil infraction.
(c)    The State’s Attorney for Allegany County is not required to be present at a trial for a violation of a civil infraction under §§ 13–503 through 13–506 of this article if the official who issued the citation for the civil infraction is present at the trial on behalf of the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-207 - Proceedings

(a)    In a civil infraction proceeding:
(1)    the court shall confirm that the defendant has received a copy of and understands the charges;
(2)    the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty;
(3)    the court shall apply the evidentiary standards provided by law for the trial of a criminal case;
(4)    the defendant may:
(i)    cross–examine witnesses;
(ii)    produce evidence or witnesses on the defendant’s behalf;
(iii)    testify; and
(iv)    be represented by counsel of the defendant’s own choice and at the defendant’s expense; and
(5)    the burden of proof is the same as required by law in the trial of a criminal case.
(b)    The court may:
(1)    enter a verdict of guilty or not guilty; or
(2)    before entering a verdict, place the defendant on probation in the same manner as allowed in the trial of a criminal case.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-208 - Court Costs; Fines

(a)    A defendant who is found to have committed a civil infraction shall pay:
(1)    the fine imposed under § 11–203 of this subtitle; and
(2)    court costs of $5.
(b)    A defendant is not liable for payment of costs imposed under § 7–409 of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-209 - Payment of Fine; Distribution

(a)    If a defendant is found guilty of a civil infraction and a fine is imposed, the court may direct that the payment of the fine be suspended or deferred under conditions that the court sets.
(b)    A court may treat a defendant’s willful failure to pay a fine imposed under this subtitle as a criminal contempt of court.
(c)    The District Court shall remit to the county any fine, penalty, or forfeiture the court collects.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 2 - Civil Infractions › Section 11-210 - Motion for New Trial or Revision of Judgment

(a)    A defendant who is found guilty of a civil infraction may file a motion for a new trial or a motion for a revision of judgment as provided by law for a criminal case.
(b)    (1)    A motion filed under this section shall be filed in the same manner as a motion filed in a criminal case.
(2)    In ruling on a motion filed under this section, the court has the same authority that the court has in a criminal case.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Curfew hours” means the hours between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(c)    “Establishment” means a privately owned place of business operated for profit to which the public is invited.
(d)    “Guardian” means a person who is appointed by a court as a guardian.
(e)    (1)    “Public place” means a place to which the general public has access for a lawful purpose.
(2)    “Public place” includes:
(i)    a public street, a sidewalk, an alley, a highway, and a right–of–way of a public street or highway; and
(ii)    the common areas of a transport facility, a school, a hospital, an apartment building, an office building, a shopping center, a park, a playground, a parking lot, a theater, a restaurant, a bowling alley, a tavern, a cafe, an arcade, and a shop.
(f)    “Remain” means to:
(1)    linger unnecessarily in a public place; or
(2)    fail to leave the premises of an establishment or a public place when asked by a law enforcement officer or an employee of the establishment or public place.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-304 - Requirements

Subject to § 11–305 of this subtitle, a juvenile curfew ordinance shall state that:
(1)    a minor may not remain in a public place or on the premises of an establishment during curfew hours;
(2)    a parent or guardian of a minor may not knowingly allow the minor to remain in a public place or on the premises of an establishment during curfew hours; and
(3)    the owner, operator, or employee of an establishment may not knowingly allow a minor to remain on the premises of the establishment during curfew hours.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-305 - Applicability of Curfew Ordinance

A juvenile curfew ordinance adopted under this subtitle does not apply to a minor who is:
(1)    accompanied by the minor’s parent or guardian;
(2)    performing an errand at the direction of the minor’s parent or guardian, without a detour or stop, until 12:30 a.m.;
(3)    accompanied by an adult authorized by the minor’s parent or guardian to have temporary care or custody of the minor for a designated period of time within a specified area;
(4)    with consent of the minor’s parent or guardian, involved in interstate travel;
(5)    engaged in legal employment activity or is going to or returning home from a legal employment activity;
(6)    involved in a sudden or unexpected happening or an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to protect health, safety, welfare, or property from actual or threatened harm or an unlawful act;
(7)    on the property where the minor resides or on the sidewalk abutting the minor’s residence or abutting the residence of a next–door neighbor if an adult resident of that property has given permission for the minor’s presence;
(8)    attending or returning directly home from:
(i)    a school, religious, or recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the local jurisdiction, a civic organization, or a volunteer association that takes responsibility for the minor; or
(ii)    a place of public entertainment, including a movie, play, or sporting event;
(9)    exercising First Amendment rights under the United States Constitution if the minor has first submitted to the chief of the local law enforcement agency a written communication that:
(i)    is signed by the minor and countersigned, if practicable, by the parent or guardian of the minor;
(ii)    includes the parent’s or guardian’s home address and telephone number; and
(iii)    specifies when, where, and in what manner the minor will be in a public place during curfew hours; or
(10)    remaining in a public place in a case of reasonable necessity if the minor’s parent or guardian has communicated to the chief of the local law enforcement agency facts:
(i)    establishing the reasonable necessity; and
(ii)    designating:
1.    the specific public place and the points of origin and destination for the minor’s travel; and
2.    the times the minor will be in the public place or traveling to or from the public place.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-306 - Violation of Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

(a)    (1)    If a law enforcement officer reasonably believes that a minor is in a public place or on the premises of an establishment in violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance, the officer shall:
(i)    notify the minor that the minor is in violation of the juvenile curfew ordinance;
(ii)    require the minor to tell the officer the minor’s name, address, telephone number, and where to contact the minor’s parent or guardian;
(iii)    issue the minor a written warning that the minor is in violation of the juvenile curfew ordinance; and
(iv)    order the minor to promptly go home.
(2)    The law enforcement officer may take the minor:
(i)    to the minor’s home, if appropriate; or
(ii)    into custody and transport the minor to a local law enforcement station or designated curfew center when:
1.    the minor has received one previous written warning for a violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance;
2.    the law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the minor has committed a delinquent act, as defined in § 3–8A–01 of the Courts Article; or
3.    taking the minor into custody is authorized under § 3–8A–14 of the Courts Article.
(3)    A law enforcement officer may issue a civil citation for a violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance to:
(i)    a minor;
(ii)    a parent or guardian of a minor; or
(iii)    an owner, operator, or employee of an establishment.
(b)    The law enforcement agency shall send written notice of the violation of the juvenile curfew ordinance to the minor’s parent or guardian.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-307 - Fine

A civil citation for a violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance shall include a fine:
(1)    for a first offense, not exceeding $500; or
(2)    for a second or subsequent offense, not exceeding $1,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 3 - Juvenile Curfew › Section 11-308 - Custody

(a)    When a minor is taken into custody for a violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance, the law enforcement officer shall:
(1)    immediately notify the parent or guardian of the minor to come take custody of the minor; and
(2)    determine whether, consistent with constitutional safeguards, the minor or the parent or guardian, or both, are in violation of the juvenile curfew ordinance.
(b)    (1)    If the parent or guardian arrives to take custody of the minor and the appropriate information is recorded, the minor shall be released to the custody of the parent or guardian.
(2)    If the parent or guardian cannot be located or fails to take custody of the minor, the minor shall be released to:
(i)    the local department of social services;
(ii)    the Department of Juvenile Services; or
(iii)    another adult who will, on behalf of the parent or guardian, assume the responsibility of caring for the minor pending the availability or arrival of the parent or guardian.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 5 - Towing Companies › Section 11-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Nonconsensual towing” means towing a motor vehicle from private property without the consent of the motor vehicle’s owner or operator.
(c)    “Tow truck” has the meaning stated in § 13–920 of the Transportation Article.
(d)    “Towing” means the moving or removal of a motor vehicle by a tow truck.
(e)    “Towing company” means a person that provides towing services.
(f)    “Towing service” means the operation of removing or towing motor vehicles.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 5 - Towing Companies › Section 11-503 - Adoption of Rules and Regulations

The county commissioners may adopt rules and regulations for the licensing, maintenance, and operation of towing companies in the county to:
(1)    promote transparency, accountability, and uniformity regarding nonconsensual towing practices;
(2)    safeguard the public health and welfare;
(3)    promote good civic design; and
(4)    promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and prosperity of the community.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 5 - Towing Companies › Section 11-504 - Rules and Regulations -- Licensing

The rules and regulations adopted by the county commissioners may:
(1)    require a person who maintains or operates a towing company in the county to obtain a license from the county; and
(2)    specify a reasonable fee for the license.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 5 - Towing Companies › Section 11-505 - Rules and Regulations -- Public Hearing

(a)    (1)    Before adopting rules and regulations under § 11–503 of this subtitle, the county commissioners shall hold a public hearing.
(2)    The rules or regulations are not valid unless a public hearing is held as advertised.
(b)    The  county commissioners shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for not less than 4 successive weeks.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 5 - Towing Companies › Section 11-506 - Violations; Penalties

(a)    A person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under § 11–503 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or both.
(b)    Each day on which a violation continues is a separate offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 11 - Powers of Code Counties › Subtitle 6 - Collective Bargaining › Section 11-601 - Collective Bargaining in Code Counties in the Southern Maryland Class -- Local Laws

(a)    In this section, “regular employee” does not include:
(1)    an employee, as defined in § 4–501 of the Labor and Employment Article;
(2)    an appointed official;
(3)    an elected official; or
(4)    a supervisory, managerial, or confidential employee.
(b)    This section applies only in code counties in the Southern Maryland class, as established in § 9–302 of this article.
(c)    (1)    A county may enact a local law to provide regular employees of the county the right to organize and bargain collectively with binding arbitration through representative employee organizations chosen by the regular employees.
(2)    A local law enacted in accordance with this section shall:
(i)    provide definitions of and remedies for unfair labor practices; and
(ii)    prohibit strikes or work stoppages by represented regular employees.
(d)    A local law enacted in accordance with this section may not affect the rights and duties of a county and any exclusive representatives under a local law enacted in accordance with Title 4, Subtitle 5 of the Labor and Employment Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-101 - Appointment and Removal

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County;
(7)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)    Worcester County.
(b)    The governing body of a county may provide for the appointment and removal of any county officer or employee whose appointment or election is not provided for by the Maryland Constitution or public general law or public local law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-102 - Compensation of Appointed Officers and Employees

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County;
(7)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)    Worcester County.
(b)    Subject to any restriction imposed by a public general law or public local law, the governing body of a county may determine the compensation of appointed officers and employees of the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-103 - Merit System

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County; and
(7)    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 establish a merit system in connection with the appointment of county officials and employees not elected or appointed under the Maryland Constitution or public general law of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-105 - Merit System -- Garrett County

(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 Garrett County shall have a merit system for all county employees in accordance with the recommendations of the Merit System Commission and Governmental Study Commission of Garrett County.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-106 - Offices and Departments

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Howard County;
(6)    Prince George’s County;
(7)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)    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)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the governing body of a county may:
(i)    create, change, or abolish an office or a department; and
(ii)    assign additional functions to an office or a department.
(2)    The governing body of a county may not create, change, or abolish an office or a department or transfer a function of an office or department established by the Maryland Constitution, public general law, or public local law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-107 - Public Ethics Laws and Regulations

(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)    The governing body of a county may enact a law or regulation:
(1)    designed to prevent conflicts between the private interests and public duties of county officers or employees, including the governing body; and
(2)    to govern the conduct and actions of county officers and employees, including the governing body, in performing their public duties.
(d)    The governing body of a county may enact a law or regulation to provide for a penalty, including a fine, a forfeiture, an imprisonment, or a removal from office for violation of any law or regulation enacted under subsection (c) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-108 - Appointment to Boards and Commissions in Charles County

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual appointed to a board or commission by the County Commissioners of Charles County may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.
(b)    Subsection (a) of this section does not apply if the County Commissioners of Charles County determine that there is not a qualified individual to replace an incumbent who has served two consecutive full terms.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 1 - County Officers and Employees › Section 12-109 - Frederick County -- Payment of Wages

(a)    Frederick County may:
(1)    pay the wages of a county employee by debit card; and
(2)    require a county employee, as a condition of employment, to elect to receive the payment of wages by debit card or, subject to § 1–205(b) and (c) of this article, by direct deposit.
(b)    If a county employee elects to receive the payment of wages by debit card, the county shall provide to the employee a statement that includes:
(1)    the total amount of the employee’s wages;
(2)    any amount deducted from the wages; and
(3)    the amount of the wages credited to the debit card.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-201 - Scope of Subtitle; General Powers

(a)    This subtitle applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Howard County;
(5)    Prince George’s County;
(6)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(7)    Worchester 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)    establish a pension plan or group insurance program for the benefit of its officers and employees; and
(2)    establish classifications and eligibility criteria for each pension plan or group insurance program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-202 - Calvert County Sheriff's Pension Plan

(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 Calvert County may establish a separate fully funded pension plan for the Calvert County Sheriff’s department.
(c)    (1)    A pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section may provide for participation by:
(i)    Calvert County deputy sheriffs who are actively engaged in law enforcement;
(ii)    Calvert County correctional officers assigned to the county detention center; and
(iii)    the Calvert County detention center administrator.
(2)    A pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section may not be applied to an individual whose term of office ended before January 1, 1971, if that individual is eligible to receive pension benefits under § 2–318(e) of the Courts Article.
(d)    A pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section shall include provisions for:
(1)    retirement age eligibility;
(2)    retirement based on years of active service, regardless of age;
(3)    early retirement eligibility;
(4)    disability retirement;
(5)    death benefits for a spouse or children;
(6)    cost–of–living adjustments; and
(7)    cash refund of contributions for participants terminating employment.
(e)    An individual who participates in a pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section is not eligible to receive pension benefits under § 2–318(e) of the Courts Article.
(f)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall determine the effective date for any pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    The effective date shall conform to the provisions of Title 31, Subtitle 3 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-204 - Dorchester County Pension Plan and Group Insurance

The governing body of Dorchester County may include the employees of the Dorchester County liquor control board and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s department in any pension plan or group insurance program established by the governing body.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-205 - Garrett County Pension Plan; Group Health and Hospital Insurance

(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 Garrett County may provide a pension plan and group health and hospital insurance benefits for county officers and employees.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Garrett County may provide group health and hospital insurance benefits for retired county officers and employees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-206 - Kent County Retirement Funds, Pension Plan, and Group Insurance

(a)    The County Commissioners of Kent County may provide retirement funds for employees who reach retirement age before the establishment of a pension plan under § 12–201 of this subtitle.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Kent County may include any official or employee of the Kent County Sheriff’s department in a pension plan or group insurance program established by the county commissioners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-207 - St. Mary's County Pension Plan

(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 St. Mary’s County may adopt a separate pension plan or may amend an existing pension plan for:
(1)    the Sheriff;
(2)    deputy sheriffs; or
(3)    correctional officers.
(c)    By resolution, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)    adopt the provisions of any pension plan established under subsection (b) of this section; or
(2)    amend the provisions of any existing pension plan.
(d)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall provide for the funding required to implement and support any action taken under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-208 - Additional Pension Benefits for Teachers

(a)    (1)    (i)    This subsection does not apply to Baltimore City.
(ii)    This subsection applies to any school teacher who is:
1.    a retiree of the Teachers’ Retirement System or the Teachers’ Pension System as provided for under Title 22 or Title 23 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; and
2.    receiving a retirement allowance less than $125 per month.
(2)    The county commissioners or county council may pay a retiree described under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection who retired as an employee of the county public school system the lesser of:
(i)    $50 per month; or
(ii)    $125 per month less the retirement allowance the retiree is currently receiving.
(3)    To receive an additional monthly allowance described under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the retiree shall submit an application to the county commissioner or county council.
(4)    Any county commissioners or county council that provides a monthly allowance under paragraph (2) of this subsection annually shall impose a tax in an amount sufficient to pay for the additional benefit.
(b)    (1)    This subsection applies to any Baltimore County school teacher who is:
(i)    a retiree of the Teachers’ Retirement System or the Teachers’ Pension System as provided for under Title 22 or Title 23 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; and
(ii)    receiving a retirement allowance less than $125 per month.
(2)    (i)    The County Council of Baltimore County may pay additional benefits to an individual described under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii)    The amount of the additional benefit shall be as provided in subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(3)    To receive an additional monthly allowance described under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the retiree shall submit an application to the county council.
(c)    (1)    In addition to any benefit paid in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the governing body of Frederick County may pay an additional $8 per month to any retiree described in subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(2)    The governing body shall impose a tax in an amount sufficient to pay for the additional benefit described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.