<section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-101" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person other than as an agent or employee of the United States or a state or a political subdivision of the United States or a state may not use the word “official”, or its equivalent, in connection with a tourist or travelers’ guide or information service or with related advertising or publicity.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “advertisement” includes a display or sign that is visible from a public highway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not conduct or operate a tourist or travelers’ information service unless each affixed advertisement that announces the service by the prominent display of the word “information” or a synonym includes, in letters that are at least half the size of the largest letters in the advertisement and that are lighted and displayed with substantially equal prominence, a complete list of names, headed “Sales Agents For” or the equivalent, of each business from which a person, directly or indirectly connected with the service, receives a commission, fee, or other payment or remuneration for referrals to the business.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a bona fide chamber or association of commerce of cities, towns, or counties of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an information service furnished by a retail business if remuneration is not received from any other business other than for goods sold on the premises.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a penalty not exceeding $500 for each offense.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-102" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to each corporation or company that acts as a common carrier or forwarder in the State, including a railroad, steamboat, transportation, or forwarding company.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a common carrier or forwarder may sell at public auction freight that is forwarded on the common carrier or forwarder to a point in the State if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for 3 months after arriving at its destination the freight remains unclaimed and the legal charges on the freight remain unpaid;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the owner or consignee cannot be found after diligent inquiry, or, for 3 months after being found and notified of the arrival of the freight, does not receive the freight and pay the legal charges on the freight; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the common carrier or forwarder at least 10 days before the sale has posted notices of the time and place of the sale in three public places in the county or municipal corporation in which the sale is to be made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Out of the proceeds of the sale the common carrier or forwarder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may pay the legal charges, including the costs of storage of the freight; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall pay, on demand, any balance to the owner or consignee of the freight.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A judge of the circuit court for a county in which freight is located that has been forwarded by a common carrier or forwarder may pass an order for the sale of the freight if the judge deems the sale expedient, on the terms and notice that the order prescribes, if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the common carrier or forwarder files with the judge an application, verified by affidavit, that sets forth the reasons for which the application is made;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the freight is livestock, is perishable, or is so damaged or of such other character as to make it impracticable for it to remain in the possession of the company owning or operating the common carrier or forwarder for 3 months after its arrival at its destination; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the owner or consignee cannot be found after diligent inquiry, or, for 24 hours after being found and notified of the arrival of the freight, does not receive the freight and pay the legal charges on the freight.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Out of the proceeds of the sale, the common carrier or forwarder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may pay the expenses incident to the sale and legal charges, including the cost of the keep of the livestock or the cost of storage of the freight; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall pay, on demand, any balance to the owner or consignee of the freight.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “baggage” includes personal baggage, sample packages, bundles, or luggage.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A common carrier or forwarder may sell at public auction baggage that is transported by the common carrier or forwarder to any point in the State if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the baggage remains at its destination for 3 months or, if it is lost or stray baggage, remains unclaimed by the owner or the consignee for 3 months at the place to which it has been transported;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the owner or consignee cannot be found after diligent inquiry, or, after being found and notified of the arrival of the baggage, does not receive the baggage and pay the reasonable charges on the baggage; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the common carrier or forwarder at least 10 days before the sale has posted notices of the time and place of the sale in three public places in the county or municipal corporation in which the sale is to be made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Out of the proceeds of the sale the common carrier or forwarder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may pay the legal charges, including the costs of storage of the baggage; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall pay, on demand, any balance to the owner or consignee of the baggage.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-103" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adult entertainment” means live entertainment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in which individuals appear for public view in a state of nudity or partial nudity; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that, applying contemporary standards, the average individual would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Adult entertainment establishment” means a business establishment where adult entertainment is offered.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Truck stop” means a facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the primary purpose of which is to provide services to long–haul truck drivers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that provides:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shower facilities to the truck drivers for a fee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>parking for the truck drivers’ vehicles.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The owner of a privately owned bus station, truck stop, or adult entertainment establishment shall post the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline information sign described in § 15–207 of this article in each restroom of the bus station, truck stop, or adult entertainment establishment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sign required under this section shall be posted:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on the inside of each stall door in the restroom; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>on the back of the door at the entrance to the restroom.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An agency that enforces this section and determines that a violation of this section has occurred shall notify the business owner of the bus station, truck stop, or adult entertainment establishment, or the business owner’s agent, of the violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the business owner of the bus station, truck stop, or adult entertainment establishment does not post signs as required under this section within 24 hours after receiving the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the business owner is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For each restroom in which a business owner fails to post a sign in accordance with this section, the business owner is subject to a separate civil penalty.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-104" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>A business registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation that offers a discount or preference on products or services to veterans shall accept a valid driver’s license or identification card issued under § 12–302 of the Transportation Article that includes a notation of veteran status as verification of the veteran status of the holder of the driver’s license or identification card for purposes of claiming the discount or preference.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-105" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an animal welfare organization or animal control unit displaying dogs or cats for adoption or the adoption of dogs or cats from an animal welfare organization or animal control unit; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a dog breeder and a specific individual purchaser conducting a prearranged sale of a dog if the location of the prearranged sale is not at a regularly scheduled or recurring event.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not offer for sale, sell, offer to transfer, transfer, barter, trade, or auction a dog or cat at any public place, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a street;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a highway;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a public right–of–way;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a public parking lot;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a carnival;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a boardwalk;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a swap meet;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a fair; or</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>a flea market.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the State or a local governing body and an officer of a society or association, incorporated under the laws of the State for the prevention of cruelty to animals, authorized to make arrests under § 10–609 of the Criminal Law Article may enforce subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person who violates this section is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $500;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a second violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>for a third or subsequent violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,500.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-106" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Entity” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a commercial enterprise or business that is in good</text> <text>standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and is: </text> <level label="1"> <text>incorporated in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>registered to do business in the State; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a corporation, foundation, school, hospital, or other legal entity for which none of the net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual holding an interest in the entity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“State benefit” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State capital grant funding totaling $1,000,000 or</text> <text>more in a single fiscal year; </text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State tax credits totaling $1,000,000 or more in a single fiscal year; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the receipt of a State contract with a total value of $1,000,000 or more.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“State contract” means a contract that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>resulted from a competitive procurement process; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is not federally funded in any way.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Underrepresented community” means a community whose members self–identify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>with one or more of the racial or ethnic groups listed in item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a sole proprietor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a limited liability company owned by a single member;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a privately held company if at least 75% of the company’s shareholders are family members; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an entity that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has an annual operating budget or annual sales less than $5,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>does not qualify for a State benefit.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An entity may not qualify for a State benefit unless the entity is able to demonstrate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>membership of underrepresented communities in the entity’s board or executive leadership; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>support for underrepresented communities in the entity’s mission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department of Commerce and the Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop and maintain a State Equity Report that compiles diversity data for each entity on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the membership of underrepresented communities in the entity’s board or executive leadership; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the support of underrepresented communities in the entity’s mission; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adopt regulations to carry out this section, including directives for State agencies and entities to comply with the requirements in this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-107" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>A person may not serve or act as a contractor, a subcontractor, or a broker between a contractor and subcontractor in the State during the 5–year period immediately following the date the person was convicted of an offense constituting criminal malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance under any federal or state law.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-108" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>A cellular phone carrier shall allow:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the customer of record who is responsible for payment on an account to designate other individuals as authorized users on the account; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an individual designated as an authorized user on an account to purchase services or devices or to take additional action under any service contract connected to the account to the extent that the authorization extends to the action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-109" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell, offer for sale, transfer, or distribute non–arc–resistant jacketed corrugated stainless steel tubing.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-201" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <text>In this subtitle, “organization” means an incorporated or unincorporated society, association, organization, lodge, order, fraternal society, beneficial association, fraternal and beneficial society or association, historical, military, or veterans’ organization, labor union, foundation, federation, degree, branch, subordinate lodge, or auxiliary.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-202" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an organization may register with the Secretary of State a facsimile, duplicate, or description of its name or insignia, including a badge, motto, button, decoration, charm, emblem, or rosette if the principles and activities of the organization are not repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States or this State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization that registers a name or insignia under this subsection may change or cancel the registration by reregistration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of State may not register a name or insignia of an organization if the name or insignia is similar to, imitates, or so nearly resembles another name or insignia registered under this section as to be likely to deceive.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-203" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <text>The chief executive officer of the organization shall apply for registration under this subtitle on the form that the Secretary of State provides.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-204" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <level label="a"> <text>Any fees that the Secretary of State establishes for registration, alteration, cancellation, research, and the issuance of certificates under this subtitle shall be as provided by law for similar services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of State shall pay fees collected under this subtitle, less administrative costs, into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-205" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <text>A registration under this subtitle is for the use, the benefit, and on behalf, of the organization, or a subsidiary or member in the State of the organization.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-206" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of State shall keep a properly indexed record of registrations granted under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The record shall show any altered or canceled registration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to each person granted a registration under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-207" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organizational Insignia"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not falsely impersonate an officer or member of a uniformed services or patriotic organization, grand or subordinate lodge, or fraternal or sororal society that is chartered or has grand or subordinate lodges in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not wear, or use to obtain aid, assistance, or personal or social recognition from a person in the State, the insignia of a military or patriotic organization, or a lodge or fraternal society that is chartered or has grand or subordinate lodges in the State, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization, lodge, or society.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit a person from wearing an insignia of a lodge or society if the person is a parent, sibling, child, or spouse of a member of the lodge or society who is entitled to wear the insignia under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $200.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not wear willfully, or use to obtain aid or assistance in the State, the insignia of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, or the Disabled American Veterans, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a fine not exceeding $25; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if payment of the fine is defaulted, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not willfully wear, exhibit, display, print, or use the insignia that is registered under this subtitle, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a fine not exceeding $100; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if payment of the fine is defaulted, imprisonment not exceeding 60 days.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-301" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Returnable container” means a device made of any material:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that is used to hold, contain, or convert goods into a package, either by necessity or for convenience of delivery or sale;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that is suitable for repeated use; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the title to which the seller does not intend to pass with the sale of the goods or the transport or return of the goods, as provided in item (2)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Returnable container” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a basket, tray, milk crate, or any type of container that is used by a bakery, dairy, distributor, retailer, food service establishment, or its agent, to transport, store, or carry goods including bakery or dairy products; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a bag, box, basket, or any other device:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that is intended for repeated use;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that is used to hold or contain goods that are being:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>transported to a laundry, dry cleaning, or dyeing establishment to be washed, laundered, dry cleaned, or dyed; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>returned to the person entitled to the return; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the title to which the seller does not intend to pass by the transport or return of the goods.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Returnable textile” means a garment, towel, table linen, or bed linen with an identifying name, mark, or device woven, impressed, or produced on it, that is regularly supplied clean, and periodically exchanged for a similar soiled textile.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-302" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, requiring or accepting a deposit on a registered returnable container, whether optional, conditional, or otherwise, does not constitute a sale of the container.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The owner of a returnable container or returnable textile may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief, to preserve the rights of the owner, to recover damages, or to recover the returnable container or returnable textile, from a person who unlawfully possesses the returnable container or returnable textile of the owner.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In an action brought under this subsection, the owner of a returnable container or returnable textile may recover up to three times the value of the actual damages, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This subtitle does not prohibit a prosecution for theft under § 7–104 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-303" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may register:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a class of returnable containers if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person owns or deals in goods handled or delivered in a returnable container; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the returnable container has an identifying name, mark, or device securely attached, impressed, or imprinted; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a class of returnable textiles, if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is in the business of regularly supplying clean laundered returnable textiles; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>periodically exchanges the clean returnable textiles for soiled returnable textiles.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who has registered a returnable container or returnable textile under State law is not required to reregister the returnable container or returnable textile.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To register a returnable container or returnable textile a person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>prepare a clear statement of the character of the returnable container or returnable textile; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prepare a comprehensive description of the identifying name, mark, or device attached, impressed, imprinted, woven, or produced;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sign and acknowledge the comprehensive description before an officer qualified to take an acknowledgment to deeds in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>publish the signed and acknowledged comprehensive description:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in two successive issues, in different weeks, of a newspaper published in the county in which the principal office, place of business, or agency of the person is located; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>twice a week for 2 successive weeks in a daily newspaper published in Baltimore City if the principal office, place of business, or agency of the person is located in Baltimore City; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>file with the Secretary of State the comprehensive description and a certificate of publication, certified by the owner or manager of the newspaper in which the comprehensive description was published.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may transfer a registration by filing a copy of the assignment or transfer with the Secretary of State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of State shall record each:</text> <level label="i"> <text>comprehensive description filed under subsection (b) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>certificate of publication filed under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>transfer filed under subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On application, the Secretary of State shall provide to the applicant a certified copy of a recorded filing.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of State shall establish reasonable fees:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for recording under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for providing copies of records filed under this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A certified copy of a comprehensive description and a certificate of publication or of a transfer with the seal of the Secretary of State attached is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>evidence that the person complied with this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>prima facie evidence of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>title to or right to use, collect, or deliver the corresponding returnable containers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>title to the corresponding returnable textiles.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-304" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>After the recordation, a person may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>use a registered returnable container of another with contents of a nature different from that delivered; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>sell, buy, rent, or otherwise traffic in a registered returnable textile of another.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>After the recordation, a person may not willfully deface, remove, conceal, or destroy an identifying name, mark, or device attached, impressed, or imprinted on a returnable container or returnable textile of another.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>After the recordation, a person may not willfully break, destroy, or otherwise injure a returnable container or returnable textile of another.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After the recordation, a person may not buy, offer for sale, sell, use, give, receive, hire, rent, lend, transport, collect from ash or garbage receptacles, dumps, or premises, keep in stock or store, or dispose of a returnable container or returnable textile of another without an assignment from or the written consent of the registered owner.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for each first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person may not adopt and register under this subtitle a returnable container or returnable textiles, or a description, name, mark or device, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has been previously registered by another; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is in use by another in good faith.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who receives a registered returnable container or registered returnable textile may not fail on demand to surrender promptly the container or textile to the person from whom the container or textile was received.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for each first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who receives a registered returnable container that has come into immediate contact with a dairy product shall thoroughly clean the inside of the container immediately after emptying the contents.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-305" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <text>A District Court judge shall issue a search warrant, authorizing a search of the premises specified in the warrant, to a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other law enforcement officer to whom a warrant may be directed, if a person who has registered a returnable container or returnable textile, or the person’s agent, makes an affidavit before the judge, stating that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the affiant demonstrates probable cause to believe that a violation of § 19–304(a), (b), (c), or (d) of this subtitle has occurred; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>evidence of the violation may be obtained by a search of premises specified by the affiant.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-306" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <text>In a prosecution under this subtitle, a charging document is sufficient if it:</text> <level label="1"> <text>describes the returnable container or returnable textile in a way that allows its identification;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>affirms that the returnable container or returnable textile is distinctly marked and registered under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>gives the name of the owner of the returnable container or returnable textile, the person using the returnable container or returnable textile through registration, or, if applicable, the transferee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a prosecution under this subtitle, a charging document need not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>state or describe the name, mark, or device attached, impressed, or imprinted on a returnable container or returnable textile; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>state the particulars of the registration of the returnable container or returnable textile or of the assignment or transfer of the registration.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-307" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <text>In a prosecution under § 19-304(a), (b), (c), or (d) of this subtitle, possession by a person charged of all or part of the registered returnable container or returnable textile is prima facie evidence that the person is guilty of the charge.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a garbage collector who collects a registered returnable container or returnable textile in the regular course of business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the possession of a registered returnable container by a person who received the container with its contents; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the possession of a registered returnable textile.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-308" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Returnable Containers and Returnable Textiles"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “plastic secondary packaging” means a plastic crate or shell used for the bulk transportation, storage, or carrying of retail items.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Plastic secondary packaging” includes milk crates, bakery and soft drink trays, and other commercial plastic secondary packaging.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Other than a manufacturer of plastic secondary packaging, a person may not purchase four or more items of plastic secondary packaging for the purpose of recycling, shredding, or destroying the items.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each person that purchases an item of plastic secondary packaging, including a person that is in the business of recycling, shredding, or destroying plastic secondary packaging, shall make a written record of each transaction in which a person sells four or more items of plastic secondary packaging, that shows that the person selling the plastic secondary packaging has lawful possession or ownership of the plastic secondary packaging.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each transaction subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the purchaser shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>verify the seller’s identity by a driver’s license or other government–issued identification; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make a record of each transaction that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name, address, telephone number, and signature of the seller or the seller’s authorized representative;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name and address of the purchaser;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the registration number and license tag number of any vehicle used in the delivery of the plastic secondary packaging;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a description of the items sold, including the number of units; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the date of the transaction.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The purchaser shall keep the records required by this section for at least 1 year after the date of purchase.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for each first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-401" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Boat Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Beneficial owner” means a person for whose benefit a boat broker is entrusted to hold money.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Boat” means any vessel that is propelled by sail or machinery in the water.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Boat broker” means a person who provides boat brokerage services for another person.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Boat broker trust account” means an account that a broker maintains at a financial institution for the deposit of trust money.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Boat brokerage services” means to engage in any of the following activities for an expectation of compensation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>selling a boat, offering to sell a boat, or negotiating to sell a boat;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>buying a boat, offering to buy a boat, or negotiating to buy a boat;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>soliciting or obtaining a listing of a boat; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>negotiating the purchase, sale, or exchange of a boat.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Trust money” means a deposit, payment, or other money that a person entrusts to a boat broker to hold for the benefit of the person or a beneficial owner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-402" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Boat Sales"> <level label="a"> <text>A boat broker shall place any trust moneys received in anticipation of a boat purchase into a boat broker trust account until the boat broker:</text> <level label="1"> <text>disburses the trust moneys to the beneficial owner on completion of the boat purchase; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>returns the trust moneys to the purchaser if the boat purchase is not completed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A boat broker trust account established under this section shall be separate from the boat broker’s operating account.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-501" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Use of a Deceased Soldier's Identity"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the use of an active service member’s name, portrait, picture, or image in an attempt to portray, describe, or impersonate that active service member in a live performance, single and original work of fine art, play, book, article, film, musical work, radio or television programming, or other audio or audiovisual work, if the performance, fine art, play, book, article, film, musical work, radio or television programming, or other audio or audiovisual work does not constitute a commercial advertisement for any product, good, ware, or merchandise;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the use of an active service member’s name, portrait, picture, or image for noncommercial purposes, including any news, public affairs, or sports broadcast or account;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the use of an active service member’s name in truthfully identifying the active service member as the author of a particular work or program or as the performer in a particular performance;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any promotional materials, advertisements, or commercial announcements for a use described in item (1), (2), or (3) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>unless the exhibition is continued by the professional photographer after written notice objecting to the exhibition by a person with the authority to grant consent for use under § 19–503 of this subtitle, the use of photographs, video recordings, and images by a person practicing professional photography to exhibit, in or about the professional photographer’s place of business or portfolio, samples of the professional photographer’s work;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the use of an active service member’s picture, portrait, or image that is not facially identifiable; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a photograph of a monument or a memorial that is placed on any product, good, ware, or merchandise.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-502" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Use of a Deceased Soldier's Identity"> <text>A person may not knowingly use the name, portrait, picture, or image of an active service member killed in the line of duty within the previous 50 years in advertising for the sale of a product, good, ware, merchandise, or service, for the purpose of gaining a commercial advantage, without obtaining prior consent for use from the active service member or the surviving spouse, the personal representative, or the majority of the heirs of the deceased active service member.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-503" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Use of a Deceased Soldier's Identity"> <text>A person who violates § 19–502 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-601" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Basic rights information” means information applicable to a noncitizen, including information about human rights, immigration, and emergency assistance and resources.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Client” means an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States and the State of Maryland and who uses the services of an international marriage broker to meet recruits.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Criminal history record information” means criminal history record information as described in § 10–201 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“International marriage broker” means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other legal entity that does business in the United States and offers to Maryland residents dating, matrimonial, or social referral services involving recruits by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>exchanging names, telephone numbers, addresses, photographs, or statistics or otherwise facilitating communication between a client and a recruit; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>providing a social environment for introducing clients to recruits in person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“International marriage broker” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a traditional marriage broker that operates on a nonprofit basis and otherwise operates in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an entity that provides dating services if its principal business is not to provide international dating services between Maryland residents and foreign nationals and it charges comparable rates and offers comparable services to all individuals it serves regardless of the individual’s gender or country of citizenship.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Marital history information” means a declaration of an individual’s current marital status, the number of times the individual has been married, the number of domestic violence protective orders issued against the individual, and whether any previous marriage occurred as a result of receiving services from an international marriage broker.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Recruit” means an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States and who uses the services of or is recruited by an international marriage broker for dating, matrimonial, or social referral services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-602" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An international marriage broker shall provide each recruit with criminal history record information and marital history information of its client and basic human rights information before personal contact information about a recruit is given to the client.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The human rights information provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be prepared by an organization that is not affiliated with the international marriage broker.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The information required in subsection (a) of this section must be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in the recruit’s native language; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>displayed in a manner that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>separates the criminal history record information, the marital history information, and the basic rights information from any other information; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is highly noticeable.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The international marriage broker shall pay the costs incurred to translate the information.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-603" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with federal law, a client shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide the client’s own marital history information to the international marriage broker; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>notify the international marriage broker if the client has previously sponsored an international spouse.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The international marriage broker shall require the client to affirm that the marital history information is complete and accurate and includes information regarding marriages, annulments, dissolutions, and the number of domestic violence protective orders issued against the client that occurred in this State, in another state, or in a foreign country.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The international marriage broker may not provide any personal contact information to the client or the recruit, including the last name, phone number, address, or electronic mail address of the client or the recruit, until the international marriage broker has:</text> <level label="1"> <text>received the information from the criminal history records check required under § 19–604 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>received the requested marital history information; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provided the information to the recruit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Information obtained by the international marriage broker under this section shall be confidential and may not be used for any purpose other than that for which it was disseminated.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-604" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <text>Prior to the release of any personal contact information to the client or the recruit, the international marriage broker shall conduct a State and national criminal history records check of the client, including a search of the sex offender registry.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-605" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <text>An international marriage broker may disclose personal contact information on a recruit only after obtaining consent from the recruit, written in the recruit’s native language.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-606" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <text>An international marriage broker shall be deemed to be doing business in the State if it contracts for services with a Maryland resident or is considered to be doing business under other laws of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-607" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="International Marriage Brokers"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $12,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both, in addition to any penalty imposed under federal law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In determining the penalty, the court shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any previous violations of this subtitle by the international marriage broker;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, and extent of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the demonstrated good faith of the international marriage broker; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the necessity of deterring future violations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-701" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Retail Pet Stores"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Animal control unit” has the meaning stated in § 10–617 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Animal welfare organization” means a nonprofit organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that has tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Animal welfare organization” does not include an organization that obtains animals from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Breeder” means a person who breeds or raises dogs or cats to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Broker” means a person who transfers dogs or cats for resale by another person.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Retail pet store” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a for–profit establishment that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as household pets; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a broker.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Retail pet store” does not include an establishment at which the animals sold at the establishment were born at the establishment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-702" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Retail Pet Stores"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to an animal welfare organization or animal control unit operating within a retail pet store.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-703" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Retail Pet Stores"> <level label="a"> <text>A retail pet store may not sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of cats or dogs.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section may not be construed to prohibit a retail pet store from collaborating with an animal welfare organization or animal control unit to offer space for these entities to showcase cats or dogs for adoption.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-704" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Retail Pet Stores"> <level label="a"> <text>A violation of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>except for the provisions of § 13–411 of the Commercial Law Article, is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each offer of an animal for sale in violation of this subtitle is a separate violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-705" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Retail Pet Stores"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle limits the ability of the State or a local government to prosecute the owner or operator of a retail pet store for any other violation of law.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-801" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Mining Companies"> <level label="a"> <text>A mining company formed or organized in the State may not own, operate, hold any interest in, or receive profits from any store.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not prohibit the employees of a mining company from forming a cooperative store.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-901" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Security Systems"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Security system” means any burglary alarm system or robbery alarm system.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Security system” includes the service of monitoring the property to which a security system is attached in case of an alarm sounding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Wireless security system” means a security system that is designed to carry a voltage of 50 volts or less and not hardwired.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Wireless security system” includes ancillary low–voltage components that are either wireless or battery–operated and supplementary smoke detectors as defined in the National Fire Protection Association 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a wireless security system does not require the submission of a fire protection plan review to a local government for compliance with the State or a local building code, a local government may not require an electrical license or an electrical permit to install, maintain, inspect, replace, or service the wireless security system.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A local government may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require a person who provides wireless security systems to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm business registration or permit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require a person who operates wireless security systems or causes wireless security systems to be operated to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm system registration or permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local government may not require a person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to obtain an electrical permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Wireless security systems are not exempt from Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Wireless security systems must comply with any State or local building codes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="19-902" title_number="19" title_name="Miscellaneous State Business Regulation" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Security Systems"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Battery–charged fence security system” means an alarm security system that includes a fence, a battery–operated energizer connected to the fence and intended to periodically deliver voltage impulses to the fence, a battery–charging device used exclusively to charge the battery, and any other ancillary components and attached equipment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Battery–charged fence security system” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>deer fencing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>livestock fencing; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a wireless security system as defined in § 19–901 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Deer fencing” means fencing that is engineered to exclude or contain deer or elk.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies only to a battery–charged fence security system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>interfaces with a monitored alarm device in a manner that enables the alarm system to transmit a signal intended to alert the owner of the battery–charged fence security system or law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has an energizer that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is powered by a commercial storage battery that provides not more than 12 volts of direct current; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>meets the standards set forth in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60335–2–76, current edition;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is located:</text> <level label="i"> <text>behind a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall that is at least 5 feet tall; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>on property that is not zoned as residential use only;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>is not taller than 10 feet or 2 feet taller than the height of the perimeter fence or wall, whichever is taller; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>is marked with warning signs posted conspicuously on the fence at 30–foot intervals that state: “warning – electric fence”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A local government may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require a person who provides a battery–charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm business registration or permit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require a person who operates or causes to be operated a battery–charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm system registration or permit;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>require an installer, on completion of a newly installed battery–charged fence security system, to submit to the local government an affidavit that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the address of the installation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name of the installer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the date of the installation; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an affirmation that the criteria in subsection (b) of this section are satisfied; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>inspect the newly–installed battery–charged fence security system after receipt of an affidavit under item (iii) of this paragraph, if required.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, following an inspection conducted by a local government under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, a battery–charged fence security system fails to comply with the criteria required under subsection (b) of this section, a local government may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>issue a citation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>describing the specific noncompliance; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>requiring that the battery–charged fence security system be made compliant within a time period required by the local government; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>impose, if a battery–charged fence security system is not made compliant, a fine not exceeding $500.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A local government may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>impose additional installation or operational requirements;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require a person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to obtain an electrical permit;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>prohibit the use of a battery–charged fence security system that is intended to be used for security; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>require additional permits or fees other than those described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Battery–charged fence security systems are not exempt from Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.</text> </level> </section>