<section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-101" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Contractor” means a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Cooling system” means a system in which heat is removed from air, surrounding surfaces, or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Cooling system” includes an air-conditioning system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Forced air system” means a heating system that uses air being moved by mechanical means to transmit heat.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Heating system” means a system in which heat is transmitted by radiation, conduction, or convection, or a combination of any of these methods, to the air, surrounding surfaces, or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Heating system” does not include a fireplace or woodburning stove not incorporated into or used as a primary heating system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor” means an individual who provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Hydronic system” means a heating and cooling system using liquids or steam to transmit or remove heat.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Independent agency” means an office, commission, board, department, or agency established as an independent unit of government that may receive budgetary or administrative support from the federal, State, or local government.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Journeyman license” means a license issued by the Board to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration services while under the direction and control of a licensed contractor.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Journeyman restricted license” means a license issued by the Board to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration services while under the direction and control of a licensed contractor, in only one of the following areas:</text> <level label="1"> <text>heating - forced air systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>heating - hydronic systems;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>ventilation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>air-conditioning; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>refrigeration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to provide or to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“License” includes, unless the context requires otherwise:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a master license;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a master restricted license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a limited license;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a journeyman license;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a journeyman restricted license; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>an apprentice license.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Licensed apprentice” means an individual who is licensed by the Board to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services while:</text> <level label="1"> <text>under the direction and control of a licensed contractor; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in training to become a journeyman.</text> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Licensed contractor” means a contractor who is licensed by the Board to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services, but does not include a licensed apprentice or licensed journeyman.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Limited license” means a license issued by the Board exclusively to maintain or repair one or more of the following: heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, or hydronic systems.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Master license” means a license issued by the Board to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Master restricted license” means a license issued by the Board to provide services in only one of the following areas:</text> <level label="1"> <text>heating - forced air systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>heating - hydronic systems;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>ventilation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>air-conditioning; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>refrigeration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services” means to install, maintain, alter, remodel, or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, or hydronic systems.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Refrigeration system” means a system used to cool a surface or area below 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 12.9 degrees Celsius.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Self-contained appliance” means a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration device that is designed and manufactured:</text> <level label="1"> <text>with its component parts contained within a single chassis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>with a standard factory-installed electrical line cord that requires a plug-in device;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>with no additional external fuel source; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>independent of an air distribution system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Subdivision of the State” means any of the 23 counties in Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and any municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Ventilation system” means the natural or mechanical process of supplying air to, or removing air from, any space:</text> <level label="1"> <text>whether the air is conditioned or is not conditioned; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>at a rate of airflow of more than 250 cubic feet per minute.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-102" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>The purpose of this title is to establish a licensing program for individuals who provide or assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration services to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>protect the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide and maintain efficient and safe systems;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>promote high professional standards; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>ensure that qualified individuals carry out subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-103" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title does not limit the right of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an individual owner of a single-family dwelling while that owner is practicing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services on or within a building or structure owned by the individual;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an individual who is building a single-family dwelling in which that individual will reside while practicing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services on or within that dwelling;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an employee of a public utility company regulated by the Public Service Commission, when engaged in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the development, construction, maintenance, or repair of electric or gas facilities located in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the construction, maintenance, or repair of electric or gas appliances in the service area of the public utility;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>subject to § 9A-403(a) of this title, an employee of the United States government, the State government, a local government, or an independent agency while that employee is practicing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services on or within buildings or structures owned or solely occupied by the United States government, the State government, a local government, or an independent agency;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an individual employed in the installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or replacement of self-contained appliances requiring not more than 225 volts or 25 amperes of electrical current;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>an individual possessing a master electrician's license issued by the State or any county, when engaged in the installation, alteration, service, repair, or replacement of individually controlled electric resistance heat;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>an individual possessing a master plumber's license issued by the State, Baltimore County, or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission when providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services on hydronic heating systems;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>an individual possessing a license to practice engineering when providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in connection with the practice of engineering;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>an individual who installs, alters, remodels, maintains, or repairs oil burners exclusively while employed by a supplier of home heating fuel; or</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>an individual regularly employed by the owner of property, or the owner's agent, to engage in maintenance and repair work.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-201" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <text>There is a State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-202" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of 9 members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 9 Board members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>5 shall be master heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration contractors licensed in the State, a subdivision of the State, or another state provided that state has licensing requirements equivalent to the licensing requirements of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 shall be a master electrician;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>1 shall be a master plumber; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>2 shall be consumer members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall appoint the members of the Board with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except for the initial members of the Board, of the members appointed under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>1 shall be from the area that consists of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>1 shall be from the area that consists of Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Cecil, and Harford counties;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>1 shall be from the area that consists of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>1 shall be from the area that consists of Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>1 shall be from the area that consists of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each member of the Board shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a citizen of the United States; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a resident of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Each member appointed under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be an active contractor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall hold a current active license under this title or under a licensing program in a subdivision of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>shall have provided services as a contractor for not less than 5 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of appointment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The master electrician member of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be actively engaged in the electrical contracting business as a master electrician;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall hold a current active license under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>shall have been engaged in business as a master electrician for not less than 5 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of appointment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The master plumber member of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be actively engaged in the plumbing contracting business as a master plumber;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall hold a current active license under this article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>shall have been engaged in business as a master plumber for not less than 5 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of appointment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each consumer member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be a member of the general public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may not be a licensee or otherwise be subject to the regulation of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may not have had within 1 year before appointment a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person regulated by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on January 1, 1993.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Board members are eligible for reappointment, but may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Board meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the chairman shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-203" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>From among the Board members, the Governor shall appoint a chairman.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except for the chairman, the manner of election of officers shall be as the Board determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-204" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall meet once a month in a location and office provided by the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Special meetings of the Board may be held as the Board provides in its rules and regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A majority of the members then serving on the Board is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subject to the State budget, each member of the Board is entitled to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an annual salary of $3,600; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reimbursement for reasonable expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-205" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere, the Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adopt and enforce a code that sets minimum standards for installing, altering, remodeling, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, hydronic, and refrigeration systems;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>administer examinations;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>issue licenses;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>keep a list of all licensees;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>keep a record of its proceedings; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>adopt an official seal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a county for the county to enforce the code adopted under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a county has adopted a code prior to January 1, 1988 the county code shall apply within that county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board exercises its powers, duties, and functions subject to the authority of the Secretary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-206" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board may investigate any complaint that alleges facts that constitute a violation of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On receipt of the results of an investigation made under this section, the Board promptly shall take action that is appropriate under this title to ensure compliance with this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Board concludes that any conduct alleged to be in violation of this title will result in harm to any citizen of the State, the Board may seek a permanent or temporary injunction with respect to the conduct from the circuit court of any county in which the alleged violation occurs, or in which the violator has its principal place of business.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In seeking an injunction under this subsection, the Board is not required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>post bond;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>allege or prove that an adequate remedy at law does not exist; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>allege or prove that substantial or irreparable damage would result from the continued violation of the provision.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Any 5 members of the Board, or a hearing officer designated by the Board, may administer oaths, hold hearings, and take testimony about all matters within the jurisdiction of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board, or its designee, may take testimony of any person by deposition in the same manner as in judicial proceedings in State civil cases.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any party to any hearing before the Board has the right to attendance of witnesses, after making a request to the Board and designating the person sought to be subpoenaed.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member of the Board may not be held personally liable for any action taken under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board or its designee may issue a subpoena.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Police Department of Baltimore City or the sheriff of a county shall serve a subpoena issued under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection, on petition of the Board, a court of competent jurisdiction may compel compliance with the subpoena.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the notice and hearing provisions of Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, the Board may issue a cease and desist order for a violation of any provision of this title or a regulation adopted under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After a hearing, if the Board finds that a person has violated this title or a regulation adopted under this title, the Board may order the person to cease and desist from the violation and any further similar violations.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any party aggrieved by a decision and order of the Board under this subsection may take an appeal as provided under §§ 10–222 and 10–223 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-207" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board may set by regulation reasonable fees for its services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The fees charged shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>set so as to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>based on the calculations performed by the Secretary under § 2–106.10 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall publish a schedule of the fees set by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall pay all fees collected under this title to the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Occupational Mechanical Licensing Boards’ Fund established in § 2–106.9 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-301" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board before the individual provides or assists in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-302" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for an apprentice, journeyman, journeyman restricted, master, master restricted, or limited license, an applicant shall meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant for a master heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have been regularly and principally employed in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services under a journeyman, journeyman restricted, limited, or master restricted license for not less than 3 years of active experience under the direction and control of a master heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor and have been so employed for not less than 1,875 hours in the year prior to application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass an examination administered by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An applicant for a master restricted heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have been regularly and principally employed in providing refrigeration, air-conditioning, forced air heating, hydronic heating, or ventilation services under a journeyman, journeyman restricted, limited, or master restricted license for not less than 3 years of active experience under the direction and control of a master or master restricted heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor and have been so employed for not less than 1,875 hours in the year prior to application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass an examination administered by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant for a limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have been regularly and principally employed in providing forced air heating, hydronic heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services under a journeyman license for not less than 2 years of active experience under the direction and control of the holder of a master, master restricted, or limited license under this title, and have been so employed for not less than 1,000 hours in the year prior to application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass an examination administered by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant for a journeyman license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have held, for a period of at least 4 years, an apprentice license, and during that period shall have completed at least 6,000 hours of training in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration services under the direction and control of a licensed contractor; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass an examination administered by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An applicant for a journeyman restricted license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have held, for a period of at least 3 years, an apprentice license, and during that period shall have completed at least 1,875 hours of training in providing forced air heating, hydronic heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services under the direction and control of a licensed contractor; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass an examination administered by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may credit not more than 3 years of formal course of study or professional training in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services if, in the opinion of the Board, the study or training provided comparable experience.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may credit not more than 6 years of work experience in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services that fails to meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1), (c)(1), (d)(1), (e)(1), or (f)(1) of this section if, in the opinion of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the work provided comparable experience; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the failure of the applicant to meet the requirements is not attributable to fault or neglect on the part of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall credit not more than 3 years of work experience in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services to any applicant under this section who has been teaching formal courses of study in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services for purposes of satisfying the requirements of subsections (b)(1), (c)(1), (d)(1), (e)(1), or (f)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-303" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <text>An applicant for a license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit an application to the Board in the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Board or the Board’s designee an examination fee established by the Board in an amount not to exceed the cost of the examination.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-304" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall offer examinations to applicants at least twice annually, at places within the State and at times that the Board determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall mail or electronically transmit written notice of the date, hour, and place of examination to each applicant for a license who is required to pass the examination.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations given under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall provide examination questions that test the competency and qualifications of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant for a master restricted, journeyman restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license shall be examined only on subjects in which the applicant has the experience required under § 9A-302 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>To take an examination, an applicant shall pay to the Board or a testing service chosen by the Board the examination fee set by the Board in an amount not to exceed the cost of the examination.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may use a testing service to administer the examinations given under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board uses a testing service, the testing service, subject to requirements set by the Board, may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>set the time and place of examinations;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>furnish any other information that the Board may require the testing service to provide.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-305" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the limitations in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, on the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the authorized membership of the Board, the Board may waive the examination requirements of this title for an individual who is licensed in another state to provide heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services as a journeyman, journeyman restricted, master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration contractor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pays the appropriate application fee required by § 9A–207 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provides adequate evidence that the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meets the qualifications otherwise required by this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>holds an active license in good standing in the other state;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>holds a license that is equivalent to the State license; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>became licensed in the other state after meeting, in that state, requirements that are at least equivalent to the licensing requirements of this State, including the number of years of work experience equivalent to the experience required under § 9A–302(b), (c), and (d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may grant a waiver only if the state in which the applicant is licensed waives the examination of licensees of this State to a similar extent as this State waives the examination requirements for individuals licensed in that state.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “BRAC” means the Base Realignment and Closure process as announced by the United States Department of Defense.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, the Board shall grant a waiver to an applicant who files a request before July 1, 2012, if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>pays the appropriate application fee required under § 9A–207 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>holds an active Virginia license in good standing that is equivalent to the State license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>has experience in the provision of heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services that meets the time requirements of § 9A–302 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>has relocated to the State as a family member of a BRAC employee.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-306" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license to any licensee holding a current, active or inactive master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license, or a similar license issued by a subdivision of the State, if the licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>files an application for a license under this title by 1 year after the date that the members of the Board are appointed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submits with the application the prescribed fee and proof of eligibility required by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license, whether a subdivision of the State requires a local license or not, to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has lawfully provided heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in a subdivision of the State for at least 5 years immediately prior to 1 year after the date the members of the Board are appointed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>files an application for a license under this title prior to 1 year after the date the members of the Board are appointed; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submits with the application the prescribed fee and proof of eligibility required by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a journeyman license to an individual holding a current, active or inactive, journeyman license, or a similar license issued by a subdivision of the State, if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>files an application for a license under this title prior to December 31, 1994; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submits with the application the prescribed fee and proof of eligibility required by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a journeyman license, whether a subdivision of the State requires a local license or not, to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has lawfully provided heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in a subdivision of the State:</text> <level label="i"> <text>under the direction and control of one or more individuals who meet the requirements for a master license under subsection (a) or (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for at least 3 years prior to December 31, 1994;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>holds an apprentice license at the time of the application;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>files an application for a license under this title prior to December 31, 1994; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>submits with the application the prescribed fee and proof of eligibility required by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a journeyman license to an individual who has successfully completed an apprentice program in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall issue without examination a journeyman restricted license to an individual who has successfully completed an apprentice program in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>All applicants for a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license on or after 1 year after the date the members of the Board are appointed shall submit to examination under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The application shall include all information required by the Board regarding proof of eligibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, all applicants for a journeyman license on or after January 1, 1995 shall submit to examination under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The application shall include all information required by the Board regarding proof of eligibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>An applicant who qualifies for a license under subsection (a) or (b) of this section but fails to apply for the license within the 1-year period:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may take an examination under this title to be licensed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may not be required to obtain a journeyman license or an apprentice license; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may provide services as a master, master restricted, or limited license holder after obtaining the appropriate license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>An individual who holds a limited license or a master restricted license issued under subsection (a) or (b) of this section may take an examination administered by the Board to qualify for a master license or an additional master restricted license without meeting the requirements of § 9A-302 of this subtitle, if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submits to the Board on or before December 31, 1996 an application on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board an application fee established by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-307" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a license, an applicant shall obtain a grade of at least 70 percent on the examination.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The use of unauthorized material or other misbehavior by an applicant during an examination shall cause the immediate rejection of the application and shall bar the applicant from reexamination for at least 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Applicants who have failed an examination or fail to appear for a scheduled examination shall be required to file a new application and pay a new fee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Examination fees shall be nonrefundable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each applicant who has taken an examination required by this title shall be notified of the grade received on the examination as soon as practicable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-308" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>If an applicant passes the examination required by the Board and otherwise qualifies for a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license under this title, the Board shall send the applicant a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant has qualified for the license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Board will issue the license to an applicant on receipt of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>proof of insurance as required under § 9A-402 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a license fee established by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an applicant passes the examination required by the Board and otherwise qualifies for a journeyman license or journeyman restricted license under this title, the Board shall send the applicant a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant has qualified for the license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Board will issue the license to an applicant on receipt of a license fee established by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-309" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the license is renewed for a 2-year term as provided in this section, a license expires on the first October 1 that comes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>after the effective date of the license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in an odd-numbered year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before the license expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>otherwise is entitled to be granted a license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board a renewal fee established by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submits:</text> <level label="i"> <text>proof of insurance as provided by § 9A-402 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a renewal application in the form that the Board provides.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>At the time of renewal, a licensee who holds a valid heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license may apply to the Board for inactive status, during which time the licensee may not provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an individual wishes to renew a license on inactive status, the individual shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1), (2), and (3)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To return to active status the licensee must meet the renewal requirements of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Unless a licensee on inactive status renews the license as provided in this section, or reactivates the license as provided in this section, the license expires on the first October 1 that comes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>after the inactive status certificate has been issued to the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in an odd-numbered year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If application for restoration is made within 4 years after expiration of a license, the license may be restored on payment of the required renewal or reinstatement fee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If application for restoration is not made within the 4–year period, the Board may require compliance with the process for initial applications as if the applicant had never been licensed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a license issued under this title is not transferable.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>On the death of a licensed heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor, the personal representative of the deceased licensee may retain the license for up to 6 months for the purpose of winding up the business.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In cases of extreme hardship, the Board may allow the personal representative to retain the license for an additional period not to exceed 24 months upon a good faith showing that the personal representative has:</text> <level label="i"> <text>acted diligently to conclude the business of the deceased licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>complied with the provisions of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Secretary may determine that licenses issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-310" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license after a public hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 9A-311 of this subtitle, if the Board finds that the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>obtained a license by false or fraudulent representation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>transferred the authority granted by the license to another person;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>willfully or deliberately disregarded and violated the code established by the Board under this title;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>willfully or deliberately disregarded and violated building codes, electrical codes, or laws of the State or of any municipality, city, or county of the State;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>under the laws of the United States or of any state, is convicted of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a felony; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>aided or abetted a person to evade a provision of this title by allowing a license to be used by an unlicensed person, firm, or corporation;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>willfully or deliberately disregarded disciplinary action taken by a municipality, city, or county against the individual in connection with providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>abandoned or failed to perform, without justification, any contract or project to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>performed work under a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services contract or project that is inadequate or incomplete;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>directly or indirectly published any advertisement relating to the providing of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services that contained an insertion, representation, or statement of fact that is false, deceptive, or misleading;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>made any material misrepresentation in the procurement of a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services contract or project;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>failed in any material respect to comply with the provisions of this title;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>as the holder of a master restricted, limited, journeyman, or apprentice license, performed heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services outside the scope of that license; or</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>knowingly allowed or permitted another licensee to perform heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services outside the scope of that individual’s license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the good faith of the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any history of previous violations by the licensee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall consider the following facts in the granting, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a license or the reprimand of a licensee when an applicant or licensee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor described in subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the nature of the crime;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the length of time since the conviction; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-311" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under § 9A-310 of this subtitle, the Board shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-312" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licensing"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-401" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each licensed master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration contractor shall display:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the license and the license number conspicuously in the principal place of business of the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the license number of the licensee on each vehicle used on the job for providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county or municipal corporation may not require a person licensed under this subtitle to display a county or municipal corporation certificate number on each vehicle used on the job for providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each licensee shall give the Board written notice of any change of name, address, or employment from that which appears on the current license, at least 10 working days before the change is to take effect.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-402" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A holder of a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration license may not contract to provide services on behalf of the licensee, or another person who provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services, unless the work of the licensee, including completed operations, is covered by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>general liability insurance in the amount of at least $300,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>property damage insurance in the amount of at least $100,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The insurance required under this section may be bought:</text> <level label="i"> <text>by a holder of a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration license; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>by the person who engages in the business of providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services and employs the holder of the master, master restricted, or limited license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The insurance requirement of this section is not meant for work that a master, master restricted, or limited license holder does outside the scope of employment for the person who carries the insurance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A licensed apprentice, licensed journeyman, or licensed journeyman restricted in the employ of a master, master restricted, or limited licensee need not obtain separate insurance while providing or assisting in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services under the control and supervision of the licensee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the restrictions of § 9A-309 of this title regarding inactive status, inactive licensees who have had their inactive status approved by the Board need not obtain insurance while maintaining inactive status.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for any license under this title shall submit proof of the insurance required under this section to the Board with the license application.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the applicant submits proof of insurance, the Board may not issue any license to an applicant to whom the insurance requirements of this section apply.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless an applicant meets the insurance requirements of this section, the Board may not renew any license of the applicant to whom the insurance requirements of this section apply.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A holder of a master, master restricted, or limited license shall give the Board notice of the cancellation of insurance at least 10 days before the effective date of the cancellation.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If a county, municipal corporation, special taxing district, or other political subdivision requires a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration license holder, or other person who engages in the business of providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration services, to execute a surety bond under local heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration requirements, the person may satisfy the bond requirement by submitting proof of the insurance required under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Board shall specify on each license whether the license holder meets the insurance requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-403" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each individual whom the State, a county, or a local government appoints or employs as a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration inspector shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>each year attend a continuing education course that the Board or, with the approval of the Board, a county or local government conducts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meet minimum standards that are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>established by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>administered:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a county or local government inspector, by the county or local government that appoints or employs the inspectors; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a State inspector by the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not have any financial interest in any business that provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services while employed by the State, a county, or any local government as a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration inspector.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On appointment or employment, the individual shall place any license that the inspector holds on inactive status subject to § 9A-309 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may issue a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration inspector identification card to an inspector who has placed the appropriate licensee on inactive status.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On termination of the appointment or employment of an individual as a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration inspector, the Board shall reactivate the license of the individual who is on inactive status, without examination, if the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>makes a written request to the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pays to the Board a reactivation fee established by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-404" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>Each advertisement for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services that is in the name of a person who provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services shall contain the license number and name of a master, master restricted, or limited license holder whom the person employs and designates to direct and control the provision of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services through the business of the person.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-501" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services unless issued a master license by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not assist, attempt to assist, or offer to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services unless issued a master restricted license by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not exclusively maintain or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, or hydronic systems in the State unless issued a limited license by the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-501.1" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a person who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>sells construction materials other than materials involved in the installation of heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>derives less than 25% of the person’s revenues from the sale of heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not knowingly sell or offer to sell heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment to another person, unless the individual purchasing the equipment:</text> <level label="i"> <text>holds a master license, a master restricted license, or a limited license or employs an individual who holds a master license, a master restricted license, or a limited license issued by the Board to provide or assist in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>operates a business that resells heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment to individuals licensed by the Board; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is not required to be licensed under § 9A–103 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person that sells heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment shall, at the time of sale, provide a written notice to the individual purchasing the equipment that contains information prescribed by the Board regarding the requirement that an individual be licensed by the Board before providing or assisting in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State, including the installation of heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration equipment.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before January 1, 2026, the Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-502" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, a holder of a master, master restricted, or limited heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, and refrigeration license, or other person who engages in the business of providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services, may not employ an individual to provide or assist in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services unless the individual is licensed by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not employ an individual to provide or assist in providing heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services under a public work contract subject to Title 17, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article unless the individual is licensed by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not classify an employee under a public work contract subject to Title 17, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article who is licensed under this title at a specific work classification that is higher than the employee’s license type.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-503" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, regardless of whether a person is engaged in the business of providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services, the person may not knowingly employ an individual to provide or assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State unless the individual is licensed by the Board.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-504" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <text>Unless licensed to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services under this title, a person may not represent to the public by use of the titles “heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration license holder”, “registered heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor”, by other title, or by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is licensed to provide or to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-505" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “officer” includes a superintendent, manager, or agent of a corporation regardless of whether the corporation provides heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person, including an officer, who violates § 9A–501, § 9A–502, § 9A–503, or § 9A–504 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both and, on a second or subsequent conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any person, including an officer, who violates § 9A–501.1 of this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a first violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a second or subsequent violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of § 9A–402 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by this title, the Board may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In setting the amount of the penalty, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any history of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>any other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-506" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Violations; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Any subdivision of the State which required a local license to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services on or before January 1, 1990 may continue to require a local license for services performed within that subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A subdivision of the State which requires a local license to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services may not discriminate against applicants who are not residents of the subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A subdivision of the State which requires a local license to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services shall issue a local license to any individual licensed by the Board on receipt from the individual of any application and fee required by the subdivision of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A subdivision of the State may not require an applicant for a local license to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services to take an examination if the applicant is licensed by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In the event that any subdivision which requires a local license discontinues that requirement after the effective date of this Act, that subdivision may not thereafter adopt a license requirement.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A State license is required to provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services anywhere within the State, whether or not the individual holds a local license.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-601" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="9A-602" title_number="9A" title_name="Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this title and all regulations adopted under this title shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2033.</text> </section>