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Maryland Register
Issue Date: August 9, 2024 Volume 51 • Issue 16 • Pages 733 — 768
Governor Judiciary Regulations Special Documents General Notices
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| Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, this issue contains all previously unpublished documents required to be published, and filed on or before July 22, 2024 5 p.m.
Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, I hereby certify that this issue contains all documents required to be codified as of July 22, 2024. Gail S. Klakring Administrator, Division of State Documents Office of the Secretary of State |
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Information About the Maryland Register and COMAR
MARYLAND REGISTER
The Maryland Register is an official State publication published every other
week throughout the year. A cumulative index is published quarterly.
The Maryland Register is the temporary supplement to the Code of
Maryland Regulations. Any change to the text of regulations published in COMAR, whether by adoption, amendment,
repeal, or emergency action, must first be published in the Register.
The following information is also published regularly in the Register:
• Governor’s Executive Orders
• Attorney General’s Opinions in full text
• Open Meetings Compliance Board Opinions in full text
• State Ethics Commission Opinions in full text
• Court Rules
• District Court Administrative Memoranda
• Courts of Appeal Hearing Calendars
• Agency Hearing and Meeting Notices
• Synopses of Bills Introduced and Enacted
by the General Assembly
• Other documents considered to be in the public interest
CITATION TO THE
MARYLAND REGISTER
The Maryland Register is cited by volume, issue, page number, and date.
Example:
• 19:8 Md. R. 815—817 (April 17,
1992) refers to Volume 19, Issue 8, pages 815—817 of the Maryland Register
issued on April 17, 1992.
CODE OF MARYLAND
REGULATIONS (COMAR)
COMAR is the official compilation of all regulations issued by agencies
of the State of Maryland. The Maryland Register is COMAR’s temporary
supplement, printing all changes to regulations as soon as they occur. At least
once annually, the changes to regulations printed in the Maryland Register are
incorporated into COMAR by means of permanent supplements.
CITATION TO COMAR
REGULATIONS
COMAR regulations are cited by title number, subtitle number, chapter
number, and regulation number. Example: COMAR 10.08.01.03 refers to Title 10,
Subtitle 08, Chapter 01, Regulation 03.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE
Incorporation by reference is a legal device by which a document is made
part of COMAR simply by referring to it. While the text of an incorporated
document does not appear in COMAR, the provisions of the incorporated document
are as fully enforceable as any other COMAR regulation. Each regulation that
proposes to incorporate a document is identified in the Maryland Register by an
Editor’s Note. The Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended or
Repealed, found online, also identifies each regulation incorporating a
document. Documents incorporated by reference are available for inspection in
various depository libraries located throughout the State and at the Division
of State Documents. These depositories are listed in the first issue of the
Maryland Register published each year. For further information, call
410-974-2486.
HOW TO RESEARCH REGULATIONS
An
Administrative History at the end of every COMAR chapter gives information
about past changes to regulations. To determine if there have been any
subsequent changes, check the ‘‘Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted,
Amended, or Repealed’’ which is found online at
http://www.dsd.state.md.us/PDF/CumulativeTable.pdf. This table lists the
regulations in numerical order, by their COMAR number, followed by the citation
to the Maryland Register in which the change occurred. The Maryland Register serves
as a temporary supplement to COMAR, and the two publications must always be
used together. A Research Guide for Maryland Regulations is available. For
further information, call 410-260-3876.
SUBSCRIPTION
INFORMATION
For subscription forms for the Maryland Register and COMAR, see the back
pages of the Maryland Register. Single issues of the Maryland Register are
$15.00 per issue.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN
THE REGULATION-MAKING PROCESS
Maryland citizens and other interested
persons may participate in the process by which administrative regulations are
adopted, amended, or repealed, and may also initiate the process by which the
validity and applicability of regulations is determined. Listed below are some
of the ways in which citizens may participate (references are to State
Government Article (SG),
Annotated
Code of Maryland):
• By submitting data or views on proposed
regulations either orally or in writing, to the proposing agency (see
‘‘Opportunity for Public Comment’’ at the beginning of all regulations
appearing in the Proposed Action on Regulations section of the Maryland
Register). (See SG, §10-112)
• By petitioning an agency to adopt, amend,
or repeal regulations. The agency must respond to the petition. (See SG
§10-123)
• By petitioning an agency to issue a
declaratory ruling with respect to how any regulation, order, or statute
enforced by the agency applies. (SG, Title 10, Subtitle 3)
• By petitioning the circuit court for a
declaratory judgment
on
the validity of a regulation when it appears that the regulation interferes
with or impairs the legal rights or privileges of the petitioner. (SG, §10-125)
• By inspecting a certified copy of any
document filed with the Division of State Documents for publication in the
Maryland Register. (See SG, §7-213)
Maryland
Register (ISSN 0360-2834).
Postmaster: Send address changes and other mail to: Maryland Register, State
House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Tel. 410-260-3876. Published biweekly, with
cumulative indexes published quarterly, by the State of Maryland, Division of
State Documents, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The subscription rate
for the Maryland Register is $225 per year (first class mail). All
subscriptions post-paid to points in the U.S. periodicals postage paid at
Annapolis, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.
Wes Moore, Governor; Susan C. Lee, Secretary of State; Gail S. Klakring, Administrator; Mary D. MacDonald, Senior Editor, Maryland Register and COMAR; Tarshia N. Neal, Subscription Manager; Tami Cathell, Help Desk, COMAR and
Maryland Register Online.
Front cover: State House,
Annapolis, MD, built 1772—79.
Illustrations by Carolyn Anderson, Dept. of General Services
Note: All
products purchased are for individual use only. Resale or other compensated
transfer of the information in printed or electronic form is a prohibited
commercial purpose (see State Government Article, §7-206.2, Annotated Code of
Maryland). By purchasing a product, the buyer agrees that the purchase is for
individual use only and will not sell or give the product to another individual
or entity.
Closing Dates for the Maryland
Register
Schedule of Closing Dates and
Issue Dates for the
Maryland Register ..................................................................... 736
COMAR Research Aids
Table of Pending Proposals ........................................................... 737
Index of COMAR Titles Affected in
This Issue
COMAR
Title Number and Name Page
05 Department of Housing and Community
Development .................................................................. 746
08 Department of Natural Resources ............................. 742, 748
09 Maryland Department of Labor ......................................... 742
10 Maryland Department of Health ........................................ 742
11 Department of Transportation ............................................ 743
13A State Board of Education ................................................... 743
13B Maryland Higher Education Commission ......................... 759
14 Independent Agencies ....................................................... 743
25 Office of the State Treasurer ............................................ 760
26 Department of the Environment ........................................ 744
33 State Board of Elections .................................................... 762
34 Department of Planning ..................................................... 744
PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES
Individuals
with disabilities who desire assistance in using the publications and services of
the Division of State Documents are encouraged to call (410) 974-2486, or (800)
633-9657, or FAX to (410) 974-2546, or through Maryland Relay.
Maryland Plain Language Initiative .........................................
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS .................................. 741
08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for
the Elderly (PACE)
POSTMORTEM EXAMINERS COMMISSION
Medical Examiner Cases ..........................................................
11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Motor Vehicle Fees ..................................................................
General Regulations .................................................................
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD
Prescription Drug Affordability Fund ......................................
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Maryland Historical Trust Historic
Preservation Loan
Program
11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—LICENSING OF
BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS
Dealers and Salesmen ..............................................................
Proposed Action on Regulations
05 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
TENANT’S EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATION PERIOD AND
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game
Birds and Game
Animals
Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game
Birds and Game
Animals
13B MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit
25 OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER
Maryland Prepaid College Trust Claim
Procedures
Copies of Registration Lists .....................................................
Voter Registration Applications ...............................................
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0002
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0004
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0005
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0011
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0013
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0016
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0017
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0028
STATE COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/STATE
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND GAMING CONTROL
COMMISSION
COMAR
Online
The Code of Maryland
Regulations is available at www.dsd.state.md.us as a free service of the Office
of the Secretary of State, Division of State Documents. The full text of
regulations is available and searchable. Note, however, that the printed COMAR
continues to be the only official and enforceable version of COMAR.
The Maryland Register is
also available at www.dsd.state.md.us.
For additional
information, visit www.dsd.maryland.gov, Division
of State Documents, or call us at (410) 974-2486 or 1 (800) 633-9657.
Availability
of Monthly List of
Maryland Documents
The Maryland Department of
Legislative Services receives copies of all publications issued by State
officers and agencies. The Department prepares and distributes, for a fee, a
list of these publications under the title ‘‘Maryland Documents’’. This list is
published monthly, and contains bibliographic information concerning regular
and special reports, bulletins, serials, periodicals, catalogues, and a variety
of other State publications. ‘‘Maryland Documents’’ also includes local
publications.
Anyone wishing to receive ‘‘Maryland Documents’’ should write to: Legislative Sales, Maryland Department of Legislative Services, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.
CLOSING DATES AND ISSUE DATES THROUGH
DECEMBER 2024†
|
Issue |
Emergency and Proposed Regulations 5
p.m.* |
Notices,
etc. 10:30
a.m. |
Final Regulations 10:30
a.m. |
|
2024 |
|||
|
August 23 |
August 5 |
August 12 |
August 14 |
|
September 6 |
August 19 |
August 26 |
August 28 |
|
September 20 |
August 30** |
September 9 |
September 11 |
|
October 4 |
September 16 |
September 23 |
September 25 |
|
October 18 |
September 30 |
October 7 |
October 9 |
|
November 1 |
October 11** |
October 21 |
October 23 |
|
November 15 |
October 28 |
November 4 |
November 6 |
|
December
2*** |
November 8** |
November 18 |
November 20 |
|
December 13 |
November 25 |
December 2 |
December 4 |
|
December 27 |
December 9 |
December 16 |
December 18 |
† Please
note that this table is provided for planning purposes and that the Division of
State Documents (DSD) cannot guarantee submissions will be published in an
agency’s desired issue. Although DSD strives to publish according to the
schedule above, there may be times when workload pressures prevent adherence to
it.
* Also note that proposal deadlines are for
submissions to DSD for publication
in the Maryland Register and do not take into account the 15-day AELR review
period. The due date for documents containing 8 to 18 pages is 48 hours before
the date listed; the due date for documents exceeding 18 pages is 1 week before
the date listed.
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN TIMES NEW
ROMAN, 9-POINT, SINGLE-SPACED FORMAT. THE PAGE COUNT REFLECTS THIS FORMATTING.
** Note closing date changes.
*** Note issue date changes.
The regular closing date for Proposals and
Emergencies is Monday.
Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations
Adopted, Amended, or Repealed
This table, previously printed in the Maryland Register lists the regulations, by COMAR title, that have been adopted, amended, or repealed in the Maryland Register since the regulations were originally published or last supplemented in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The table is no longer printed here but may be found on the Division of State Documents website at www.dsd.state.md.us.
Table of Pending Proposals
The table below lists proposed changes to COMAR regulations. The proposed changes are listed by their COMAR number, followed by a citation to that issue of the Maryland Register in which the proposal appeared. Errata and corrections pertaining to proposed regulations are listed, followed by “(err)” or “(corr),” respectively. Regulations referencing a document incorporated by reference are followed by “(ibr)”. None of the proposals listed in this table have been adopted. A list of adopted proposals appears in the Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended, or Repealed.
05 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
05.22.01.01—.07 • 51:16 Md. R. 746 (8-9-24)
08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
08.02.05.23,.26,.27
• 51:10 Md. R. 534 (5-17-24)
08.02.15.08,.09,.12
• 51:11 Md. R. 581 (5-31-24)
08.02.22.02 •
51:10 Md. R. 534 (5-17-24)
08.02.25.03 •
51:11 Md. R. 581 (5-31-24)
08.02.26.01—.06 • 51:1 Md. R. 30 (1-12-24)
08.03.03.01 • 51:16 Md. R. 748 (8-9-24)
08.03.03.03—.05,.07,.08 • 51:16 Md. R. 749 (8-9-24)
08.03.07.04,.07 • 51:16 Md. R. 757 (8-9-24)
08.08.05.03 • 51:13 Md. R. 649 (6-28-24)
09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
09.03.02.01,.04,.09—.13 • 51:14 Md. R. 685
(7-12-24)
09.03.06.02,.04,.06,.16 • 51:14 Md. R. 685
(7-12-24)
09.03.09.02,.07 • 51:14 Md. R. 685 (7-12-24)
09.03.15.01—.05 • 51:14 Md. R. 688 (7-12-24)
51:15 Md. R. 713 (7-26-24) (corr)
09.09.02.01 • 51:9 Md. R. 444 (5-3-24)
09.10.02.43,.53 • 50:24 Md. R. 1046 (12-1-23)
09.11.09.02 •
51:15 Md. R. 713 (7-26-24)
09.12.32.01—.10 •
51:15 Md. R. 714 (7-26-24)
09.33.02.01—.09 •
50:25 Md. R. 1100 (12-15-23)
09.36.08.02 • 50:25
Md. R. 1101 (12-15-23)
10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitles 01—08 (1st volume)
10.07.14.01—.65 • 51:6 Md. R. 272
(3-22-24)
Subtitle 09 (2nd volume)
10.09.06.09 •
51:1 Md. R. 36 (1-12-24)
10.09.10.07,.08 •
51:2 Md. R. 78 (1-26-24)
10.09.11.11 •
51:2 Md. R. 79 (1-26-24)
10.09.21.02—.06 •
51:2 Md. R. 82 (1-26-24)
10.09.24.02,.07,.12
• 51:2 Md. R. 79 (1-26-24)
10.09.33.09 •
51:3 Md. R. 161 (2-9-24)
10.09.39.02,.06 • 50:24 Md. R. 1049 (12-1-23)
10.09.43.10,.13 • 51:2 Md. R. 79 (1-26-24)
10.09.46.12 • 51:4 Md. R. 204 (2-23-24)
10.09.48.08 • 51:4 Md. R. 205 (2-23-24)
10.09.53.04,.05 • 51:4 Md. R. 206 (2-23-24)
10.09.56.02,.04,.10,.14—.17,.19,.21,.22 • 51:4 Md. R.
207 (2-23-24)
10.09.89.14 • 51:4 Md. R. 210 (2-23-24)
10.09.92.04,.05 • 51:1 Md. R. 38 (1-12-24)
Subtitles 10—22 (3rd volume)
10.11.08.01—.06 • 51:1 Md. R. 39 (1-12-24)
10.18.05.01—.03 • 51:3 Md. R. 166 (2-9-24)
10.18.06.05,.08,.10 • 51:3 Md. R. 166 (2-9-24)
10.19.03.01—.20 •
51:4 Md. R. 211 (2-23-24)
Subtitles 23—36 (4th volume)
10.32.01.10 • 51:2 Md. R. 83 (1-26-24)
10.34.34.02,.03,.07,.10
• 51:10 Md. R. 537 (5-17-24)
10.34.42.01—.03 •
51:2 Md. R. 84 (1-26-24)
Subtitles 37—52 (5th volume)
10.44.01.01—.39 • 50:20 Md. R. 911 (10-6-23)
10.44.19.05—.12 •
50:24 Md. R. 1051 (12-1-23)
10.44.20.02 •
50:20 Md. R. 918 (10-6-23)
10.44.22.02,.04—.06,.08—.15 • 50:20 Md. R. 918 (10-6-23)
10.46.09.01—.04 •
51:2 Md. R. 85 (1-26-24)
Subtitles 53—68 (6th volume)
10.63.07.02,.03,.05,.11
• 51:3 Md. R. 173 (2-9-24)
10.67.04.20 •
50:24 Md. R. 1049 (12-1-23)
10.67.06.28 •
50:24 Md. R. 1049 (12-1-23)
11 DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
Subtitles 01—10
11.03.01.09 • 51:11 Md. R. 585
(5-31-24)
Subtitles 11—23 (MVA)
11.12.01.14 •
50:15 Md. R. 698 (7-28-23)
12 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
12.04.09.02 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
12.10.01.21,.22 • 51:12 Md. R. 628 (6-14-24)
13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
13A.03.02.12 • 51:14
Md. R. 690 (7-12-24)
13A.08.17.02—.05 • 51:16 Md. R. 759 (8-9-24)
13A.16.08.03 •
51:2 Md. R. 95 (1-26-24)
13A.16.10.02 •
51:2 Md. R. 95 (1-26-24)
13A.17.10.02 •
51:2 Md. R. 95 (1-26-24)
14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
14.36.01.01—.03,.09,.11,.13—.16 • 51:13 Md. R. 650
(6-28-24)
14.36.02.02,.05—.11 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
14.36.03.01—.03 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
14.36.04.02,.03,.06,.07 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
14.36.05.01—.06 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
14.36.06.01,.03 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)
14.40.06.01,.02 • 51:13 Md. R. 654 (6-28-24)
20 PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION
20.50.01.03 • 51:13 Md. R. 655 (6-28-24)
20.50.10.04,.05 • 51:13 Md. R. 655 (6-28-24)
21 STATE PROCUREMENT
REGULATIONS
21.11.14.01 • 51:13 Md. R. 656
(6-28-24)
25 OFFICE OF THE STATE
TREASURER
25.04.01.01—.10 • 51:16 Md.
R. 760 (8-9-24)
24 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
(No changes effective since
April 2023)
24.05.22.01—.11 • 51:13 Md. R.
657 (6-28-24)
26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtitles 01—07 (Part 1)
26.04.01.01,.01-1,.20,.31 • 51:6 Md. R. 309 (3-22-24)
(ibr)
Subtitles 08—12 (Part 2)
Subtitles 19—28 (Part 4)
26.28.01.01—.03 •
50:25 Md. R. 1104 (12-15-23) (ibr)
26.28.02.01—.05 •
50:25 Md. R. 1104 (12-15-23)
26.28.03.01,.02 •
50:25 Md. R. 1104 (12-15-23)
26.28.04.01—.03 • 50:25 Md. R. 1104 (12-15-23)
29 DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE
29.03.01.45 • 51:10 Md. R. 542 (5-17-24)
29.03.01.58 • 51:15 Md. R. 718 (7-26-24)
29.05.03.01—.09 • 51:15 Md. R. 719 (7-26-24)
30 MARYLAND INSTITUTE FOR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS (MIEMSS)
30.02.02.04,.06—.09 • 50:24 Md. R. 1061 (12-1-23)
33 STATE BOARD OF
ELECTIONS
33.03.02.01,.03,.05 • 51:16 Md. R. 762 (8-9-24)
33.04.01.02,.07 •
51:8 Md. R. 375 (4-19-24)
33.04.02.01—.03 •
51:8 Md. R. 375 (4-19-24)
33.05.02.02 • 51:16 Md. R. 762 (8-9-24)
33.17.06.05 • 51:16 Md. R. 762 (8-9-24)
Renewal of
Executive Order 01.01.2024.09
(Declaration of a
State of Emergency)
WHEREAS, I, Wes Moore, Governor of the State of Maryland, issued Executive Order 01.01.2024.09 declaring a State of Emergency due to the significant infrastructure damage to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024;
WHEREAS, The declaration of the State of Emergency was renewed on June 21, 2024, by Executive Order 01.01.2024.22;
WHEREAS, Because of the on-going impact of this incident, emergency conditions continue to exist Statewide;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE, HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE STATE OF EMERGENCY CONTINUES TO EXIST IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND, THAT THE MARCH 26, 2024 DECLARATION IS RENEWED, AND FURTHER PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
A. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is hereby directed to continue to coordinate the State preparedness and response to impacts of this incident.
B. All other appropriate State authorities are hereby authorized to activate their emergency preparedness plans and engage, deploy, use, and coordinate available resources in furtherance of those plans.
C. The Maryland National Guard remains on regular duty.
GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 19th Day of July, 2024.
WES MOORE
Governor
ATTEST:
SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State
[24-16-14]
Maryland Plain
Language Initiative
WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive government that all Marylanders can easily access and to removing barriers that prevent engagement with government and access to public services;
WHEREAS, A consistent barrier to accessing government is ineffective communication; thus, State agencies must use more effective means of communication to ensure all Marylanders have equal access to government and equal opportunities to engage with government;
WHEREAS, A State agency’s use of communication methods that are easy to use and understand helps remove barriers so that all Marylanders can access government services and support;
WHEREAS, The right to communication access is reflected through protections enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010;
WHEREAS, Communication access also is protected by the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies use clear communication that the public can understand and use;
WHEREAS, Communicating in plain language, such that the audience can find what they need, understand what they find the first time they read or hear it, and use what they find to meet their needs, is an important tool for removing barriers to government and allowing people to access government independently;
WHEREAS, Maryland law already requires the translation of written communication into other languages, and the use of plain language as the standard for all written communication will make it easier to translate those communications into other languages;
WHEREAS, As Maryland continues its efforts to leave no one behind, it is critical that the State commits to increasing access to government by communicating with all Marylanders in an accessible, easy to understand way, which includes developing and using plain language standards for written communications.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY THE VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
A. Definitions.
(1) “Plain Language” means writing that is clear, concise,
well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
(2) “State Agency” means a department, agency, commission, board, council, or other body of State government subject to the direction and supervision of the Governor.
(3) “Written Communication” means information on State agency websites and other written documents produced by State agencies intended for the public.
B. Establishment. There is a Maryland Plain Language Initiative, housed in the Maryland Digital Service in the Department of Information Technology.
C. Partners. The Maryland Digital Service will partner with the Department of Disabilities and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives to leverage their expertise for content reviews and testing with individuals with disabilities. The Chief Digital Experience Officer will work with other relevant agencies and external stakeholders as necessary to implement the Maryland Plain Language Initiative.
D. Duties. The Maryland Plain Language Initiative shall include:
(1) An assessment of the State’s capacity, needs, and resources to implement best practices in the use of plain language standards.
(2) The creation of the Maryland Plain Language Plan to enhance the accessibility of all written communication produced by State agencies, including through publishing plain language standards.
E. The Maryland Plain Language Plan shall:
(1) Include focused plain language efforts as part of any website design or redesign effort.
(2) Include plain language evaluation during discovery efforts to evaluate or improve any public facing application or system.
(3) Include recommendations to build capacity, develop resources, provide training, and conduct pilot projects.
(4) Identify plain language standards, which include the use of:
a. Everyday words that convey meanings clearly and directly;
b. Present tense and active voice;
c. Short, simple sentences;
d. Definitions of only those words that cannot be properly explained or qualified in the text; and
e. Layout and design that help the reader understand the meaning of the document, including adequate white space, bulleted lists, helpful headings, and other proven techniques.
(5) Consider the following in development:
a. Designating a plain language contact for each State agency;
b. Developing a style guide, templates, and resources for all State agencies;
c. Conducting pilot projects on written documents targeted at the public and collecting feedback to improve plain language efforts;
d. Developing a training plan so each State agency is trained about the use of plain language; and
e. Identifying available resources, including contracted services, to carry out any section of the Plan.
F. The Maryland Digital Service shall report to the Governor annually by December 31 on the State’s progress toward achieving the goals of the Maryland Plain Language Initiative.
G. All State agencies shall, in support of Maryland’s core mission to leave no one behind, implement the recommendations of the Maryland Plain Language Plan, in phases as outlined in the Plan.
H. This Executive Order shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable statutes and regulations. Nothing in this Executive Order shall operate to contravene any State or federal law or to affect the State's receipt of federal funding.
I. If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or applications of the Executive Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.
GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 23rd Day of July 2024.
WES MOORE
Governor
ATTEST:
SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State
[24-16-15]
This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated July 25, 2024, ROBERT P. WALDECK (CPF# 0412150391), as of July 25, 2024, Robert P. Waldeck has been disbarred, effective immediately, and his name has been stricken from the register of attorneys in this Court. Notice of this action is given in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761(b).
* * * * * * * * * *
This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated July 24, 2024, BARRY RICHARD LENK (CPF# 8506010201), as of July 24, 2024, Barry Richard Lenk has resigned, effective immediately and his name has been stricken from the register of attorneys in this Court. Notice of this action is given in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-735(e).
[24-16-12]
Symbol Key
• Roman type
indicates text already existing at the time of the proposed action.
• Italic
type indicates new text added
at the time of proposed action.
• Single underline, italic indicates new text added at the time of final
action.
• Single
underline, roman indicates existing text added at the time of final action.
• [[Double
brackets]] indicate text deleted at the time of final action.
Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
08.02.13 Fishing Licenses—Point Assignment, License Revocation and Suspension Schedule and Criteria, and Hearing Procedure
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §4-220, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[24-057-F]
On July 30, 2024, the Secretary of Natural Resources adopted amendments to Regulation .05 under COMAR 08.02.13 Fishing Licenses—Point Assignment, License Revocation and Suspension Schedule and Criteria, and Hearing Procedure. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:12 Md. R. 621—622 (June 14, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources
Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Subtitle 36 COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME INSPECTORS — HOME INSPECTORS
09.36.07 Minimum Standards of Practice
Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a)(2), 16-216(2), and 16-701.1(a)(3) and (7), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[23-174-F]
On October 10, 2023, the Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors adopted amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 09.36.07 Minimum Standards of Practice. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:17 Md. R. 772 (August 25, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
SEAN TROXELL
Chair
Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS
10.09.44 Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Authority: Health-General Article, §§15-103 and 15-105, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[23-333-F]
On July 17, 2024, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .01, .15, .21, and .23 under COMAR 10.09.44 Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:3 Md. R. 162—164 (February 9, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 35 POSTMORTEM EXAMINERS COMMISSION
10.35.01 Medical Examiner Cases
Authority: Health-General Article, §§5-306(e)––5-307, Annotated
Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[23-342-F]
On July 19, 2024, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulation .20 under COMAR 10.35.01 Medical Examiner Cases. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:5 Md. R. 247—248 (March 8, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health
Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subtitle 11 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Authority: Transportation Article, §12-104(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, and as cited in Regulations .02—.06 of this chapter
Notice of Final Action
[24-063-F]
On July 31, 2024, the Motor Vehicle Administration adopted amendments to Regulations .02—.06 under COMAR 11.11.05 Motor Vehicle Fees. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:12 Md. R. 621—628 (June 14, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: September 1, 2024.
CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator
Title 13A
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Authority: Education Article, §§2-205, 4-103, 4-204(a), 6-201,
6-202, and
6-302; State Personnel and Pensions Article, §§22-406 and 23-407; Annotated
Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[24-056-F]
On July 23, 2024, the State Board of Education adopted amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 13A.07.02 Terms of Employment. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:11 Md. R. 585—587 (May 31, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
CAREY M. WRIGHT, Ed.D.
State Superintendent of Schools
Authority: Education Article, §§2-205, 7-101, 7-101.1, 7-301, 7-301.1, 7-303—7-305, 7-305.1, 7-307, 7-308, and 8-404, Annotated Code of Maryland; Ch. 273, Acts of 2016; Federal Statutory Reference: 20 U.S.C. §§1232g and 7912
Notice of Final Action
[24-055-F]
On July 23, 2024, the State Board of Education adopted amendments to Regulation .17 under COMAR 13A.08.01 General Regulations. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:11 Md. R. 587—591 (May 31, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
CAREY M. WRIGHT, Ed.D.
State Superintendent of Schools
Subtitle 01 PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD
14.01.02 Prescription Drug Affordability Fund
Authority: Health-General Article, §§21-2C-03(f)(1) and 21-2C-11, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[24-054-F]
On July 22, 2024, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board adopted amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 14.01.02 Prescription Drug Affordability Fund. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:11 Md. R. 591 (May 31, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
ANDREW W. YORK
Executive Director
Title 26
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
Subtitle 12 RADIATION MANAGEMENT
Authority: Environment Article, §§8-106, 8-301, and 8-304, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[24-025-F-I]
On July 24, 2024, the Secretary of the Environment adopted amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 26.12.01 Radiation Protection. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:8 Md. R. 375 (April 19, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
SERENA MCILWAINE
Secretary
Title 34
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
Subtitle 04 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
34.04.02 Maryland Historical Trust Historic Preservation Loan Program
Authority: State Finance and Procurement Article, §§5-203, 5A-318, 5A-327, and 5A-331, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[24-022-F]
On July 18, 2024, the Department of Planning adopted amendments to Regulations .01—.11 and .13 under COMAR 34.04.02 Maryland Historical Trust Historic Preservation Loan Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:11 Md. R. 593—597 (May 31, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: August 19, 2024.
REBECCA L. FLORA
Secretary of Planning
Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subtitle 12 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—LICENSING OF BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS
Authority: Commercial Law Article, §14-1502; Transportation
Article,
§§12-104(b), 13-503, 13-610, 13-621, 15-102, 15-103, 15-105, 15-107,
15-108, 15-305.1, 15-307—15-309, 15-311.1, 15-312, 15-313, 15-406,
15-408, 15-409, and 15-411; Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Withdrawal
[23-106-W]
Pursuant to State Government Article, §10-116(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, notice is given that the proposal to amend Regulation .14 under COMAR 11.12.01 Dealers and Salesmen, as published in 50:15 Md. R. 698—699 (July 28, 2023), has been withdrawn by operation of law.
GAIL S. KLAKRING
Administrator
Division of State Documents
Proposed Action on Regulations
Title 05
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle 22 TENANT’S EXCLUSIVE
NEGOTIATION PERIOD AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
Authority: Housing and Community Development Article, §5-104;
Real Property Article, §8-119, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-089-P]
The Secretary of Housing and Community Development proposes to
adopt new Regulations .01—.07 under a new chapter, COMAR 05.22.01
Procedure, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 22 Tenant’s Exclusive
Negotiation Period and Right of First Refusal.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to describe policies and procedures for the content, delivery, and receipt of required notices during a residential tenant’s exclusive negotiation period and right of first refusal established under Ch. 124 (H.B. 693), Acts of 2024.
Estimate of Economic Impact
I. Summary of Economic Impact. The budget for the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs within DHCD, which will be handling the receipt and processing of forms, notices, and other materials related to tenants’ exclusive negotiation period and right of first refusal, has been appropriated and this action will not require additional expenditure by DHCD. There will be an impact on regulated industries or trade groups and on residential tenants.
II. Types of Economic Impact.
|
Impacted Entity |
Revenue
(R+/R-) Expenditure
(E+/E-) |
Magnitude |
|
A. On issuing agency: |
NONE |
|
|
B. On other State agencies: |
NONE |
|
|
C. On local governments: |
NONE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit
(+) Cost
(-) |
Magnitude |
|
D. On regulated industries or trade groups: |
(+) |
Indeterminable |
|
E. On other industries or trade groups: |
NONE |
|
|
F. Direct and indirect effects on public: |
(+) |
Indeterminable |
III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)
D. The notice requirements will likely require some minor additional labor and or expenditure by landlords and property management companies. For landlords that reach an agreement on sale with a tenant, both parties should benefit by the reduced time and effort to achieve a sale of the home. However, the magnitude of the impact cannot be determined.
F. Residential tenants to whom the regulations apply will benefit from the option to purchase the home in which they reside rather than facing the uncertainty associated with a new owner. However, the magnitude of the impact cannot be determined.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Jordan Gilmore, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Policy Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, 7800 Harkins Road, Lanham, MD 20706, or call 443-571-2147, or email to jordan.gilmore@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Note: The appendices
can be viewed here… Appendix A…Appendix
B… Appendix
C
.01 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe the policies and procedures
relating to the tenant’s exclusive negotiation period and right of first
refusal as outlined in Real Property Article, §8-119, Annotated Code of
Maryland.
.02 Definitions.
A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) “Commercially
reasonable” means terms and pricing that are reasonably consistent with what an
experienced real estate professional would expect to see in similar
transactions.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development,
a principal department of the State.
(3) “Material terms” includes the sales price, settlement date, inspection
terms, financing terms, escrow deposit, seller credit to buyer (if any), and
seller repairs.
(4) “Offer to purchase” means a good faith offer for the purchase of a
residential rental property for a price that a willing buyer would pay to a
willing seller in an arm’s length transaction, with neither party under any
compulsion to buy or sell.
(5) “Office” means the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs within the
Department of Housing and Community Development.
(6) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Housing and Community Development.
(7) “Tenant” means an individual who has occupied a residential rental
property for at least 6 months and who is a named lessee in the written lease.
(8) “Tenant’s
exclusive negotiation period” means the period of time prescribed in Real
Property Article, §8-119(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, after a tenant is
notified about the tenant’s right to purchase a residential rental property
during which the tenant may negotiate exclusively with the owner to enter into
a contract of sale.
.03 Notice Requirements in Tenant’s Exclusive Negotiation Period.
A. Before a
residential rental property may be offered for sale to the public or a third
party, including through a listing for sale, the owner of the property shall
send each tenant of the property a written notice of the tenant’s right to
deliver an offer to purchase the property.
B. A notice sent to a tenant under this chapter shall be delivered by:
(1) First-class U.S. Mail, with a certificate of mailing; or
(2) A delivery service providing delivery tracking and confirmation.
C. The owner shall send a copy of a notice sent to a tenant under this
chapter to the Office by a submission form on the Office’s website.
D. The owner shall notify the Office by submission form on the Office’s
website if:
(1) A tenant
delivers a timely written offer to purchase the property that contains the same
or more favorable material terms as those contained in the notice sent under
this chapter;
(2) A tenant fails
to make an offer to purchase in response to the notice sent under this chapter
within the time prescribed by law;
(3) A tenant
affirmatively declines to make an offer to purchase the property;
(4) A tenant fails
to make a timely response to, or rejects, a counteroffer made by the owner
under Real Property Article, §8-119(c)(5)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland; or
(5) A tenant accepts a counteroffer made by the owner under Real Property
Article, §8-119(c)(5)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.
.04 Form of Notice and Counteroffer.
A. The notice
delivered to tenants at the commencement of the tenant’s exclusive negotiation
period shall contain, at minimum, the following information:
(1) The material
terms that the owner would agree to incorporate into a contract of sale with
the tenant;
(2) A conspicuous
statement that the notice is a solicitation of an offer to purchase and is not
intended as and may not be construed as a binding contract of sale; and
(3) Any information
regarding deadlines for the tenant to submit an offer to purchase, including
the duration of the tenant’s exclusive negotiation period.
B. The material
terms stated in the notice delivered to tenants under this chapter:
(1) Shall be
commercially reasonable and made in good faith;
(2) Shall adhere to generally
accepted residential real estate practices; and
(3) May not include restrictions on financing methods or the right of
inspection.
C. The notice delivered to tenants under this chapter shall be in the form
provided in Appendix A of this subtitle.
D. A counteroffer delivered to tenants under Real Property Article,
§8-119(c)(5)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland, shall be in the form provided in
Appendix B of this subtitle.
E. The Office shall make the forms provided in Appendix A and Appendix B of
this subtitle available on its public website in a format allowing residential
rental property owners to populate the blank sections of the forms, download
the forms, and print the forms for delivery to tenants.
F. The Office may,
from time to time, with the approval of the Secretary, edit or amend the forms
provided in Appendix A and Appendix B of this subtitle to facilitate compliance
with Real Property Article, §§8-119(c) and 8-120, Annotated Code of Maryland,
or other applicable law, as appropriate.
.05 Notice Requirements for Tenant’s Right of First Refusal.
A. Before accepting
an offer to purchase a residential rental property from a third party, the
owner of the property shall provide written notice to any tenants of the
property of the tenants’ right of first refusal, and give the tenant an
opportunity to exercise the right of first refusal within 30 days after receipt
of the notice, if:
(1) The proposed
transfer to the third party is not a transfer listed in Real Property Article,
§8-119(b), Annotated Code of Maryland;
(2) The owner
intends to accept an offer from a third party to purchase the property for an
amount at least 10 percent lower than the lowest price offered to the tenant in
any previous notice, offer, or counteroffer made during the tenant’s exclusive
negotiation period; or
(3) The owner,
without having offered the property for sale to the public or any third party,
receives an offer to purchase the property from a third party.
B. A notice sent to a tenant under this chapter shall be delivered by:
(1) First-class U.S. Mail, with a certificate of mailing; or
(2) A delivery service providing delivery tracking and confirmation.
C. The owner shall send a copy of a notice sent to a tenant under this
chapter to the Office by a submission form on the Office’s website.
D. The owner shall notify the Office by submission form on the Office’s
website if:
(1) A tenant
delivers a timely written offer to purchase at the same sales price as the
third-party offer;
(2) A tenant does
not deliver a timely offer to purchase the property at the same sales price as
the third-party offer; or
(3) The owner
accepts an offer to purchase from a tenant and enters into a contract of sale,
but the contract of sale is terminated before settlement.
.06 Form of Notice of Right of First Refusal.
A. The notice
delivered to tenants under this chapter shall contain, at minimum, the
following information:
(1) The sales price
proposed in the third-party offer to purchase;
(2) A conspicuous
statement that the notice is a solicitation of an offer to purchase and is not
intended as and may not be construed as a binding contract of sale; and
(3) Any information
regarding deadlines for the tenant to submit an offer to purchase.
B. The notice delivered to tenants under this chapter shall be in the form
provided in Appendix C of this subtitle.
C. The Office shall make the form provided in Appendix C of this subtitle
available on its public website in a format allowing residential rental
property owners to populate the blank sections of the form, download the form,
and print the form for delivery to tenants.
D. The Office may,
from time to time, with the approval of the Secretary, edit or amend the form
provided in Appendix C of this subtitle to facilitate compliance with Real
Property Article, §§8-119(d) and 8-120, Annotated Code of Maryland, or other
applicable law, as appropriate.
.07 Information Provided to Department.
Upon entry into a contract of sale with a tenant to purchase a residential
rental property, the termination of a tenant’s exclusive negotiation period, or
the termination of a tenant’s right of first refusal as provided in Real
Property Article, §8-119, Annotated Code of Maryland, the owner shall provide
the following information to the Office by submission form on the Office’s
website:
A. The physical
address of the property, including the county (or Baltimore City) in which the
property is located;
B. The legal
description of the property;
C. The material
terms proposed in any notice, offer, or counteroffer made to or by the tenant
under Real Property Article, §8-119(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, whether
accepted or rejected;
D. If applicable,
the material terms of the contract of sale;
E. The length of
time the tenant resided in the property before the owner sent the notice
required by this chapter; and
F. The periodic rent amount under the most recent lease entered by the
tenant.
JACOB DAY
Secretary of
Housing and Community Development
Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
08.03.03 Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game Birds and Game Animals
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §10-410, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-077-P]
The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to amend Regulation .01
under COMAR 08.03.03 Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game Birds and Game
Animals.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to add C&D Canal Lands in Cecil County as a designated public property that is open to Sunday hunting. This action will increase opportunities for hunters and assist with managing wildlife populations on and around the property. Sunday hunting opportunities will be available for deer, turkey, small game, and furbearers.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Brian Eyler, Wildlife and Heritage Services, Department of Natural Resources, 14038 Blairs Valley Road, Clear Springs, MD 21722, or call 301-842-0332, or email to Brian.eyler@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.01 Bag Limits and Possession Limits.
A.—C. (text unchanged)
D. Hunting on Sunday.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) An individual may hunt on Sunday, if the individual is:
(a)—(e) (text unchanged)
(f) 16 years of age or younger when participating in the Junior Deer Hunt on private property in Allegany, Frederick, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, [or] Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation;
(g) Hunting deer on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, [or] Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and all Sundays in the deer firearms season in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties;
(h)—(r) (text unchanged)
(s) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, [or ]Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation during the open seasons for those game animals;
(t)—(w) (text unchanged)
E.—F. (text unchanged)
G. The Natural Heritage Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, [and] Fishery Management Areas, and other public hunting areas designated for Sunday hunting in accordance with §D of this regulation are as follows:
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) C&D Canal Lands
[(2)] (3)—[(29)] (30) (text unchanged)
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural
Resources
Subtitle 03 WILDLIFE
08.03.03 Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game Birds and Game Animals
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§10-205, 10-405, 10-410 and 10-415, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-078-P]
The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to repeal existing
Regulations .03—.05, .07, and .08 and adopt new
Regulations .03—.05, .07, and .08 under COMAR 08.03.03
Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game Birds and Game Animals.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to establish the season dates and bag limits for the 2024—2025 and 2025—2026 hunting seasons for forest game, upland game, fur-bearing mammals, white-tailed deer, and sika deer. Hunting season dates and bag limits for most species are similar to previous hunting seasons with some exceptions. Additional antlerless deer hunting opportunities have been added for Region A in Western Maryland to help manage the deer population, and squirrel, fox, and coyote seasons and bag limits have been modified slightly to better manage these populations. The squirrel bag limit has been combined to include red, gray, and fox squirrels. The coyote and fox hunting and trapping seasons have been extended 2 weeks in both zones.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Brian Eyler, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Department of Natural Resources, 14038 Blairs Valley Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722, or call 301-842-0332, or email to Brian.eyler@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.03 Forest Game.
|
Species |
Open Season, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter |
Location |
Bag Limits |
Possession Limit |
|
A. Black Bear (Permit Required). |
October 21, 2024 — October 26, 2024 October 20, 2025 — October 25, 2025 |
In Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties |
1 per day with no more than 1 per permitted bear hunting
team |
1 per season with no more than 1 per permitted bear hunting
team |
|
B. Ruffed Grouse. |
||||
|
(1) In General. |
October 5, 2024 — December 31,
2024 October 4, 2025 — December 31, 2025 |
In all counties |
2 per day |
4 |
|
(2) Hunting with
the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. |
October 1, 2024 — March 31,
2025 October 1, 2025 —March 31, 2026 |
In all counties |
2 per day |
4 |
|
C. Black, Eastern Fox, Gray, Piney, or Red Squirrel Total. |
||||
|
(1) In General. |
September 2, 2024 — February
28, 2025 September 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 |
In all counties |
6 per day |
12 |
|
(2) Hunting with
the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. |
September 1, 2024 — March 31,
2025 September 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 |
In all counties |
6 per day |
12 |
|
D. Delmarva Fox Squirrel. |
Closed season |
In all counties |
0 |
0 |
|
E. Wild Turkey. |
||||
|
(1) Fall Season
Either Sex. |
November 2, 2024 — November 10, 2024 November 1, 2025 —November 9, 2025 |
Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only |
1 turkey per season |
1 turkey either sex per fall/winter season combined |
|
(2) Winter Season
Either Sex. |
January 23, 2025 — January 25,
2025 January 22, 2026 — January 24, 2026 |
In all counties |
1 turkey per season provided none was taken in the fall
season |
|
|
(3) Spring Season. |
April 18, 2025 — May 23, 2025 April 18, 2026 — May 23, 2026 |
In all counties |
1 bearded turkey per day |
2 bearded turkeys per spring season |
|
(4) Spring Season
Junior Hunt. |
April 12, 2025 — April 13,
2025 April 11, 2026 — April 12, 2026 |
In all counties |
1 bearded turkey per day |
|
.04 Upland Game.
|
Species |
Open Season, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter |
Location |
Bag Limits |
Possession Limit |
|
A. Crow. |
August 15 — March 15, hunting allowed Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday only |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
B. Pheasant. |
||||
|
(1) In General. |
November 2, 2024 — February
28, 2025 November 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 |
In all counties |
2 per day (either sex) |
4 |
|
(2) Hunting with
the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. |
November 1, 2024 — March 31,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 |
In all counties |
2 per day (either sex) |
4 |
|
C. Quail. |
||||
|
(1) Western Zone —
Private Land and Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. |
November 2, 2024 — January 15,
2025 November 1, 2025 — January 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River, excluding Allegany and Garrett counties |
6 per day |
12 in all counties and zones combined |
|
(2) Eastern Zone —
Private Land. |
November 2, 2024 — January 15,
2025 November 1, 2025 — January 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
||
|
(3) Eastern Zone —
Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. |
Closed season |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
0 |
0 |
|
(4) Allegany and
Garrett Counties. |
Closed season |
In Allegany and Garrett counties |
0 |
0 |
|
(5) Hunting with
the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. |
November 1, 2024 — March 31,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 |
In all counties, except on lands owned or managed by DNR
east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River |
4 per day |
8 |
|
(6) Hunting with
the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit on Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. |
Closed season |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
0 |
0 |
|
D. Rabbits. |
||||
|
(1) Eastern
Cottontail Rabbit. |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) In
General. |
November 2, 2024 — February
28, 2025 November 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 |
In all counties |
4 per day |
8 |
|
(b) Hunting
with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. |
November 1, 2024 — March 31,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 |
In all counties |
4 per day |
8 |
|
(2) Snowshoe Hare. |
Closed season |
In all counties |
0 |
0 |
|
E. Woodchuck. |
August 1 — July 31 |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
.05 Fur-Bearing Mammals.
|
Species |
Open Season, subject to COMAR 08.03.03.01D |
Location |
Bag Limits |
Possession Limit |
|
A. Beaver. |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) In General. |
December 15, 2024 — March 15,
2025 December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In all counties, except Garrett and Allegany counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
(2) Allegany and
Garrett Counties. |
December 1, 2024 — March 15,
2025 December 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In Allegany and Garrett counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
B. Bobcat. |
Closed season |
In all counties |
0 |
0 |
|
C. Coyote. |
||||
|
(1) Firearms,
Archery, and Airgun Hunting. |
August 1 — July 31 (May be hunted day and night) |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
(2) Trapping. |
November 1, 2024 — February
15, 2025 November 1, 2025 — February 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
November 15, 2024 — February
28, 2025 November 15, 2025 — February 28, 2026 |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
D. Fisher. |
November 1, 2024 — February 1,
2025 November 1, 2025 — February 1, 2026 |
In all counties |
2 per day |
2 per season |
|
E. Fox (Red and Gray) — Firearms, Archery, and Airgun Hunting, and Trapping. |
November 1, 2024 — February
15, 2025 November 1, 2025 — February 15, 2026 |
In Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll,
Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's,
and Washington counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
November 15, 2024 — February
28, 2025 November 15, 2025 — February 28, 2026 |
In Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot,
Wicomico, and Worcester counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
August 1 — July 31 |
In Charles and Dorchester counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
F. Muskrat and Mink — Trapping Only. |
November 15, 2024 — February
15, 2025 November 15, 2025 — February 15, 2026 |
In Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and
Washington counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
December 15, 2024 — March 15,
2025 December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset,
and Worcester counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
January 1, 2025 — March 15,
2025 January 1, 2026 — March 15, 2026 |
In Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester,
Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Talbot, and Wicomico counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
G. Nutria. |
August 1 — July 31 |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
H. Otter — Trapping Only. |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) In General. |
December 15, 2024 — March 15,
2025 December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington
counties |
2 per day |
2 per season |
|
In all other counties, except Allegany and Garrett counties |
10 per day |
10 per season |
||
|
(2) Allegany and
Garrett Counties. |
December 1, 2024 — March 15,
2025 December 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In Allegany and Garrett counties |
1 per day |
1 per season |
|
I. Raccoon and Opossum. |
||||
|
(1) Chasing — No
Kill. |
August 1, 2024 — October 14,
2024 March 16, 2025 — July 31, 2025 August 1, 2025 — October 14,
2025 March 16, 2026 — July 31, 2026 |
In all counties |
|
|
|
(2) Firearms,
Archery, Airgun, and Dog Hunting. |
October 15, 2024 — March 15,
2025 October 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 (May be hunted day and
night) |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
(3) Trapping. |
November 1, 2024 — March 15,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
November 15, 2024 — March 15,
2025 November 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
|
J. Skunk. |
||||
|
(1) Firearms,
Archery, and Airgun Hunting. |
November 1, 2024 — March 15,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
(2) Trapping. |
November 1, 2024 — March 15,
2025 November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 |
In all counties |
No limit |
No limit |
|
K. Long-Tailed Weasel — Trapping. |
November 1, 2024 — February 1,
2025 November 1, 2025 — February 1, 2026 |
In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
November 15, 2024 — February
15, 2025 November 15, 2025 — February 15, 2026 |
In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and
Susquehanna River |
No limit |
No limit |
|
L. On lands owned or controlled by the Department in Caroline,
Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, only
leaseholders or their appointees may hunt or trap furbearers between November
15 and March 15.
.07 White-Tailed Deer.
A. The following lands are owned or controlled by the Department
in Region A as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter:
(1) Billmeyer-Belle Grove; WMA;
(2) Cunningham Swamp WMA;
(3) Dan’s Mountain WMA;
(4) Deep Creek Lake State Park (designated areas only);
(5) Green Ridge State Forest;
(6) Indian Springs WMA;
(7) McCoole Fishery Management Area;
(8) Mount Nebo WMA;
(9) Potomac-Garrett State Forest;
(10) Prather's Neck WMA;
(11) Rocky Gap State Park (designated areas only);
(12) Sang Run State Park (designated areas only);
(13) Savage River State Forest;
(14) Sideling Hill WMA;
(15) Warrior Mountain WMA;
(16) Woodmont;
(17) Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA; and
(18) Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River.
B. The Suburban Deer Management Zone is defined as the area that
encompasses Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s
counties.
|
|
Season Dates,
Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter |
Season Bag
Limits |
|
C. Antlered. |
||
|
(1) Archery Season. |
|
|
|
(a) Region A as Defined in Regulation
.06A of This Chapter. |
||
|
|
January 10,
2025 — January 12, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) January 9,
2026 — January 11, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
1 antlered |
|
(b) Statewide. |
||
|
|
September 6, 2024 — October 16, 2024 October 20, 2024 (Sunday counties only) October 21, 2024 — November 29, 2024 December 16, 2024 — December 20, 2024 January 5,
2025 (Sunday counties only) January 6,
2025 — January 9, 2025 January 13,
2025 — January 31, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) September 5, 2025 — October 15, 2025 October 19, 2025 (Sunday counties only) October 20, 2025 — November 28, 2025 December 15,
2025 — December 19, 2025 January 4, 2026 (Sunday counties only) January 5,
2026 — January 8, 2026 January 12,
2026 — January 31, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
|
|
(2) Muzzleloader Season. |
||
|
|
October 17, 2024 — October 19, 2024 December 21,
2024 — January 4, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) October 16, 2025 — October 18, 2025 December 20, 2025 — January 3, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
1 antlered, except during the
October segment in Region A as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter. A
total of 1 deer, antlered or antlerless may be taken. |
|
(3) Firearms Season. |
||
|
(a) Region B as Defined in Regulation
.06A of This Chapter. |
1 antlered |
|
|
|
January 10, 2025 — January 11, 2025 January 12,
2025 (Sunday counties only) January 9, 2026 — January 10, 2026 January 11,
2026 (Sunday counties only) |
|
|
(b) Statewide. |
||
|
|
November 30,
2024 — December 14, 2024 November 29,
2025 — December 13, 2025 |
|
|
(4) All Seasons Combined. |
||
|
(a) No more than one antlered white-tailed deer having fewer than
three antler points 1 inch or longer on each antler present may be taken per
license year. Hunters that possess, or are eligible to possess, a Resident or
Nonresident Junior Hunting License are exempt from this requirement. Hunters
that are 16 years old or younger and possess an Apprentice Hunting License
are exempt from this requirement. (b) One additional Bonus antlered
white-tailed deer may be taken in Region B, as defined in Regulation .06A of
this chapter, per license year for all seasons combined subject to §§G—H of
this regulation. |
No more than 2 antlered deer may be taken per license year
with any combination of bow, muzzleloader, and firearms bag limits. |
|
|
D. Antlerless. |
||
|
(1) Region A as Defined in Regulation .06A
of This Chapter. |
||
|
(a) Archery Season. |
||
|
|
September 6, 2024 — October 16, 2024 October 20, 2024 — November 29, 2024 December 16, 2024 — December 20, 2024 January 5,
2025 — January 31, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) September 5, 2025 — October 15, 2025 October 19, 2025 — November 28, 2025 December 15, 2025 — December 19, 2025 January 4,
2026 — January 31, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
Up to 3
antlerless. See §D(1)(d) of this regulation. |
|
(b) Muzzleloader Season. |
||
|
|
October 17,
2024 — October 19, 2024 December 28,
2024 — January 4, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) October 16, 2025 — October 18, 2025 December 27,
2025 — January 3, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
Up to 3
antlerless. §D(1)(d) of this regulation. During the October segment, a total
of 1 deer, antlered or antlerless, may be taken. |
|
(c) Firearms Season. |
||
|
|
December 7,
2024 — December 14, 2024 December 6,
2025 — December 13, 2025 |
Up to 2
antlerless. See §D(1)(d) of this regulation. |
|
(d) All Seasons Combined. |
||
|
|
No more than 2 antlerless deer may be
taken in Region A, as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter, per license
year during September — January with any combination of bow, muzzleloader,
and firearms bag limits. One additional antlerless deer may be taken during
the February dates. No more than 1 antlerless deer total may be taken during
the February dates and no more than 1 antlerless deer may be harvested per
day in any season. |
|
|
(2) Region B as Defined in Regulation .06A
of This Chapter. |
||
|
(a) Archery Season. |
||
|
|
September 6, 2024 — October 16, 2024 October 20, 2024 (Sunday counties only) October 21, 2024 — November 29, 2024 December 16,
2024 — December 20, 2024 January 5, 2025 (Sunday counties only) January 6, 2025 — January 9, 2025 January 13,
2025 — January 31, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) September 5, 2025 — October 15, 2025 October 19, 2025 (Sunday counties only) October 20, 2025 — November 28, 2025 December 15,
2025 — December 19, 2025 January 4, 2026 (Sunday counties only) January 5, 2026 — January 8, 2026 January 12,
2026 — January 31, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
15 antlerless (Unlimited
antlerless in the Suburban Deer Management Zone as defined in §B of this
regulation) |
|
(b) Muzzleloader Season. |
||
|
|
October 17, 2024 — October 19, 2024 October 21,
2024 — October 26, 2024 December 21,
2024 — January 4, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §F of this regulation) October 16, 2025 — October 18, 2025 October 20,
2025 — October 25, 2025 December 20,
2025 — January 3, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §F of this
regulation) |
10 antlerless |
|
(c) Firearms Season. |
||
|
|
November 30, 2024 — December 14, 2024 January 10, 2025 — January 11, 2025 January 12,
2025 (Sunday counties only) November 29, 2025 — December 13, 2025 January 9, 2026 — January 10, 2026 January 11,
2026 (Sunday counties only) |
10 antlerless |
|
E. Junior Deer Hunt. |
||
|
(1) Region A as Defined in Regulation .06A
of This Chapter. |
||
|
Antlered or Antlerless. |
November 16, 2024 — November 17, 2024 November 15,
2025 — November 16, 2025 |
1 deer |
|
(2) Region B as Defined in Regulation .06A
of This Chapter. |
||
|
Antlered or Antlerless. |
November 16, 2024 November 17,
2024 (Sunday counties only) November 15, 2025 November 16,
2025 (Sunday counties only) |
3 deer Not more than
1 antlered |
F. Use of Primitive Weapons During February Dates.
(1) A hunter may only use a primitive weapon as defined in COMAR
08.03.01.01B(29) and in accordance with COMAR 08.03.04.05I.
(2) Hunters may not harvest more than one antlered deer per day
within the prescribed bag limit.
(3) A deer taken with a primitive weapon shall count towards the
respective bow or muzzleloader season's bag limits, except in Region A, as
defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter, in which one additional antlerless
deer may be taken.
G. A hunter may only harvest one antlered deer per license year,
including the Bonus antlered deer, that has antlers with fewer than three
antler points 1 inch or longer on each antler. Hunters that possess, or are
eligible to possess, a Resident or Nonresident Junior Hunting License are
exempt from this requirement. Hunters that are 16 years old or younger and
possess an Apprentice Hunting License are exempt from this requirement.
H. Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp.
(1) Before taking a Bonus antlered white-tailed deer, hunters
shall first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp.
(2) Persons exempt from needing a hunting license under Natural
Resources Article, §10-301(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, do not need to
purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp.
(3) One Bonus antlered white-tailed deer may be taken per
license year, for all seasons combined. The Bonus antlered white-tailed deer
may not be taken on the same day that another antlered deer is taken under the
prescribed bag limit.
(4) In accordance with the defined regions in Regulation .06A of
this chapter, the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp may be used in Region A, provided
that prior to the use of the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp:
(a) No more than two antlered deer were taken Statewide and no
more than one antlered deer was taken in Region A; and
(b) Any previously harvested antlered deer in Region A was taken
in a different weapon season than the Bonus deer.
(5) The Bonus antlered white-tailed deer may be taken in any
weapon season except the October muzzleloader season.
.08 Sika Deer.
|
|
Season
Dates, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter |
Season Bag Limits |
|
A. Archery
Season. |
||
|
Statewide. |
September 6, 2024 — October 16, 2024 October 20, 2024 (Sunday counties only) October 21, 2024 — November 29, 2024 December 16,
2024 — December 20, 2024 January 5, 2025 (Sunday counties only) January 6, 2025 — January 9, 2025 January 13,
2025 — January 31, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §E of this regulation) September 5, 2025 — October 15, 2025 October 19, 2025 (Sunday counties only) October 20, 2025 - November 28, 2025 December 15,
2025 - December 19, 2025 January 4, 2026 (Sunday counties only) January 5, 2026 — January 8, 2026 January 12,
2026 — January 31, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this
regulation) |
3 deer Not more than
1 antlered. |
|
B.
Muzzleloader Season. |
||
|
(1) Region B as Defined in Regulation .06A
of This Chapter. |
||
|
Antlerless. |
October 21,
2024 — October 26, 2024 October 20,
2025 — October 25, 2025 |
3 deer Not more than
1 antlered. |
|
(2) Statewide. |
||
|
Antlered or
Antlerless. |
October 17, 2024 — October 19, 2024 December 21,
2024 — January 4, 2025 February 1,
2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only,
subject to §E of this regulation) October 16, 2025 — October 18, 2025 December 20,
2025 — January 3, 2026 February 2,
2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this
regulation) |
|
|
C. Firearms
Season. |
||
|
Statewide. |
November 30,
2024 — December 14, 2024 January 10,
2025 — January 11, 2025 January 12,
2025 (Sunday counties only) November 29,
2025 — December 13, 2025 January 9,
2026 — January 10, 2026 January 11,
2026 (Sunday counties only) |
3 deer Not more than
1 antlered. |
|
D. Junior
Deer Hunt. |
||
|
Statewide. |
November 16, 2024 November 17,
2024 (Sunday counties only) November 15, 2025 November 16,
2025 (Sunday counties only) |
1 antlered or 1 antlerless |
E. Use of Primitive Weapons During February Dates.
(1) A hunter may only use a primitive weapon as defined in COMAR
08.03.01.01B(29) and in accordance with COMAR 08.03.04.05I.
(2) Hunters may not harvest more than one antlered deer per day
within the prescribed bag limit.
(3) A deer taken with a primitive weapon shall count towards the
respective bow or muzzleloader season's bag limits, except in Region A, as
defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter, in which one additional antlerless
deer may be taken.
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources
Subtitle 03 WILDLIFE
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§10-601 and 10-604—10-606, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-076-P]
The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to amend Regulations .04
and .07 under COMAR 08.03.07 Waterfowl.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to expand the current Sea Duck Hunting Zone boundary and Offshore Waterfowl Hunting Zone boundary to include the largest extent of both zones (as they are described in current regulation). The expanded zone excludes Kent County Shoreline, lower Chester River, lower Choptank River, and lower Little Choptank River, which will remain open to sea duck (scoters, long-tailed duck, eiders) harvest only by allowing the traditional Sea Duck Zone boundaries and species restrictions to remain in place. This amendment will simplify regulations for hunters and offer more public hunting opportunities.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Brian Eyler, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Department of Natural Resources, 14038 Blairs Valley Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722, or call 301-842-0332, or email to Brian.eyler@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.04 Sea Duck Shooting Zone.
A. In the [Special] Sea Duck Zone, a person may hunt sea
ducks (scoters, long-tailed ducks, and eider ducks) by shooting from a boat or
floating blind which is anchored, drifting, sculled, or paddled, or while
standing in the water on the natural bottom only in the following areas:
(1) The part of the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay described as follows: Keeping to the south of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Turkey Point, Cecil County, and the easternmost tip of Sandy Point, Harford County; keeping to the southeast of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of Abbey Point, Harford County and the easternmost tip of Lego Point, Harford County; keeping to the south of a line drawn from Rickett Point, Harford County and the southernmost tip of Lower [I] Island Point, Baltimore County; keeping to the east of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of North Point, Baltimore County to the northernmost tip of Rock Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the east of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Mountain Point, Anne Arundel County to the northernmost point of Persimmon Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the southeast of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Hackett Point, Anne Arundel County and the southernmost tip of Greenbury Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the east of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of Greenbury Point, Anne Arundel County to the easternmost tip of Tolly Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the southeast of a line drawn from the easternmost tip of Thomas Point, Anne Arundel County and the easternmost tip of Saunders Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the northeast of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of Dutchman Point, Anne Arundel County to the northernmost tip of Curtis Point, Anne Arundel County; keeping to the northeast of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Drum Point, Calvert County and the northernmost point of Hog Point, St. Mary's County; keeping to the east of the western shore of St. Mary's County to Point Lookout, St. Mary's County; keeping to the southwest of a line drawn between the westernmost tip of Pry Island, Somerset County and the southernmost tip of Holland Island, Dorchester County; keeping to the southeast of a line drawn between the center of Norman Cove, Dorchester County and the southernmost tip of Lower Hooper Island, Dorchester County; keeping to the west of a line drawn between Quick Flashing Red Bell Buoy No. 10 and the southernmost tip of Black Walnut Point, Talbot County; keeping to the northwest of a line drawn between the westernmost tip of Howell Point, Kent County and the westernmost tip of Grove Point, Cecil County; and keeping to the southwest of a line drawn between the northwesternmost tip of Wroth Point, Cecil County and the southernmost tip of Turkey Point, Cecil County;
(2) Susquehanna Flats:
Beginning at Stump Point on the western side of Furnace Bay; thence in a
straight line easterly to Carpenter Point; thence in a straight line
southeasterly to Red Point; thence southerly along the mean low waterline to
Turkey Point; thence in a straight line westerly to Sandy Point; thence
northwesterly along the mean low waterline to Locust Point; thence westerly
following the shoreline to Plum Point; thence in a straight line northwesterly
to Swan Creek Point; thence northeasterly along the mean low waterline to
Concord Point; thence in a straight line easterly to Stump Point.
(3) Elk River: Beginning at
Turkey Point; thence northeast following the shoreline to Hyland's Point on the
Elk River; thence northeast following the shoreline to Bull Minnow Point;
thence east to Welch Point; thence southeast following the shoreline to Town
Point; thence southwest to Arnold Point; thence southwest following the
shoreline to Grove Point; thence north to Turkey Point.
(4) Sassafras River:
Beginning at Grove Point, only in the Cecil County portion of the Sassafras
River located west of 75º58'45".
[(2)] (5) (text unchanged)
[(3) That part of the
open waters of the Potomac River in St. Mary's and Charles counties described
as follows: Keeping to the south of a line drawn between the southernmost tip
of Kits Point, St. Mary's County and the southernmost tip of Deep Point, St. Mary's
County; keeping to the south of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of
Huggins Point, St. Mary's County and the southernmost tip of St. Clements
Island, St. Mary's County; keeping to the southwest of a line drawn between the
northwesternmost tip of St. Catherine Island, St. Mary's County and the
southernmost tip of Cobb Island, Charles County; keeping to the south of a line
drawn true east across the mouth of Port Tobacco River from the easternmost tip
of Windmill Point, Charles County to where that line intersects the shoreline
above Mt. Air Road, Charles County; and keeping to the south of a line drawn
between the westernmost tip of Sandy Point, Charles County and the mouth of Chopawamsic Creek, Stafford County, Virginia;]
(6) Potomac River: Beginning
at the intersection of mean low watermark at Point Lookout, marking Chesapeake
Bay waters; thence following the mean low waterline of the shore northwesterly
across the respective mouths of all creeks to Gray Point at the westerly
entrance into Rowley Bay; thence in a straight line northwesterly to the
southerly extremity of Kitts Point; thence along the mean low waterline to the
southwesterly point of St. Inigoes Neck; thence in a
straight line westerly to the most easterly point of St. Georges Island; thence
following the mean low waterline in a general northwesterly direction, across
the respective mouths of all creeks and inlets to the southwesterly point of
Huggins Point, thence in a straight line southwesterly to the eastern extremity
of the sandbar known as Heron Island; thence southwesterly in a straight line
to the most southerly point of Blackiston Island; thence in a straight line
northwesterly to the southern extremity of Colton's Point; thence following the
mean low waterline, westerly, excluding all creeks and inlets, to the point
marking the southeasterly entrance into St. Catherine Sound; thence westerly in
a straight line to the southern extremity of St. Catherine Island Sandbar;
thence northwesterly along the westerly edge of that sandbar continuing along
the mean low waterline of the southwesterly side of St. Catherine Island to the
northwesterly point of the island; thence westerly in a straight line to Cobb
Point Bar Lighthouse; thence northwesterly along the ridge of Cobb Point
Sandbar to the southerly extremity of Cobb Point; thence following the mean low
waterline in general northwesterly and northerly directions across the
respective mouths of all creeks and inlets to a point where the eastern span of
the Potomac River Bridge (Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge) crosses the
mean low watermark on the Maryland shore; thence following the mean low
waterline, northerly, excluding all creeks and inlets to a point on the shore
due east of Windmill Point; thence west to Windmill Point; thence following the
mean low waterline southwesterly, excluding all creeks and inlets to Upper
Cedar Point; thence following the mean low waterline westerly, excluding all
creeks and inlets to Blossom Point; thence in a straight line southeasterly to
Blue Heron Point; thence following the mean low waterline southwesterly,
excluding all creeks and inlets to Maryland Point; thence following the mean
low waterline northwesterly, excluding all creeks and inlets to Smith Point;
thence following the mean low waterline northerly, excluding all creeks and
inlets to Sandy Point; thence following the mean low waterline northerly,
excluding all creeks and inlets to Moss Point; thence in a straight line
northeasterly to the southern tip of Stump Neck; thence following the mean low
waterline northeasterly, excluding all creeks and inlets to the most
northwesterly point of Stump Neck; thence in a straight line northeasterly to
Deep Point; thence following the mean low waterline northeasterly, excluding
all creeks and inlets to a point on the shore due south of Hollis Point; thence
in a straight line northerly to Hollis Point; thence following the mean low
waterline northeasterly to a point on the shore that marks the boundary between
Charles and Prince George's Counties; thence following the Charles-Prince
George's County line northwesterly across the Potomac River to where the
Charles-Prince George's intersects the mean low watermark on the Commonwealth
of Virginia shore; thence southerly following the Maryland-Virginia state line
to Smith Point and thence in a straight line across the mouth of the Potomac
River, on the established line from Smith Point to Point Lookout, to the mean
low watermark at Point Lookout, the place of the beginning.
[(4)] (7)—[(7)] (10) (text unchanged)
[(8)] (11) That part of the open waters of Tangier Sound, Fishing Bay, Monie Bay, Manokin River, Big Annemessex River, and Kedges Straits in Dorchester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties described as follows: [Keeping to the south of a line drawn between the westernmost tip of Roasting Ear Point, Dorchester County and the mouth of McCreadys Creek, Dorchester County;] [keeping] Keeping to the south of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Frog Point, Dorchester County and the southernmost tip of Nanticoke Point, Wicomico County; keeping to the south of a line drawn between the southernmost tip of Nanticoke Point, Wicomico County and the westernmost tip of Wingate Point, Somerset County; and keeping to the south of a line drawn between St. Pierre Island, Somerset County and the northernmost tip of Cormal Point, Somerset County;
[(9)] (12)—[(10)] (13) (text unchanged)
[B. A person may not hunt within 800 yards of any shore described in §A(1)—(9) emerging at mean low water.
C. A person may not hunt within 500 yards of any bridge, road, or
causeway or within 250 yards of any person hunting wild waterfowl.]
B. A person hunting wild
waterfowl in the Sea Duck Zone shall remain at least:
(1) 800 yards from any shore,
including shore emerging at mean low water, except in the following waters,
where a person hunting wild waterfowl shall remain at least 400 yards from
shore, including shore emerging at mean low water:
(a) Chesapeake Bay located in
Baltimore, Harford, and St. Mary’s counties as described in §A(1) of this
regulation;
(b) Potomac River as
described in §A(3) of this regulation;
(c) Susquehanna Flats as
described in §A(2) of this regulation; and
(d) Dorchester, Somerset, and
Wicomico counties as described in §A(11) and (12) of this regulation;
(2) 250 yards from any person
legally hunting wild waterfowl; and
(3) 500 yards from any bridge,
road, or causeway.
[D.] C. Hunters may pursue and shoot crippled waterfowl in a vessel (boat) under power in the [Special] Sea Duck Zone.
.07 Areas Open to Offshore Waterfowl Hunting.
A. (text unchanged)
B. The following areas are
open:
(1) Chesapeake Bay:
Beginning at Turkey Point on the northern side of the mouth of Elk River; then
westerly to Sandy Point; thence along the eastern and southern shores of Spesutie Island to Bear Point; thence to Black Point;
thence southwesterly along shore to Abbey Point; thence to Lego Point; thence
along shore of Gunpowder Neck to southwestern tip of Rickett Point; [thence to Lower Island Point;] thence to the south of a line drawn from Rickett Point, Harford County and the
southernmost tip of Lower Island Point, Baltimore County [northeasterly point of Millers Island;
thence southeasterly along the shores of Millers Island, Hart Island, and
Patapsco River Neck to North Point; thence to Bodkin Point]; keeping to the east of a
line drawn from the southernmost tip of North Point, Baltimore County to the
northernmost tip of Rock Point, Anne Arundel County; thence southerly along
the shores of Mountain Point; thence to Persimmon Point; thence along the
shores to a point on Sandy Point due west of Sandy Point Light; thence to
Hackett Point, thence to Greenbury Point; thence to Tolly Point; thence
southerly along the shore to southeasternmost tip of Arundel on the Bay; thence
to Thomas Point; thence in a straight line across the mouth of South River to
Saunders Point thence in a southwesterly direction along the shore to Dutchman
Point; thence in a straight line across the mouth of West River to Curtis
Point; thence to Horseshoe Point; thence to Franklin Point; thence in a
southwesterly direction along the shore to Holland Point; thence southerly
along the shores to Cove Point and to Drum Point; thence to Hog Point; thence
along the shores to Cedar Point to Point No Point and to Point Lookout; thence
southeasterly across the Potomac River to Smith Point; thence northeasterly
along State Line to intersection with westerly shore of Smith Island, crossing
Big Thorofare at points marking its western entrance and continuing northward
along shore to Fog Point; thence northwesterly to Holland Island Bar Light;
thence to the southernmost point of Holland Island; thence along the western
shores of Holland Island, Adam Island, Billys Island (Pone Island) and
Bloodsworth Island to tip of shore on southwesterly side of entrance into Okahanikan Cove; [thence
northwesterly to Richland Point, Middle Hooper Island;] thence keeping to the
southeast of a line drawn between the center of Norman Cover, Dorchester County
and the southernmost tip of Lower Hooper Island, Dorchester County; thence
following the western shores of Hooper Islands to Pons Point; thence to Sand
Point; [thence along the western
shore of Barren Island to Barren Island Point;] thence to the
southernmost tip of The Marshes; thence along the western shores of Meekins
Neck, Taylors Island and James Island to James Point on Upper James Island;
thence to Black Walnut Point; thence northerly along the western shore of
Tilghman Point to Triangulation Station WAP on the northern shore of Paw-paw
Cove; thence running northwesterly to the most southwest point of Poplar
Island; thence northeasterly along shore to the northeasternmost
point of Poplar Island; thence to Kent Point; thence northerly along western
shore of Kent Island to Love Point; thence northerly to Swan Point Channel
Quick Flashing Red Buoy #4; thence in the same direction to Tolchester
Channel flashing buoy #15; [thence
to can buoy #26B;] thence to Tolchester Channel flashing buoy #21; thence in a
northeasterly direction to [black
and white spar] Tolchester Channel flashing green buoy [#N25B] #27; thence to [black and white spar] Tolchester Channel flashing buoy [#N23B] #37; [thence to black can #42B;] thence to flashing [bell] green buoy [#30] #45; [thence to flashing buoy #34; thence to
flashing buoy #36;] thence easterly
to Howell Point, Kent County; thence to Grove Point; thence to Turkey Point.
(2)—(7) (text unchanged)
(8) The open waters of Pocomoke Sound, Somerset County and in Chincoteague
Bay, Newport Bay, and Isle of Wight Bay, Worcester County. [Chincoteague Bay: Beginning at the
State line on the western side of Chincoteague Bay; thence northeasterly
following the shoreline of Mills Island to Assacorkin
Island; thence northeasterly to Big Bay Point; thence northwesterly to Martin
Point; thence northerly to Watermelon Point; thence northerly to Richs Point;
thence northerly to Kelly Point, thence northerly to Out Point; thence
northeasterly to the southeast tip of Cropper Island; thence easterly to Knot
Point; thence southerly to Island Point; thence southeasterly to South Point;
thence northerly to Green Point; thence easterly to Sandy Point Island; thence
southerly to Goose Point; thence southwesterly to the eastern tip of Great
Egging Island; thence southerly to the eastern tip of Tingles Island; thence
southerly to Fox Hill Point; thence southeasterly to Whittington Point; thence
southeasterly to Bay Island; thence easterly to Bay Point; thence southeasterly
to Striking Marsh; thence southerly to West Bay Tump.]
(9) The waters of the Atlantic Ocean opposite the Maryland Shore.
C. (text unchanged)
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural
Resources
Title 13B
MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
13B.08.17 Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit
Authority: Education Article, §11-105(u); Tax-General Article, §10-740; Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-085-P]
The Maryland Higher Education Commission proposes to amend
Regulations .02—.05 under COMAR 13B.08.17 Student Loan Debt Relief
Tax Credit. This action was considered at an open meeting of the Commission
held on June 28, 2023.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to change the eligibility categories for the Tax Credit pursuant to Ch. 738, Acts of 2023, and to clarify some existing language.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Geoff Newman, Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, Maryland Higher Education Commission, 6 N. Liberty St., 10th Fl., Baltimore, MD 20201, or call 410-767-3085, or email to geoff.newman@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.02 Definitions.
A.—D. (text unchanged)
[E. “Income” means the adjusted gross income reported by a qualified taxpayer on their federal tax return in the tax year immediately preceding the year the taxpayer applies for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit.]
[F.] E.—[I.] H. (text unchanged)
[J.] I. “Qualified taxpayer” means an individual who has:
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) At least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt [when submitting] as of the submission date of an application under Regulation .04 of this chapter.
[K. “Undergraduate or graduate education” means
credit-bearing coursework towards an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree,
or a degree or certificate above the bachelor’s level, including but not
limited to a master’s degree and a doctorate degree.]
.03 Tax Credit.
A.—C. (text unchanged)
D. The total amount of a Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit claimed under a qualified taxpayer’s income tax return and approved by the Comptroller pursuant to §F of this regulation shall be recaptured if the qualified taxpayer does not use an approved credit for the repayment of the qualified taxpayer’s student loan debt within [2] 3 years from the close of the taxable year in which the credit is awarded. The qualified taxpayer who claimed the approved tax credit shall pay the total amount of the credit claimed as taxes payable to the State of Maryland for the taxable year in which the event requiring recapture of the credit occurs.
E.—F. (text unchanged)
.04 Applying to the Commission for Certification of a Tax Credit.
A.—B. (text unchanged)
C. The Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit application shall require a qualified taxpayer to submit, in a form prescribed by the Secretary, information required by the Secretary to determine the taxpayer’s eligibility for certification, including but not limited to:
(1) The qualified taxpayer’s full legal name, date of birth, [gender,] residency address, email address, phone number, and social security number;
(2) The name of the institution or institutions attended, date the qualified taxpayer’s degree or degrees were awarded, and dates of attendance attributable to the qualified taxpayer’s student loan debt;
(3) (text unchanged)
(4) For each student loan debt that contributes to the amount of student loan debt attested to pursuant to §C(3) of this regulation, the:
(a)—(c) (text unchanged)
(d) Original amount of the student loan debt disbursed to the qualified taxpayer; and
[(e) Total amount of debt that the qualified taxpayer has incurred under the student loan debt; and]
[(f)] (e) Total amount of the student loan debt currently outstanding at the time the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit application is submitted;
(5) (text unchanged)
(6) Information that the Secretary deems necessary in order to allow the Commission to determine the qualified taxpayer's adjusted gross income;
(7)—(8) (text unchanged)
(9) A signed statement of assurance by the qualified taxpayer that the individual shall use any credit approved by the Commission and accepted by the Comptroller for the repayment of the individual’s student loan debt as soon as practicable and not later than [2] 3 years after the taxable year in which the credit is claimed.
D. (text unchanged)
.05 Commission Action on an Application.
A.—C. (text unchanged)
D. The Commission shall prioritize tax credit recipients and amounts credited to each recipient in the following order:
[(1) Qualified taxpayers who did not receive a tax credit in the prior year and who were eligible for in-State tuition;
(2) Qualified taxpayers who did not receive a tax credit in the prior year and who graduated from an institution of higher education located in the State;
(3) Qualified taxpayers who did receive a tax credit in the prior year and who were eligible for in-State tuition;
(4) Qualified taxpayers who did receive a tax credit in the prior year and who graduated from an institution of higher education located in the State; and
(5) Qualified taxpayers who have higher debt-burden-to-income
ratios.]
(1) Qualified taxpayers who are State employees and graduated
from institutions of higher education in the State where at least 40 percent of
the attendees are eligible to receive federal Pell Grants;
(2) Qualified taxpayers who are State employees and are not
described under §D(1) of this regulation;
(3) Qualified taxpayers who are not State employees and
graduated from institutions of higher education in the State where at least 40
percent of the attendees are eligible to receive federal Pell Grants; and
(4) All other qualified taxpayers, who may be prioritized based
on one or more of the following categories:
(a) Those who did not receive a tax credit in the prior year;
(b) Those who graduated from an institution of higher education
located in the State;
(c) Those who were eligible for in-State tuition; and
(d) Those who have higher debt-burden-to-income ratios.
[E. In certifying amounts to qualified taxpayers, the Commission shall consider allocations that maximize the number of qualified taxpayers that receive a certification.]
[F.] E. (text unchanged)
SANJAY RAI
Secretary of Higher
Education
Title 25
OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER
Subtitle 04 MARYLAND 529 PROGRAM
25.04.01 Maryland
Prepaid College Trust Claim Procedures
Authority: Education Article, §18-1917, Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-080-P]
The Office
of the State Treasurer proposes to adopt new Regulations .01—.10 under a
new chapter, COMAR 25.04.01 Maryland Prepaid College Trust
Claim Procedures, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 04 Maryland 529 Program.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to add the Maryland 529 Program under the authority of the Office of the State Treasurer and adopt new COMAR 25.04.01 to regulate Maryland Prepaid College Trust Claim procedures.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Jonathan Martin, Chief Deputy Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer, 80 Calvert Street, Room 109, Annapolis, MD 21401, or call 410-260-7080, or email to jmartin@treasurer.state.md.us. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.01 Scope.
These claim procedures apply to claims arising from the
administration of the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and are subject to and in
accordance with Education Article, §18-1917, Annotated Code of Maryland.
.02 Definitions.
A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings
indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) “Account holder” means an account holder as defined in
Education Article, §18-1901(c), Annotated Code of Maryland ,who, on or after
November 1, 2021, had an open and existing prepaid contract, as determined by
the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.
(2) “Claim” means a written demand for monetary damages arising
from the administration of the Trust that is submitted to the Treasurer, and
that meets the requirements of Regulations .03—.05 of this chapter.
(3) “Claim Administrator” means the person or people delegated
by the Treasurer with the administrative duty of processing claims.
(4) “Claim Portal” means the online system used for submission
and administration of claims.
(5) “Claimant” means an account holder or qualified beneficiary
who submits a claim in accordance with the claim process established in these
regulations.
(6) “Eligible institution of higher education” means an eligible
institution of higher education as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(f),
Annotated Code of Maryland.
(7) “Maryland 529” means the Maryland 529 Program created by
Education Article, Title 18, Subtitle 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(8) “Prepaid contract” means a prepaid contract as defined in
Education Article, §18-1901(j), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(9) “Qualified beneficiary” means a qualified beneficiary as
defined in Education Article, §18-1901(l), Annotated Code of Maryland, who, on
or after November 1, 2021, was a qualified beneficiary of an open and existing
prepaid contract, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole
discretion.
(10) “Qualified higher education expenses” means those qualified
higher education expenses as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(m),
Annotated Code of Maryland.
(11) “Qualified state tuition program” means a qualified state
tuition program as defined in Education Article, §18-1901(n), Annotated Code of
Maryland.
(12) “State personnel” means a State employee or official who is
paid in whole or in part by the Central Payroll Bureau in the Office of the
Comptroller.
(13) “Submit” or its variations means actual receipt by the
Treasurer.
(14) “Treasurer” means the State Treasurer of Maryland or the
Treasurer’s Designee.
(15) “Treasurer’s designee” means only the Chief Deputy
Treasurer, the Deputy Treasurer for the Maryland 529 Program, or the Director
of Maryland 529.
(16) “Trust” means the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust established under Education
Article, Title 18, Subtitle 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.
.03 Submission of Claims.
A. A proper claim shall:
(1) Contain a concise statement of facts that sets forth the
nature of the claim;
(2) State the name, address, telephone number, and email
address, if any, of the claimant;
(3) State the prepaid contract account number to which the claim
relates;
(4) Contain a demand for money damages;
(5) State the name, address, telephone number, and email address
of the legal representative for the claimant, if any;
(6) Relate to a prepaid contract that was open and existing on
or after November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s
sole discretion; and
(7) Be signed by the claimant, or a legal representative on
behalf of the claimant.
B. A claim may be submitted:
(1) Online using the Claim Portal which can be accessed on the
Maryland 529 website (www.maryland529.com); or
(2) By mailing a written notice of claim to MPCT Claims, c/o
Maryland State Treasurer’s Office, Goldstein Treasury Building, 80 Calvert
Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.
C. A valid claim that meets the requirements of §A of this
regulation, shall be deemed to have been submitted as of the date it is
received by the Treasurer.
D. Submission of a claim to any unit of State government other
than the Treasurer does not constitute proper submission of a claim.
E. A claim submitted to the Treasurer that is not in compliance
with the requirements stated above shall be denied.
.04 Who May Submit a Claim.
A. A claim may be submitted to the Treasurer, as the fiduciary
of the Trust, by an account holder, or by the authorized legal representative
of the account holder, with respect to a prepaid contract that was open and
existing on or after November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the
Treasurer’s sole discretion.
B. A claim may also be submitted to the Treasurer, as the
fiduciary of the Trust, by a qualified beneficiary or by the authorized legal
representative of the qualified beneficiary, but only with respect to a
distribution that was made to the qualified beneficiary or to an eligible
institution of higher education on the qualified beneficiary’s behalf and only
with respect to a prepaid contract that was open and existing on or after
November 1, 2021, as determined by the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s sole discretion.
C. A claim submitted by a legal representative shall:
(1) Be presented in the name of the claimant; and
(2) Be signed by the legal representative.
D. A Claim Administrator may require that any claim submitted by
a legal representative be supplemented by evidence that the legal
representative is authorized to submit a claim on behalf of the claimant.
.05 Time for Filing.
A. A claim shall be submitted not later than 1 year after the
date the claim arises.
B. The filing deadline set forth in §A of this regulation may
not be suspended or tolled by reason of infancy, incompetency, other
disability, or filing of suit.
.06 Initial Verification.
A. Upon submission of a claim, the Claim Administrator shall:
(1) Verify the claimant’s identity and status as an account
holder or a qualified beneficiary under a prepaid contract;
(2) Verify the prepaid contract account information and that the
prepaid contract was open and existing on or after November 1, 2021;
(3) If the claim was submitted by a qualified beneficiary or a
legal representative of a qualified beneficiary, verify that the claim relates
to a distribution that was made to the qualified beneficiary or to an eligible
institution of higher education on the qualified beneficiary’s behalf; and
(4) Verify that the claim was timely submitted.
B. Once the Claim Administrator has verified the information
listed in §A of this regulation, the Claim Administrator shall provide a
written acknowledgement to the claimant that the claim has been received and
will be investigated in accordance with Regulation .07 of this chapter.
C. If the Claim Administrator is unable to verify any of the
information listed in §A of this regulation, the Claim Administrator will
notify the claimant in writing of the need for additional information.
D. Following notification in writing in accordance with §C of
this regulation, if the Treasurer determines that the claimant has failed to
provide the additional information requested in a timely fashion, the claim may
be denied.
.07 Investigation of Claim.
A. The Claim Administrator shall investigate a Claim following
completion of the verification process described in Regulation .06A of this
chapter.
B. If, during the course of the investigation required by §A of
this regulation, the Treasurer or the Claim Administrator determines that
additional information is needed to make a determination as to whether to
approve or deny a claim, the claimant will be notified in writing of the need
for additional information.
C. Following notification in writing in accordance with §B of
this regulation, if the Treasurer determines that the claimant has failed to
provide the additional information requested in a timely fashion, the claim may
be denied.
D. Upon completing the investigation of a claim, the Treasurer
shall approve or deny the claim in whole or in part and notify the claimant, or
the legal representative or counsel for the claimant, in writing of the final
determination.
.08 Denial of Claim.
A. The Treasurer shall notify a claimant, or the legal
representative of the claimant, if any, in writing if a claim is denied, and
such denial shall be final.
B. A written final denial of a claim by the Treasurer may
include a general statement of the reason for the denial.
.09 Action on Approved Claim.
A. A settlement of a claim with a claimant shall be final and
shall fully dispose of the claim.
B. A settlement of a claim, regardless of amount, is not valid
without the approval of the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s designee.
C. Payment of a settlement shall be predicated upon the
Treasurer’s receipt and approval of a release of the claim and all claims
relating to or arising from the administration of the Trust against the
Treasurer, the State, each of the State’s units, all State personnel, Maryland
529, and the Trust, properly executed by the claimant.
D. If a claimant is represented by a legal representative and
the claimant’s legal representative has presented suitable evidence of
authorized representation to the Treasurer, a check issued by the Treasurer in
payment of settlement shall, upon request of the claimant’s legal
representative, designate both the claimant and the legal representative as
payee and shall be mailed or delivered to the claimant’s legal representative.
E. Acceptance by the claimant of any settlement offered shall:
(1) Be conditioned on an agreement of the account holder to
transfer all funds in the prepaid contract account which is the subject of the
claim to any other qualified state tuition program;
(2) Be final and conclusive as to the claimant, any qualified
beneficiary of the prepaid contract to which the claim relates, the claimant’s
legal representative, and any other person who has or may make a claim related
to the prepaid contract to which the claim relates; and
(3) Constitute a complete release of any claim arising from the
administration of the Trust against the Treasurer, the State, each of the State’s
units, all State personnel, Maryland 529, and the Trust.
.10 Payment of Claims Limited to Assets of Trust.
A. As set forth in Education Article, §18-1917(h), Annotated
Code of Maryland, any claim by an account holder or a qualified beneficiary
shall be made solely against the assets of the Trust.
B. The Treasurer’s final determination with respect to each
claim will be made independently and in the Treasurer’s sole discretion in the
Treasurer’s role as fiduciary to the Trust.
C. The claims process described in this chapter shall be the
exclusive remedy for a claim against the assets of the Trust.
JONATHAN MARTIN
Chief Deputy Treasurer
Title 33
STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Notice of Proposed Action
[24-087-P]
The State Board of Elections proposes to:
(1) Amend .01, .03, and .05 under COMAR 33.03.02 Copies of Registration Lists;
(2) Amend .02 under COMAR 33.05.02 Voter Registration Applications; and
(3) Amend .05 under COMAR 33.17.06 Early Voting Activities.
This action was considered by the State Board of Elections at its
May 13, 2024, meeting
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to update regulations to reflect the current voter registrations lists available to requestors. Specifically, it sets out the availability of lists of registered voters who are registered to vote by mail, on the permanent mail-in ballot request list, need to cure their mail-in ballot and voted provisionally. The regulations clarify the time frame that the cure list and provisional list are available. References to information that is available is removed and now included on the form to ensure flexibility. The regulations have been updated to reflect the current contents for the paper Voter Registration Form and to correct an erroneous reference.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Danyelle Avery, Administrator II, State Board of Elections, P.O. Box 6486, Annapolis, MD 21401, or call 410-269-2840, or email to dl_regscomments_SBE@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 9, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Subtitle 03 RECORDS MANAGEMENT
33.03.02 Copies of Registration Lists
Authority: Election Law Article, §§2-102(b)(4), 2-202(b), and 3-506(a)(2)(i) and (iv), Annotated Code of Maryland
.01 Definitions.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Terms Defined.
(1) “Cure list” means a
list of all voters
who returned a mail-in
ballot, as of the date requested, but did not sign the oath document, for a
single election.
(2) “Early voting
list” means a list of all individuals who, as of the date requested,
voted during early voting for a single election.
[(1)] (2)—[(2)] (4) (text unchanged)
(5) “Mail-in list” means a
list of all registered voters who, as of the date requested, have requested a mail-in ballot
for a single Statewide election.
(6) “Permanent mail-in
applicant list” means a list of all registered voters who, as of the date requested, have requested
a mail-in ballot for all future Statewide elections.
(7) “Provisional list” means a list of all individuals who, as of the date requested,
cast a provisional ballot for a single election.
[(3)] (8) (text unchanged)
[(4)] (9) “Voter registration list” means:
(a) A cure list;
(b) An early voting
list;
[(a)] (c) An initial registered voter list; [or]
(d) A mail-in list;
(e) A permanent mail-in
list;
(f) A provisional list;
[(b)] (g) A supplemental registered voter list[.]; or
(h) Any other list of voters
requested and approved
by the State Administrator.
.03 Applications—General.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Options. The application form shall provide a listing of:
(1) Medium options
available[, for example, printout, thumb drive];
(2) Information
options available[, for example, name, address, party affiliation,
gender, date of birth, voting history, mail-in voting, provisional voting];
(3) The sorting
options available[, for example, by name, date of birth, date of
registration]; and
(4) The scope of
options available by:
(a) (text unchanged)
(b) Voters, for example,
all, one party only, [female voters only,] inactive.
.05 Time for Applying, Responding.
A. In General. Except as otherwise provided in this regulation:
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) The State Administrator or election director, as the case may be, shall prepare the requested list within 10 [working] business days of receiving the application and any required deposit or prepayment.
B. Preelection Requests — Deadline for Requesting.
(1) Before any election, neither the State Administrator nor any election director may process an application for a voter registration list unless the application was filed [on or before the registration deadline] at least 21 days before the election.
(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Applications
for cure lists and provisional lists must be received before the close of
registration, but will be provided
after the election
for which it was requested and outside the 10
business day requirement of §A(2) of this regulation.
C. (text unchanged)
Subtitle 05 VOTER REGISTRATION
33.05.02 Voter Registration Applications
Authority: Election Law Article, §§2-102(b)(4), 2-202(b), 3-101, 3-102, 3-202, and 3-204.1, Annotated Code of Maryland
.02 Statewide VRA — Contents.
A. Required Contents. Every paper Statewide VRA shall:
(1)—(3) text unchanged
(4) Include the following questions, with boxes for the applicant to check yes or no, and the following statement:
(a) (text unchanged)
(b) [Will you be 18 years old on or before the next General Election] Are you at least 16 years old?; and
(c) (text unchanged)
(5)—(7) (text unchanged)
B. Required Notification. The following information shall be made available to each applicant who is completing a paper Statewide VRA:
(1)—(3) (text unchanged)
(4) A statement that providing the [applicant's full] last 4 digits of the applicant’s Social Security number is [optional] required if the applicant does not have a driver’s license, a citation to the statutory authority permitting the State to ask for the [full] last four digits of the Social Security number, and a statement that the [full] last 4 digits of the Social Security number will be used only for registration and other administrative purposes and will otherwise be kept confidential;
(5)—(6) (text unchanged)
C. (text unchanged)
Subtitle 17 EARLY VOTING
33.17.06 Early Voting Activities
Authority: Election Law Article, §§2-102(b)(4), 2-202(b), 9-406, and 10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland
.05 Ballots — In General.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Provisional Ballots.
(1) Except as provided in [§C(2)] §B(2) of this regulation, the local board shall ensure that a voter receives the ballot style for the voter's current residence.
(2)—(3) (text unchanged)
JARED DEMARINIS
State Administrator
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0002
2822 Solomons Island Rd, Ste 202
Jennifer Carr
jennifer@arundelrivers.org
for Anne Arundel County
Real Estate Management
2662 Riva Road, FL 4
Annapolis, MD 21401
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0002.
Location: The proposed project is located within the tidal waters of the South River along the Long Point peninsula of 3553 Loch Haven Drive, Edgewater, South River Farm Park in Anne Arundel County.
The purpose of the project is to prevent shoreline erosion and increase shoreline resilience.
1. Construct seven 82-foot long and 6-foot wide low-profile stone and reef ball “habitat sills,” a maximum of one-half foot above mean high water, all extending a maximum of 47 feet channelward of the mean high water line at an existing marsh.
2. Construct two low profile stone sills totaling 440-linear feet by13.5-foot wide, a maximum of one-half foot above mean high water, all extending a maximum of 117 feet channelward of the mean high water line at an existing marsh.
3. Construct one 285-foot long and 13.5-foot wide curvilinear low-profile stone sill, a maximum of one-half foot above mean high water, all extending a maximum of 63 feet channelward of the mean high water line at an existing marsh.
4. Construct five submerged reef ball sill structures totaling 675 linear feet by 12-foot wide, a maximum of one foot below mean high water all extending a maximum of 245 feet channelward of the mean high water line at an existing marsh.
5. Construct two approximately 30-foot long by 3-foot wide woody habitat structures, submerged, all extending a maximum of 60 feet channelward of the mean high water line at an existing marsh.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Melissa McCanna at melissa.mccanna@maryland.gov or at 410-537-4053.
[24-16-06]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0004
US Wind
c/o Jeffrey Grybowski
401 East Pratt Street, Suite 1810
Baltimore, MD
21202
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0004
Location: 12929 & 12933 Harbor Road, Ocean City, MD 21842
The purpose of the project is to improve navigable access and to control shoreline erosion.
Description of Authorized Work:
1. Construct a 353 foot long by 30 foot wide concrete pier with associated timber fender, all within a maximum of 30 feet channelward of the mean high water line.
2. Construct 383 linear feet of replacement steel bulkhead a maximum of 18 inches channelward of the mean high water line.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision, and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Miles Simmons at robertm.simmons@maryland.gov or at 410-901-4044.
[24-16-07]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0005
Patuxent Naval Air Station
C/o Scott Hardaway
PO Box 157
Achilles, VA 23001
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0005.
Location: On the Patuxent River at Cedar Point Road, Patuxent River, MD 20670, St Mary's County.
Description of Authorized Work: 1) To fill, grade, and plant transitional marsh vegetation and nourish an existing beach by emplacing 42,200 square feet of transitional habitat, 10,872 cubic yards of sand, and a series of three breakwaters that will consist of the following: a 210-foot long by 30-foot wide stone breakwater; a 230-foot long by 29-foot wide stone breakwater; a 233-foot long by 32-foot wide stone breakwater, all extending a maximum of 165 feet channelward of the mean high water line; 2) To fill, grade, and plant marsh vegetation by emplacing 55,120 square feet of spartina altemiflora, 8,500 square feet transitional habitat, 6,017 cubic yards of sand and a series of six stone sills and two stone spurs that will consist of the following: a 140-foot long by 18-foot wide stone sill; a 145-foot long by 18-foot wide stone sill a 317-foot long by 18-foot wide stone sill; a 278-foot long by 18-foot wide stone sill; a 585-foot long by 21-foot wide stone sill; a 349-foot long by 22-foot wide stone sill and a 100-footong by 25-foot wide stone spur and a 250-foot long by 25-foot wide stone spur, all extending a maximum of 165 feet channelward of the mean high water line; 3) Emplace 1,130 feet of stone revetment within a maximum of 23 feet channel ward of the mean high water line.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision, and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Justin Bereznak at justin.bereznak@maryland.gov or 410-537-3782
[24-16-08]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0011
Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks
1361 Wrighton Rd
Lothian, MD 20711
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0011.
Location: 6032 Pindell Rd., Lothian, Maryland 20711
The purpose of the project is to stabilize an eroding shoreline and create habitat:
1. Construct a living shoreline consisting of: one stone groin, measuring 65-feet long and18-feet wide; and, three stone breakwaters, measuring 102-feet long by 34-feet wide, 106-feet long by 34-feet wide, and 104-feet long by 29-feet wide, sand containment structures; and, fill and grade with 2,011 cubic yards of sand/cobble mixture along 250 linear feet of eroding shoreline and plant with 11,728 square feet of low marsh and 13,156 square feet of high marsh vegetation; and, to incorporate coarse woody debris; and,
2. To create a 1,450 square foot sandy beach area using 50 cubic yards of sand fill.
3. All proposed work is to take place within a maximum of 120 feet channelward of the mean high water line.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision: This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Mel Throckmorton at mel.throckmorton@maryland.gov or 410-375-2803.
[24-16-09]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0013
Talisman Plantation, LLC
300 Talisman Circle Road
Grasonville, MD 21638
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0013.
Location: 300 Talisman Circle Road, Grasonville, Queen Anne’s County, MD 21638.
The purpose of the project is to restore marsh habitat, reduce sediment and nutrient loads to the Chesapeake Bay, and protect the shoreline from erosion by:
1. Construction of twenty breakwaters with the following dimensions: 57-foot long by 14.8-foot wide, 56-foot long by 13.2-foot wide, 52-foot long by 13.6-foot wide, 81-foot long by 14.4-foot wide, 81-foot long by 14.3-foot wide, 83-foot long by 14.5-foot wide, 81-foot long by 15.1-foot wide, 56-foot long by 11.6-foot wide, 56-foot long by 14.8-foot wide, 67-foot long by 13.3-foot wide, 67-foot long by 12.7-foot wide, 67-foot long by 13.2-foot wide; 41-foot long by 15-foot wide; 38-foot long by 14.5-foot wide, 67-foot long by 14.6-foot wide, 67-foot long by 11-foot wide, 85-foot long by 13.2-foot wide, 74-foot long by 12-foot wide, 65-foot long by 13.1-foot wide, 67-foot long by 7.5-foot wide.
2. Construction of ten groins with the following dimensions: 28-foot wide by 14-foot long, 30-foot wide by 14-foot long, 23-foot wide by 13-foot long, 20- foot wide by 13-foot long, 10-foot wide by 9-foot long, 15-foot wide by 11-foot long, 18-foot wide by 12-foot long, 31-foot wide by 12-foot long, 16-foot wide by 11-foot long, 7-foot wide by 11-foot long
3. To fill and grade with 2,524 cubic yards of sand along 2,445 feet of eroding shoreline and establish 38,334 square feet of low marsh and enhance 14,810 square feet of high marsh; and
4. To emplace 847 square feet of cobble beach; all work constructed within a maximum of 46 feet channelward of the mean high water line.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Matt Godbey at matt.godbey@maryland.gov or 410-901-4033.
[24-16-16]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0016
Sean and Nicolle Krebs
c/o Dani Racine
Lane Engineering, LLC
117 Bay Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0016.
Location: Hooper Neck Rd, Lot 1 Parcel 0024, Taylors Island, MD 21669 in Dorchester County.
The purpose of the proposed work is to stabilize the shoreline and reduce erosion.
Description of Authorized Work:
Construct a 320-foot long by 14-foot wide stone breakwater, with three ten-foot wide vents, within a maximum of 29 feet channelward of the mean high water line.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Matt Godbey at matt.godbey@maryland.gov or 410-901-4033.
[24-16-10]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0017
The Wharf Of Handy's Point, Inc
c/o Robert (Buck) Nickerson
Extreme Measures Surveying, LLC
23680 Ricauds Branch Rd
Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0017.
Location: 23153 Green Point Road Worton, MD 21678
The purpose of the proposed work is to update existing facilities and maintain navigable access of the marina.
Description of Authorized Work:
1. Remove an existing pier and associated structures;
2. Replace a 70-foot long by 7-foot wide timber pier, install a 30-foot long by 5-foot wide metal gangway, and construct a 20-foot long by 8-foot wide floating platform;
3. Construct a 140-foot long by 8-foot wide main timber pier, three 50-foot long by 5-foot wide floating finger piers, three 40-foot long by 5-foot wide floating finger piers, a 98-foot long by 5-foot wide floating “T” shaped pier, and six mooring piles. All within a maximum of 192 feet channelward of the mean high water line.
4. Mechanically maintenance dredge a 26,146 square foot irregularly shaped area to a depth of -5.0 feet at mean low water and mechanically maintenance dredge a 6,630 square foot irregularly shaped area to a depth of -7.0 feet at mean low water. Approximately 1,449 cubic yards of dredged material will be deposited at an approved upland disposal site located on-site; and to provide for periodic maintenance dredging for six years.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Matt Godbey at matt.godbey@maryland.gov or 410-901-4033.
[24-16-11]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality
Certification 24-WQC-0028
Maryland Transportation Authority
8019 Corporate Drive, Suite F
Nottingham, MD 21236
This notice is being republished to correct a typographical error in the project webpage link, which has been updated as part of this republication. No other information has changed.
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(1)(d), the Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of a scheduled Public Hearing for Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0028.
Location: I-695 over the Patapsco River, within Baltimore City and Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties
The Maryland Transportation Authority has requested a Water Quality Certification for construction of a new bridge to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Rebuild Project will include construction of a new bridge, which will incorporate reinforced pier foundations, pier protection islands and dolphins in the Patapsco River to protect the piers and will tie the new bridge into the existing roadway on either side of the river. The project location will be the same as the original bridge, following the existing centerline across the Patapsco River. The new bridge will remain within MDTA’s existing right-of-way (ROW). The bridge will consist of four 12-foot wide lanes with two 10-foot wide outside shoulders and two 4-foot side inside shoulders. The entire bridge will be approximately 2.4 miles including approximately 1 mile over the Patapsco River. The proposed bridge will have an air draft of 230 feet over the 800-foot-wide authorized Fort McHenry Navigation Channel. The bridge towers will have a maximum height of 550 feet. The bridge construction will include both tidal and nontidal impacts.
NONTIDAL IMPACTS: Temporary impacts to nontidal wetlands and their buffers will be due to construction access and permanent impacts will be due to grading and construction of pier foundations. The total combined temporary and permanent impacts are: 10,962 square feet of nontidal wetlands, 57,163 square feet of 25-foot nontidal wetland buffer and 848 square feet of waterway impacts.
TIDAL IMPACTS: The tidal impacts will be due to both temporary construction impacts, and permanent impacts caused by bridge pier and tower construction, collision protection including both dolphins and pier protection islands, and the coverage caused by the bridge span over the Patapsco. The total combined temporary and permanent impacts are 539,607 square feet (12.14 acres) to tidal water.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public about the proposed work and to announce the date of a Maryland Department of the Environment public informational hearing on the request for certification. At this time, no decision has been made as to whether a certification will be issued. A public informational hearing has been scheduled for the referenced project on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Dundalk Campus, 7200 Sollers Point Rd, Baltimore, MD 21222. A poster session will be held from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM; the informational hearing will begin at 5:30 PM and end no later than 7:30 PM. Written comments will be accepted until October 1, 2024. Additional information on this project is available at the following link: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/FrancisScottKeyBridge.aspx
Contact: Matthew Wallach at matthew.wallach@maryland.gov or 410-207-0893.
[24-16-13]
Notice
of ADA Compliance
The State of Maryland is committed to
ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to fully participate in
public meetings. Anyone planning to
attend a meeting announced below who wishes to receive auxiliary aids,
services, or accommodations is invited to contact the agency representative at
least 48 hours in advance, at the telephone number listed in the notice or
through Maryland Relay.
STATE COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD
Date and Time: August 22, 2024, 2 — 3 p.m.; thereafter the public meetings will take place the second Tuesday of every month, accessed via the Google Meet information below.
Add’l. Info: Google Meet joining info:
Video link: https://meet.google.com/ahz-mgnk-jsu
Or dial: (US) +1 530-738-1353
PIN: 815 799 863
If necessary, the Board will convene in a closed session to seek the advice of counsel or review confidential materials, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-305, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Contact: Ayanna Daugherty 410-230-6019
[24-16-04]
Date and Time: August 28, 2024, 9 a.m.
Place: Via Google Hangouts and Meet and in person at 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230
Add’l. Info: A portion of this meeting will be held in closed session.
Contact: Amanda Redmiles 410-537-4466
[24-16-01]
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Date and Time: September 5, 2024, 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Place: Maryland Dept. of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD; please see details regarding a virtual option below.
Add’l. Info: MDE has scheduled a meeting of the Controlled Hazardous Substance Advisory Council (the Council). The main purpose of the meeting is for MDE to discuss with the Council planned modifications to Title 26, Subtitle 13, of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.13), Disposal of Controlled Hazardous Substances.
The principal change would be the incorporation of various provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) into COMAR, including requirements for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities (40 CFR Part 266 Subpart P), designation of aerosol cans as a new category of universal waste under COMAR 26.13.10.06, adoption of conditional exclusions for certain solvent-contaminated wipes, technical revisions to the ignitability characteristic definition, and adoption of conditional exemptions to facilitate the collection and safe disposition of recalled automotive airbags. Additional changes would include revisions to the regulations on administrative procedures for hazardous waste permitting to make the regulations consistent with statutory requirements, and miscellaneous technical corrections to correct errors and remove obsolete provisions.
Details on how to join the meeting virtually will be posted on MDE’s webpage for “Land Regulations Public Hearings, Meetings and Request for Comments” at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Regulations/land/Pages/reqcomments.aspx.
The draft agenda for the meeting is as follows:
1. Introductions
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting
3. Election of a Council Chairperson
4. Discussion of planned changes to COMAR 26.13
For additional information, contact Edward Hammerberg at (410) 537-3356 or ed.hammerberg@maryland.gov.
Contact: Edward Hammerberg (410) 537-3356
[24-16-05]
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/STATE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Date and Time: August 19, 2024, 1 — 3 p.m.
Place: Via Google Meet — please see details below.
Add’l. Info: The Maryland Community Health Worker State Advisory
Committee meets quarterly.
Members of the public are welcome to
attend, but are requested to pre-register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenbz-qRQYU_TQoF6LQJiP4-.
The Google Meet link and call in number are available on the Maryland Community Health Worker State Advisory Committee webpage at https://pophealth.health.maryland.gov/Community-Health-Workers/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.
Contact: Tina Backe 443-401-7531
[24-16-03]
MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
Date and Time: August 22, 2024, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Place: Montgomery Business Park, 1800 Washington Blvd., Ste. 330, Baltimore, MD
Add’l. Info: Meeting is in person and via livestream. The link will be available the day of the meeting at https://www.mdgaming.com/commission-meeting-8-22-2024/.
Contact: Kathy Lingo 4102308790
[24-16-02]