Capitol Building Maryland Register

Issue Date:  September 20, 2024

Volume 51  •  Issue 19  • Pages 843 — 888

IN THIS ISSUE

Governor

Judiciary

Regulations

Special Documents

General Notices

Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, this issue contains all previously unpublished documents required to be published, and filed on or before August 30, 2024 5 p.m.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 August 30, 2024.
 
Gail S. Klakring
Administrator, Division of State Documents
Office of the Secretary of State

Seal

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 ................................................................  846

 

COMAR Research Aids

Table of Pending Proposals .......................................................  847

 

Index of COMAR Titles Affected in This Issue

COMAR Title Number and Name                                               Page

07       Department of Human Services ......................................  855

09       Maryland Department of Labor ..............................  854, 870

10       Maryland Department of Health .....................................  854

26       Department of the Environment .....................................  872

 

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.

 

The Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.29

Maryland 250 Commission (Amends Executive Order
   01.01.2023.10)
 849

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.30

Juvenile Grant Planning and Review Council (Amends
   Executive Order 01.01.2022.06) ........................................
 850

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.31

Renewal of Executive Order 01.01.2024.09 (Declaration of a
   State of Emergency)
 851

 

The Judiciary

SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS ................................  853

 

Final Action on Regulations

09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

RACING COMMISSION

Harness Racing .  854

DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

Heat Stress Standards .  854

10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

BOARD OF PHYSICIANS

General Licensure Regulations .  854

 

Proposed Action on Regulations

07 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Kinship Care Program ..  855

LDSS Resource Home Requirements .  861

09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS

Educational Equivalency Requirements .  870

COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS,
   APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME
   INSPECTORS — REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS

Temporary Permits and Reciprocity .  871

COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS,
  APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME
  INSPECTORS — HOME INSPECTORS

Code of Ethics .  871

Continuing Professional Competency .  871

26 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

AIR QUALITY

Advanced Clean Trucks Program ..  872

 

Special Documents

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water ...........  874

Grandfathering Registration Notice .  875

Minor Modification Notice .  875

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0038 .......................  876

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking — 2025
   Triennial Review
..  876

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES .  878

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool
   Hook and Line Fishery Modifications — Effective
   7/2/2024
.  878

Public Notice of 2024 Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery
   — Effective 7/15/2024
.  878

Public Notice of Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab
   Catch Limits — July through December 2024
.  879

Public Notice of Commercial Male Hard Crab Catch Limits
   — July through December 2024
.  880

Public Notice of 2024 Recreational Bluefish Fishery —
   Effective 7/14/2024
.  881

Public Notice of 2024—2025 Commercial Oyster Rules —
   Effective 7/3/2024
.  882

Public Notice of 2024—2025 Recreational Oyster Rules —
   Effective 7/3/2024
.  882

Public Notice of Recreational Hard Crab Catch and
   Possession Limits — July 2024 through June 2025 —
   REVISED
..  883

DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD

Proposed Additions to Handgun Roster and Notice of Right
   to Object or Petition
.  884

 

General Notices

STATE COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD

Public Meeting .  886

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Public Meeting .  886

Receipt of Application .........................................................  886

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/PHARMACY
   AND THERAPEUTICS (P&T) COMMITTEE

Public Meeting .  886

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/STATE
   ADVISORY COUNCIL ON QUALITY CARE AT THE END
   OF LIFE

Public Meeting .  886

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/WORKGROUP
   ON ISSUANCE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LICENSES
   TO TOBACCONISTS

Public Meeting .  886

MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

Formal Start of Review ..  886

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON QUALITY CARE AT
   THE END OF LIFE

Public Meeting .  887

MARYLAND VETERANS COMMISSION

Public Meeting .  887

MARYLAND COLLEGE COLLABORATION FOR
   STUDENT VETERANS COMMISSION

Public Meeting .  887

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Public Meeting .  887

 

 

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 2025

Issue
Date

Emergency

and Proposed

Regulations

5 p.m.*

Notices, etc.

10:30 a.m.

Final

Regulations

10:30 a.m.

2024

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

2025

 

 

 

January 10

December 23

December 30

December 31**

January 24

January 6

January 13

January 15

February 7

January 17**

January 27

January 29

February 21

February 3

February 10

February 12

March 7

February 14**

February 24

February 26

March 21

March 3

March 10

March 12

April 4

March 17

March 24

March 26

April 18

March 31

April 7

April 9

May 2

April 14

April 21

April 23

May 16

April 28

May 5

May 7

May 30

May 12

May 19

May 21

June 13

May 23**

June 2

June 4

June 27

June 9

June 16

June 18

July 11

June 23

June 30

July 2

July 25

July 7

July 14

July 16

August 8

July 21

July 28

July 30

August 22

August 4

August 11

August 13

September 5

August 18

August 25

August 27

September 19

August 29**

September 8

September 10

October 3

September 15

September 22

September 24

October 17

September 29

October 6

October 8

October 31

October 10**

October 20

October 22

November 14

October 27

November 3

November 5

December 1***

November 10

November 17

November 19

December 12

November 24

December 1

December 3

December 26

December 8

December 15

December 17

   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 due to holidays.

***   Note issue date changes due to holidays.

The regular closing date for Proposals and Emergencies is Monday.

 

Shape

Description automatically generated with medium confidence
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)

 

07 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

 

07.02.09.01— .13 51:19 Md. R. 855 (9-20-24)

07.02.25.01 — .24 • 51:19 Md. R. 861 (9-20-24)

 

08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

 

08.02.01.09 • 51:18 Md. R. 811 (9-6-24)

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)

08.03.03.01 • 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)

 

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)

09.11.09.02 • 51:15 Md. R. 713 (7-26-24)

09.13.07.02,.04 • 51:19 Md. R. 870 (9-20-24)

09.19.08.02 • 51:19 Md. R. 871 (9-20-24)

09.33.02.01—.09 • 50:25 Md. R. 1100 (12-15-23)

09.36.06.01 • 51:19 Md. R. 871 (9-20-24)

09.36.08.02 • 51:19 Md. R. 871 (9-20-24)

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)

 

10.09.11.11 • 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)

10.09.39.02,.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)

10.09.53.04,.05 • 51:4 Md. R. 206 (2-23-24)

10.09.92.04,.05 • 51:1 Md. R. 38 (1-12-24)

 

     Subtitles 10—22 (3rd volume)

 

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)

 

10.34.34.02,.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)

 

10.37.01.02 • 51:18 Md. R. 812 (9-6-24) (ibr)

10.37.01.03 • 51:17 Md. R. 779 (8-23-24)

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)

    

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)

       51:18 Md. R. 813 (9-6-24)

 

12 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

 

12.04.09.02 • 51:13 Md. R. 650 (6-28-24)

 

13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

13A.03.02.12 • 51:14 Md. R. 690 (7-12-24)

13A.05.09.01—.04,.07 • 51:18 Md. R. 813 (9-6-24)

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)

 

13B MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

 

13B.02.03.28 • 51:18 Md. R. 816 (9-6-24)

13B.08.17.02—.05 • 51:16 Md. R. 759 (8-9-24)

13B.08.21.01—.22 • 51:18 Md. R. 818 (9-6-24)

 

14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

 

14.22.01.12,.14 • 51:17 Md. R. 779 (8-23-24)

14.22.02.01,.02 • 51:17 Md. R. 779 (8-23-24)

14.26.03.01—.06,.08—.13 • 51:17 Md. R. 784 (8-23-24)

14.35.18.03,.04 • 51:17 Md. R. 789 (8-23-24)

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)

 

20 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

 

20.06.01.01—.09 • 51:18 Md. R. 822 (9-6-24)

20.06.02.01—.06 • 51:18 Md. R. 822 (9-6-24)

20.50.09.02,.06,.07,.09,.10,.12—.14 • 51:17 Md. R. 789 (8-23-24)

 

25 OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER

 

25.03.04.01—.06 • 51:18 Md. R. 828 (9-6-24)

25.04.01.01—.10 • 51:16 Md. R. 760 (8-9-24)

 

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)

 

Subtitle 11

26.11.43.04 51:19 Md. R. 872 (9-20-24)

    

Subtitles 19—28 (Part 4)

 

26.28.01.01—.03 • 51:18 Md. R. 830 (9-6-24) (ibr)

26.28.02.01—.05 • 51:18 Md. R. 830 (9-6-24)

26.28.03.01,.02 • 51:18 Md. R. 830 (9-6-24)

26.28.04.01—.03 • 51:18 Md. R. 830 (9-6-24)

 

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)

 

 

The Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.29

Maryland 250 Commission

(Amends Executive Order 01.01.2023.10)

 

WHEREAS, The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America will occur on July 4, 2026;

 

WHEREAS, It is in the interest of the State to develop, encourage, and execute an inclusive observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation that recognizes all Marylanders’ struggle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness before, during and after the Revolution. 

 

WHEREAS, Maryland made significant contributions to the Revolutionary War by supplying material, resources, ships and soldiers;

 

WHEREAS, This anniversary invites us to reflect on the ongoing evolution of American democracy, Maryland’s integral role in that process, and the impact of Marylanders on the nation’s past, present, and future;

 

WHEREAS, Stories of revolution exist in all periods of time and in all places and sectors of our State, demonstrating Marylanders’ boundless capacity for innovation, growth and development;

 

WHEREAS, By celebrating our successes and reckoning with our setbacks, we will deepen public understanding of our complex history, strengthen public appreciation for service to our country, and inspire public engagement in civic life; and

 

WHEREAS, Inclusive conversations about our shared past allow us to discuss who we are today and who we want to be in the future so that we may invigorate and sustain the United States of America for the benefit of future generations, ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

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, HEREBY AMEND EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.10 AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

I. There is a Maryland 250 Commission (the “Commission”).

II. Membership.

A. The Commission shall consist of the following members:

1. The Lieutenant Governor;

2. The Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary’s designee;

3. The Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;

4. The Secretary of General Services, or the Secretary’s designee;

5. The Secretary of Natural Resources, or the Secretary’s designee;

6. The Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary’s designee;

7. The Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation, or the Secretary’s designee;

8. The Secretary of State, or the Secretary’s designee;

9. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or the Secretary’s designee; 

10. The State Superintendent of Schools, or the Superintendent’s designee;

11. The State Archivist, or the Archivist’s designee;

12. The State Historic Preservation Officer, or the Officer’s designee;

13. The Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, or the Executive Director’s designee;

14. The Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council, or the Executive Director’s designee;

15. The Administrative Director of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, or the Administrative Director’s designee;

16. The Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, or the Executive Director’s designee;

17. The Adjutant General, or the Adjutant General’s designee; 

18. The Director of the Maryland Commission for Women, or the Director’s designee; and

[18] 19. Up to five members of the general public appointed by the Governor.

B. The following are invited to be, and shall be upon acceptance, members of the Commission:

1. Two members appointed by the President of the Maryland Senate;

2. Two members appointed by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates;

3. The Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Counties, or Executive Director’s designee;

4. The Executive Director of the Maryland Municipal League, or Executive Director’s designee; and

5. Up to three members from the nonprofit community, selected from the Maryland Center for History and Culture, the Maryland Humanities Council, Preservation Maryland, or other similar organizations.

C. The Governor shall appoint the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Commission.

D. Members serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

III. The Maryland Department of Planning shall provide the Commission with resources and staff as feasible and necessary for administering and facilitating the work of the Commission.

IV. Members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of duties in accordance with the State Standard Travel Regulations and as provided in the State budget.

V. The Commission shall:

A. Adopt administrative and financial procedures for the transaction of business, including, but not limited to, the establishment of advisory groups, committees, or working groups that address the themes of history, service, and civics.

B. Hold at a minimum semi-annual meetings,

1. At times and places to be determined by the Chair; 

2. That are conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act; and

3. That allow for remote meetings and electronic voting.

C. Coordinate, engage, and liaise with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, and other local, county, and state commissions, and private and public partner organizations.

D. Serve as the State of Maryland’s official representative for the Semiquincentennial, and all related activities, communications, and events.

E. Solicit, accept, use and dispose of donations, funds and gifts in conformance with the Public Ethics Law, to support the goals and purposes of the Commission.

F. Invite broad-based public input on the meaning, significance, and opportunities of this anniversary that will inform development of commemoration activities, programs, and events.

G. Acknowledge that the confiscation of Indigenous land and displacement of Indigenous people is central to the United States’ origin story and recognize the persistence and contributions of these communities today.

H. Honor the legacy of both free and enslaved African Americans in the making of Maryland and the nation, whose untold stories of heroism and perseverance are critical to the understanding of our shared past and present.

I. Support the identification and enhancement of cultural assets that tell the story of who we are as Marylanders and promote place-based visitor experiences for residents and visitors alike.

J. Engage youth, new Americans, and lifelong learners in programs designed to encourage the search for meaning behind America and deepen engagement in civic life.

K. Celebrate service to country and community, and create opportunities that promote social responsibility, compassion and understanding that will unite and strengthen Maryland’s diverse communities for the benefit of all.

VI. The Commission shall further:

A. Submit an Action Plan to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2023, that outlines the Commission’s goals, mission, and recommendations; and

B. Produce by December 31 of each year an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly that includes an update on the Action Plan, implementation benchmarks, related deadlines and schedules, and an accounting and enumeration of all contracts, donations, and gifts.

VII. The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027.

VIII. 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.

IX. 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 4th day of September, 2024.

WES MOORE
Governor

 

ATTEST:

SUSAN LEE
Secretary of State

[24-19-27]

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.30

Juvenile Grant Planning and Review Council

(Amends Executive Order 01.01.2022.06)

 

WHEREAS, The federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act sets forth federal requirements for states to qualify to receive formula grants;

 

WHEREAS, One such requirement is that a state create a State Advisory Group responsible for carrying out the requirements of the Act as they pertain to a State’s responsibilities;

 

WHEREAS, The Act requires the State Advisory Group to participate in the development and review of the State’s juvenile justice plan and with annual updates, advise the designated State agency administering the plan and granting funds, and be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on all Title II Formula Grant Applications that are submitted to the designated State agency;

 

WHEREAS, In Maryland, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services] is the State agency responsible for supervising the preparation and administration of the State’s juvenile justice plan, annual updates to the plan, and awarded funds; and

WHEREAS, The Act also requires compliance monitoring of a state’s juvenile centers and any holding areas that fall within the parameters of the monitoring guidelines of the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

 

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, HEREBY AMEND EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2022.06 AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

A. Established.

(1) There is a Juvenile Grant Planning and Review Council (the “Council”), which will serve as the State Advisory Group for purposes of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (the “Act”).

(2) The Council shall be within the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services], the State Administering Agency for funds received under the Act and the agency responsible for supervising the preparation and administration of the State’s Juvenile Justice plan, annual updates to the plan, and awarded funds.

B. Procedures.

(1) Membership.

(a) The Council shall consist of not less than 15 members and not more than 33 members appointed by the Governor, consistent with the requirements of the Act.

(b) At least one-fifth of the members must be under the age of 28 at the time of appointment.

(c) At least 3 members must have been or currently be under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system or, if not feasible and in appropriate circumstances, the parent or guardian of someone who has been or is currently under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice System, consistent with the requirements of the Act.

(2) The Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services] shall designate a member of the Council to serve as Chair.

(3) Terms.

(a) The term of a member is three years [Members may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms, which shall be staggered upon initial appointment].

(b) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the council on July 1, 2024.

(c) A member who is appointed or reappointed after a term has begun [selected to fill a vacancy] serves only for the remainder [balance] of the [a] term [remaining at the time of appointment] and until a successor is appointed.

(d) Terms end on June 30 of each year.

(e) At the end of a term, a member

1. Is eligible for reappointment, and

2. Continues to serve until a successor is appointed.

(4) Unless otherwise provided by law, the members of the Council shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

(5) A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(6) The Council may adopt such other procedures, including the creation of subcommittees and workgroups, as may be necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.

(7) Members appointed pursuant to §B(1)(b) and §B(1)(c) may receive stipends and expenses as deemed necessary by the majority of Council members that constitute a quorum, as provided in the State budget and in the Council’​s allocation from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

(8) Members of the Council not appointed pursuant to §B(1)(b) or §B(1)(c) may not receive any compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of duties, in accordance with the standard State travel regulations, as provided in the State budget, and as provided in the Council's allocation from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

C. Staffing.

(1) The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services] shall provide such staff and technical assistance to the Council as necessary and appropriate, including staff to serve as the designated Juvenile Justice Specialist required under federal law and regulations.

(2) A Compliance Monitor shall ensure compliance with federal standards regarding detention of juveniles in secure detention facilities, secure correctional facilities, non-secure facilities, secure adult lockup facilities, and court-holding facilities.

(3) A Racial and Ethnic Disparities (“R/ED”​) Coordinator shall:

(a) Primarily focus on addressing R/ED within the State’s Juvenile Justice System; and

(b) Provide technical assistance as necessary and appropriate.

D. Duties and Responsibilities.

(1) The Council shall perform the functions, and have the duties and responsibilities, set forth in the Act, as amended from time to time.

(2) The Council shall be afforded the opportunity to review all Title II Formula Grant applications and make recommendations, which the Executive Director will consider when making grant awards under the Act.

(3) The Council shall advise the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [provide advice to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services] on developing, maintaining, and expanding efforts to divert juveniles from the juvenile justice system and provide community-based alternatives to juvenile detention and correctional facilities.

(4) The Council shall advise the Compliance Monitor, R/ED Coordinator, and Juvenile Justice Specialist when necessary.

(5) The Compliance Monitor, R/ED Coordinator, and Juvenile Justice Specialist shall advise the Council of the compliance status of all monitored facilities to ensure compliance with the Act.

(6) The Council shall perform any additional duties as directed by the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services] on behalf of the Governor.

E. On or before June 30 of each year, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall submit as documentation of the Council’s activities and compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, its Juvenile Justice Reform Act federal grant application to the Governor and the Maryland Clearinghouse [Council shall report to the Governor, by way of the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, on its activities and recommendations].

F. Conflicts of Interest.

(1) The Council shall acknowledge and abide by policies and procedures set forth by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy [Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services] to guard against actual conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest for its members when making recommendations for grant awards.

(2) The procedures shall provide that Council members may not participate in any way in consideration of, or decisions about, grants to their own organizations, organizations in which they have a financial interest, or organizations in which their family members are involved.

 

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 4th Day of September, 2024.

WES MOORE
Governor

 

ATTEST:

SUSAN LEE
Secretary of State

[24-19-28]

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.31

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 August 16, 2024, by Executive Order 01.01.2024.28;

 

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 Annapolis, this 13th Day of September, 2024.

WES MOORE
Governor

 

ATTEST:

SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State

[24-19-29]

 

 

The Judiciary

SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

     This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated August 20, 2024, ALLYSON BROOKE GOLDSCHER (CPF# 0912150308), as of August 20, 2024, Allyson Brooke Goldscher has been placed on inactive status by consent, effective immediately, and her 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 August 27, 2024, BRIAN DAVID O’NEILL (CPF# 0712120129), as of August 27, 2024, Brian David O’Neill has been temporarily suspended, 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 August 27, 2024, FRANCIS H. KOH (CPF# 0312160412), as of August 27, 2024, Francis H. Koh has been suspended for six months, nunc pro tunc to May 17, 2024, 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).

[24-19-23]

 

Final Action on Regulations

 

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 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Subtitle 10 RACING COMMISSION

09.10.02 Harness Racing

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §11-210, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-244-F]

On August 15, 2024, the Maryland Racing Commission adopted amendments to Regulations .43 and .53 under COMAR 09.10.02 Harness Racing. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:24 Md. R. 1046—1048 (December 1, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: November 1, 2024.

TAMMY LAFFERTY
Chairman
Maryland Racing Commission

 

Subtitle 12 DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

09.12.32 Heat Stress Standards

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§2-106(b)(5) and 5-1201(b), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[24-081-F]

On September 10, 2024, the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.10 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.12.32 Heat Stress Standards. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:15 Md. R. 714—718 (July 26, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: September 30, 2024.

DEVKI VIRK
Commissioner of Labor and Industry

 

Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitle 32 BOARD OF PHYSICIANS

10.32.01 General Licensure Regulations

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§14-205(b), 14-207, 14-316(d),
14-317, and 14-320, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-301-F]

On August 29, 2024, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulation .10 under COMAR 10.32.01 General Licensure Regulations. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 51:2 Md. R. 83—84 (January 26, 2024), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: September 30, 2024.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Proposed Action on Regulations

 
 

Title 07
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Subtitle 02 SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

07.02.09 Kinship Care Program

Authority: Family Law Article, §§5-501 et seq. and 5-534 Annotated Code of Maryland
(Agency Note: Federal Regulatory Reference — 42 U.S.C. §§671, 672, and 674; 45 CFR §§1355.20, 1355.38, 1356.21(m), and 1356.30)

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-116-P]

The Department of Human Services proposes to adopt new Regulations .01—.13 under a new chapter, COMAR 07.02.09 Kinship Care Program.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to promulgate new regulations regarding the licensure of kinship caregivers. The regulations are based on a federal rule that gives all Title IV-E child welfare agencies the option to use kin-specific foster care licensing or approval standards and encourages them to limit those standards to federal safety requirements.

The primary purposes of these regulations are to:

(1) Prioritize and support the placement of children with relatives, kin, or other individuals close to a child in care or the child’s family;

(2) Establish a standard to license and compensate kinship caregivers for children in care;

(3) Establish a standard that local departments place children with kinship caregivers who will provide children in out-of-home care with safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environments where their connections with family are supported and maintained;

(4) Reduce placement disruptions through well-supported kinship care; and

(5) Provide a structured framework for kinship caregivers to collaborate in parenting the child in care, offering mentorship to the child's parents or guardians, and actively participating in the reunification and permanency planning process.

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 an impact on individuals with disabilities as follows:

(1) The proposed actions will include kinship caregivers, some of whom may have disabilities.

(2) The proposed changes support and advance our “Kin First” approach to out-of-home care by prioritizing important adult-child bonds, including those found by blood or marriage, when considering the best interests of children who require an out-of-home placement.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Daniel Cohen, Research Administrator, Department of Human Services, 25 S Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 443-610-5619, or email to daniel.cohen@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 21, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.01 Purpose.

A. This chapter establishes the requirements, rights, and responsibilities of kinship caregivers and local departments.

B. The primary purposes of these regulations are to:

(1) Prioritize and support the placement of children in care with relatives, kin, or other individuals who have a close relationship to a child in care or the child in care’s family;

(2) Establish standards to license and compensate kinship caregivers for children in care;

(3) Establish a standard that local departments place children in care with kinship caregivers who will provide the children in care  with safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environments where their connections with family are supported and maintained;

(4) Reduce placement disruptions through well-supported kinship care; and

(5) Provide a structured framework for kinship caregivers to collaborate in parenting the child in care, offer mentorship to the child in care's parents or guardians, and actively participate in the reunification and permanency planning process.

.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Abuse" means:

(a) Child abuse as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(b) Sexual abuse of a child as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland, whether or not a child sustains physical injuries.

(2) "Administration" means the Social Services Administration of the Department of Human Services.

(3) "Adoption" means the legal proceeding by which an individual becomes the child of an adoptive family and has all the legal rights and privileges to which a child born to that family would be entitled.

(4) “Case plan” has the meaning stated in COMAR 07.02.11

(5) “Child” means an individual under age 18.

(6) “Child in care” means a child or young adult for whom the local department has responsibility for placement, care, custody, or guardianship.

(7) “Child in care’s family” means the child in care’s birth family, adoptive family, or legal guardians.

(8) “CPS” means the child protective services unit that responds to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to Family Law Article §5-701 et. seq.

(9) “Day” means a calendar day unless otherwise specified.

(10) "Department" means the Department of Human Services.

(11) "Family" means the basic family unit consisting of one or more adults and children related by blood, marriage, adoption, legal guardianship, or domestic partnership as that term is defined in Health General Article, §6-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(12) “Household” means the location where the applicant or licensed kinship caregiver resides.

(13) “Household member” means an individual who lives in or is regularly present in a household.

(14) “Kin” means an individual who is related to the child through blood or marriage, adoption, tribal law or custom, or cultural custom or practice; or an individual who is unrelated to the child, but has a strong familial or significant bond with the child, or is a person identified by the child’s parent.

(15) "Kinship care" means continuous 24-hour care and supportive services provided for a child in care placed in the home of a kinship caregiver.

(16) "Kinship caregiver" means an individual who is at least 18 years old and with whom a child in care may be placed for temporary or long–term care; and

(a) Is related to a child in care through blood or marriage, adoption, tribal law or custom, or cultural custom or practice; and

(b) If not related as in (a) of this subsection, has a strong familial or other significant bond to such child, or is a person identified by the child’s parent.

(17) "Kinship resource home" means the residence of an individual or individuals who are licensed as a kinship caregiver.

(18) "Licensed" means approved by a local department as a kinship caregiver and a resource for custody and guardianship or adoption of a child in care.

(19) "Local department" means a department of social services in a county, Baltimore City, or the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

(20) "Local director" means the director of a local department.

(21) “Monthly care stipend” means financial support that a local department provides a kinship caregiver to assist them with caring for a child in care placed in the home.

(22) "Neglect" means child neglect as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(23) “Out-of-home care” means out-of-home placement and the monitoring of and services provided to a child in aftercare following a child’s out-of-home placement.

(24) “Out-of-home placement” means a living arrangement for a child in care, including foster care, kinship care, group care, or residential treatment care.

(25) "Parent" means the legal mother or father of a child or young adult whose rights have not been terminated or a legal guardian other than a local department.

(26) "Permanency plan" means a plan specifying where and with whom a child in care will live and the proposed legal relationship between the child in care and the temporary or permanent caregivers.

(27) “Regularly present in the household” means visiting or staying in a home with sufficient frequency to make an individual a significant part of the household.

(30) "Secondhand smoke" means a complex mixture of gasses and particles that includes:

(a) Sidestream smoke, that is, smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe; and

(b) Exhaled mainstream smoke.

(31) “Worker” means a local department staff person assigned to work with and support a kinship caregiver or a child in care.

(32) “Young adult” means an individual 18 years old or older but not yet 21.

.03 Requirements for Kinship Resource Home Licensing.

A. Background Clearance. Before or at the time of placing a child in care with a kinship caregiver, the local department shall:

(1) Review the following for any kinship caregiver or adult household member:

(a) Child protective services records;

(b) State and national sex offender registries; and

(c) Maryland Judiciary Case Search;

(2) Require the kinship caregiver and all household members 18 years old or older to apply within 5 business days for a State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background clearance at location(s) provided by the local department and at no cost to the caregiver or other adults in the home;

(3) Ask if any adult in the home has lived out of state in the last 5 years. If yes, the local department shall request documentation from the other state’s state-maintained child abuse and neglect registry; and

(4) As soon as they become available, review the results of:

    (a) Child protective services clearances;

    (b) State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background clearance; and

    (c) Out-of-state CPS clearances from any state that a kinship caregiver or household member 18 years old or older has lived within the prior 5 years to determine whether that individual has been found responsible for child abuse or neglect.        

B. Disqualifiers. The local department may not license any home in which an adult in the household:

(1) Has a felony conviction for:

(a) Child abuse or neglect;

(b) Spousal abuse;

(c) A crime against a child or children, including child pornography;

(d) A crime of violence as enumerated in Criminal Law Article, § 14-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery; or

(e) Human trafficking; or

(2) Has had a felony conviction in the prior 5 years for:

(a) Physical assault;

(b) Battery; or

(c) A drug-related offense.

C. Assessment. Before or at the time of placing a child in care with a kinship caregiver, the local department shall conduct a visit at the home of the kinship caregiver to assess the kinship caregiver and their home using the Kinship Caregiver and Home Assessment approved by the Administration to:

(1) Assess the caregiver’s willingness and ability to work with the local department and the child’s family, and to provide for the child in care’s physical, medical, mental health, and educational needs;

(2) Provide an individualized assessment and objective facts to determine whether the kinship caregiver can meet the physical and mental health needs of the child in care, with consideration of the need for additional support, or reasonable accommodations, or a reasonable modification of policies, practices, or procedures, and including the nature, duration, and severity of a risk to the child, and the likelihood that potential injury to the child will occur. The assessment may not be based on stereotypes or generalizations.

(3) Assess the health and safety of the home to include the condition of the home, fire safety, window covering safety, water safety, storage of firearms, and other items potentially dangerous to children;

(4) Ensure the kinship caregiver provides a safe sleeping arrangement for the child in care, which may include a bunk bed, trundle bed, or another arrangement the local department deems appropriate, taking into account the age and abilities of the child in car; and.

(5) Identify any endangering health or safety concerns and discuss the concerns with the kinship caregiver to:

(a) Create a plan with the kinship caregiver on how the local department will assist and support the kinship caregiver in addressing the health and safety concerns, including, as appropriate, identifying and providing auxiliary aids or services or making reasonable modifications to policies, practices, or procedures without jeopardizing the safety of the child in care;

(b) Conduct a follow-up inspection as necessary to determine whether the kinship caregiver has addressed the  health and safety concerns or if providing auxiliary aids,  services,  modifications to policies, practices or procedures, or additional support is needed; and

(c)Evaluate whether the child in care can remain safely in the home while the kinship caregiver is addressing the concerns.

D. Emergency Placement. If, due to emergency circumstances or time constraints, the local department cannot complete the Kinship Caregiver and Home Assessment before or at the time of placement, a worker shall:

(1) Ensure there are no conditions that would render the child in care unsafe until the local department can complete the assessment; and

(2) Schedule and conduct a home visit within 5 calendar days from the day of placement, to complete the Kinship Caregiver and Home Assessment.

E. Medical and Mental Health Conditions. If, after an individualized assessment, the local department has established with objective evidence that a kinship caregiver, family member of the caregiver, or household member has a medical or mental health condition that poses a significant risk to the health or safety of the child in care that cannot be improved by a reasonable accommodation or reasonable modification to policies, practices, or procedures, the local department shall request that the kinship caregiver, family member of the caregiver, or household member:

(1) Have a medical or mental health examination of a general or specific nature as directed by the local department; and

(2) Provide documentation from the examining healthcare provider stating that the medical or mental health condition is not likely to prevent the child in care from receiving care and attention in the home and is not communicable, or harmful to the child in care, or

(3) Identify auxiliary aids or services that improve safety concerns.

F. Monthly Care Stipend. As soon as a worker has identified a kinship caregiver with whom to place a child in care, the worker shall take all steps necessary to ensure that the kinship caregiver receives a monthly care stipend starting on the date of placement and for the duration of the placement.

G. Licensing.

(1) When a local department has determined that the kinship caregiver, any adult household member, and the kinship resource home have met the requirements of this chapter, the kinship caregiver shall be deemed fully licensed to provide care for any child in care who is identified as kin and may be an adoptive resource, or eligible for custody and guardianship of the child in care, without the need for additional licensing;

(2) An individual shall be at least 18 years old to be licensed as a kinship caregiver;

(3) An individual licensed under this chapter as a licensed kinship caregiver is dually licensed for both foster care and adoption; and

(4) The local department will provide the kinship caregiver with a written license.

.04 Child Care and Education in Kinship Resource Homes.

A. Kinship Caregivers Who Provide Child Care.

(1) If a kinship caregiver provides informal child care for children not living in the home, the local department shall assess the impact that this may have on the kinship caregiver’s ability to provide for the physical, medical, mental health and educational needs of the child in care.

(2) The local department shall inform kinship caregivers licensed by the Maryland Office of Child Care of the need to notify the Maryland Office of Child Care of their intent to be licensed kinship caregivers.

B. Plans for Child Care and Alternative Supervision.

(1) If a kinship caregiver requires child care services for a child in care while the kinship caregiver is employed or in school:

(a) The kinship caregiver shall discuss the child care plan with the local department and obtain local department approval for the plan; and

(b) The child care provider shall be certified by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care or approved by another agency that provides child care services consistent with the licensing standards of the Maryland Department of Education Office of Child Care, unless the local department approves a plan for informal child care.

(2) Nothing in this section precludes a kinship caregiver from arranging appropriate child care on an occasional basis for a child in care.

C. Education.

(1) Homeschooling. Kinship caregivers:

(a) May not homeschool children in care without court approval;

(b) Shall utilize a homeschool program approved by Maryland State Department of Education; and

(c) Shall provide homeschool progress reports at a frequency established by the local department or the court.

(2) Private or Parochial Schooling.

(a) A kinship caregiver shall get approval from the local department or the child in care’s parents or guardians before enrolling a child in care in a private or parochial school unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(b) If a local department, the court, or the child in care’s parents or guardians approve a child in care’s enrollment in a private or parochial school, the local department:

(i) May not pay any costs for tuition, books, or any other costs associated with a child in care enrolled in an accredited private or parochial school; and

(ii) May not supplement the monthly care stipend to pay these costs.

(3) Enrollment. When a child who comes into care is already enrolled in an accredited private or parochial school, the kinship caregiver shall enroll the child in a public school unless the kinship caregiver, with the permission of the local department, the court, or the child’s parents or guardians, assumes financial responsibility for the child’s continued enrollment in the private or parochial school or the parents or guardians continue to financially provide for the education.

.05 Denial of License.

The local department may decline to license a kinship caregiver if:

A. The kinship caregiver, an adult household member or the kinship resource home cannot or will not meet the requirements of this chapter;

B. The local department determines that the kinship caregiver knowingly reported false information having a substantial bearing on the licensing of the home;

C. The local department has previously denied or revoked the kinship caregiver’s license, unless the local department is satisfied that the kinship caregiver has corrected the condition that was the basis for the denial or revocation;

D. The kinship caregiver prevents the local department from completing its licensing responsibilities;

E. The kinship caregiver or adult household member has been convicted of a crime identified in Regulation .03B of this chapter;

F. An evaluation of criminal convictions other than those identified in Regulation .03B of this chapter indicates behavior harmful to children, taking into consideration all relevant factors, including the relationship of the crime to the capacity to care for children;

G. Based on facts substantiated by objective evidence and taking into account the age and abilities of the child in care, the local department concludes a kinship caregiver cannot provide for the child in care’s physical, medical, mental health and educational needs because of:

(1) A kinship caregiver or adult household member’s history of child abuse and neglect findings;

(2) Substance or alcohol misuse;

(3) Physical or mental health conditions; or

(4) A condition or combination of conditions that cannot be improved and prevent the kinship caregiver from providing for the child in care’s physical, emotional, medical, or educational needs.

H. Before issuing any denial, the local department shall provide a secondary review process in accordance with policy established by the Administration.  This process shall include:

(1) Assessing the licensing materials to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements stipulated in this chapter and addressing any identified areas of concern; and

(2) Evaluating the proposed grounds for the proposed denial to determine whether the evidence substantiates the local department’s decision, with particular emphasis on determining that the safety of the child in care would be compromised.

.06 Review of a Kinship Resource Home.

A. A local department shall review each kinship caregiver and home:

(1) Annually; or

(2) If there are significant changes in the lives of the kinship caregiver or household, discuss the significant change and determine if a review is necessary. Significant changes may include:

(a) Illness or death of a household member;

(b) Marital problems or significant conflict in the household;

(c) A move to a new residence;

(d) Suspected abuse or neglect in the home; and

(e) Changes in family composition due to individuals leaving or joining the household, marriage, separation, divorce, or another occurrence.

B. In an annual review, the local department shall:

(1) Conduct at least one home visit to determine continuing compliance with this chapter;

(2)  Review child protective services records, criminal background records, state and national sex offender registries, and the results of a search in the Maryland Judiciary Case Search for the kinship caregiver and all household members 18 years old or older; and

(3)  Meet with the kinship caregiver to discuss the prior year and concerns and needs of the kinship caregiver.

C. In any review under this regulation, the local department shall:

(1) Conduct a kinship caregiver assessment of any new kinship caregiver who has not previously had an assessment as required by this regulation;

(2) Require that a new kinship caregiver or household member 18 or older apply within 5 business days for a State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background clearance and consent to a child abuse and neglect clearance;

(3) When applicable, require that:

(a) Any new kinship caregiver has a medical examination if requested by the local department for a reason set forth in Regulation .03E of this chapter:

(b) Any new kinship caregiver sign the required forms and a Resource Parent and Kinship Caregiver Agreement;

(4) Identify any circumstances or conditions that may affect continued placement of the child in care with the kinship caregiver and any other matters having a bearing on the child in care’s physical, emotional, medical, or educational needs; and

(5) Identify resources and develop a plan to address and resolve any outstanding health or safety concerns by an agreed-upon date.

D. A worker shall notify the kinship caregiver in writing within 30 days of completing the review of the kinship caregiver’s license status.

E. A kinship caregiver license can be revoked or suspended for any violation of a regulation in this chapter.

F. If the kinship caregiver moves to a new residence, the local department shall assess the home by completing a new Kinship Caregiver and Home Assessment.

.07 Local Department Responsibility to Kinship Caregivers.

A local department shall:

A. Provide individualized case-by-case safety assessments consistent with facts and objective evidence; and apply legitimate requirements necessary to meet the physical, emotional, medical, or educational needs of the child in care that are not based on stereotypes or generalizations; and provide a reasonable modification of policies, practices, or procedures, or  auxiliary aids or services to ensure an equal opportunity to be licensed as a kinship caregiver;

B. Help kinship caregivers understand their rights and responsibilities;

C. Consistent with Regulation .08A of this chapter, provide the kinship caregivers with all information that is available about the child in care and the reason the local department took the child into care;

D. Advise the kinship caregiver about medical requirements regarding children in care;

E. Provide the kinship caregiver with a health passport for each child in care placed in the home and determine the kinship caregiver’s role in health care and educational decision-making;

F. Maintain regular contact with the kinship caregiver and the child in care;

G. Provide appropriate supportive services that will enable the kinship caregiver to meet the unique needs of the child in care;

H. Respond as soon as possible or provide appropriate crisis response contacts for crisis situations that may arise from the child's placement in the kinship resource home;

I. Upon placement, initiate a monthly care stipend for the kinship caregiver, explain the initial clothing allowance and how to obtain payment or reimbursement for allowable expenditures made to meet the needs of the child in care, including child care;

J. Inform the kinship caregiver of any requirements in the service plan that would directly affect a child in care;

K. Inform the kinship caregiver of the child in care’s permanency plan, including family finding efforts, keep them updated as to the progress of that plan, and give the kinship caregiver the ability to provide input as to the plan;

L.  Obtain the agreement of the kinship caregiver for any visitation plan that involves the use of the kinship caregiver’s home or requires the kinship caregiver to transport the child in care, with attempts made to balance the kinship caregiver’s right to privacy with the right of the parents or guardians to visit the child; and

M. Assist the kinship caregiver in preparation for the separation of the child from out-of-home care.

.08 Rights of a Kinship Caregiver.

A. An individualized assessment consistent with facts and objective evidence and an equal opportunity to be licensed as a kinship caregiver.

B. Information About a Child in Care. Before a local department places a child in care and upon learning new information, the worker shall provide the kinship caregiver with all known information about the child’s medical, mental health, behavioral, educational, social, and emotional background, including the reason the child in care entered care and any change in the case plan.  Information about the child's family that may be privileged or confidential may not be disclosed.

C. Monthly Care Stipend. Upon placement, the kinship caregiver has a right to a timely monthly care stipend, an initial clothing allowance if this is the child in care’s first placement, and timely reimbursement for allowable expenditures made to meet the child in care’s needs, including child care.

D. Notice of Court Hearings and Meetings. Except for meetings covered by attorney-client privilege, or meetings when confidential information about the parents or legal guardians is discussed, the worker shall advise the kinship caregiver of:

(1) The date and time of, and when applicable, right to participate in, family team decision meetings and educational or mental health team meetings regarding a child in care placed in the kinship resource home;

(2) Unless waived for good cause, at least 10 days before scheduled court proceedings, the date and time of any scheduled court hearing;

(3) The right to be heard at court hearings;

(4) Recommendations the local department will make in court regarding the child in care’s permanency plan, placement, or visitation; and

(5) Decisions made by the local department and court regarding a child in care placed in the kinship resource home.

E. Advance Notice of Removal. Except as waived by court order or when the local department determines that a child in care is at imminent risk of harm, the local department shall give the kinship caregiver reasonable written notice of plans to remove the child from the kinship resource home.

.09 Responsibilities of a Kinship Caregiver.

A. Responsibilities to a Child in Care. A kinship caregiver shall:

(1) Participate in the child in care’s physical health, mental health, and dental health care, including documenting every healthcare visit in the child in care’s health passport and advising the child in care’s worker;

(2) Participate in the child in care's educational process;

(3) Provide supervision and guidance appropriate to the child in care’s age and developmental level;

(4) Provide daily essentials that are required for the health, comfort, and personal care of a child in care;

(5) Help the child in care cope with any anxiety of being away from the child in care’s family or guardians and promote the child in care's self-esteem and positive self-image;

(6) Respect the child in care and the child in care's family and kin;

(7) Whenever possible engage and partner with the child in care’s family and kin;

(8) Be sensitive to and respect the child in care's individual needs, tastes, and values, and support the child in care's religious beliefs, cultural customs, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression;

(9) Involve the child in care in family activities;

(10) Establish clear expectations for and limits on behavior;

(!1) Provide or arrange transportation to appointments, extracurricular activities, employment, social, and cultural events;

(12) Support the child in care in understanding their permanency plan and any move from the kinship resource home;

13) Provide an environment free from exposure to secondhand smoke for children in care; and

(14) Protect confidential information regarding a child in care and their family.

B. Responsibilities to a Child in Care's Family. A kinship caregiver shall:

(1) Assist the local department in maintaining and improving the child in care's relationship with the child in care’s family and support this relationship by helping with family visits, which may include visits in the kinship resource home;

(2) Maintain an attitude of respect and understanding towards the child in care’s parents or legal guardians;

(3) Provide regular updates and information about the child in care's life; and

(4) Serve as a role model for the child in care’s parents or legal guardians.

C. Responsibilities to the Local Department. A kinship caregiver shall:

(1) Work as a team member in assessing a child in care's strengths and needs, and implementing the child in care's case plan;

(2) Update the local department on the child in care's development and adjustment;

(3) Attend case reviews and meetings as requested by the local department;

(4) Immediately notify the local department of changes within the kinship caregiver’s family, such as:

(a) Employment and child care arrangements;

(b) Composition of the household;

(c) Address, telephone number, and email address;

(d) Health status; and

(e) Stressful conditions that may affect the child in care.

(5) Provide at least 30 days notice when requesting a child in care be moved except in circumstances that immediately affect the child in care or resource family’s health or safety;

(6) Report any suspected incidence of child physical or sexual abuse or neglect to the local department as soon as the incident becomes known to the kinship caregiver;

(7) Notify the local department if a child in care runs away or otherwise cannot be located; and

(8) Notify the local department of any criminal charges, investigations, or findings related to any crime committed by a household member, as identified in Regulation .03B of this chapter.

.10 Behavior Management of Children in Care.

A. The local department shall provide kinship caregivers with developmentally appropriate and trauma-responsive resources to manage the behaviors of children in care, including behavior management methods, and connect the kinship caregiver with community programs to address concerning behaviors.

B. Kinship caregivers shall establish clear expectations for behavior and understand and manage challenging behaviors in a trauma-responsive manner, rewarding good behavior.

C. Only a kinship caregiver or other adult caregiver approved by the local department and known to the children in care may discipline children in care.

D. Kinship caregivers may only physically restrain a child in care to protect the child in care from self-injury or from injuring others.

E. Prohibited punishments include:

(1) Using corporal punishment that includes spanking, shaking, physical hitting, or any other type of physical punishment, no matter how inflicted;

(2) Requiring physical exercises such as running laps or performing pushups;

(3) Forcing a child in care to assume or hold an uncomfortable position, such as squatting or bending, or to repeat physical movements;

(4) Confining a child in care in a locked room;

(5) Using mechanical or chemical restraints;

(6) Making remarks that belittle or ridicule a child in care or a child in care's family;

(7) Denying essential program services, such as not taking a child in care to a planned appointment for educational, psychiatric, or psychological services;

(8) Withholding visitation or communication with the child in care’s family;

(9) Withholding meals, clothing, or bedding, or disrupting a child in care’s sleep; and

(10) Threatening to have a child in care removed from the home.

.11 Investigations of Abuse or Neglect in Kinship Resource Homes.

A. Initial Notification. If the local department receives a report of suspected abuse or neglect and initiates an investigation, the local department shall;

(1) Notify the kinship caregiver that a report of abuse or neglect has been made.

(2) Notify the parents or guardians of any child in care living in the kinship resource home and the child in care’s attorney.

B. Investigation.

(1) The CPS unit of a local department shall respond to the report of abuse or neglect as required by COMAR 07.02.07.

(2) An allegation of abuse or neglect in a kinship resource home does not require the automatic removal of children in care placed in the kinship resource home.

(3) The local department shall assess and determine whether it is in the best interests of any children in care placed in the kinship resource home to remain in the kinship resource home pending completion of the investigation.

(4) A local department staff member shall visit the kinship resource home at least weekly as long as any children in care remain in the home until the local department decides whether to continue the child in care’s placement with the kinship caregiver.

(5) A local department shall not place additional children in care in the home for care or respite care pending the outcome of the investigation and a decision by the local director or designee as to whether the child in care’s placement with the kinship caregiver will continue.

(6) The worker and kinship caregiver may take any necessary actions to ensure the safety of the alleged victim pending completion of the investigation, but shall not create a safety plan for children in care.

C. Continued Licensure of a Kinship Resource Home.

(1) Within 5 business days of completing the investigation, the local department shall determine whether the kinship caregiver, household members, and kinship resource home still meet the standards for a license and make a recommendation to the local director regarding continued licensure of the kinship caregiver.

(2) Within 5 business days after receiving the recommendation of the staff, the local director shall render a written decision as to the continued licensure of the kinship caregiver and whether any children in care removed from the kinship resource home may be returned.

(3) The local department shall provide the written decision to the parents or guardians of any children in care living in the kinship resource home, the attorneys for those children in care, and the kinship caregiver.

(4) A copy of the local director's decision shall be forwarded to the Administration and uploaded into the electronic system of record of the kinship caregiver and any children in care placed in the home when the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.

.12 Closing a Kinship Resource Home and Revoking a Kinship Caregiver’s License.

A. Grounds. A local department may close a kinship resource home and revoke a kinship caregiver license for any of the following reasons:

(1) The child in care for whom the kinship caregiver was caring no longer lives in the home and is not expected to return within 6 months;

(2) The kinship caregiver has asked the local department to remove the child in care;

(3) On-going conditions or combination of conditions that cannot be improved and prevent the kinship caregiver from providing for the physical, medical, mental health, and educational needs of the child in care; and

(4) Misconduct in the kinship resource home, indicated abuse or neglect of a child in care, or other conditions that cannot be improved and pose an immediate threat to a child in care’s health or safety.

B. Notice of Closure and Revocation.  The local department shall provide written notice of the decision to close the home and revoke the kinship caregiver’s license, including the action the local department will take, the grounds for the action, and a description of the kinship caregiver’s appeal rights.

C. Removal of Children in Care upon Revocation. Upon deciding to revoke the license of a kinship caregiver, the local department shall immediately remove children in care placed in the home.

D. Relicensure After Closure and Revocation. Once revoked, a local department may not restore a kinship caregiver’s license unless:

(1) The local department determines that the kinship caregiver's license was not revoked due to noncompliance with any regulation in this chapter and the kinship caregiver undergoes the relicensing process.

(2) There has been an appeal hearing decision favorable to the kinship caregiver; or

(3) The local director has given written approval for the relicensing.

.13 Appeal Procedure.

A. Appeal Rights. A kinship caregiver aggrieved by a local department's decision to deny, suspend, or revoke a license may appeal under COMAR 07.01.04.

B. Exclusive Jurisdiction of Courts. A kinship caregiver may not use these procedures to appeal a court’s decision or a decision that only a court can make.

C. Expedited Appeal. A kinship caregiver who intends to adopt a child the local department has placed in the kinship caregiver’s home may appeal a local department’s decision to remove the child by advising the local department within 30 days of the removal.

(1) The local department shall notify the Office of Administrative Hearings of the appeal; and

(2) The Office of Administrative Hearings shall hold a hearing and issue a decision within 45 days of receiving the request.

D. Additional Hearing Rights Under COMAR 07.02.26.  If a local department removes a child in care from a kinship resource home because of a child protective services finding, the local department shall advise the kinship caregiver of the rights of the alleged maltreater to request a hearing under COMAR 07.02.26 to challenge that finding.

RAFAEL LOPEZ
Secretary of Human Services

 

Subtitle 02 SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

07.02.25 LDSS Resource Home Requirements

Authority: Human Services Article, §2-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-115-P]

The Department of Human Services proposes to repeal existing Regulations .01—.24 and adopt new Regulations .01—.20 under COMAR 07.02.25 LDSS Resource Home Requirements.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Establish the licensing requirements, rights, and responsibilities of resource parents and local departments;

(2) Ensure that local departments place children with resource parents who will provide children in out-of-home care with safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environments where their connections with family are supported and maintained; and

(3) Provide a structured framework for resource parents to collaborate in parenting children in out-of-home care, offer mentorship to the children’s parents or guardians, and actively participate in the reunification and permanency planning process.

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 Daniel Cohen, Research Administrator, Department of Human Services, 25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 443-610-5619, or email to daniel.cohen@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 21, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.01 Purpose.

A. This chapter establishes the licensing requirements, rights, and responsibilities of resource parents and local departments.

B. The primary purposes of these regulations are to:

(1) Ensure that local departments place children with resource parents who will provide children in out-of-home care with safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environments where their connections with family are supported and maintained; and

(2) Provide a structured framework for resource parents to collaborate in parenting children in out-of-home care, offer mentorship to the children’s parents or guardians, and actively participate in the reunification and permanency planning process.

.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(1) "Abuse" means:

(a) Child abuse as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(b) Sexual abuse of a child as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland, whether or not a child sustains physical injuries.

(2) "Administration" means the Social Services Administration of the Department of Human Services.

(3) "Adoption" means the legal proceeding by which an individual becomes the child of an adoptive family and has all the legal rights and privileges to which a child born to that family would be entitled.

(4) “Applicant” means an individual applying to a local department to be a resource parent.

(5) “Case plan” has the meaning stated in COMAR 07.02.11

(6) “Child” means an individual under age 18.

(7) “Child in care” means a child or young adult for whom the local department has responsibility for placement, care, custody, or guardianship.

(8) “Child in care’s family” means the child’s birth family, adoptive family, or legal guardian.

(9) “CPS” means the child protective services unit that responds to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to Family Law Article §5-701 et. seq.

(10) “Day” means a calendar day unless otherwise specified.

(11) "Department" means the Department of Human Services.

(12) "Family" means the basic family unit consisting of one or more adults and children related by blood, marriage, adoption, legal guardianship, or domestic partnership as that term is defined in Health General Article, §6-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(13) Foster Care.

(a) "Foster care" means continuous 24-hour care and supportive services provided for a child a local department places in a resource home.

(b) "Foster care" includes:

(i) Services to the child's parents or legal guardians, family, and kin to achieve a safe, permanent placement for the child;

(ii) Services to the resource parents and monitoring of the child in the out-of-home placement; and

(iii) Post-placement services to the child and the child's caregiver to prevent placement disruption or re-entry into out-of-home placement.

(14) “Household” means the home where the applicant or licensed resource parent lives.

(15) “Household member” means an individual who lives in or is regularly present in a household.

(16) “Kin” means an individual who is related to the child through blood, marriage, adoption, tribal law or custom, or cultural custom or practice; or an individual who is unrelated to the child, but has a strong familial or significant bond with the child, or is a person identified by the child’s parent.

(17) “LGBTIQA+2” means individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual, two-spirit, or other description that an individual may use to describe their gender, sexuality, and psychological sex characteristics.

(18) "Licensed" means approved by a local department as a resource parent and a resource for custody and guardianship or adoption of a child.

(19) "Local department" means a department of social services in a county or Baltimore City or the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

(20) "Local director" means the director of a local department.

(21) “Monthly care stipend” means financial support that a local department provides to a resource parent to assist the resource parent with caring for a child in care and placed in the resource home.

(22) "Neglect" means child neglect as defined in Family Law Article, §5-701, Annotated Code of Maryland

(23) “Out-of-home care” means out-of-home placement and the monitoring of and services provided to a child in aftercare following a child’s out-of-home placement.

(24) “Out-of-home placement” means a living arrangement for a child in care, including foster care, kinship care, group care, or residential treatment care.

(25) "Parent" means the legal mother or father of a child or young adult whose rights have not been terminated or a legal guardian other than a local department.

(26) "Permanency plan" means a plan specifying where and with whom a child in care will live and the proposed legal relationship between the child and the temporary or permanent caregiver.

(27) “Regularly present in the household” means visiting or staying in a home with sufficient frequency to make an individual a significant part of the household.

(28) "Resource home" means the residence of an individual that a local department has licensed as a resource parent.

(29) "Resource parent" means an individual whom a local department licenses to provide 24-hour care for a child in care in the resource home.

(30) "Secondhand smoke" means a complex mixture of gasses and particles that includes:

(a) Sidestream smoke, that is, smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe; and

(b) Exhaled mainstream smoke.

(31) “Sleeping arrangement” means the location where a child in care will sleep and the furniture provided for sleeping.

(32) “Worker” means a local department staff member assigned to work with and support a resource parent or a child in care.

(33) “Young adult” means an individual 18 years old or older but not yet 21 years old.

.03 Requirements for Resource Parents and Household Members.

A. Applicants.

(1) An individual shall apply to become a licensed resource parent at the local department in the jurisdiction where the individual resides.

(2) A couple residing together and applying to be licensed resource parents shall each meet the requirements of this chapter.

(3) Any applicant, whether applying as a single resource parent or as part of a couple, shall be:

(a) A United States citizen or non-citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and

(b) At least 21 years old.

(4) If an applicant had a prior license, approval, or certification from another foster care or adoption agency, the local department shall obtain written confirmation from the previous agency that the applicant was in good standing.

(5) If an individual moves into a household to become part of a couple licensed to serve as resource parents, the individual shall meet all the requirements of this chapter, including meeting the preservice training requirements.

B. The local department shall have 120 days from the date the local department accepts the application to approve or deny the applicant for licensing.

C. Physical Examination for All Individuals Living in the Household.

(1) The applicant and all household members shall:

     (a) Undergo an initial medical examination by a licensed health care practitioner; and

     (b) Authorize the release of health information to the local department upon request.

(2) For all applicants and household members 18 years old or older, the initial examination shall include an assessment for risk of tuberculosis, and, if indicated, the result of any tuberculosis test shall be provided to the local department.

(3) If an applicant or a member of the household has symptoms or a history of physical or mental health concerns, or a condition that may be contagious or injurious to the physical or emotional health of a child in care, the local department may:

(a) Require the individual to undergo additional medical or mental health examinations as specified by the local department;

(b) Require the individual to provide written documentation from the examining health care practitioner stating that the medical or mental health condition is not likely to prevent a child in care from receiving care and attention in the home and is not communicable, or harmful to a child in care; and

(c) Deny, suspend, or revoke a resource parent license if the local department does not receive the written documentation within a reasonable amount of time from the date of the request for documentation.

(4) All applicants who intend to accept placement of a child in care under the age of 1 shall provide proof of an up-to-date pertussis vaccination for themselves and for any household member 18 years or older.

(5) An individual who joins the household shall comply with the requirements of this section.

D. Background Clearances.

(1) An applicant and any household member 18 years old or older shall apply for a State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background clearance and provide sufficient information for a local department to conduct the clearances and searches in §D(2) and (3) of this regulation.

(2) Review Clearance Results. For all applicants and household members 18 years or older, the local department shall review the results of:

(a) State and federal fingerprint based criminal background clearances;

(b) Child protective services clearances;

(c) Motor Vehicle Administration driving records;

(d) A search of the Maryland Judiciary Case Search; and

(e) A search of the Maryland and National Sex Offender registries.

(3) Out-of-State CPS Clearance. The local department shall request information from the state-maintained child abuse and neglect registry in any state in which an applicant or household member 18 years old or older has lived within the prior 5 years to determine whether that individual has been found responsible for child abuse or neglect.

(4) A local department may not license or continue to license an individual as a resource parent if that individual or any household member 18 years old or older has a felony conviction for:

(a) Child abuse or neglect;

(b) Spousal abuse;

(c) A crime against a child or children, including child pornography;

(d) A crime of violence as enumerated in the Criminal Law Article, § 14-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery; or

(e) Human trafficking.

(5) A local department may not license or continue to license an individual as a resource parent if that individual or any household member 18 years old or older has a felony conviction within the prior 5 years, involving:

(a) Physical assault;

(b) Battery; or

(c) Drug-related offense.

(6) Review of Charges.

(a) A local department shall review charges, investigations, other convictions, or findings related to any other crimes of any applicant or adult household member to determine their possible effect on:

(i) The safety of any child in care;

(ii) The ability of the local department to achieve its goals in providing services to any child in care; and

(iii) The applicant’s ability to execute the responsibilities of a resource parent.

(b) A local department may deny, suspend, or revoke a resource parent license based on this review.

(7) Review of CPS History.

(a) If the local department receives information that reveals a pending CPS investigation, the local department may not license an applicant until the investigation is completed.

(b) The local department may not license or continue to license as a resource parent an individual if they or any household member has been indicated for child abuse or neglect, either in this state or in another state. Only a local director may grant an exception and shall do so in writing.

(c) When assessing whether to grant an exception, the local director shall make a decision that is in children’s best interest taking into account the following:

(i) The nature and severity of the maltreatment that resulted in the finding;

(ii) The number of indicated findings;

(iii) Any factors that might indicate that the maltreatment was a one-time incident including the circumstances surrounding the maltreatment and the number of years that have passed since the maltreatment; and

(iv) Any evidence that the applicant or household member has changed since the most recent maltreatment.

(8) After a local department licenses a resource home, if an individual 18 years old or older joins the household, or if any household member becomes 18, the local department shall review for those individuals the results of the following clearances:

(a) State and federal fingerprint based criminal background clearances;

(b) In-State, and if applicable, out-of-State, child protective services clearances

(c) Motor Vehicle Administration driving records;

(d) Maryland Judiciary Case Search; and

(e) Maryland and National Sex Offender registries.

E. Child Support Clearance. For applicants only, the local department shall review the result of a child support clearance.

(1) If the applicant has a child support arrearage, the local department shall:

(a) Provide the applicant with the opportunity to correct the arrearage; and

(b) Inform the applicant that they may either pay the arrearage in full or make payment arrangements with the Child Support Administration that are acceptable to the local department.

(2) The local department may deny the application if the applicant cannot, within the 120-day application process, make:

(a) Full payment; or

(b) Enter into a payment agreement.

F. Financial Stability of Resource Parents.

 (1) A resource parent shall have sufficient income and financial stability to provide reasonable living conditions for their family group without depending on the monthly care stipend.

(2) Except when a resource parent is participating in a DHS-sponsored program in which a stipend is provided to allow one or more parents to operate without external income resources, a resource parent shall have income or resources to make timely payments for shelter, food, utilities, clothing, and other household expenses prior to the addition of a child in care.

(3) If a resource parent receives government assistance, the local department may not disqualify the resource parent solely on this basis.

G. Transportation. A resource parent shall ensure that the child in care has legal and safe transportation to and from:

(1) Medical, mental health, and dental appointments;

(2) School;

(3) Social events;

(4) Employment;

(5) Visits or activities with family and friends; and

(6) Events scheduled by the local department.

H. Plans for Child Care and Alternative Supervision.

(1) If a resource parent requires child care services for a child in care while the resource parent is employed or in school:

(a) The resource parent shall discuss the child care plan with the local department and obtain local department approval for the plan; and

(b) The child care provider shall be certified by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care or approved by another agency that provides child care services consistent with the licensing standards of the Maryland Department of Education Office of Child Care, unless the local department approves a plan for informal child care.

(2) Nothing in this section precludes a resource parent from arranging appropriate child care on an occasional basis for a child in care.

.04 Requirements for Resource Homes.

A. Health and Safety.

(1) The worker shall assess the home using a home health and safety survey approved by the Administration to ensure that the home meets health and safety standards; and

(2) If a worker has concerns about the health and safety of the home, the worker may request that the local health department or other certified inspector inspect the home, which may include water and lead testing.

B. Fire Safety.

(1) The worker shall assess the home for fire safety using a fire safety survey approved by the Administration.

(2) The resource home shall have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

(3) If a worker has concerns about fire safety, the worker may request that a fire marshal or other certified fire inspector complete an inspection of the home.

C. General Safety Requirements.

(1) Firearms and Ammunition.

(a) All firearms in the resource home shall be unloaded, stored in a locked storage area, and inaccessible to children.

(b) All ammunition shall be stored separately from the firearms in a locked storage area, inaccessible to children.

(c) The resource parent shall take all safety precautions to ensure that firearms are not used to injure children in the resource home.

(d) The worker shall obtain assurances from the applicant that no loaded firearms will be kept in the resource home unless required because a state, federal, or local law enforcement officer lives in the household and maintains and stores the firearms, in accordance with state, federal, and local law enforcement safety procedures.

(2) Potentially dangerous materials. A resource parent shall ensure that prescription and non-prescription medication, dangerous household supplies, tools, and any other potentially dangerous items are inaccessible to children.

(3) Window Coverings. A window covering installed before October 1, 2010, may not have unsecured cords, beads, ropes, or strings. Any window covering installed after October 1, 2010, shall be cordless.

(4) Sleeping and Living Areas. The resource home shall:

(a) Provide the child in care space for privacy, studying, and the storage of clothes, toys, and personal possessions; and

(b) Provide a safe sleeping arrangement for the child in care as follows:

(i) A sleeping arrangement may include a bunk bed, trundle bed, or another safe permanent arrangement the local department deems appropriate;

(ii) A child in care under two years old shall sleep in a crib or other secure bed that will ensure the child in care’s safety;

(iii) Except for a child in care younger than 2 years, children in care of opposite genders may not sleep in the same room unless otherwise approved by the local department;

(iv) A child in care 2 years old or older may not share a bedroom with an adult unless otherwise approved by the local department; and

(v) A child in care may not share a bed with an adult or another child.

(5) Pets. A resource parent who has a pet in the home shall:

(a) Provide age-appropriate supervision when the child in care is interacting with the pet; and

(b) Keep the pet up to date on rabies vaccinations.

(6) Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Spas, Waterfront Properties, Fish or Duck Ponds, and Similar Bodies of Water.

(a) A resource parent shall provide supervision with regard to water safety appropriate for a child in care's age and ability.

(b) The resource home worker shall:

(i) Discuss requirements for barriers and safety mechanisms to ensure the safety of children in care; and

(ii) Inspect the pool, hot tub, spa, waterfront property, fish or duck pond, or similar body of water for safety compliance.

(c) A resource parent shall ensure that any swimming pool, fish or duck pond, or similar body of water at the resource home:

(i) Is maintained in a safe and sanitary condition; and

(ii) Complies with county zoning, building, or health codes or ordinances.

(d) With regard to an in-ground pool, the resource parent shall have the pool area enclosed by a fence at least four feet high with a gate that can be locked or have another safety mechanism to prevent access to the pool from the resource home;

(e) With regard to an above-ground swimming pool or hot tub, the resource parent shall have:

(i) Retractable or removable ladders that shall be locked when not in use or stored away from the pool; and

(ii) A pool with sides at least four feet above the ground at all points or fencing around a pool that is at least four feet high at all points;

(f) All doors and gates that access a pool, hot tub, or spa shall have locks;

(g) If a pool, hot tub, or spa has a deck area with a door, the door shall be locked;

(h) All permanent steps to the pool, hot tub, or spa shall have a locked gate;

(i) A pool, hot tub, or spa shall not have climbable objects on the exterior;

(j) Hot tubs or spas shall be securely covered when not in use;

(k) When there is waterfront property, a fish or duck pond, or a similar body of water at or near the resource home, the local department may require that the body of water or the resource home be fenced with a locked gate or have other safety mechanisms in place;

(l) A resource parent shall have at least one individual currently trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) present at the resource home's swimming pool and water recreation area when being used by a child in care;

(m) Upon consideration of the following, a local director may give a resource parent a written exemption from one or more provisions of this subsection if doing so does not violate zoning, building or safety codes, or related ordinances;

(i) The age, special needs, and swimming ability of the child in care placed in the resource home;

(ii) The proximity and location of the pool, hot tub, spa, or body of water to the resource home; and

(iii) Any other safety mechanism in place that ensures the safety of the child in care.

.05 Limitations on Resource Homes.

A. Restrictions. A local department may not permit a resource parent it licenses to:

(1) Provide child care unless registered with the Maryland State Department of Education as a child care provider;

(2) Be approved to provide child or adult care by more than one agency unless the local director or designee gives approval in writing;

(3) Be licensed as both a child placement and an adult placement resource unless the Administration gives the resource parent written approval for the express purpose of allowing a child in care to transition to the care of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration in the Maryland Department of Health;

(4) Be licensed by a private and public child placement agency concurrently;

(5) Independently accept a child for care from an individual or agency other than the agency that licensed the resource parent;

(6) Provide housing and care except to a child of a relative or friend on a temporary basis, and this child shall be counted as the resource parent's own child in the count of the children in the home;

(7) Care for an adult who has special medical or mental health needs unless the local department evaluates the situation and determines that this care does not interfere with the care of the child in care;

(8) Except as provided for in § B of this regulation, care for more than six children in the resource home, including those of the resource parent;

(9) Care for more than two children under the age of 2, including the resource parent's own children, unless approved by the local department.

B. Exception. The local department may permit a resource parent to care for up to eight children, including the resource parent’s children:

(1) When necessary to keep a sibling group together;

(2) In the case of an emergency placement of up to 90 days; or

(3) In appropriate circumstances, if the local director or designee has given written approval.

C. Resource parent licensed as a child care provider. When a resource parent is licensed to provide child care, the resource parent:

(1) May not exceed the child capacity number stated on the certificate of registration issued by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care;

(2) Shall follow the age and child-to-adult ratio requirements outlined by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care; and

(3) Shall provide a signed copy of the dual license agreement between the resource parent, the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care, and the local department.

D. Education.

(1) Homeschooling. A resource parent:

(a) May not homeschool a child in care without court approval;

(b) Shall utilize a homeschool program approved by Maryland State Department of Education; and

(c) Shall provide homeschool progress reports at a frequency established by the local department or the court.

(2) Private or Parochial Schooling.

(a) A resource parent shall get approval from the local department or the child in care’s parents or legal guardians before enrolling a child in care in a private or parochial school, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(b) If a local department or the child in care’s parents or guardians approve a child in care’s enrollment in a private or parochial school, the local department:

(i) May not pay any costs for tuition, books, or any other costs associated with a child in care enrolled in an accredited private or parochial school; and

(ii) May not supplement the monthly care stipend to pay these costs.

(3) Enrollment. When a child who enters care is already enrolled in an accredited private or parochial school, the resource parent shall enroll the child in care in a public school unless the resource parent, with the permission of the local department or the child in care’s parents or legal guardians, assumes financial responsibility for the child in care’s continued enrollment in the private or parochial school or the parents or legal guardians continue to financially provide for the education.

.06 Resource Parent Standards.

A. A local department shall license a resource parent who can meet the complex needs of children in care while supporting reunification or other permanency plans.

B. A resource parent shall have the following characteristics:

(1) Knowledge of and ability to provide children in care a positive, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment;

(2) Willingness to work cooperatively with the local department in:

(a) The best interest of the child in care;

(b) Establishing a supportive relationship with the parents or legal guardians and other family members of the child in care;

(c) Supporting the permanency plan established by the local department and the courts;

(d) Supporting the goals established in the case plan;

(e) Being available to local department staff for communication and home visits; and

(f) Ensuring that the requirements of this chapter are met.

(3) Maturity and personality characteristics that:

(a) Help the child in care understand placement in out-of-home care and the child in care's own feelings about the placement; and

(b) Help maintain the child in care’s family connections through regular and consistent family contact as required by the local department.

(4) The capacity to value, understand, respect, and support individuals from different racial, ethnic, religious, cultural heritage, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression from that of the resource parent;

(5) The capacity to understand that it is in the best interest of a child in care, of multiracial parentage to have multiracial experiences;

(6) The skills to promote the process of socialization through family life to enhance the child in care's growth and learning;

(7) The suitability in age and physical stamina to meet the demands of the care of growing children;

(8) The emotional capacity to handle life's stresses and adapt to change and difficult situations;

(9) The willingness to support and encourage a child in care's educational progress and take an active role by attending school conferences and similar activities whenever possible; and

(10) The ability to provide time free from the interference of other responsibilities and to give a child in care needed care, supervision, and attention

.07 Resource Parent Training.

A. Pre-service Training.

(1) Each resource parent applicant shall complete a pre-service training program approved by the Administration. This training shall cover the following:

(a) Role and relationships between local department personnel, the resource parent, the child in care's parents or legal guardians, and the child in care;

(b) Developmental needs of children in out-of-home care;

(c) Attachment, separation, grief, and loss;

(d) Trauma-related behaviors and trauma-informed parenting;

(e) Confidentiality;

(f) Behavior management;

(g) Reasonable and prudent parenting;

(h) Co-parenting with parents and legal guardians;

(i) Supporting a child in care’s relationship with their parents or legal guardian;

(j) Maintaining a child in care’s connections;

(k) Reunification and permanency plans;

(l) Effective communication;

(m) Conflict resolution;

(n) Cultural and religious differences between the resource parent and the child in care’s family

(o) Issues faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+2;

(p) Caring for children in care with medical, mental health, and behavioral needs;

(q) Recognizing and responding to signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions;

(r) Administration and storage of medications;

(s) Recognizing and reporting signs of child abuse and neglect; and

(t) Services available for children in care and resource parents.

(2) The local department may consider another nationally recognized pre-service training program completed within the prior 3 years as meeting the pre-service training requirement.

(3) If a resource parent applicant completes the pre-service training, the training is valid for 3 years from the date of completion.

(4) Resource parents who relocate to Maryland and have had an active resource home license in another state within the prior 3 years may be exempt from pre-service training requirements at the discretion of the local department.

B. Continuing Training.

(1) Each resource parent shall complete at least 10 hours of training approved by the local department annually, including 2 hours of behavior management training, every 2 years.

(2) The training may cover the areas listed in §A of this regulation and any additional topics as needed.

C. CPR & First Aid Training. Prior to a local department licensing a resource parent and at 2-year intervals thereafter, each resource parent shall complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training.

.08 Home Study.

A. Consideration. The local department shall prioritize initiating a home study on the basis of the applicant's flexibility in the children they can parent and the needs of children in out-of-home care.

B. Local Department Assessment.

(1) The home study process shall provide an opportunity for a local department to study and assess an applicant’s potential for resource parenting; and

(2) The local department shall use a home study framework approved by the Administration.

C. Self-Assessment. The home study process shall include an opportunity for the applicant to assess their potential for resource parenting.

D. A home study shall provide in-depth information about out-of-home care, reunification, and adoption to an applicant, including:

(1) The differences between foster parenting, parenting one's own child, and adoption of a child;

(2) The reasons children enter out-of-home care;

(3) The needs and challenges of children in need of out-of-home care and adoption, including medical, mental health, behavioral, educational, and social needs;

(4) The needs and expectations of parents, or legal guardians and their rights, and responsibilities, including visitation;

(5) The importance of family and kinship connections including the priority of placing children with family or kin whenever available;

(6) The role and responsibilities of resource parents to the child in care, the child in care’s parents, kin or legal guardians, the local department, and the resource parent's own family;

(7) The role and responsibilities of the local department to the resource family, the child in care, and the child in care’s family and kin;

(8) The Administration's behavior management, confidentiality, and reasonable and prudent parenting policies;

(9) The impact foster care and adoption may have on the applicant’s own family;

(10) The impact that separation and placement may have on the child in care, the child in care’s family, and the resource family;

(11) The nature and purpose of the permanency plan, the case plan, and the service agreement;

(12) The requirements for licensing a resource parent;

(13) Understanding that the priorities of a permanency plan may change throughout the life of the case;

(14) The option to be considered as an adoptive home for children who have a permanency plan of adoption by a non-relative;

(15) The legal, technical, procedural, financial, medical, and educational aspects of foster care;

(16) An overview of the Citizens Review Board for Children and other review processes and the resource parents' role in these processes; and

(17) The requirement that each resource parent applicant attend and complete the pre-service and continuing training and any additional training required by the Administration.

E. Resource Home Study Process.

(1) Initiation of Application. The applicant shall:

(a) Sign a resource parent application and, as applicable, the consent to release confidential information forms;

(b) Complete resource home application materials;

(c) Participate in home study interviews; and

(d) Complete other tasks as requested by the local department.

(2) Visits.

(a) The worker shall conduct at least three visits with the applicant, one of which may be conducted by videoconference.

(b) The visits in the applicant’s home shall include:

(i) A discussion with all household members; and

(ii) An inspection of the home.

(3) References.

(a) The worker shall obtain three personal written references.

(i) One of the references shall be by a relative; and

(ii) Two of the references shall be by non-relatives;

(b) The worker shall conduct interviews with each reference:

(i) Two of the interviews, shall be in-person or by video conference; and

(ii) The third interview may be conducted by telephone.

(c) The worker shall obtain a written reference from a school staff member or homeschool monitor for each school-aged child in the applicant’s home.

F. Recommendation of Resource Home for Licensing.

(1) A local department shall notify an applicant in writing, within 120 days of the date that the local department accepts the application, of its decision to approve or deny licensure.

(2) An applicant aggrieved by a decision may file an appeal according to Regulation .20 of this chapter.

(3) An individual licensed under this chapter as a resource parent is dually licensed for both foster care and adoption.

.09 Denial of License.

A. The local department may deny an application if:

(1) The applicant, a household member, or the home in which the child in care will be placed fails to meet the requirements of this chapter;

(2) The local department’s evaluation of the application materials reveals that the applicant knowingly reported false information;

(3) The local department, another department, or a private child placement agency has previously denied or revoked a license of the applicant as a resource home, kinship home, or adoptive resource unless the local department is satisfied that the condition that was the basis for the denial or revocation has been corrected;

(4) The applicant prevents the local department from completing its responsibilities for licensure;

(5) An evaluation of criminal records or child abuse or neglect records of the applicant or a household member indicates behavior harmful to a child in care; or

(6) Based on substantial, credible evidence, the local department concludes that the applicant cannot provide for the health, safety, or welfare of the children in care because of abuse of alcohol or other controlled dangerous substances, mental health concerns, or any other condition that creates reasonable doubt as to the applicant's ability to provide foster care.

.10 Reconsideration of a Resource Home.

A. A local department shall:

(1) Conduct an annual reconsideration of each resource parent and resource home that includes at least one home visit to determine continuing compliance with this chapter.

(2) Provide written notice to the resource parent of an upcoming annual reconsideration at least 60 days prior to the reconsideration due date;

(3) Conduct a review of the resource home record and interview the worker for each child in care placed in the resource home in preparation for the reconsideration;

(4) Conduct an inspection of the resource home and complete a home health and safety survey and fire safety survey;

(5) Review and obtain an updated signed copy of the resource parent and kinship caregiver agreement;

(6) Obtain written verification of each resource parent’s income, if applicable;

(7) Obtain written verification of an updated medical examination every 2 years from the date of licensure for all household members or when there are indications of serious health problems;

(8) Obtain proof of updated rabies vaccinations for any pets, if applicable; and

(9) Update the CPS, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Judiciary Case Search, and Maryland and National sex offender registry clearances for the resource parent and household members 18 years old or older, and a child support clearance for the resource parent.

B. A new household member who will take on the role of a resource parent shall complete:

(1) An application to be a resource parent;

(2) All other forms required of a resource parent;

(3) Clearances required of a new resource parent; and

(4) Preservice training;

C. A worker may discuss the following with the resource parents:

(1) Composition of the resource family,

(2) The relationship of the resource parents with each other, with their own children, and with the children in care;

(3) Satisfactions and difficulties of resource parenting;

(4) The family’s social and recreational activities, and household responsibilities;

(5) Methods of behavior management;

(6) The resource parents’ relationship with the child in care’s parents and family;

(7) The results of any clearances, as appropriate;

(8) The resource parent’s child care plan;

(9) The resource parent’s involvement in meeting the child in care’s education and health care needs;

(10) Any preferences for children in care placed in the resource home in the future in terms of number, age, or gender; and

(11) The child in care’s permanency plan.

D. The worker shall complete the annual reconsideration and share the status of the license with the resource parent, in writing within 30 days of the reconsideration date.

E. Major Changes.

(1) Resource parents shall notify the local department of major changes in their lives that may affect their ability to care for children in care, including:

(a) Illness or death of a household member;

(b) Marital problems or significant conflict in the household;

(c) A move to a new residence;

(d) Suspected abuse or neglect in the home; and

(e) Changes in the family composition due to individuals leaving or joining the household, marriage, separation, divorce, or another occurrence.

(2) The local department shall discuss each major change and determine whether to complete a reconsideration.

(3) If the resource parent moves to a new residence, the local department shall assess the home by completing:

(a) A fire safety survey; and

(b) A home health and safety survey.

.11 Local Department Responsibility to Resource Parents.

A local department shall:

(1) Provide pre-service and continuing training opportunities;

(2) Help resource parents understand their rights and responsibilities;

(3) Consistent with regulation .12A of this chapter, provide the resource parents with all known information that is available about the child in care and the reason the child in care entered out-of-home care;

(4) Advise the resource parents about medical requirements regarding children in care;

(5) Provide resource parents with a health passport for each child in care placed in the resource home;

(6) Maintain regular contact with the resource parent and the child in care in the resource home;

(7) Provide appropriate supportive services that will enable the resource parents to meet the unique needs of the child in care;

(8) Respond as soon as possible or provide appropriate crisis response contacts for crisis situations that may arise from the child in care's placement in the resource home;

(9) Upon placement, initiate a monthly care stipend for the resource parents and explain the initial clothing allowance and how to obtain payment or reimbursement for allowable expenditures made to meet the child in care's needs, including child care;

(10) Inform the resource parents of any requirements in the service plan that would directly affect a child in care;

(11) Inform the resource parents of the child in care's permanency plan, including family finding efforts, and keep the resource parents updated as to the progress of that plan and give the resource parents the ability to provide input as to the plan;

(12) Obtain the agreement of resource parents to any visitation plan that involves the use of the resource parents' home or requires the resource parents to transport the child in care, with attempts made to balance the resource parents’ right to privacy with the right of the parents to visit the child in care; and

(13) Assist the resource parents in preparation for the separation of the child in care from out-of-home care.

.12 Rights of a Resource Parent.

A. Information About a Child in Care. Prior to a local department placing a child in care in a resource home, and upon learning new information, the worker shall provide the resource parent with all known information about the child in care’s medical, mental health, behavioral, educational, social, and emotional background, including the reason the child in care came into care and any change in the case plan. Information about the child in care’s family that may be privileged or confidential may not be disclosed.

B. Monthly Care Stipend. Upon placement, the resource parent has a right to a timely monthly care stipend, an initial clothing allowance if this is the child in care’s first placement, and timely reimbursement for allowable expenditures made to meet the child in care's needs, including child care.

C. Notice of Court Hearings and Meetings. Except for meetings covered by attorney-client privilege, or meetings when confidential information about the parents or legal guardians is discussed, the worker shall advise the resource parent of:

(1) The date and time of, and when applicable, right to participate in, family team decision meetings and educational or mental health team meetings regarding a child in care placed in the resource home;

(2) Unless waived for good cause, at least 10 days before scheduled court proceedings, the date and time of any scheduled court hearing;

(3) The right to be heard at court hearings;

(4) Recommendations the local department will make in court regarding the child in care’s permanency plan, placement, or visitation; and

(5) Decisions made by the local department and court regarding a child in care placed in the resource home.

D. Advance notice of removal. Except as waived by court order or when the local department determines that a child in care is at imminent risk of harm, the local department shall give the resource parent reasonable written notice of plans to remove the child in care from the resource home.

E. A resource parent has the right to liability insurance coverage for certain damages in accordance with Regulation .19 of this chapter.

.13 Responsibilities of a Resource Parent.

A. Responsibilities to a Child in Care. A resource parent shall:

(1) Participate in the child in care's physical health, mental health, and dental health care, including documenting every healthcare visit in the child in care’s health passport and advising the child in care’s worker;

(2) Participate in the child in care's educational process;

(3) Provide supervision and guidance appropriate to the child in care's age and developmental level;

(4) Provide daily essentials that are required for the health, comfort, and personal care of a child in care;

(5) Help the child in care cope with any anxiety of being away from the child in care’s family or guardians, and promote the child in care’s self-esteem and positive self-image;

(6) Respect the child in care and the child in care's family and kin;

(7) Whenever possible engage and partner with the child in care’s family and kin;

(8) Be sensitive to and respect the child in care's individual needs, tastes, and values, and support the child in care's religious beliefs, cultural customs, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression;

(9) Involve the child in care in family activities;

(10) Establish clear expectations for and limits on behavior;

(11) Provide or arrange transportation to appointments, extracurricular activities, employment, and social, and cultural events;

(12) Support the child in care in understanding their permanency plan and any move from the resource home;

(13) Provide an environment free from exposure to secondhand smoke for a child in care;

(14) Protect confidential information regarding a child in care and their family;

B. Responsibilities to a Child in Care's Family. A resource parent shall:

(1) Assist the local department in maintaining and improving the child in care's relationship with the child in care’s family and support this relationship by helping with family visits, which may include visits in the resource home;

(2) Maintain an attitude of respect and understanding towards the child in care’s family;

(3) Provide regular updates and information about the child in care's life; and

(4) Serve as a role model for the child in care’s family.

C. Responsibilities to the Local Department. A resource parent shall:

(1) Participate in required training;

(2) Work as a team member in assessing a child in care's strengths and needs, and implementing the child in care’s case plan;

(3) Update the local department on the child in care's development and adjustment;

(4) Attend case reviews and meetings as requested by the local department;

(5) Immediately notify the local department of changes within the resource family, such as:

(a) Employment and child care arrangements;

(b) Composition of the household;

(c) Address, telephone number, and email address;

(d) Health status; and

(e) Stressful conditions that may affect the child in care.

(6) Provide at least 30 days notice when requesting a child in care be moved except in circumstances that immediately affect the child in care or resource family’s health or safety;

(7) Report any suspected incident of child physical or sexual abuse or neglect to the local department as soon as the incident becomes known to the resource parent;

(8) Notify the local department if a child in care runs away or otherwise cannot be located; and

(9) Notify the local department of any criminal charges, investigations, or findings related to any crime committed or alleged to have been committed by a household member.

.14 Behavioral Management of Children in Care.

A. The local department shall provide resource parents with developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed resources to manage the behaviors of children in care, including behavior management methods, and connect the resource parent with community programs to address concerning behaviors.

B. Resource parents shall establish clear expectations for behavior and understand and manage challenging behaviors in a trauma-informed manner, rewarding good behavior.

C. Only a resource parent or other adult caregiver approved by the local department and known to the child in care may discipline a child in care.

D. Resource parents may only physically restrain a child in care to protect the child in care from self-injury or from injuring others.

E. Prohibited punishments include:

(1) Using corporal punishment that includes spanking, shaking, physical hitting, or any other type of physical punishment, no matter how inflicted;

(2) Requiring physical exercises such as running laps or performing pushups;

(3) Forcing a child in care to assume or hold an uncomfortable position such as squatting or bending, or to repeat physical movements;

(4) Confining a child in care in a locked room;

(5) Using mechanical or chemical restraints;

(6) Denying essential program services, such as not taking a child in care to a planned appointment for educational, psychiatric, or psychological services;

(7) Withholding visitation or communication with the child in care’s family or kin;

(8) Withholding meals, clothing, or bedding, or disrupting a child in care’s sleep;

(9) Making remarks that belittle or ridicule a child in care or a child in care's family; and

(10) Threatening to have a child in care removed from the resource home.

.15 Investigations of Abuse or Neglect in Resource Homes.

A. Initial Notification. If the local department receives a report of suspected abuse or neglect and initiates an investigation, the local department shall:

(1) Notify the resource parent that a report of abuse or neglect has been made; and

(2) Notify the parents or legal guardians of any children in care living in the resource home and the children in care’s attorney.

B. Investigation.

(1) The CPS unit of a local department shall respond to the report of abuse or neglect as required by COMAR 07.02.07.

(2) An allegation of abuse or neglect in a resource home does not require the automatic removal of children in care placed in the resource home.

(3) The local department shall assess and determine whether it is in the best interests of any children in care placed in the resource home to remain in the resource home pending completion of the investigation.

(4) A local department staff member shall visit the resource home at least weekly as long as any children in care remain in the home until the local department makes a decision about the continued licensure of the resource home.

(5) A local department shall not place additional children in care in the resource home for care or respite care pending the outcome of the investigation and a decision by the local director or designee as to the continued licensure of the resource home.

(6) The worker and resource parent may take any necessary actions to ensure the safety of the alleged victim pending completion of the investigation, but shall not create a safety plan for children in care.

C. Continued Licensure of Resource Home.

(1) Within 5 business days of completing the investigation, the local department shall determine whether the resource parent, household members, and resource home still meet the standards for a license and make a recommendation to the local director as to the continued licensure of the resource parent.

(2) Within 5 business days after receiving the recommendation of the staff, the local director shall render a written decision as to the continued licensure of the resource parent and whether any children in care removed from the resource home may be returned.

(3) The local department shall provide the written decision to the parents or guardians of any children in care living in the resource home, the attorneys for those children in care, and the resource parent.

(4) A copy of the local director's decision shall be forwarded to the Administration and uploaded into the electronic system of record of the resource parent and any children in care placed in the resource home when the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.

.16 Resource Parent License on Hold.

A. A licensed resource parent may choose to suspend acceptance of children in care for up to 1 year and still maintain licensed status.

B. During the period in which the license is on hold, the resource parent is not required to undergo an annual reconsideration. At the point that the resource parent wishes to accept children in care, the local department shall complete a reconsideration.

C. The local department shall close the resource home if the resource parent does not wish to accept children in care at the end of the 1-year period.

D. The local department shall give a resource parent 30 days written notice that includes the intended action to close the resource home and the resource parent's right to appeal the local department’s decision.

.17 Relicensing a Closed Resource Home.

A. If former resource parents request that their home be relicensed within 3 years of being closed in good standing, the local department shall conduct a reconsideration as required under Regulation .10 of this chapter and require that:

(1) Each resource parent and household members 18 years old or older apply for new state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background clearance and CPS clearances;

(2) Each resource parent completes 10 hours of in-service training, including 2 hours of behavioral management training; and

(3) Each resource parent completes CPR and first aid training, if it has been more than 2 years since last completed.

B. If former resource parents have been closed for more than 3 years, the resource parents may apply to be relicensed and shall meet all the requirements outlined in this chapter.

.18 Resource Home Closure, Suspension, and Revocation.

A. Closure of a Resource Home.

(1) A local department may close a resource home for one or more of the following reasons:

(a) The local department has not placed any children in the resource home in the previous 2 years; or

(b) The characteristics of the children the resource parent is willing to accept for care in the resource home are not consistent with the characteristics of the children in care or entering care.

(2) The local department shall give a resource parent 30 days written notice that includes the intended action to close the home and the resource parent's right to appeal the local department’s decision.

B. Suspension.

(1) After receiving a complaint indicating possible violations of the resource home regulations, a local department shall assess to determine compliance with applicable regulations and discuss the possible violations with the resource parent.

(2) A local department may suspend a resource parent license for a period not exceeding 60 days for a violation of these regulations.

(3) Except in situations that permit an emergency suspension, the local department shall provide 20 days advance notice of a suspension and send the resource parent:

(a) Notice that includes the intended action;

(b) A statement of the grounds and specific regulations violated; and

(c) A statement describing the resource parent's right to appeal the decision of the local department.

(4) When a resource parent license is suspended, the local department may not place any new children in care in the resource home.

(a) Children in care may remain in the home only if:

(i) The suspension was caused by a violation of these regulations that does not threaten the health and safety of the children in care:

(ii) The local department agrees that the reason for the suspension can be corrected within 60 days from the date of the suspension; or

(iii) The resource parent files an appeal within 20 days of the local department's notice.

(b) If the resource parent does not correct the reason for the suspension, the local department shall remove the children from the home within 60 days of the date of suspension.

(5) The local department shall restore the resource parent’s license status or revoke the license by the end of the suspension period.

C. Revocation.

(1) The local department may revoke a license for any violation of these regulations.

(2) Except in situations that permit an emergency revocation the local department shall provide 20 days advance notice of a revocation.

(a) The local department shall send the resource parents;

(i) Notice that includes the intended action;

(ii) A statement of the grounds and specific regulations violated; and

(iii) A statement describing the resource parent's right to appeal the decision of the local department.

(3) If the resource parents do not appeal an intended revocation within 20 days, the local department shall immediately remove the children from the home.

D. Emergency Suspension or Revocation.

(1) If the local department finds evidence of gross incompetence or gross misconduct in the resource home or other action or condition that poses an immediate threat to the children’s health and safety, the local department shall, without giving 20 days notice, suspend or revoke the resource parent license.

(2) The local department shall send the resource parents;

(a) Notice that includes the intended emergency revocation or suspension;

(b) A statement of the grounds and specific regulations violated; and

(c) A statement about the resource parent’s right to appeal the local department’s

decision.

(3) If the local department decides to issue a notice of an emergency revocation or suspension, the local department shall immediately remove the children.

(4) Once suspended or revoked on an emergency basis, the local department shall not restore the resource parent’s license unless:

(a) The resource parent has received a favorable appeal hearing decision; or

(b) The local director has given written approval for the reinstatement.

.19 Liability Insurance and Reimbursement for Loss to Resource Parents.

A. The Administration shall provide liability insurance for resource parents who care for children under certain conditions.

B. The insurance shall cover the following:

(1) Bodily injury and property damage that a child in care causes to a person or the property of a person other than a resource parent; and

(2) Actions against a resource parent by a natural parent for any accident to the child.

C. Reimbursement

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Department shall reimburse a resource parent for costs of bodily injury or property damage that the child in care causes to the resource parent and that insurance does not cover.

(2) Before reimbursement under this subsection, the Department shall be satisfied that the actions of the resource parent did not contribute substantially to the bodily injury or property damage sustained.

(3) Reimbursement under this subsection shall be made for all costs to a maximum amount of $5,000. All payments in excess of $2,000 require the approval of the Board of Public Works.

D. The Department shall advise the resource parent of this coverage and that it will not cover claims related to:

(1) Injury or damage to which the resource parent substantially contributed;

(2) Injury or damage covered by the resource parent’s insurance;

(3) Claims of alienation of affection;

(4) Accidents involving vehicles that are licensed or intended for road use;

(5) Claims exceeding $5,000.00; and

(6) Injury or damage that was otherwise covered by insurance.

.20 Appeal Procedure.

A. Appeal rights. A resource parent aggrieved by a local department's decision to deny, suspend, or revoke a license may appeal under COMAR 07.01.04.

B. Exclusive jurisdiction of courts. A resource parent may not use these procedures to appeal a court’s decision or a decision only a court can make.

C. Expedited Appeal. A resource parent who intends to adopt a child in care whom the local department placed in the resource home may appeal a local department’s decision to remove the child in care by advising the local department within 30 days of the removal.

(1) The local department shall notify the Office of Administrative Hearings of the appeal.

(2) The Office of Administrative Hearings shall hold a hearing and issue a decision within 45 days of receiving the request.

D. Additional hearing rights under COMAR 07.02.26. If a local department removes a child from a resource home because of a child protective services finding, the local department shall advise the resource parents of the rights of the alleged maltreater to request a hearing under COMAR 07.02.26 to challenge that finding.

RAFAEL LOPEZ
Secretary of Human Services

 

Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Subtitle 13 BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS

09.13.07 Educational Equivalency Requirements

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§15-208 and
15-305, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-118-P]

The Board for Professional Land Surveyors proposes to amend Regulations .02 and .04 under COMAR Educational Equivalency Requirements. This action was considered by the Board at its regular, monthly meeting on August 7, 2024.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to specify the work experience, or combination of work experience and education, the Board will accept from applicants who seek eligibility to sit for the examination for licensure as a professional land surveyor, and to also correct a reference to the incorrect chapter of the Board's regulations.

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 Zevi Thomas, Executive Director, Board for Professional Land Surveyors, Maryland Department of Labor, 1100 N. Eutaw St., 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6262, or email to zevi.thomas@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 21, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Board for Professional Land Surveyors during a public meeting to be held on December 4, 2024, at 11 a.m., at 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, via Google Meet: http://meet.google.com/tth-pvdx-sbf or via telephone:  352-608-0121 (PIN: 767 512 793).

.02 Guidelines for Acceptable Work Experience.

A. — C. (text unchanged).

D. An applicant for the principles and practice examination under Business Occupation and Professions Article, §15-305, Annotated Code of Maryland shall have 18 months of work experience generally described in Business Occupations and Professions Article, §15-101(k)(2)(vi), Annotated Code of Maryland, and commonly known as “minor engineering experience.”

E. An applicant may be able to meet an 18-month experiential requirement set forth in this regulation by the following methods:

(1) Acceptable work experience;

(2) Acceptable education; or

(3) A combination of acceptable work experience and acceptable education.

.04 Determination of Value.

A. An applicant shall furnish, at the time of filing the appropriate examination application, evidence of having completed, to the Board's satisfaction, the eligible course or courses, as described in Regulation [.04] .03 of this chapter.

B. (text unchanged)

T.J. FRAZIER
Chair
Board for Professional Land Surveyors

 

Subtitle 19 COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME INSPECTORS — REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS

09.19.08 Temporary Permits and Reciprocity

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-216(2),
16-220, 16-305, and 16-507, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-100-P]

The Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors proposes to amend Regulation .02 under COMAR 09.19.08 Temporary Permits and Reciprocity. This action was considered at a public meeting held on August 13, 2024, notice of which was posted to the Commission website pursuant to the Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors (Commission), notice of which was provided by posting on the Commission's website, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-302(c)(3)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to remove obsolete and incorrect language pertaining the criteria for reciprocal licensing of real estate appraisers.

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 Todd Blackistone, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Labor, 1100 North Eutaw Street, Fifth Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6165, or email to todd.blackistone@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 21, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors during a public meeting to be held on December 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Maryland Department of Labor, 1100 North Eutaw Street, Fifth Floor Conference Room, Baltimore, MD 21201.

.02 Reciprocal Licenses and Certificates.

The Commission may waive the examination requirement and issue a reciprocal license or certificate to an individual, if the individual:

A. (text unchanged)

[B. Became licensed or certified in the other state after meeting, in that state, licensing or certification requirements which are substantially equivalent to or exceed the Maryland requirements for an equivalent license or certificate;]

[C.] B.[E.] D. (text unchanged)

R. SEAN TROXELL
Chairman
Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management
Companies, and Home Inspectors

 

Subtitle 36 COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME INSPECTORS — HOME INSPECTORS

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-101-P]

The Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors proposes to amend:

(1) Regulation .01 under COMAR 09.36.06 Code of Ethics; and

(2) Regulation .02 under COMAR 09.36.08 Continuing Professional Competency.

This action was considered at a public meeting held on August 13, 2024, notice of which was provided by posting on the Commission's website, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-302(c)(3)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Establish certain requirements concerning a licensed home inspector's responsibilities to the public under the Home Inspector Code of Ethics; and

(2) Clarify and establish requirements for home inspector continuing professional competency education required for license renewal.

In addition, at this time, the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors is withdrawing the amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 09.36.08 Continuing Professional Competency that were proposed in 50:25 Md. R. 1093 (December 15, 2023).

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 Todd Blackistone, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Department of Labor, 1100 North Eutaw Street, Fifth Floor Conference Room, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6165, or email to todd.blackistone@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 21, 2024. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors during a public meeting to be held on December 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Maryland Department of Labor, 1100 North Eutaw Street, Fifth Floor Conference Room, Baltimore, MD 21201.

 

09.36.06 Code of Ethics

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a)(2),
16-216(2), and 16-3A-07(e), Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Responsibilities to the Public.

A home inspector shall:

A.—D. (text unchanged)

E. Promptly inform a client of any business association, interest, or circumstance that may influence the home inspector's judgment or the quality of the home inspector's inspection service to the client; [and]

F. Make every effort to uphold, maintain, and improve the professional practice, integrity, and reputation of the home inspection industry[.]; and

G. Obey all federal and state laws, regulations, and local ordinances.

 

09.36.08 Continuing Professional Competency

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-216(2), and 16-3A-07(e), Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Basic Requirement.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Effective October 1, 2024, in accordance with §A of this regulation, a licensed home inspector applying for license renewal shall successfully complete during the preceding 2-year license cycle a minimum of:

(1) 2 hours of education related to home inspection report writing in accordance with Regulation .03F(1) of this chapter; and

(2) 2 hours of education related to the minimum standards of practice in accordance with COMAR 09.36.07 and Regulation .03F(3) of this chapter.

[B.] C. Acquisition of Continuing Professional Competency.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) Not more than 8 hours of continuing professional competency education required by §A of this regulation in a particular subject matter area set forth in Regulation .03F of this chapter may be credited toward an applicant’s eligibility for license renewal.

[C.] D. (text unchanged)

R. SEAN TROXELL
Chairman
Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal
 Management Companies, and Home Inspectors

 

Title 26
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

Subtitle 11 AIR QUALITY

26.11.43 Advanced Clean Trucks Program

Authority: Environment Article, §§1-404, 2-102, 2-103, 2-301, 2-1102,
2-1103, and 2-1103.1, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-095-P]

The Secretary of the Environment proposes to amend Regulation .04 under COMAR 26.11.43 Advanced Clean Truck Program.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to extend the lead-time manufacturers are eligible to earn credits under this program by an additional year. The amendment appears in Regulation .04 titled Applicability and Exemptions under COMAR 26.11.43 Advanced Clean Trucks Program.

The Advanced Clean Trucks Program will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval as part of Maryland's State Implementation Plan (SIP).

 

Background

The Clean Air Act established the framework for controlling harmful emissions from mobile sources. At the time, California had already established its own emission standards for mobile sources, and so was granted the sole authority to continue adopting vehicle emission standards, so long as they were at least as protective as the standards set by EPA.

The harmful emissions from Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks (MHD) pose a serious threat to both public health and climate change. Recognizing this, California has adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation that aims to reduce on-road emissions from the MHD Truck sector to a greater extent than the current EPA standards.

Section 177 of the Clean Air Act allows other states to adopt the California standards if they are identical. The Clean Trucks Act of 2023 requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to exercise this authority and adopt regulations implementing the California Advanced Clean Truck Program in Maryland. MDE has adopted implementing regulations in COMAR 26.11.43 through incorporation by reference of the applicable California regulations.

The Clean Trucks Act of 2023 authorized MDE to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Regulations beginning with the 2027 model year. When COMAR 26.11.43 was adopted in 2023, MDE included a provision allowing manufacturers of vehicles over 8,500 pounds to earn, bank, and trade credits earned pursuant to the program one year before the program went into effect. MDE received numerous comments expressing a desire to increase this timeframe to two years, to better match what California and other ACT states have done. MDE is proposing to increase the lead-time for earning credits under the program by an additional year, meaning vehicle manufacturers can begin earning credits with the 2025 model year.

 

Sources Affected and Location

This regulatory program will apply to manufacturers that sell vehicles in Maryland that have a gross vehicle weight rating over 8,500 pounds.

 

Requirements

There are no specific requirements associated with this proposed amendment. In essence, manufacturers will have an additional year to earn and bank credits before the program begins, easing their burden under the program.

 

Projected Emission Reductions

There are no projected emission reductions associated with this proposed amendment. Adding an additional year for manufacturers to earn credits before the program begins will not reduce the number of credits needed once the program begins. If anything, this provides an incentive to manufacturers to place these vehicles in Maryland a year earlier than they would have otherwise, since they will now earn credits they can use to meet the program’s requirements beginning in model year 2027.

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 Tim Shepherd, Division Chief, Mobile Sources Control Program, Air and Radiation Administration, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 705, Baltimore, MD 21230-1720, or call 410-537-3270, or fax 410-537-4435, or email to mde.mobilecomments@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through October 23, 2024. The Maryland Department of the Environment will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed action on October 23, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://meet.goto.com/920902101.

Or dial in using your phone:

United States (Toll Free): 1-866-899-4679

Access Code: 920-902-101

Interested persons are invited to attend and express their views. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on October 23, 2024, or submitted at the hearing. For more information contact Mr. Tim Shepherd, Division Chief, Mobile Sources Control Program, at 410-537-3270. Comments can be submitted to mde.mobilecomments@maryland.gov or sent to Mobile Sources Control Program, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 705, Baltimore, MD 21230-1720; telephone 410-537-3270; fax 410-537-4435.

This public hearing announcement, proposed action, and supporting documents are available for review on the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website at https://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/regulations/air/Pages/reqcomments.aspx.

Persons needing special accommodations at the public hearing should contact the Department's Fair Practices Office at 410-537-3964. TTY users may contact the Department through the Maryland Relay Service at 1-800-735-2258.

.04 Applicability and Exemptions.

A. Applicability.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Beginning with model year [2026] 2025, any manufacturer that produces on-road vehicles over 8,500 pounds GVWR may generate, bank, and trade ZEV and NZEV credits pursuant to 13 CCR §1963.2, as incorporated by reference in this chapter.

(3) (text unchanged)

B. (text unchanged)

SERENA McILWAIN
Secretary of the Environment

 

Special Documents

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water

 

AGENCY:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

 

ACTION:  Notice.

 

SUMMARY:  This notice lists Approvals by Rule for projects by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission during the period set forth in DATES.

 

DATES:  August 1 - 31, 2024.

 

ADDRESSES:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA  17110-1788.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission, telephone: 717- 238-0423, ext. 1312; fax: 717- 238-2436; e-mail: joyler@srbc.net.  Regular mail inquiries may be sent to the above address.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  This notice lists the projects, described below, receiving approval for the consumptive use of water pursuant to the Commission’s approval by rule process set forth in 18 CFR §806.22 (f) for the time period specified above.

Water Source Approval - Issued Under 18 CFR 806.22(f ):

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Deer Park; ABR-201907003.R1; Windham Township, Wyoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 8, 2024.

RENEWAL - Coterra Energy Inc.; Pad ID: CraneJ P1; ABR-201907002.R1; Lathrop Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 5.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 8, 2024.

RENEWAL - Blackhill Energy LLC; Pad ID: Gerbino #1; ABR-20090710.R3; Ridgebury Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 17, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: White SUS; ABR-201407008.R2; Auburn Township, Susquehanna County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 17, 2024.

RENEWAL - EQT ARO LLC; Pad ID: COP Tract 653 Pad A; ABR-20090405.R3; Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 17, 2024.

RENEWAL - EQT ARO LLC; Pad ID: COP Tract 653 Pad B; ABR-20090414.R3; Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 17, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Kent; ABR-20090726.R3; Towanda Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 19, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: McDonough; ABR-201407009.R2; Meshoppen Township, Wyoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 19, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: SGL-12 A Drilling Pad; ABR-201407007.R2; Overton Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 19, 2024.

Pennsylvania General Energy Company, L.L.C.; Pad ID: COP Tract 726 Pad A; ABR-202408001; Plunketts Creek Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 25, 2024.

RENEWAL - Blackhill Energy LLC; Pad ID: Warren #1; ABR-20090711.R3; Ridgebury Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 25, 2024.

RENEWAL - EQT ARO LLC; Pad ID: Larrys Creek F&G Pad A; ABR-20090411.R3; Cummings Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 25, 2024.

RENEWAL - EQT ARO LLC; Pad ID: Larrys Creek F&G Pad B; ABR-20090416.R3; Cummings Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 25, 2024.

RENEWAL - Seneca Resources Company, LLC; Pad ID: PHC 7H; ABR-20090722.1.R3; Lawrence Township, Clearfield County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 25, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Hershberger; ABR-20090739.R3; Terry Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 26, 2024.

RENEWAL - Inflection Energy (PA) LLC; Pad ID: Hamilton Well Site; ABR-201403010.R2; Upper Fairfield Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 26, 2024.

RENEWAL - Seneca Resources Company, LLC; Pad ID: J. Pino Pad G; ABR-20090717.R3; Covington Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 29, 2024.

RENEWAL - Seneca Resources Company, LLC; Pad ID: PHC 8H; ABR-20090723.1.R3; Lawrence Township, Clearfield County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 29, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Claudia; ABR-20090807.R3; Terry Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Eileen; ABR-20090806.R3; Smithfield Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Fitzsimmons; ABR-20090809.R3; Albany Township, Bradford County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

RENEWAL - Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C.; Pad ID: Hunter; ABR-201408001.R2; Meshoppen Township, Wyoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 7.5000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

RENEWAL - Seneca Resources Company, LLC; Pad ID: CRV Pad C09-G; ABR-201408002.R2; Shippen Township, Cameron County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

RENEWAL - Seneca Resources Company, LLC; Pad ID: T. Wivell Horizontal Pad; ABR-20090814.R3; Covington Township, Tioga County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of Up to 4.0000 mgd; Approval Date: August 30, 2024.

AUTHORITY: Public Law 91-575, 84 Stat. 1509 et seq., 18 CFR parts 806 and 808.

 

DATED: September 6, 2024.

JASON E. OYLER
General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission

[24-19-21]

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Grandfathering Registration Notice

 

AGENCY:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

 

ACTION:  Notice.

 

SUMMARY: This notice lists Grandfathering Registration for projects by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission during the period set forth in DATES.

 

DATES:  August 1-31, 2024.

 

ADDRESSES:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA  17110-1788.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission, telephone:  717-238-0423, ext. 1312; fax: 717-238-2436; e-mail:  joyler@srbc.gov.  Regular mail inquiries may be sent to the above address.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  This notice lists GF Registration for projects, described below, pursuant to 18 CFR Part 806, Subpart E, for the time period specified above:

Ahlstrom Filtration LLC, GF Certificate No. GF-202408279, Mount Holly Springs Borough, Cumberland County, Pa.; consumptive use; Issue Date:  August 27, 2024. 

 

AUTHORITY: Public Law 91-575, 84 Stat. 1509 et seq., 18 CFR parts 806 and 808.

 

DATED:  September 6, 2024.

 

JASON E. OYLER
General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission

705877.1

 

[24-19-22]

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Minor Modification Notice

 

AGENCY:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

 

ACTION:  Notice.

 

SUMMARY:  This notice lists the minor modifications approved for previously approved projects by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission during the period set forth in DATES.

 

DATES:  August 1- 31, 2024

 

ADDRESSES:  Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1788.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission, telephone: 717 - 238-0423, ext. 1312; fax 717 - 238-2436; e-mail:  joyler@srbc.gov.  Regular mail inquiries may be sent to the above address.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  This notice lists previously approved projects, receiving approval of minor modification, described below, pursuant to 18 CFR § 806.18 or to Commission Resolution Nos. 2013-11 and 2015-06, for the time period specified above. 

Department of the Army – Carlisle Barracks Golf Course, Docket No. 20240622, North Middleton and Middlesex Townships, Cumberland County, Pa.; modification approval to adjust the approval term to align with another docket approval by the Commission; Approval Date:  August 6, 2024.

 

AUTHORITY: Public Law 91-575, 84 Stat. 1509 et seq., 18 CFR parts 806 and 808.

 

DATED:  September 6, 2024.

JASON E. OYLER
General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission

702865.1

 

[24-19-24]

 

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0038

 

Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company

500 Energy Lane, Suite 200

Dover, Delaware 19901

 

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10, The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of a scheduled Public Hearing for Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0038.

 

Location: 6.1 miles along Sussex Highway (US-13), Connelly Mill Rd, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Salisbury area of Wicomico County, Maryland.

 

Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company has requested a Water Quality Certification (WQC) for proposed construction of approximately 6.1 miles of 10-inch pipeline in the Salisbury area of Wicomico County, Maryland. This project, the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade - Salisbury Loop, will use Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to install the proposed natural gas pipeline. The project will use HDD to cross Leonard Pond Run, Peggy Branch, Brewington Branch, and adjacent nontidal wetlands. These tributaries drain towards the Wicomico River watershed, a Use I waterway.

 

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 subject application. At this time, no decision has been made as to whether a certification will be issued.

 

A virtual public informational hearing has been scheduled for the referenced project on Thursday, November 7, 2024. 

 

The hearing will begin at 7:00 P.M. and end no later than 9:00 P.M.

To participate in the public informational hearing, please use the following link:

https://meet.google.com/sau-itpg-rhe or dial ‪(US) +1 513-816-0705 PIN: ‪742 467 284#.

Written comments will be accepted until November 21, 2024. All project information and updates will be available on the following page: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/Salisbury-Loop-WQC.aspx

Contact: Alex Vazquez at alex.vazquez@maryland.gov or 410-537-3541.

[24-19-25]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking — 2025 Triennial Review

 

 

2025 Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards

 

The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding water quality standards. The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that States review their water quality standards every three years (Triennial Review) and revise the standards as necessary. A water quality standard consists of three components:

 

1. Designated Uses that set goals for a water body. Examples include the support of aquatic life, drinking water supply or the support of a coldwater fishery, such as trout.

2. Criteria that support the designated uses. There are numerous criteria for chemical substances, bacteria, acidity and physical characteristics (e.g., temperature). Examples include dissolved oxygen sufficient to support aquatic life or metals in sufficiently low concentrations that they will not interfere with aquatic life.

3. Antidegradation policy. Maryland has a policy in place for Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III classified waters. The Department updates the list of high quality waters each triennium as needed.

 

The Maryland water quality standards are found in the Code of Maryland regulations (COMAR) at 26.08.01 — 26.08.02. Maryland regulations may be accessed online at the Division of State Documents web site: www.dsd.state.md.us. Click on COMAR Online and enter the appropriate regulatory reference.

 

Prior to initiating any formal rule-making process, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is providing stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the State’s water quality standards MDE will be considering for amendment and addition. With this announcement, the Water and Science Administration (WSA) at MDE is soliciting public input on its current review of the Water Quality Standards. Topics currently being reviewed by WSA are presented below. WSA invites stakeholder comments and suggestions on the proposed changes and will consider them if the necessary data are available to make the appropriate determination(s). A subsequent promulgation of new water quality standards may include topics not included in this proposal.

 

Comments on the following topics planned to be addressed during this Triennial Review period should be submitted to Melinda Cutler via email at melinda.cutler@maryland.gov or by mail to Ms. Melinda Cutler, Water and Science Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd, Baltimore MD 21230.

 

SCHEDULE

Depending on the comments received in response to this notice, MDE plans to formally propose new and/or revised regulations by Spring of 2025, and submit a final notice on these regulations by summer of 2025.

 

PROPOSED WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AMENDMENTS

 

DESIGNATED USES

MDE has gathered and analyzed data showing that certain surface waters support both cold water obligate species and the Use Class III temperature criterion (68°F). MDE is considering updating the Use Class of these surface waters to protect the cold water species they support. Additionally, MDE is evaluating portions of the North Branch Potomac River mainstem, located in Alleghany County, for a Use Class IV-P designation.

 

Waters under consideration:

 

Waterbody Name

County

Coordinates

Designation under Consideration

Unnamed tributary to Jacks Hole

Harford

Headwaters to 39.6864751,  -76.3748481

Class III-P

Unnamed tributary to Michaels Run

Harford

Headwaters to 39.713601, -76.264204

Class III-P

Unnamed tributary to Broad Creek

Harford

Headwaters to 39.6813615,

-76.3618549

Class III-P

North Branch Potomac River (Allegany)

Allegany

39.4801835, -79.0668370 to 39.4785295, -78.9422151

Class III-P and Class IV-P

North Branch Potomac River (Garrett)

Garrett

39.2058829, -79.4866701 to 39.2024041, -79.4726861

Class III-P

 

The proposed existing use rationale documents for the Use Class redesignations are posted to MDE’s Existing Use webpage. https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/TMDL/WaterQualityStandards/Pages/Existing-Use-Determinations.aspx

 

The proposed existing use rationale documents, including those involving the Use Class redesignations listed here, are undergoing an additional separate public review process prior to the 2025 Triennial Review (public comment period September 6, 2024 - October 7, 2024). Please see the notice in the September 6th edition of the Maryland Register for more details.

 

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA

 

Updated Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) published final updated ambient water quality criteria for the protection of human health for 94 chemical pollutants in June of 2015. These updated recommendations reflect the latest scientific information and US EPA policies, including updated body weight, drinking water consumption rate, fish consumption rate, bioaccumulation factors, health toxicity values, and relative source contributions. MDE promulgated updated criteria for 69 out of the 94 chemical pollutant criteria in concert with the 2019 Triennial Review. MDE is now considering the remaining updated national criteria (25 in total) for adoption into state water quality standards.

 

New Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Microcystin and Cylindrospermopsin

The USEPA published national recommended recreational ambient water quality criteria for the cyanotoxins microcystin and cylindrospermopsin in May of 2019. These 304(a) criteria recommendations are based on the latest scientific information.  MDE is considering these recommended national criteria for adoption into state regulations.

 

ANTIDEGRADATION

 

Modifications to List of Tier II Waters (COMAR 26.08.02.04-2 N)

 

Based on recently collected and analysis of historical Maryland Biological Stream Survey data, six (6) Maryland streams have been identified as high quality and will be proposed in Maryland regulations as Tier II High Quality waters. The names and locations of these streams are provided in the table below.

 

Stream Name

County

Coordinates

Baseline FIBI

Baseline BIBI

Saint Mary’s River UT 4

Saint Mary’s

38.214823, -76.430646 to 38.212223, -76.45076

4.00

4.00

Persimmon Creek 1

Saint Mary’s

38.421512, -76.713051 to 38.440755, -76.696983

4.07

4.13

Midway Branch 1

Anne Arundel

39.075195, -76.728378 to 39.059119, -76.731594

4.14

4.00

Loretta
Branch 1

Somerset

38.223436, -75.672699 to 38.207113, -75.693784

4.43

4.67

South Prong Lostland Run 1

Garrett

39.381469, -79.276926 to 39.371498, -79.254668

4.25

4.00

Mattawoman Creek 3

Charles

38.600005, -77.051782 to 38.596301, -77.055239

4.71

4.33

[24-19-26]

 

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool Hook and Line Fishery Modifications — Effective 7/2/2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces modifications to the commercial striped bass common pool hook and line fishery. Effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024:

       The season is open July 2, 2024, through July 3, 2024.

       The catch limit is 250 lbs/permittee/week and 500 lbs/vessel/day.

       The catch times remain one hour before sunrise through one hour before sunset.

 

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY

This action is necessary to implement the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to all individuals who are permitted to participate in the commercial striped bass common pool hook and line fishery in the Chesapeake Bay.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.15.12

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Fishing and Boating Services 410-260-8293

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-15]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of 2024 Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery — Effective 7/15/2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the recreational season, catch limit, and minimum size for black sea bass. This notice supersedes all notices effective prior to July 15, 2024, affecting the 2024 recreational black sea bass fishery.

·        The season is open May 15, 2024, through September 30, 2024, and then reopens October 10, 2024, through December 31, 2024. It is closed all other dates.

·        Anglers may keep up to 15 black sea bass per person per day.

·        The minimum size is 13 inches, excluding the tail filament.

 

A drawing of a fish

Description automatically generated

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY

This action is necessary to implement the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to all individuals who catch black sea bass recreationally.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This notice is effective at 12:01 a.m. July 15, 2024.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.05.21

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-09]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab Catch Limits — July through December 2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee, announces the commercial mature female hard crab catch limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July through December 2024. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2024, the catch limits are: 

Daily Commercial Catch Limits for Mature Female Hard Crabs by License Type

Dates 

Container

LCC

TFL or

CB3

TFL with CB6 or CB3 with CB6

TFL with CB9 or CB3 with CB9

Jul 1 - Aug 31, 2024 

Bushel 

2

10

14

18

Lug 

1

6

9

12

Barrel

*N/A

4

5

7

Sep 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Bushel 

5

19

29

34

Lug 

3

12

19

22

Barrel

2

7

11

13

Nov 1 - 30, 2024

Bushel 

2

5

10

15

Lug 

1

3

6

10

Barrel

*N/A

2

4

6

Dec 1 - 15, 2024

No Female Hard Crab Harvest Allowed

*Due to a barrel holding 2.5 bushels of crabs, this container is not allowed for use by LCC’s whose limit is less than that amount.

 

License Acronyms

LCC – Limited Crab Harvester License (up to 50 pots)

   TFL – Unlimited Tidal Fish License

   CB3 – 300 Pot Crab Harvester License

   CB6 – 600 Pot Crab Harvester License

   CB9 – 900 Pot Crab Harvester License

 

Container Definitions

Bushel, circular – A circular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 12” height, 18” top diameter, 13-½” bottom diameter

 

Bushel, rectangular – A rectangular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 11” height, 19-½” length, 12-½” width

 

Lug – A rectangular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 12- height, 22- top length, 14- top width, 21 bottom length, 13 bottom width 

 

Barrel – A circular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 27-½” height, 20-½” top diameter, 18” bottom diameter

 

Daily catch limits for mature female hard crabs are based on the Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey results, conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and in consultation with the Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee.

 

All catch of mature female hard crabs on board a vessel must be kept in the same type of container, although crabs of different sexes may be kept in different types of containers. For example, a harvester may have all females in lugs and all males in bushels, but could not have males or females in both bushels and lugs. Commercial crabbers using lugs or barrels should report harvest in pounds when completing Commercial Harvest Reports.

 

Crew limits are in effect as described in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, §4-814. If crew members are not on board, the licensee is restricted to the TFL or CB3 catch limits. 

 

WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES 

This applies to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. 

 

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY 

This action is necessary to ensure that female blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay exploitation fraction threshold established in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to commercial crabbers who harvest female blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. 

 

AUTHORITY 

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G 

JOSH KURTZ 
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-12]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES 

Public Notice of Commercial Male Hard Crab Catch Limits — July through December 2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES  

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee, announces the commercial male hard crab catch limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July through December 2024. Male hard crab catch limits include catch of all male market categories combined (e.g., number ones, number twos, mixed/culls). Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2024, the catch limits are: 

Daily Commercial Catch Limits for Male Hard Crabs by License Type

Dates

Container

LCC

TFL or

CB3

TFL with CB6 or CB3 with CB6

TFL with CB9 or CB3 with CB9

Jul 1 - 31, 2024 

No Male Hard Crab Catch Limits

Aug 1 - 29, 2024

Bushel

4

8

12

15

Lug

2

5

8

10

Aug 30 - Sep 2, 2024

No Male Hard Crab Catch Limits

Sep 3 - 30, 2024

Bushel 

4

8

12

15

Lug

2

5

8

10

Oct 1 - Nov 30, 2024

No Male Hard Crab Catch Limits

Dec 1 - 15, 2024

No Male Hard Crab Harvest Allowed

License Acronyms

   LCC – Limited Crab Harvester License (up to 50 pots)

   TFL – Unlimited Tidal Fish License

   CB3 – 300 Pot Crab Harvester License

   CB6 – 600 Pot Crab Harvester License

   CB9 – 900 Pot Crab Harvester License

 

Container Definitions

Bushel, circular – A circular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 12” height, 18” top diameter, 13-½” bottom diameter

 

Bushel, rectangular – A rectangular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 11” height, 19-½” length, 12-½” width

 

Lug – A rectangular container with inside dimensions not exceeding 12- height, 22- top length, 14- top width, 21 bottom length, 13 bottom width 

 

Daily catch limits for male hard crabs are based on the Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey results, conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and in consultation with the Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee.

 

All catch of male hard crabs on board a vessel must be kept in the same type of container, although crabs of different sexes may be kept in different types of containers. For example, a harvester may have all males in bushels and all females in lugs but could not have males or females in both bushels and lugs. Commercial crabbers using lugs should report harvest in pounds when completing Commercial Harvest Reports.

 

Crew limits are in effect as described in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, §4-814. If crew members are not on board, the licensee is restricted to the TFL or CB3 catch limits. 

 

WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES 

This applies to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. 

 

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY 

This action is necessary to ensure that male blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay male conservation trigger referenced in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to commercial crabbers who harvest male blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. 

 

AUTHORITY 

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G 

JOSH KURTZ 
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-11]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of 2024 Recreational Bluefish Fishery — Effective 7/14/2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the catch limit and size limit for the 2024 recreational bluefish fishery. This notice supersedes all notices effective prior to July 14, 2024, affecting the 2024 recreational bluefish fishery.

·        Recreational anglers fishing from shore or private boats can keep up to 3 bluefish per person per day.

·        Recreational anglers fishing from for-hire boats can keep up to 5 bluefish per person per day.

·        The minimum size is 8 inches.

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY

This action is necessary to implement the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Bluefish. The Department updated its regulations regarding the recreational bluefish fishery, effective on June 24, 2024. Those updates took the recreational rules out of the Code of Maryland Regulations and now require the Department to establish these rules by public notice.

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to all individuals who catch bluefish recreationally.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This notice is effective at 12:01 a.m. July 14, 2024.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.05.10

 

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-10]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of 2024—2025 Commercial Oyster Rules — Effective 7/3/2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources establishes the rules for the commercial oyster seasons, days of the week that an individual may catch oysters and catch limits. Effective at 12:01 a.m. July 3, 2024:

·        Seasons

o   The commercial oyster season is open from October 1, 2024 through and including March 31, 2025 for the following gears:

§  Shaft (Hand) Tong

§  Patent Tong

§  Dive

o   The commercial oyster season is open from November 1, 2024 through and including March 31, 2025 for the following gears:

§  Power Dredge

§  Dredge Boat (Sail Dredge)

§  Dredge Boat (Sail Dredge) with Auxiliary Yawl Boat

o   The season is closed on all other dates.

·        Daily Catch Limits

o   A licensee may harvest up to 12 bushels per licensee per day, not to exceed 24 bushels per boat per day, if at any time during the day they use a shaft (hand) tong, patent tong, dive equipment, or any combination of those gear types.

o   A licensee may harvest up to 10 bushels per licensee per day, not to exceed 20 bushels per boat per day, if at any time during the day they use a power dredge, regardless of what other gear is used that day.

o   A licensee may harvest up to 100 bushels per licensee per day, not to exceed 100 bushels per boat per day, if they use only a dredge boat (sail dredge) or dredge boat (sail dredge) with auxiliary yawl boat, or any combination of those gear types to harvest oysters that day.

·        Days of the Week That an Individual May Catch Oysters

o   An individual may catch oysters for commercial purposes only from Monday through Friday.

 

WHERE THESE RULES APPLY

All open oyster harvest areas. Oyster harvest areas are submerged ground where an individual is allowed to catch oysters. “Oyster harvest area” does not include an area leased for aquaculture, restricted by the Maryland Department of the Environment, or designated as a submerged aquatic vegetation protection zone, harvest reserve area, or sanctuary.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

Anyone who catches oysters for commercial purposes. These rules do not apply to individuals legally harvesting oysters from an aquaculture lease.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.04.11G

 

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-10]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of 2024—2025 Recreational Oyster Rules — Effective 7/3/2024

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources establishes the rules for the recreational oyster season, days of the week that an individual may catch oysters, catch limits, and catch times. Effective at 12:01 a.m. July 3, 2024:

·        Season

o   The recreational oyster season is open from October 1, 2024 through and including March 31, 2025.

o   The season is closed on all other dates.

·        Daily Catch Limit

o   The recreational catch limit is 100 oysters per person per day.

·        Days of the Week That an Individual May Catch Oysters

o   An individual may catch oysters for recreational purposes only from Monday through Saturday.

·        Catch Times

o   An individual may catch oysters for recreational purposes only from sunrise to 12 p.m. (noon).

 

WHERE THESE RULES APPLY

All open oyster harvest areas. Oyster harvest areas are submerged ground where an individual is allowed to catch oysters. “Oyster harvest area” does not include an area leased for aquaculture, restricted by the Maryland Department of the Environment, or designated as a submerged aquatic vegetation protection zone, harvest reserve area, or sanctuary.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

Anyone who catches oysters for recreational purposes. These rules do not apply to individuals legally harvesting oysters from an aquaculture lease.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.04.11G

 

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-13]

 

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Public Notice of Recreational Hard Crab Catch and Possession Limits — July 2024 through June 2025 — REVISED

 

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the recreational male hard crab catch and possession limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July 2024 through June 2025. Effective 12:01 a.m. August 30, 2024, the recreational male hard crab catch and possession limits for individuals on a vessel are:

Daily Recreational Catch and Possession Limits for Boats

Unlicensed Boat

With 1 unlicensed individual

2 dozen

With 2 or more unlicensed individuals

4 dozen

With 1 or more licensees and any number of unlicensed individuals

1 bushel OR 6 dozen*

Licensed Boat

With any number of licensed or unlicensed individuals

1 bushel OR 6 dozen*

* The catch limit is 1 bushel of crabs if storing crabs in a bushel basket or 6 dozen crabs if using a container other than a bushel basket

Daily catch and possession limits for male hard crabs are based on the Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey results conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Possession limits for July through December 2025 will be determined when results from the 2025 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey are available. This revised notice adds the 6 dozen crab limit when using a container other than a bushel.

 

WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES

This applies to recreational crabbing on vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. This change does not affect recreational crabbing from shore in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, nor any recreational crabbing in the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, or tributaries.

 

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY

This action is necessary to ensure that male blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay male conservation trigger referenced in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan.

 

WHOM THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This applies to recreational crabbers who harvest male blue crabs on vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

 

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

[24-19-08]

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD

Proposed Additions to Handgun Roster and Notice of Right to Object or Petition

 

     The following is a list of handguns that the Handgun Roster Board proposes to add to the official handgun roster.  These handguns will be officially placed on the Handgun Roster if no timely objection is received or if all timely objections are dismissed.

     Under Public Safety Article, §5-405, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 29.03.03.13 and .14, any person may object to the placement of any of those handguns on the Handgun Roster.  Objections must be filed within 30 days after September 20, 2024.  In addition, any person may petition for the placement of an additional handgun on the Handgun Roster.  Forms for objections or petitions may be obtained from: Rachel Rosenberg, Administrator, Handgun Roster Board, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21208 (Phone: 410-653-4247).

 

Make

Model

Caliber

Additional Comments

PIONEER ARMS CORPORATION

Hellpuppy

7.62X39mm

Model addition

TAURUS ARMAS (TAURUS INTERNATIONAL MFG.)

327 Defender

327 Fed Mag

Model addition

LWRC INTERNATIONAL

IC-A5

300 BLK

Caliber addition

TAURUS

TX22 Gen 2 T.O.R.O.

22 LR

Model addition

F. TANFOGLIO (ITALIAN FIREARMS GROUP)

DEFIANT FORCE 22L

22 LR

Model addition

CBC (HERITAGE MFG.)

92 Ranch Hand

357 Mag/38 Spl, 44 Mag

Model addition

FABRYKA BRONI "LUCZNIK" - RADOM (ARMS OF AMERICA LLC)

VIS-100 M1 PISTOL

9 mm

Model addition

ARMALITE

AR-19 Pistol

9 mm

Model addition

KIMBER

STAINLESS RAPTOR II

10 mm, 9 mm

Caliber addition

 CZ (C.A.I.)

CZ 75 BD POLICE

9 mm

Model addition

TAURUS

22TUC

22 LR

 

TAURUS ARMAS (TAURUS INTERNATIONAL MFG.)

DEPUTY

45 Colt, 357 MAG/38 SPL

 

LWRC INTERNATIONAL

IC-9 Pistol

9 mm

 

TISAS

PX-5.7

5.7X28 mm

Model addition

Inglis Manufacturing

P-35

9 mm

Model addition

CHARLES DALY

1911 Empire Grade

45 ACP

Model addition

CHARLES DALY

1911 Superior Grade

45 ACP

Model addition

BUL TRANSMARK, LTD (MAGNUM RESEARCH)

MR1911GSS

45 ACP

Model addition

WALTHER [Interarms]

PPK

380 ACP

Model addition

GLOCK [Shark Coast Customs]

42

380 ACP

Model addition

COLT/COLTS MFG. CO., INC.

1911 CCU Government

45 ACP

Model addition

SOVIET ARMS

Krink Pistol

5.56 NATO

Model addition

TISAS (SDS IMPORTS)

1911 Duty B9R

9 mm

Model addition

BERETTA USA

PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2

9 mm

Model addition

OLD WEST FIREARMS

SBG

9 mm

 

OLD WEST FIREARMS

SBG

38 Spl

Caliber addition

SIG SAUER/SIGARMS INC.

P365-FUSE

9 mm

Model addition

TISAS

1911A1 STAKEOUT

9 mm/38 Super

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P 9 SHIELD PLUS CARRY COMP

9 mm

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P 9 M2.0 METAL CARRY COMP

9 mm

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

Performance Center Model 327 WR Jerry Miculek

9 mm

Model addition

LORCIN

L9MM

9 mm

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P 9 M2.0 COMPACT CARRY COMP

9 mm

Model addition

KIMBER

Classic Model Custom

45 ACP

Model addition

BUL TRANSMARK, LTD (MAGNUM RESEARCH)

MR1911G10

10 mm

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

BODYGUARD 2.0

380 ACP

 

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY/INC. (HS PRODUKT)

Hellcat Pro Comp

9 mm

 

JL Machining Works

JL 15

5.56 NATO

 

PTR INDUSTRIES

PTR 9

9 mm

 

ATLAS GUNWORKS, INC.

Titan RDS

9 mm

 

SHADOW SYSTEMS CORP

CR920X FOUNDATION SERIES

9 mm

Model addition

GLOCK

17L GEN 5

9 mm

Model addition

TISAS (SDS IMPORTS)

M1911 A1 Government

45 ACP

Model addition

HAMMERLI

215 S

22 LR

Model addition

COLT/COLTS MFG. CO., INC.

Kodiak

44 Magnum

Model addition

STURM RUGER

P90DC

45 ACP

Model addition

DIKAR (CVA)

SCOUT V2

204 Ruger

Caliber addition

Balikli Arms (GForce Arms)

Chronicle 1911

9 mm

 

FUSION FIREARMS, INC.

NCOM-D

 45 ACP, 9 mm

Model addition

FUSION FIREARMS, INC.

NCOM-T

 45 ACP, 9 mm

Model addition

FUSION FIREARMS, INC.

Thorn

 45 ACP, 9 mm

Model addition

SIG SAUER/SIGARMS INC.

P320-Flux Legion Pistol

9 mm

 

COLT/COLTS MFG. CO., INC.

Viper

357 Mag

 

GP ARMS LLC

1911 DS3 Forza

9 mm

 

GP ARMS LLC

1911 DS4 Patriot

9 mm

 

Tyler Gun Works

Government 1911

45 ACP

 

LAUGO ARMS (LAUGO ARMS USA LLC)

Alien Creator Evolution

9 mm

Model addition

TISAS

Zig M1911 A1 Government

45 ACP

Model addition

Hayes Custom Guns LLC

Cobra HC1911 Pistol

9 mm

 

ARMSCOR PHILIPPINES-ROCK ISLAND ARMORY (ARMSCOR PRECISION INTERNATIONAL)

M1911 A1 FS-TACT

9 mm/22 TCM 9R

 

SCT Manufacturing, LLC

SCT 17

9 mm

 

AKAI CUSTOM GUNS, LLC

1911

9 mm, 45 ACP

 

VUDOO GUN WORKS

Priest

9 mm

 

ZEV TECHNOLOGIES [SIG SAUER]

P365

9 mm

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

36-10

38 Spl

Model addition

SMITH & WESSON

586-8

357 Mag, 38 Spl

Model addition

HI POINT FIREARMS

YC380

380 ACP

Model addition

BOND ARMS

XLV

45 ACP

Model addition

SOVIET ARMS

Krink Pistol

300 BLK

Caliber addition

MORIARTI ARMAMENTS LLC

AR-15

300 BLK

Caliber addition

ARMSCOR PHILIPPINES-ROCK ISLAND ARMORY (ARMSCOR PRECISION INTERNATIONAL)

M1911 A2 FS

45 ACP

Caliber addition

AMT

AUTOMAG IV

10mm Magnum

Caliber addition

CZ

P-09 C Nocturne

9 mm

Model addition

CZ

P-09 F Nocturne

9 mm

Model addition

[24-19-20]

General Notices

 

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

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: October 8, 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.

Place: Via Google Meet — please see details below.

Add’l. Info: 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.

     Video call link:

https://meet.google.com/ahz-mgnk-jsu

     Or call: (US) +1 530-738-1353;

     PIN: 815 799 863#

Contact: Ayanna Daugherty 410-230-6019

[24-19-18]

 

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: October 7, 2024, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Place: Baltimore, MD

Contact: Sabrina Chase 443-687-6647

[24-19-02]

 

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subject: Receipt of Application

Add’l. Info: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is currently accepting applications and nominations for pharmacists to serve on the Maryland Medicaid Drug Use Review (DUR) Board beginning January 2025. The DUR Board is comprised of up to 12 licensed and actively practicing physicians and pharmacists in Maryland. Members are appointed by the Secretary of MDH and serve one term of 3 years from the date of their appointment with the option to serve an additional 3-year term.

     All interested applicants are required to submit a formal application through the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Appointments and Executive Nominations application link for DUR Board DUR Application. The deadline to submit applications is October 11, 2024.

Contact: Mangesh Joglekar, Lynn Frendak, or Nisha Purohit at mangesh.joglekar@maryland.gov, lynn.frendak@maryland.gov, or nisha.purohit1@maryland.gov

[24-19-16]

 

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS (P&T) COMMITTEE

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: November 7, 2024, 9a.m — 1 p.m.

Place: Virtual meeting — please see details below.

Add’l. Info: Please be advised that the November 7, 2024, Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee public mee