Bill No.                   48-10                     

Concerning: Technical Corrections        

Revised:    11/23/2010       Draft No. 3  

Introduced:      October 5, 2010             

Enacted:         November 23, 2010        

Executive:       December 6, 2010          

Effective:        March 7, 2011                

Sunset Date:  None                             

Ch.   49    , Laws of Mont. Co.    2010    

 

County Council

For Montgomery County, Maryland

 

By: County Council

 

AN ACT to correct technical, typographical, grammatical, reference, and codification errors in, and make  stylistic, clarifying, and conforming amendments to, various provisions of County law:

 

By amending

            Montgomery County Code

            Chapter 1, General Provisions

            Section 1-301

 

            Chapter 2, Administration

            Sections 2-11A and 2-128

 

            Chapter 2B, Agricultural Land Preservation

            Article 6

           

            Chapter 8, Buildings

            Section 8-26

           

            Chapter 8A, Cable Communications

            Section 8A-23

 

            Chapter 10B, Common Ownership Communities

            Section 10B-5

 

            Chapter 11B, Contracts and Procurement

            Section 11B-49, 11B-67

 

            Chapter 13, Detention Centers and Rehabilitation Facilities

            Section 13-8

 

            Chapter 17, Electricity

            Section 17-38

 

            Chapter 19, Erosion, Sediment Control and Storm Water Management

            Sections 19-1 and 19-36

 

            Chapter 20, Finance

            Sections 20-3 and 20-32

 

            Chapter 21, Fire and Rescue Services

            Section 21-1

 

            Chapter 22, Fire Safety Code

            Sections 22-2, 22-3, 22-4A, 22-5, 22-6, 22-7, 22-8, 22-10, 22-23, and 22-37

 

            Chapter 29A, Legislative Oversight

            Section 29A-9

 

            Chapter 30, Licensing and Regulations Generally

            Section 30-12

 

            Chapter 31, Motor Vehicles and Traffic

            Section 31-22

 

            Chapter 33, Personnel and Human Resources

Sections 33-15, 33-35, 33-38, 33-41, 33-42, 33-46, 33-52, 33-84, 33-103, 33-111, 33-118, 33-128 and 33-159

 

            Chapter 35, Police

            Section 35-13A, 35-13B, 35-18

 

            Chapter 36A, Public Service Company Underground Facilities

            Section 36A-2

 

            Chapter 52, Taxation

            Section 52-11, 52-16C, 52-18A, 52-18B, 52-18I, 52-18Q, 52-18R, 52-32, 52-35, 52-68, 52-96, 52-99

 

            Chapter 54, Transient Lodging Facilities

            Sections 54-20 and 54-26

 

            Chapter 56, Urban Renewal and Community Development

            Section 56-10

 

            Chapter 60, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills Parking Lot Districts

            Section 60-2

 

            2010 Laws of Montgomery County Chapter 20

 

By repealing:

            Chapter 33, Personnel and Human Resources

            Sections 33-48 and 33-49

           

            Article VI

Sections 33-86 through 33-100

 

Boldface                                             Heading or defined term.

Underlining                                          Added to existing law by original bill.

[Single boldface brackets]                  Deleted from existing law by original bill.

Double underlining                              Added by amendment.

[[Double boldface brackets]]              Deleted from existing law or the bill by amendment.

*   *   *                                                  Existing law unaffected by bill.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland approves the following Act:


 


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Article [III] 6.  Agricultural Advisory Committee

2B-21.  Agricultural Advisory Committee.

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8-26. Conditions of permit.

          (a)     Generally.  [No] A permit to begin work for new construction, alteration, removal, demolition, or other building operation [shall] must not be issued until the fees authorized in this [section] Section are paid to the [department] Department. [nor shall an] An amendment to a permit [necessitating] that requires an additional fee because of an increase in the estimated cost of the work involved must not be approved until the additional fee is paid.  The [department] Department must not issue any building [permits] permit for a residence, except a building designed to be used as a residence for the person's own or immediate family use, under [the provisions of section 26A-12 of chapter 26A] Section 31C-1, to any person except a licensed building contractor or an authorized [agents] agent of the licensed building contractor.

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8A-23. Transfers.

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          (b)     An application to transfer a franchise must meet the requirements of [section] Section 8A-8(b) and provide complete information on the proposed transaction, including the legal, character, financial, technical, and other pertinent qualifications of the transferee, and on the potential impact of the transfer on subscriber services or rates.  The proposed transferee must provide all information required in [section 8A-8(e)(1)] Section 8A-8(d)(1) through (3), (10), and (12) [must be provided by the proposed transferee].  The information required in [section 8A-8(e)(4)] Section 8A-8(d)(4) through (9) must also be provided [whenever] if the proposed transferee expects material changes to occur in those areas as a result of the transfer.

          (c)      An application for transfer of an interest in a franchisee must describe the proposed transaction in detail and identify the interest to be transferred, the transferor, and transferee.  If the proposed transferee is not a current equity owner of the franchisee, the application must include the information required by Section [8A-8(e)(1)] 8A-8(d)(1) and (2).

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10B-5.        Duties of the Office of Consumer Protection.

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(h)     advise common ownership communities and professional association managers of changes in the laws and regulations that affect their communities or operations; [and]

(i)      operate a dispute resolution process to furnish mediation and administrative hearings[.]; and

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11B-67. Procedures.

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(d)     A business must affirm and provide supporting documentation to the Director to show that it is a local small business as defined in Section [[11B-65(c)]] 11B-65(a). The Director may investigate and verify the information provided on the application.

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          An inmate sentenced or held in a pre-trial or pre-sentence status is entitled to a diminution of the period of [his] confinement as specified by [section 704A to article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland 1957, as amended] Section 3-101 of the Correctional Services Article of the Maryland Code.

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(21)   Professional engineer[: An] means an engineer duly registered by the State of Maryland to practice professional engineering under the requirements of [Article 75 1/2 of the Annotated Code of Maryland] Title 14 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article of the Maryland Code.

(22)   Professional land surveyor[: A] means a person who is duly registered and licensed under the requirements of [Article 56 of the Annotated Code of Maryland] Title 14 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article of the Maryland Code.

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Wetland[: Any] means any land which is:

(1)     considered private wetland or State wetland under [Title 9, Wetland and Riparian Rights, Natural Resources Article, Annotated Code of Maryland] Title 16 of the Environment Article of the Maryland Code; or

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The [county executive] County Executive, the [director of finance] Director of Finance, and the [director] Director of the [department of liquor control shall have authority] Department of Liquor Control may, by concurrent action, [to] designate [persons] one or more employees in the [department of liquor control] Department of Liquor Control who may disburse money from the revolving fund [to be] established [pursuant to subsection (e) of section 165 of article 2B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957] under Section 15-207 of Article 2B of the Maryland Code. [; provided, that theThe signature of at least [two (2)] 2 persons [shall] must be required for any disbursement.

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21-1.           Statement of policy; definitions.

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          (c)      Definitions.  As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

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Fire Chief: the Fire Chief who is appointed under Section 21-3[, who serves] to serve as the Director of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.  Fire Chief includes the Fire Chief’s designee.

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22-1.           Short title.

          [The provisions of this chapter shall constitute and shall hereafter be known] This Chapter may be referred to as "The Montgomery County Fire Safety Code [of Montgomery County, Maryland.]".

22-2.           Purpose; intent.

22-3.           Construction and scope of Chapter.

          (a)     [The provisions of this chapter shall apply] This Chapter applies to existing conditions [as well as] and to conditions arising after [the adoption thereof, except that] this Chapter was adopted.  However, a [conditions] condition legally [in existence at the adoption of this chapter and not in strict compliance therewith shall be permitted to continue] existing when this Chapter was adopted, but not in strict compliance with this Chapter, may continue only if[, in the opinion of] the [director, they do] Fire Chief finds that the condition is not [constitute] a distinct hazard to life or property.

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(e)      [Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as rendering] This Chapter does not render any other applicable [laws] law or regulation invalid.  [In any situation where]  If a conflict [exists] arises between [a provision of] this [chapter] Chapter and another [code] law or regulation, the fire marshal and [appropriate] the head of the agency responsible for enforcing the conflicting [code shall determine in concert] law or regulation must agree which [provisions shall apply] applies[Conflicts which are unreconcilable shall] If they cannot agree, any remaining conflict must be referred to the [director of the department of fire and rescue services] Fire Chief.  The decision of the [director of fire and rescue services] Fire Chief in any matter relating to fire safety [shall be] is final. [, except that]  However, any person aggrieved by [such] the decision [shall have the right to] may appeal to the [county board of appeals in accordance with chapter] County Board of Appeals under Chapter 2 [of the County Code].  Within [thirty (30)] 30 days [following the discovery of] after any [serious] remaining conflict has been resolved, the [director] Fire Chief and the head of the agency responsible for enforcing the conflicting [code shall] law or regulation must forward to the [county executive] County Executive a joint [recommendations for the removal of] proposal to amend a law or regulation to eliminate the conflict [from the County Code or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto].

22-4A.        Certification procedure.

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          (b)     The [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief may waive all or part of the regular field inspection of construction if the architect or engineer certifies to the [Director] Fire Chief that:

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          (c)      The [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief may waive any final inspection required under this Chapter which relates to the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy if the registered engineer or architect who supervised the construction or reconstruction of the building certifies to the [Director] Fire Chief under oath that:

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          (e)      The [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief may grant a waiver related to construction inspection, and use and occupancy inspection under subsections (b) and (c), if the waiver is warranted in light of subsections (b) and (c) and:

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(f)               The [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief and the Director of Permitting Services must issue a decision on a request for a waiver under subsections (a), (b), and (c), within 10 days after receiving the request.  [Each Director] Either the Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services has complete discretion to approve or reject a waiver.  The decision of [each Director] the Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services is final, and no appeal may be taken.  If either [Director] the Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services grants a waiver, the [Director] Fire Chief or Director must find in writing that the waiver complies with subsection (d) or (e), as applicable.

          (g)     The Director of Permitting Services may grant a waiver under this [section] Section only to the extent:

                   (1)     permitted under State and local law; and

                   (2)     delegated by the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief.

22-5.  Definitions.

          In this Chapter, the following words have the following meanings:

          [(a)    Tenses.  The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the past.

          (b)     Gender.  The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.

          (c)      Number.  The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.]

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          Alternative: [The term “alternative” means] a system, condition, arrangement, material, or equipment submitted to the [director] Fire Chief as a substitute for a code requirement.

          Approved: [The term “approved” means] acceptable to the [director] Fire Chief.  In determining the acceptability of installations or procedures, equipment, or materials, the [director] Fire Chief may base acceptance on compliance with the NFPA or other appropriate standards.  In the absence of such standards, [such authority] the Fire Chief may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use.  The [director] Fire Chief may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of any nationally recognized testing [laboratories] laboratory, inspection [agencies] agency, or other [organizations concerned with product evaluations which are in a position to] organization which evaluates products and can determine compliance with appropriate standards for [the current production of listed items,] and the satisfactory performance of such equipment or materials in actual usage.

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          Authority having jurisdiction: [The phrase “authority having jurisdiction” means] the [director of fire and rescue services] Fire Chief.

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          Central fire communications center: [The phrase “central fire communications center” means] the public fire service communication facilities operated by the [department of fire and rescue services] Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service as part of the [Montgomery] County emergency operations center.  [The functions of this facility include receiving fire alarms or other emergency calls from the public, retransmitting these alarms and emergency calls to fire companies and other interested agencies, and the operation of the fire and rescue services radio base stations and land line communications equipment.]

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          [Director: The term “director” means the director of the department of fire and rescue services and shall include his authorized representatives.]

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          Fire Chief: the Fire Chief appointed under Section 21-3.  Fire Chief includes the Fire Chief’s designee.

          Fire department: [The phrase “fire department” means] the [fire and rescue services of] Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

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          Fire Marshal [The phrase “Fire Marshal”] or [“County Fire Marshal”] County Fire Marshal: [means] a qualified employee of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service designated by the Fire [Administrator] Chief as the County Fire Marshal.  [The phrase] Fire Marshal includes the Fire Marshal’s designee, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

          Fire official: [The phrase “fire official” means] any person serving as a designated employee, representative, or agent of the [fire and rescue services of] Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

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          Representative: [The term “representative” means] a person duly appointed in the name of the [director for the purpose of administering or enforcing ] Fire Chief to administer or enforce this [code] Chapter.

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22-6.           Administration [generally].

          (a)     Authority of [director] Fire Chief generally. The [director of the department of fire and rescue services] Fire Chief [is hereby authorized and directed to] must administer [the provisions of] this [chapter] Chapter.  The [director] Fire Chief [shall have such other powers and] must perform [such] any other [duties as are set forth in other sections of] duty assigned under this [Code and as may be conferred and imposed from time to time by] Chapter or any other applicable law.  The [director] Fire Chief may delegate any [of his powers or duties] power or duty under this [chapter] Chapter to [the division of fire prevention or to] any other County fire [officials of this jurisdiction] official.

          (b)     Authority of [director] Fire Chief in emergencies.  In [a case of] an emergency[,] where [in the opinion of] the [director] Fire Chief finds that [,] life or property is in immediate danger of fire, the [director] Fire Chief [is hereby authorized to] may take any action [that he deems] necessary to protect [such] life or property.

          (c)      Enforcement assistance.  Police and any other [agencies having authority in this jurisdiction shall render] authorized agency must provide necessary assistance [in the enforcement of this code] to enforce this Chapter when [requested to do so by] the [director] Fire Chief so requests.

          (d)     Fire [prevention division] Code Compliance Section.  To assist [in the performance of the responsibilities and the duties placed upon] the [director] Fire Chief, the Chief may organize and supervise a [division of fire prevention] Fire Code Compliance Section [is established within] in the [department] Fire and Rescue Service.  [This division shall operate under the supervision of the director.]  Members of [the division of fire prevention are hereby authorized to] this Section may enforce all County laws and [ordinances of Montgomery County covering the following] regulations on:

(1)     [The prevention of fires.] fire prevention;

(2)     [The] storage, use, and handling of explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, and other hazardous gaseous, solid, and liquid materials[.];

(3)     [The] installation and maintenance of automatic, manual, and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment[.];

(4)     [The] maintenance and regulation of fire escapes[.];

(5)     [The] maintenance of fire protection and [the] elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures, and other property, including those under construction[.];

(6)     [The means and] adequacy of each fire exit [in the event of fire,] from [factories, schools, hotels, lodging houses, asylums, hospitals, churches, halls, theatres, amphitheatres, and all other places in which people work, live, or congregate from time to time for any purpose.] any building; and

(7)     [The] investigation of the cause[, origin and circumstances] of any fire.

(e)      Authorization for requirement changes.  A fire safety requirement proposed for imposition during the course of building construction that would change or substitute a material, feature, construction method, or any other [aspects] aspect of construction different from [those which were identifiably included in] the original or amended [submission of] subdivision, site, or construction plans and specifications, as approved by the [department of fire and rescue services shall] Fire and Rescue Service must only be imposed [following a written finding by the director] if the Fire Chief finds that the change or substitution is necessary to avoid a specific and demonstrable threat to public safety.  [A] The Chief must provide a copy of the finding [shall be provided] to the affected person and [shall be available] to the public [upon] on request.

          (f)      Administrative appeals.  [The director upon petition] When petitioned by [a] an aggrieved person [claiming to be aggrieved is authorized and directed to], the Fire Chief must promptly review [rulings] any ruling or [interpretations] interpretation of law or regulations made by Fire and Rescue Service staff [during the enforcement of the provisions of] while enforcing this [chapter] Chapter[Such] A petition must be filed with the [director] Fire Chief in writing within [ten (10)] 10 days [of] after the [official administrative] ruling or interpretation.  The [director] Fire Chief may review, modify, or affirm the initial [administrative] ruling or interpretation with or without a hearing, and must send a copy of the [director’s] Fire Chief’s decision [shall be provided] to the aggrieved party.

22-7.  Right of entry.

          (a)     Generally.

                   (1)     The [county executive, director and the superintendent of police] County Executive, Fire Chief, and Police Chief, or their authorized representatives, [upon] after exhibiting the proper credentials or proof of identity on request, [shall have the right to] may enter any building, structure, or premises (except [those areas] any area actually occupied as a dwelling unit) without consent of the occupants [at any time] during business or operating hours and at [such] other times [as may be necessary] in an emergency that immediately endangers life, property or public safety, [for the purpose of performing] to perform duties under this [chapter] Chapter or [enforcing the provisions thereof] enforce this Chapter.

                   (2)     [In the case of] For a multi-family [dwellings, they shall have such right to] dwelling, the Executive, Fire Chief, and Police Chief may only enter without consent [only] any space that is not part of an individual dwelling unit, such [areas] as a storage [rooms, laundries,] room, laundry room, boiler [rooms] room, utility [rooms] room, [hallways, basements and similar spaces not part of individual dwelling units; provided, that such authorities] hallway, or basement.  However, the Executive, Fire Chief, and Police Chief may enter any individual dwelling unit:

                   (A)    [for the purpose of enforcing] to enforce this [chapter] Chapter with the consent of the occupant [thereof,]; or

                   (B)     without [such] the consent of the occupant if [they shall first obtain] the Executive, Fire Chief, or Police Chief obtains a search warrant [in accordance with] under prescribed legal procedure, or [if there is a present] during or immediately after an emergency such as a fire[,] or explosion [or the like, or immediately following such emergency].

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22-8.  Report of fire and rescue [incidents] incident.

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          (b)     The Fire [Administrator] Chief, or the [Administrator’s] Fire Chief’s designee, is the custodian of each report submitted under this Section.

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22-10.  [General provisions applicable to permits] Permits and certificates.

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          (b)     Application for permit.  [All applications] Each application for a permit required by this Chapter must be made to the [Division of Fire Prevention] Fire and Rescue Service or [the] Department of Permitting Services, as applicable, in the form prescribed.  [Applications for permits] Each application must be accompanied by [the] any plans, specifications, or details required by the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services, as applicable.

          (c)      Inspection [prerequisite to] before issuance of permit.  Before a permit may be issued, the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services, as applicable, [or their respective authorized representatives,] may inspect and approve [the receptacles, vehicles, buildings, devices, premises, storage spaces or areas to be used] any receptacle, vehicle, building, device, premises, storage space, or area to be used.

          (d)     Display of permits.  A copy of the permit must be posted at each place of operation or carried by the permit holder as specified by the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services, as applicable.

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          (g)     Revocation.  Any permit or certificate issued under this Chapter may be suspended or revoked if the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services, as applicable, finds that:

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          (h)     Authority to require exposure or stop work.

                   (1)     If any installation requiring a permit or inspection is covered or concealed without having first been inspected, the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief must require by written notice that the work be exposed for inspection.  The permittee must pay any cost of exposing and recovering the work.

                   (2)     If any construction or installation work is performed in violation of the plans and specifications as approved by the [Director of Fire and Rescue Services] Fire Chief or the Director of Permitting Services, as applicable, the Chief or Director must issue a written notice [must be issued] to the responsible party to stop work on that portion of the work which is in violation.  The notice must state the nature of the violation, and any responsible party must not continue work [must not be continued] on that portion until the violation has been corrected.

[(i)     Permits issued prior to effective date.  A license or permit validly issued prior to the effective date of this chapter shall remain valid until its expiration date unless sooner revoked for cause.]

22-23.         Inspections.

          (a)     The Fire [Administrator] Chief must designate in writing a qualified individual to serve as the County Fire Marshal.  Under State law, the County Fire Marshal serves as an assistant State fire marshal [for the purpose of implementing and enforcing] to enforce State fire prevention laws.  The County Fire Marshal may ask the State Fire Marshal to appoint one or more qualified employees of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to serve as a special assistant State fire marshal.

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22-37.  Regulating fire extinguisher service.

          The [director of the department of fire and rescue services shall exercise the following functions, powers, and duties]] Fire Chief must:

[(1)] (a) [To] administer [such] regulations [as may be determined] necessary [for the protection and preservation of] to protect life and property [in controlling] regarding:

[i] (1).[The] registration of firms [engaging in the business of servicing] that service portable fire extinguishers;

[ii.] (2) [The] registration of firms [engaging in the business of hydrostatically testing] that hydrostatically test U.S. Department of Transportation specification gas cylinders used for portable fire extinguishers;

[iii.] (3) [The] examination of persons applying for a license to service portable fire extinguishers;

[iv.] (4) [The] licensing of persons to service portable fire extinguishers; and

[v.] (5) [The] requirements for servicing of portable fire extinguishers[.];

[(2)] (b) [To] evaluate the qualifications of firms or individuals for a certificate of registration to engage in the business of servicing portable fire extinguishers[.]; and

[(3)] (c) [To] conduct examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to service portable fire extinguishers.

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(b)     Within [fifteen (15)] 15 days [following receipt of] after receiving a written report from the [office] Office, the [council shall] Council must determine whether the report, or any part of the report, [shall] must not be made public.  The only basis on which a report, or any part of a report, [may] must not be made public is if the report or part contains information that would not be available for public inspection [pursuant to article 76A (public information) of the Annotated Code of Maryland] under Subtitle 6, Title 10 of the State Government Article of the Maryland Code.

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The [county executive is hereby authorized to] County Executive may, under Method 3, adopt [and from time to time amend] regulations[, under method (3) of section 2A-15 of this Code,] governing the consumption of alcoholic beverages on "public property" as that phrase is defined in [article 2B, section 210 of the Annotated Code of Maryland] Title 19, Subtitle 2 of Article 2B of the Maryland Code.

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33-15. Judicial review and enforcement.

(a)     Any aggrieved merit system employee, or applicant, or the chief administrative officer may obtain judicial review of a merit system protection board order or decision from the circuit court for the county in the manner prescribed under [[chapter 1100, subtitle B]] Chapter 200 of Title 7 of the Maryland Rules of Procedure. In addition, with respect to orders or opinions relating to personnel of Montgomery County fire and rescue corporations, the independent fire and rescue corporation affected by the merit system protection board order, as well as any aggrieved fire and rescue corporation employee, may obtain judicial review of the board's order or decision as provided in this section.

(b)     The court, in hearing the case, shall apply the judicial review standards as set forth in the Maryland [[administrative procedures act]] Administrative Procedures Act, [[article 41, Maryland Code Annotated, section 255]] Subtitle 2 of Title 10 of the State Government Article of the Maryland Code. The court review shall be on the basis of the record before the board. Judicial review of board decisions issued hereunder also includes appellate review by the [[special courts of appeals of Maryland]] Court of Special Appeals.

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          (c)      Early retirement date.

(1)     A member, other than a group G member, who has not met the age and service requirements for a normal retirement may elect to [retire on the first day of a month and may elect to] receive pension payments beginning on an early retirement date the first day of a month after [if] the following requirements are met:

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                             (D)    Any member employed by a participating agency is not eligible to participate.

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33-52.         Payment of benefits.

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          (b)     Discontinuance of pension payments. A member must not receive pension payments while serving in an appointed or elected County office that receives any compensation paid by the County.  A member appointed to a full-time County position must become a member of the retirement system or the Retirement Savings Plan under Sections 33-37 and 33-115 and make member contributions until later separation under Article III or Article VIII.  The retirement benefit of an employee who resumes membership in the optional or integrated plan must be recalculated when the employee later separates from service.  The retirement benefit under the integrated or optional plans of Article III of an employee who becomes a member of the Retirement Savings Plan must resume when the employee later separates from service.

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ARTICLE VI.  [DISABILITY BENEFITS.] RESERVED.

[33-86.  Applicability.]

          [The provisions of this article only apply to individuals who:

(1)     Are members of the retirement system under this chapter on or after May 15, 1986, and submitted an application for disability benefits on or after May 15, 1986, but before July 1, 1989, or is an elected official on July 1, 1989, and submitted an application for disability benefits on or after May 16, 1986, but before December 3, 1990;

(2)     Are members of the retirement system under this chapter before May 15, 1986, but who opted into the disability benefits program under this article and submitted an application for disability benefits on or after May 15, 1986, but before July 1, 1989; or

(3)     At any time chose to participate in the elected officials’ plan and submitted an application for disability benefits on or after May 15, 1986, but before December 3, 1990.]

[33-87.  Definitions.]

[(a)    In general.  In this article, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)     Administrator.  “Administrator” means:

                   (1)     The disability retirement hearing board, when the application for benefits under this chapter is filed by a member with the disability retirement hearing board before May 15, 1986, and there is no final decision from the disability retirement hearing board on the application before May 15, 1986.

(2)     For all other applications for benefits under this chapter, administrator means the entity that contracts with the county to administer as a third part administrator:

a.       The disability retirement program under section 33-43 of this chapter; and

b.       The disability benefits program under this article.

(c)      Employee.  “Employee” means an individual who participates in the county retirement system under article III of this chapter.

(d)     Final earnings.  “Final earnings” means:

(1)     The annual average of the regular salary of an employee less any shift pay differential for the eighteen-month period immediately preceding the disability or any consecutive eighteen-month period, whichever is greater; or

(2)     For an employee whose salary has been reduced as a result of a disciplinary action, the annual average of the regular salary of the employee for the eighteen-month period preceding the disability.

(e)      Non-service-connected disability.  “Non-service-connected disability” has the same meaning as “service-connected disability” except that it is the result of an illness or injury that was incurred while away from the performance of duty as an employee.

(f)      Service-connected disability.  “Service-connected disability” means a condition of an employee that:

(1)     Is the natural and proximate result of an accident occurring, an occupational disease incurred, or a condition aggravated while in the performance of duty as an employee;

(2)     Is not due to the willful misconduct or willful negligence of the employee;

(3)     Makes the employee:

a.       Incapable of performing the job that the employee performed before the illness or injury; and

b.       Unable to engage in available employment commensurate with the training, education, and experience of the employee; and

(4)     Is likely to be permanent.]

[33-88.  Non-service-connected disability benefits.]

[An employee may receive non-service-connected disability benefits if the employee:

(1)     Has a non-service-connected disability;

(2)     Has five (5) years of credited service under the county retirement system of this chapter;

(3)     Is not eligible for normal retirement under the county retirement system of this chapter; and

(4)     Is not eligible for service-connected disability benefits; and

(5)     Has an injury or illness which occurred subsequent to enrollment in the Montgomery County employees’ retirement system.]

[33-89.  Service-connected disability benefits.]

          [An employee may receive service-connected disability benefits if the employee has a service-connected disability and if the employee is not eligible for normal retirement under the Montgomery County employees’ retirement system of this chapter.]

[33-90.  Temporary disability.]

[(a)    Waiver.  In extenuating circumstances, the administrator may waive the requirement that an employees’ disability is likely to be permanent.

(b)     Approval.  The administrator may approve temporary disability benefits for one (1) or more one-year periods until the administrator determines that the disability:

(1)     Has ended; or

(2)     Is permanent.]

[33-91.  Administrative application for benefits.]

[(a)    The chief administrative officer must notify an employee that an application for disability benefits should be made if the employee:

(1)     Becomes ill or injured; and

(2)     Is unable to perform at an acceptable level of competence the duties and responsibilities of the position to which the employee is assigned.

(b)     If the employee fails to apply for disability benefits, the chief administrative officer may apply on behalf of the employee.]

[33-92.  Accrual of benefits.]

[Disability benefits begin to accrue on the earliest of:

(1)     The date that the employee exhausts all accrued sick and compensatory leave in excess of eighty (80) hours; or

(2)     The date that the application for disability benefits is approved.]

[33-93.  Amount of benefits.]

          [The annual amount of disability benefits payable equals two (2) percent of the final earnings multiplied by the number of years of creditable service, up to thirty-six (36) years, plus sick leave credits, but may no be less than:

(1)     Thirty-three and one-third (33 1/3) percent of the final earnings for a non-service-connected disability; and

(2)     Sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2/3) percent of the final earnings for a service-connected disability.]

[33-94.  Cost-of-living adjustments.]

[(a)    Annual adjustment.  A cost-of-living adjustment must be made annually to the disability benefits awarded under this article.

(b)     The cost-of-living adjustment must be the same as the annual adjustment made to the uniform pay plan for county employees.]

[33-95.  Reduction of disability benefits.]

[(a)    Reduction by income received.  Disability benefits may be reduced after any cost-of-living adjustment made under section 33-94 by income received:

(1)     As the sum of wages from employment and as the product of net earnings minus net losses from self-employment;

(2)     From any other government group income maintenance insurance coverage for the disability;

(3)     From social security disability benefits, including benefits payable to dependents on account of the disability;

(4)     From any government disability plan; and

(5)     From workers’ compensation.

(b)     Amount of reduction.  The reduction must be determined according to the following offset formula:

(1)     The first one hundred dollars ($100.00) a month of income from a long-term disability plan to which the employee has contributed is exempt from the offset.

(2)     The first three hundred dollars ($300.00) a month of income from employment is exempt from the offset unless the salary of an employee receiving non-service-connected disability benefits is equal to or greater than the salary the employee would have received if the original employment had not been interrupted.

(3)     Income from employment between three hundred one dollars ($301.00) and six hundred dollars ($600.00) a month has a one dollar ($1.00) offset for each four dollars ($4.00) of income.

(4)     Income from employment above six hundred dollars ($600.00) a month has a one dollar ($1.00) offset for each two dollars ($2.00) of income.

(5)     Income received under subsection (a)(2) through (5) of this section has a one dollar ($1.00) offset for each one dollar ($1.00) of income.

(c)      Refusal of employment.  If an employee refuses to accept two (2) offers of employment offered under section 33-98, which were commensurate with the training, education, experience, and physical and mental capabilities of the employee, the amount that employment would have paid if accepted will be offset from the disability benefits of the employee in the same manner as income from employment under subsection (b) of this section.

(d)     Refusal of training.  If an employee refuses to participate in retraining offered under section 33-98, the disability benefits received by the employee will be reduced by half.

(e)      Termination of employment.

(1)     If the employment offered by the county under section 33-98 terminates, the employee will continue to receive the amount of disability benefits, which were offset by the income received from the employment, that the employee received while in the employment.

(2)     The administrator may restore the disability benefits in whole or in part:

a.       To facilitate reemployment; or

b.       If the administrator determines that the employee is unable to be employed.

(f)      Review of offset formula.  Every two (2) years, the county executive must review the offset formula and recommend changes to the dollar amounts to the county council in order to accommodate changes or no changes in general income levels.]

[33-96.  Discontinuation or termination of disability benefits.]

          [The administrator must terminate disability benefits granted under this article if the employee:

(1)     Recovers from the disability as determined by the administrator;

(2)     Fails or refuses to provide the administrator with the information that the administrator requires; or

(3)     Reaches the normal retirement date under the county retirement system of this chapter.]

[33-97.  Medical examination.]

          [Unless the administrator determines that fewer medical examinations are needed, the administrator may require the employee to undergo annual medical examinations.]

[33-98.  Retraining and employment of employees.]

[(a)    Program established.  By regulation adopted under method (1) of section 2A-15 of this Code, the county executive must develop a program for retraining, if retraining is necessary, and employment of employees who are receiving disability benefits under this article.

(b)     Implementation of program.  The administrator will implement the retraining and employment program.

(c)      Employment level.  Any employment offered to an employee under this section must be commensurate with the training, education, experience, and physical and mental capabilities of the employee.

(d)     Participation required.  Unless the chief administrative officer exempts an employee based on medical evidence that would preclude successful completion of the retraining program, the employee is required to participate in the program.]

[33-99.  Appeals of decisions.]

[(a)    If the county or an employee disagrees with a preliminary decision of the administrator, the county or the employee has a right to a hearing before the administrator. The contract between the county and the administrator must provide procedures to:

(1)     Assure the impartiality of the hearing;

(2)     Notify the employee of the right to counsel at the hearing; and

(3)     Establish a record of the hearing that will be the basis for subsequent reviews.

(b)     The county or the employee may appeal on the record the final decision of the administrator to the merit system protection board within thirty (30) days from the date that the employee receives written notice of the decision.

(c)      The county or the employee may appeal the final decision of the merit system protection board to a court of competent jurisdiction as provided in the Maryland Rules of Procedure, chapter 1100, subtitle B.]

[33-100.  Regulations.]

          [Before May 15, 1986, the county executive must adopt regulations under method (1) of section 2A-15 of this Code to implement this article.]

33-86 — 33-100. Reserved.

            *          *          *

33-103. Labor relations administrator.

(a)     A Labor Relations Administrator must be appointed to effectively administer this Article as it governs selection, certification, and decertification procedures, prohibited practices, and the choice of a mediator/fact-finder.  The Administrator must:

            *          *          *

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33-118.       Maximum annual contribution.

          (a)     Contribution limitations.

                   (1)       *          *          *       

                             (A)    $30,000, effective January 1, 1995, or $40,000, effective January 1, 2002 (the “dollar limitation”); [or] as adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service from time to time to reflect cost of living increases; or

            *          *          *

33-128.       Definitions.

            *          *          *

(h)     Disability Arbitration Board or Board means the 3 persons designated under Section [33-43A(m)] 33-43(m) to review an appeal of the final decision of the Administrator regarding an application for disability benefits.

(i)      Disability Review Panel or Panel means the 4 medical doctors appointed as Panel members by the Chief Administrative Officer under Section [33-43A(c)] 33-43(c).

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35-13A.      Anti-Hate/Violence Fund.

            *          *          *

          (b)     The Department of Police may:

                   (1)     offer rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a person who commits any act in the County described in Section [27-26A] 27-22 or [Article 27, Section 10A or 470A, of the Annotated Code of Maryland] Sections 10-302 to 10-305 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;

            *          *          *

          (e)      The County must deposit any money it receives under Section [27-26B] 27-8 into the Fund.

            *          *          *

35-13B.      Drug Enforcement Forfeitures Fund

            *          *          *

(e)      The Chief of Police must provide [two] 2 reports on the Fund to the Executive and Council as follows:

            *          *          *

(2)     On December 15, a report including:

            *          *          *

(B)     [DEFF] Fund approved budget by category;

            *          *          *

[Where] If the accident, disease, disability, or death for which benefits are payable under this [article] Article was caused under circumstances creating a legal liability in a third party, the [county shall have] County has the right of subrogation and [shall have the right to] may enforce, for the [county's] County’s benefit, the legal liability of [such] a third party, under the conditions and subject to the [same] provisions, when applicable, [which now exist] in [article 101, section 58 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957,] Title 9 of the Labor and Employment Article of the Maryland Code [and the provisions of such article and section are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth textually in this section].  Nothing [herein shall affect] in this Section affects the [county's] County’s obligation to comply with [the provisions of section 19, article 101 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957] Title 9 of the Labor and Employment Article of the Maryland Code.

            *          *          *

In this [chapter] Chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:

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[[52-16C. Real property tax recapture.]]

[[(a)   Tax levied; basis; rate. There is hereby imposed upon the occasion of the transfer of real property located in the county a tax on the amount by which the taxable value of such property on the date of recognition exceeds the assessed valuation of that property. The tax shall be calculated by multiplying the amount so determined by three dollars and seventy cents ($3.70) per one hundred dollars ($100.00).

          (b)     Assessed valuation.

(1)     Subject to the provisions in paragraph (2) of this subsection, "assessed valuation" shall mean the actual assessed valuation of such property on which annual property taxes are payable as determined on the date of finality immediately preceding the date of recognition.

(2)     If the boundary lines of a parcel of real property on which the tax imposed hereunder differ on the date of recognition from the boundary lines of the real property of which that parcel was a part on the date of finality immediately preceding the date of recognition, the assessed valuation of such parcel shall be determined by allocating to that parcel a pro rata share of the assessed valuation of that real property which, on the preceding date of finality, encompassed the parcel being transferred.

(c)      Taxable value of real property on the date of recognition.

(1)     Taxable value of real property on the date of recognition [shall] must be determined by multiplying by 0.45 the consideration received for the transfer of such property and subtracting [eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00)] $8,000 from the resulting product.  [Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions] However, the taxable value of real property classified [pursuant to state law] as "homestead property[,]" under [article 81, Maryland Code Annotated, section 14A(a)] Section 9-105 of the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code on the date of recognition [shall] must be determined by multiplying by 0.40 the consideration received for the transfer of such property and subtracting [eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00)] $8,000 from the resulting product.

(2)     If, subsequent to the date of finality immediately preceding the date of recognition, betterments have been made to real property subject to the tax imposed by this section, the cost of such betterments incurred by the person transferring the property may be deducted from the consideration received for the transfer of that property prior to calculating the taxable value of such real property on the date of recognition.

(d)     Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:

Assessed Valuation. That valuation determined in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

          Betterments. All physical changes to the property which tend to increase the value thereof.

          Consideration shall be determined as follows:

(1)     In the case of a transfer of real property in fee simple, consideration shall be determined in accordance with section 52-19 of this chapter.

(2)     In the case of a transfer of a partial interest in real property, the value of the interest transferred shall be used to construe the value of the entire property.

Date of Finality. January 1, the date as of which assessments of real property become final for the taxable year next following.

Date of Recognition. The date on which the transfer of real property takes place.

Major Betterments. Improvements which cause an increase in the value of improvements on the property by more than two hundred (200) percent.

New Construction. The improving of property on which no previous improvements existed.

Real Property. Land and improvements thereon.

Taxable Value of Real Property on the Date of Recognition. That value determined in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

Transfer shall include:

                   (1)     The transfer of real property in fee simple.

                   (2)     The transfer of a partial interest in real property.

          (e)      Exemptions from tax.

(1)     The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to the initial transfer of property on which there is new construction or on which major betterments have been constructed subsequent to the date of finality immediately preceding the date of recognition.

(3)     The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to the transfer of real property by any nonprofit hospital or nonprofit religious or charitable organization, association or corporation, nor by any municipality, county or state government or any instrumentalities, agencies or political subdivisions thereof, nor to the transfer of real property by will or descent.

(4)     The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to the transfer of real property made pursuant to a bona fide written contract or agreement entered into prior to the date on which this section becomes law; provided, that the director of finance may require satisfactory proof that the contract or agreement was entered into prior to such date.

(5)     In the event a parcel of real property is transferred more than once between dates of finality, the tax imposed hereunder shall be collected only once; provided, that no boundary lines have been changed or no improvements have been made subsequent to the initial date of recognition. In the event boundary lines changed, the assessed valuation shall be determined in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

          (f)      Payment of tax.

(1)     The transferor of property subject to the tax imposed hereunder shall be solely liable for the payment of the tax. The tax shall be paid at the time of or prior to the presentation of any instrument to the county supervisor of assessments for transfer of any interest in real property on the assessment records of the county. In the case of a transfer of an interest in real property which is not required by law or ordinance to be transferred on the assessment records of the county, the tax shall be paid before any instrument conveying such interest shall be presented to the clerk of the circuit court for recordation.

(2)     The tax shall be paid to the director and payment shall be evidenced by fixing an official stamp upon the deed or instrument by the director or his authorized representative showing the amount of the tax paid. Where the director, after payment, determines that a greater tax is due, the difference in tax shall then be immediately due and payable. Interest shall run at a rate of eight (8) percent per annum from the date of initial payment on the amount of the additional tax due.

(3)     Prior to the time of payment, the taxpayer shall submit to the director a report upon such forms and setting forth such information as the director may prescribe. The director may, at his discretion, require satisfactory proof of any information contained in such forms.

(g)     Appraisal of property; additional tax due. Where the director has reason to believe the consideration for an interest in real property has been incorrectly stated by the taxpayer, the director may cause to be made an appraisal of the property in question. If such appraisal shows a different value from that reported by the taxpayer, and if the director then determines that a greater tax is due, the greater tax shall immediately be due and payable. If, prior to such determination by the director, the property has been transferred and the tax imposed hereunder has been paid at the lesser amount, interest on the difference in tax due shall run at the rate of eight (8) percent per annum from the date of initial payment. The transferor and transferee shall be jointly and severally liable for payment of the difference in tax due.

(h)     Appeals. In accordance with the jurisdictional approval of the state department of assessments and taxation, any decision made by the director under the provisions of this section may be appealed by any aggrieved party to the property tax assessment appeal board of the county not later than thirty (30) days following the mailing of the notice of such decision by the director. In the event the aforesaid appeal procedure is not approved by the state department of assessments and taxation, appeals from any decision of the director under the provisions of this section may be made by any interested or aggrieved party to the circuit court for the county, which shall have the power to affirm the decision, or if such decision is not in accordance with law, to modify or reverse such decision, with or without remanding the case for rehearing. Whenever any such appeal is taken, a copy thereof shall be served on the director by the appellant in accordance with the Maryland Rules of Procedure. The director shall, in accordance with the Maryland rules, file with the circuit court originals of all papers and evidence presented, together with a copy of his opinion. Any party to the proceeding may introduce additional evidence in the circuit court. Any party to the proceeding in the circuit court may appeal the decision of the circuit court to the court of special appeals within thirty (30) days of the decision. The review proceedings provided by this section shall be exclusive.]]

(a)     [There is hereby granted] The Director of Finance must grant a single tax credit against the amount of the ordinary [county] County taxes or any other special charges or assessments levied against:

(1)     the personal property owned by any nonprofit, nonstock cooperative housing corporation;

(2)     leased real property and improvements in the [county] County used exclusively as a theater by nonprofit community theatrical organizations [in accordance with the conditions and provisions of paragraphs (a) and (k-1), section 9C, article 81, Annotated Code of Maryland] under Titles 6 and 9 of the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code; and

(3)     tangible personal property used to improve, replace, or maintain the roads, common areas, or other common facilities owned by a nonprofit organization, association, or foundation which was formed [for the sole purpose of improving, replacing, and maintaining] solely to improve, replace, and maintain the roads, common areas, or other common facilities established under the town sector or planned retirement community zones of [the county zoning ordinance] Chapter 59 where the common facilities are dedicated for the use of all residents of the development without payment of fees or admissions for their use.

(b)     The [director] Director of [finance for the county is hereby designated to] Finance must administer the tax credits granted under [paragraphs (a) and (k-1), section 9C, article 81, Annotated Code of Maryland] Titles 6 and 9 of the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code.

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            *          *          *

            *          *          *

            *          *          *

          (d)     Amount of credit.

                   (1)     For a covered building, the amount of the credit is:

                             (A)    25% of the property tax owed on the building for 5 years, if the building achieves a gold rating for LEED-NC or LEED-CS or an equivalent standards; [or]

            *          *          *

                   (C)     10% of the property tax owed on the building for 3 years, if the building achieves the gold rating for LEED-EB or an equivalent standard; or

            *          *          *

52-18R.      Property tax credit — renewable energy.

          (a)     Definitions.  In this Section, the following words have the meanings indicated:

[]Director[] means the Director of the Department of Finance or the Director’s designee.

                   []Eligible cost[] means the cost of buying or installing a solar or geothermal energy device or energy conservation device, including any part, component, or accessory necessary to operate the device, that is installed within 12 months before a property owner submits an application to the Department of Finance under subsection (f).

[]Energy conservation device[] means a device that:

            *          *          *

[]Tax-Property Article[] means the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code.

            *          *          *

The tax credit [shall] must be allowed as of the taxable year "date of finality" or "semi-annual date of finality," as defined in [section 2, article 81 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957.] Section 1-101 of the Tax-Property Article of the Maryland Code  [Such allowance shall be made upon notice being given by the county council to the director of finance that] if the Council notifies the Director of Finance that the property, by reason of a conveyance, assignment, deed, or other instrument recorded among the land records of the [county] County, [such real property] is affected and servient to a scenic easement which:

(a)     [Is] is irrevocable by its own terms;

(b)     [Creates] creates a perpetual servitude [upon] on the land [therein] described; and

(c)      [Meets] meets the basic requirements, together with the standards of one [(1) of two (2)] of the categories [provided for in the preceding section] in Section 52-31.

The tax credit [herein allowed, after having once been determined pursuant to this section, shall remain] authorized under this Article remains in [full force and] effect for all [subsequent] later tax levies made by the [county council] Council.

52-35. [Effective date and construction] Interpretation.

            *          *          *

            *          *          *

52-96.                   Tax levied; rates.

            *          *          *

(e)      As used in this Article:

(1)     Ton, when [applies] applied to carbon dioxide in gaseous form, means the amount of gas in cubic feet which is the equivalent of 2000 pounds on a molecular weight basis.

            *          *          *

52-99. Collection; interest and penalties; violation; lien.

            *          *          *

(d)     Any failure to pay the tax when due under Section [[52-97]] 52-98, and any violation of Section [[52-97]] 52-98 of this Section, is a Class A violation.  Each violation is a separate offense. A conviction under this subsection does not relieve any person from paying the tax.

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(b)     The [director] Director may revoke or suspend any license issued under this [division upon a finding] Division if the Director finds that the establishment [is being so operated as to constitute] is a nuisance [by reason] because of noise or indecent or immoral activity [on the part of the guests] by any guest, owner, operator, or [their employees] employee.  The [director] Director may also revoke or suspend any license issued [hereunder] under this Chapter if the owner or operator of the establishment has, while operating the establishment, been convicted of violating:

(1)     the provisions of [article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957] the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code[, set forth] listed in [section] Section 54-20; or

(2)     [of violating section 123 or 124 (] the drunkenness and disorderly conduct[) of article 27] provisions of Section 10-201 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code while on the licensed premises.

Revocation or suspension of a license under this subsection [shall be in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of section] must follow the procedures in Section 54-21(b).

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          Sec. 2.  Section 3 of Chapter 20 of the 2010 Laws of Montgomery County is amended as follows:

          Sec. 3.         Revenue Allocation Suspended.

          Notwithstanding County Code Section 52-100, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, the revenue received from the tax levied under County Code Section 52-96 in the first full fiscal year the tax is collected must be held in a special reserve account.

Approved: