<section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-101" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning disability.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“State standards for libraries” means the standards for the consistent and equitable operation of a library that serve all citizens of the State as established under § 23–102.1(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-102" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That public library resources and services are essential components of the educational system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That libraries stimulate awareness and understanding of critical social issues, and assist individuals in reaching their highest potential for self–development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the policy of this State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To continue the orderly development and maintenance of library facilities and services throughout this State, in collaboration with the counties; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To develop coordinated programs and services among libraries and institutions to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide the widest possible access to the library and information resources of this State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ensure more effective and economical services to all library users.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-102.1" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “library” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State Library Resource Center;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A correctional facility library;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A county library system and the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A metropolitan cooperative service program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Library” does not include a school library media program established by a local school system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the policy of the State that each library shall operate in a manner consistent with the following standards:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Library materials, services, and resources exist and should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A library should not exclude material from its catalogue because of the origin, background, or views of a person who created the material; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A library should not prohibit or remove material from its catalogue because of partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that a library that receives funding from the State adopt and follow a written policy for operation of a library that is consistent with the State standards for libraries under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-102.2" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Automated external defibrillator (AED)” has the meaning stated in § 13–517 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Library” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each branch of a county library system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Enoch Pratt Free Library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Library” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A school library established by a local school system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A mobile library unit; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A correctional facility library.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Beginning January 1, 2026, each library shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Place an automated external defibrillator in a prominent area, accessible to employees and library users;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comply with § 13–517 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain the functionality of the automated external defibrillator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to any other immunities available under statutory or common law:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A library is not civilly liable for any act or omission in the provision of automated external defibrillation if the library has satisfied the requirements under this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual is not civilly liable for any act or omission if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The individual is acting in good faith while rendering automated external defibrillation to another individual who is the victim or is reasonably believed by the individual to be a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The assistance or aid is provided in a reasonably prudent manner; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The automated external defibrillation is provided without fee or other compensation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A library or individual is not civilly liable for failing to render automated external defibrillation to an individual who is a victim or is reasonably believed to be a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-103" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <text>There is a State Library Agency and a State Library Board. The State Library Agency is the central State library agency.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-104" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the State Library Agency is the State Librarian, who is appointed by the State Library Board with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Librarian shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hold an advanced degree in library and information service;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have administrative experience in libraries; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Have any other qualifications the State Library Board considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Librarian shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Select, organize, and direct the staff of the State Library Agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Perform the duties the State Library Board assigns;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>See that the policies and decisions of the State Library Board are carried out; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Serve at the pleasure of the State Library Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Librarian is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Agency may employ the professional and clerical staff provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each employee of the State Library Agency is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each employee of the State Library Agency shall join the Teachers’ Pension System of the State of Maryland or the Employees’ Pension System of the State of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-105" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Library Board shall exercise general direction and control of library development in this State and may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian, establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>With the approval of the Governor, accept, administer, and spend any appropriation, gift, or grant for library purposes from the federal government or from any other person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include any findings of the State Library Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Library Board shall approve county public library capital projects for State funding in accordance with § 23–509 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The State Library Board shall develop policies for the operation of libraries that are consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-106" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the powers and duties set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Library Agency shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated development of library and information service in this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Develop statewide public and school library services and networks, resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide professional and technical advice on improving library services in this State to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Public and school library officials;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Higher education and special library officials;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>State government agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other person;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Collect library statistics and other data;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify library needs and provide for needed research and studies of them; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Coordinate library services with other information and education services and agencies;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by the State for library purposes;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for libraries; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of librarians and library personnel;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Specialized library service to the blind and other print disabled individuals in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Other desirable specialized library services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of library and information services for the State Library Board;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Administer the State grant program for county public library capital projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries and recommend to the State Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Cooperate with national library agencies and those of any other state;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Ensure that each library as defined in § 23–102.1 of this subtitle that receives State funds is operated in a manner consistent with the State standards for libraries; and</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Perform any other duty necessary for its proper operation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-107" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland State Library Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Board consists of 12 members, 7 of whom are appointed by the Governor. Each member is entitled to participate fully and equally in the activities of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each member shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be a resident of this State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be an individual of ability and integrity who is experienced in public or library affairs; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Represent the interests of the citizens of this State in better library services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Of the appointed members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Four shall be selected from the public at large;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One shall be a professional librarian;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One shall be a library trustee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One shall be a blind patron of the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Governor shall ensure geographic diversity when appointing members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The following officials serve ex officio and each may designate someone to serve in his place:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The President of the Congress of Academic Library Directors;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The President of the Board of Trustees of Enoch Pratt Free Library;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The President of the Maryland Library Association;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Dean of the University of Maryland College of Library and Information Services; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The President of the Maryland Association of School Librarians.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Each appointed member serves for a term of 5 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. These terms are staggered as required by the terms of the members serving on July 1, 1978.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Each member of the State Library Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serves without compensation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Governor shall appoint a member of the State Library Board as its Chairman; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Library Board shall elect one of its members as its vice chairman.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Librarian shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serve as secretary to the State Library Board;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Record the proceedings of the State Library Board; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide necessary staff services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each year, the State Library Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall hold at least four regular meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May hold special meetings as necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Seven members of the State Library Board are a quorum and at least 7 affirmative votes are required for any recommendation to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State Library Agency; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Governor.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Library Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Gather information on the needs of libraries throughout this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Oversee the State Library Agency;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Advise the Governor on library matters; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Promote improvement of library services in this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Library Board may be funded annually as provided in the budget of the State Library Agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-108" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, a public, school, college, or university library in this State shall prohibit inspection, use, or disclosure of any circulation record or other item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is maintained by a library;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contains an individual’s name or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identifies the use a patron makes of that library’s materials, services, or facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A public, school, college, or university library in the State shall permit inspection, use, or disclosure of the circulation record of an individual only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On written consent of the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>By subpoena or court order.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-109" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Library Agency shall establish the Deaf Culture Digital Library as the primary information center on deaf resources for library customers and staff in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Deaf Culture Digital Library shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in library services for deaf patrons and to implement strategies to fill the gaps and better coordinate library services for the deaf;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In coordination with the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing, develop and provide sensitivity training for State and county library staff to help them better understand deaf patrons and their needs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop a website that will allow for information sharing and coordination between the Deaf Culture Digital Library and county library systems;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In coordination with the State Library Agency, develop deaf–related programs and materials and share them with county library systems and other libraries in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop partnerships and strategic alliances with other entities, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>County library systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The State Library Agency;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Veterans’ groups;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>State and local arts councils;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Senior citizens organizations; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Deaf and hard of hearing organizations, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The National Association of the Deaf;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Hearing Loss Association of America; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Maryland Association of the Deaf;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Encourage partnerships and collaborations with information service providers to help provide virtual access to information and research;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Form a Deaf Culture Digital Library Advisory Board to provide advice on initiatives that further advance the mission and goals of the Deaf Culture Digital Library and the majority of whose members are deaf or hard of hearing and selected from the following entities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>County library systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Library Agency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Statewide deaf and hard of hearing organizations; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Other organizations as agreed on by the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing and the State Library Agency; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Establish a Deaf Culture Digital Library “Friends of the Library” group composed of individuals who are strongly committed, well–positioned, and able to promote community involvement, advocacy, and funding for the Deaf Culture Digital Library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The lead employee or coordinator who manages the Deaf Culture Digital Library shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A deaf or hard of hearing individual; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Knowledgeable and experienced concerning issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $450,000 to the Deaf Culture Digital Library.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Deaf Culture Digital Library shall submit its annual operating budget to the State Library Agency on or before June 1 each year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-110" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Early reader organization” means a nonprofit organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high–quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Baltimore City Young Readers Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Baltimore City Young Readers Program in the State Library Agency.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to work with an early reader organization to distribute free, high–quality books to children in Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Librarian shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Administer the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Carry out the Program in partnership with an early reader organization partner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $200,000 to the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-111" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Affiliated service” means a book–gifting service performed by a nonprofit organization that is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a unit of State, county, or municipal government that forms an affiliated partnership with an early reader organization.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Early reader organization” means a nonprofit organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high–quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Program” means the Young Readers Grant Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Young Readers Grant Program in the State Library Agency.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to public libraries and affiliated services to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Support the establishment and operation of affiliated services; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contribute to the operation of an affiliated service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State Librarian shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A public library or an affiliated service may submit an application for a program grant on the form that the State Librarian requires.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An application for a program grant shall include a plan to ensure that the public library or the affiliated service is able to gift books to eligible children, including specific measures for serving children in low–income zip codes within its area of service.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A program grant shall be disbursed to a public library or an affiliated service that qualifies for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Library Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $450,000 to the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-112" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2028 PER CHAPTERS 367 AND 368 OF 2025" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Library Agencies"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Child” means a biological or adopted child, a stepchild, a grandchild, or a legal ward of an incarcerated individual.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Family Literacy Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Family Literacy Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to foster family literacy and strengthen parent–child relationships by providing children’s books in State correctional facilities to incarcerated individuals and a means for an incarcerated individual to read aloud to the incarcerated individual’s child.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program shall be administered by the State Library Agency.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Library Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council, shall select four State correctional facility libraries or prerelease centers to participate in the Program that shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Represent each of the western, central, and eastern regions of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consist of at least one correctional facility serving female incarcerated individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Consist of at least one correctional facility serving male incarcerated individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The State Library Agency shall select the children’s books for use in the Program including children’s books in languages other than English.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The State Library Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a process to secure written permission to participate in the Program from the custodial parent or guardian of an incarcerated individual’s child;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish a process to assist an incarcerated individual in selecting an age–appropriate children’s book, preparing a recording of the incarcerated individual reading the book aloud, and distributing a copy of the book and the recording to the incarcerated individual’s child; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Ensure participation in the Program is free of charge for the incarcerated individual, the child, and the custodial parent or guardian.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The State Library Agency may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-201" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Central Library of the Enoch Pratt Free Library System is the State Library Resource Center.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Library Resource Center shall provide and expand access to specialized library materials and services that are necessary for coordinated, efficient, and economical library services in this State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-202" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The boards of library trustees of at least three public library systems outside the standard metropolitan statistical areas defined by the United States Bureau of the Census may request the State Library Board to establish and maintain a regional resource center.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each regional resource center shall provide, through mutual cooperation and coordination, books, information, and other material and service resources that an individual library cannot provide adequately by itself.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A region to be served by a regional resource center shall have a population of at least 100,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to approval by the State Library Board, the boards of library trustees of the participating library systems shall designate the library to serve as the resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a board of advisors for each regional resource center that shall act as the Regional Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The director of the regional resource center; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The director of each member library system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council for each regional resource center shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Gather information on the resource needs of its region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Promote the use of the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The director of the regional resource center is the executive officer of the regional resource center.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The director:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is appointed by the governing board established in accordance with § 23–202.1 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall serve at the pleasure of the governing board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The director shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be eligible for certification as a professional library director by the State Superintendent of Schools as set forth in COMAR 14.38.01.01;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have the powers and duties set forth in this title; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Appoint, promote, fix salaries, assign duties, and terminate personnel of the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The director shall operate the regional resource center in accordance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The standards adopted by the State Library Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The policies adopted by the governing board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The director shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Prepare and submit for the approval of the governing board the annual budget of the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Adopt and submit for the approval of the governing board reasonable rules and bylaws to carry out this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Recommend to the governing board the purchase, condemnation, rental, use, sale, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The policies and procedures of the regional resource center shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Recommended by the board of trustees of the library designated as the regional resource center; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Approved by the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The policies and procedures for operation of the regional resource center shall be consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Each regional resource center shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make interlibrary loans of books and materials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Supply collections and exhibits of specialized materials;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide consultant services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Organize in–service training for library staffs; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop and operate cooperative services among libraries.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-202.1" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a governing board for each regional resource center.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a governing board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A library trustee from each participating library system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Up to two members of the public from each area served by the participating library systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The board of trustees of the Washington County Free Library shall act as the governing board for the Western Maryland Regional Resource Center.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The bylaws adopted by the board of trustees of the Washington County Free Library shall govern the composition, appointment, qualifications, terms, and structure of the governing board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member appointed to a governing board must:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be of good character;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have demonstrated ability and interest in library matters; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be a resident of one of the counties participating in and being served by the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the governing board shall be appointed by the governing board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The initial members of a governing board shall be appointed by the Regional Advisory Council of the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of a governing board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the governing board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the rules, policies, and bylaws of the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Each member serves for a term of 5 years beginning July 1 immediately following the member’s appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member may not serve for more than two consecutive terms.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The governing board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill any vacancy in the member’s position for the remainder of that term until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may serve for two additional terms.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>A governing board shall elect a chair from among its members each year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A governing board may elect any other officers determined necessary by the board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a governing board elects a treasurer, the treasurer shall be appropriately bonded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>A governing board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall determine the time and place of its meetings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A governing board shall meet at least once every 3 months.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A governing board is subject to the Open Meetings Act.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A majority of the appointed members of the governing board is a quorum.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>A member of a governing board who fails to attend at least 50% of the scheduled meetings of the board during any consecutive 12–month period shall be considered to have resigned.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the governing board, the governing board may waive the resignation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The chair of a governing board shall report the member’s name and nonattendance to the State Library Board within 45 days after the end of the 12–month period.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The governing board shall fill any vacancy in accordance with subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed by this subtitle, a governing board has the powers and duties set forth in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A governing board shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Select and appoint, with the advice of the State Librarian, a professional librarian to serve as director of the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine the policies of the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Adopt reasonable rules and bylaws for the use of the regional resource center and the conduct of its business;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Approve the regional resource center budget;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>In accordance with the regulations and laws of the State, receive, account for, control, and supervise the spending of all public funds received by the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Adopt and follow a written policy for operation of the regional resource center that is consistent with the State standards for libraries;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Publish the results of the audit conducted under paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Submit a report to the State Librarian on or before November 1 each year that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of money received from the library fund and other sources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Itemized expenses;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The number of books and periodicals in the possession of and owned by the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The results of the annual audit; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other information required by the State Library Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A governing board may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from the State, county, or federal government or any other person on behalf of the regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend the purchase, condemnation, rental, acquisition, use, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Recommend plans for the regional resource centers, including the use of facilities of participating libraries, additions to the facilities of participating libraries, or new facilities separate from the existing facilities of participating libraries;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of regional resource center buildings, subject to the approval of the State Library Board and the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Make agreements with any person for any library service; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Perform any other actions necessary for the proper control and development of the regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In addition to other reports that may be required by the State Library Board, the Board shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Keep records that are consistent with sound business practices and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant approved by the State Librarian to be made of the accounts and transactions of the regional resource center at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The governing board may not dismiss, suspend, discipline, demote, reassign, transfer, or otherwise retaliate against an employee for acting in a manner consistent with the regional resource center’s written policy implementing the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-203" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The board of library trustees of any public library system that is not participating in a regional resource center may participate in a metropolitan cooperative service program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each metropolitan cooperative service program shall conform to standards adopted by the State Library Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each metropolitan cooperative service program shall make an annual report of its operations to the State Library Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-204" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <text>The State Library Board periodically shall evaluate the effectiveness of the services performed by each regional resource center and metropolitan cooperative service program and may request any reports and information necessary for this purpose.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-205" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (g) of this section, each year, the State Library Board may include in its budget operating funds for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Resource Center;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each regional resource center;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Deaf Culture Digital Library; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Each metropolitan cooperative service program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (g) of this section, the State shall pay all capital expenses for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State Library Resource Center; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Each regional resource center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before any money is spent under this subsection, the appropriate board of library trustees shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have the project approved by the State Library Board;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Through the State Library Board, submit the request to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration under Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Agree to reimburse the State Library Board an amount the State Library Board determines if the facility ceases to be used for a resource center or cooperative service program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (g) of this section, each year each participating regional resource center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each resident of the area served, to be used for operating and capital expenses.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The allocation shall be calculated as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2022....................................$8.75 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2023................................... $9.19 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For fiscal year 2024....................................... $9.39 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For fiscal year 2025....................................... $9.59 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For fiscal year 2026........................................$9.79 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>For fiscal year 2027……………………………. $9.99 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For fiscal year 2028...................................... $10.19 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>For fiscal year 2029...................................... $10.40 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>For fiscal year 2030...................................... $10.60 per each resident of the area served;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>For fiscal year 2031...................................... $10.81 per each resident of the area served; and</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>For fiscal year 2032 and each fiscal year thereafter…………………………………………………………….............. $11.02 per each resident of the area served.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (g) of this section, each year the State Library Resource Center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each State resident in the previous fiscal year, to be used for operating and capital expenses.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The allocation shall be calculated as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 …………..................$1.97 per State resident;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal years 2025 through 2027…….$2.07 per State resident;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For fiscal year 2028……………......$2.17 per State resident;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For fiscal year 2029 $2.28 per State resident;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For fiscal year 2030 $2.39 per State resident;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>For fiscal year 2031………..………$2.51 per State resident; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For fiscal year 2032 and each fiscal year thereafter….$2.64 per State resident.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to subsection (g) of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2016 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled shall receive an amount equivalent to at least 25% of the amount received by the State Library Resource Center for the same fiscal year under subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Board shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Disburse funds to the State and regional resource centers, the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and metropolitan cooperative service programs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Require that these funds be used subject to any conditions specified by the appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Library Board may authorize the State Comptroller to withhold funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service program that fails to meet the standards adopted by the State Library Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Receipt of funding under this section is contingent on a library, resource center, or metropolitan cooperative service program adopting a written policy for operation of the library, center, or program that is consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Comptroller shall withhold all State funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service program that the State Library Board certifies has failed to meet the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Comptroller shall continue to withhold funds under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph until the State Library Board certifies that the regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service program has adopted a written policy consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-206" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Resource Centers and Cooperative Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>Any two or more boards of library trustees acting as incorporators under this section and the nonstock corporation laws may organize a cooperative library corporation to administer joint library projects in their counties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The membership of the corporation consists of the members of each board of library trustees that signs the articles of incorporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If each of the member boards agree, another county may become a member of the corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The member boards may delegate any of their intracounty powers and duties to the corporation to the extent necessary to enable it to carry out and administer joint library projects.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Professional and clerical employees of a cooperative library corporation shall join the Teachers’ Retirement System.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each cooperative library corporation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is entitled to use the library fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall have the annual audit required for a library;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall make the annual report required of a board of library trustees; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is exempt from taxation under § 7-202 of the Tax - Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-301" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Publications and Depository Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Depository library” means a library designated for the receipt and maintenance of State publications.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Depository library” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The State Library Resource Center;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Maryland Department of Legislative Services Library;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The State Archives;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The McKeldin Library of the University of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The Library of Congress; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any other library designated by the Commission on State Publications Depository and Distribution Program as a depository library.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the State Publications Depository and Distribution Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“State agency” means any permanent or temporary State office, department, division or unit, bureau, board, commission, task force, authority, institution, State college or university, and any other unit of State government, whether executive, legislative, or judicial, and includes any subunits of State government.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“State publication” means informational materials produced, regardless of format, by the authority of, or at the total or partial expense of any State agency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“State publication” includes a publication sponsored by a State agency, issued in conjunction with, or under contract with the federal government, local units of government, private individuals, institutions, corporations, research firms, or other entities.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“State publication” does not include correspondence, interoffice and intraoffice memoranda, routine forms or other internal records, publications of bicounty agencies which comply with this program as required in § 23-304 of this subtitle, or any informational listing which any State statute provides shall be sold to members of the public for a fee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-302" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Publications and Depository Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is created, as part of the State Library Resource Center at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, a State Publications Depository and Distribution Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This Program is responsible for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The collection of State publications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The distribution of State publications to the depository libraries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The monthly issuance of a list of all State publications that have been received by the Center. This list shall be sent to all depository libraries and to others upon request and the Center may provide for subscription services; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Making determinations on exemptions of State publications from the depository requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administrator of the Program shall be appointed by the Director of the State Library Resource Center.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Funding for the Program shall be provided in the budget of the State Library Board in a program entitled State Publications Depository.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-303" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Publications and Depository Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Each State agency shall designate an agency publications contact person, and shall notify the Center of the designation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each State agency shall furnish to the Center a sufficient quantity of each publication to meet the requirements of the depository system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-304" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="State Publications and Depository Program"> <text>Each bicounty agency shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Designate an agency publications contact person, and notify the Center of the designation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Furnish to the Center 1 copy of each publication to meet the requirements of the depository system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Furnish 1 copy each to a designated branch library within each county library system of the counties in which the bicounty agency operates or furnish all copies to the Center for distribution as stated in this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-401" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of each county may establish, and appropriate an amount to support, a county public library system free from political influence.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each county public library system shall be governed by a board of trustees. However, a charter county may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a county library agency and grant it some or all of the powers of a board of trustees; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have a board of library trustees, provide for the board’s selection, and determine its powers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-402" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore shall be governed by the requirements and regulations pertaining to the Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore City as provided in Chapter 181 of the Acts of 1882 and any other laws applicable to the operation of public libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers and duties of the Board of Trustees of the Enoch Pratt Free Library are as provided in Chapter 181 of the Acts of 1882 and the Charter and the Articles of Incorporation of the Enoch Pratt Free Library and other laws applicable to the Board of Trustees of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A State grant shall be made available to fund the increased operating expenses for the branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library that increase their operating hours above the hours in effect as of January 1, 2016.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $3,000,000 to support the additional operating expenses for the increased hours of operation of all branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library subject to increased operating hours as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>To receive any State funds under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, Baltimore City shall provide a 25% match for each dollar of State funds granted to support the additional operating expenses related to the increased hours of operation of the branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library that, in that fiscal year, will be subject to increased operating hours as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Baltimore City may use public and private funds to satisfy the requirements of subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>In calculating the additional operating expenses of the increased hours of operation, the baseline hours of operation of all branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library are those hours of operation in effect as of January 1, 2016.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland State Library Agency shall establish a process to distribute the State grant to Baltimore City or the Enoch Pratt Free Library for the additional operating expenses related to the increased hours of operation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the operating hours of the branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library that are increased in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection shall be utilized to advance the library’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and greater access to library resources, programs, and services.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On or before September 30, 2023, and each September 30 thereafter, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall provide a report to the Department of Budget and Management and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A list of the branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library with increased operating hours for the previous fiscal year that are above the operating hours in effect as of January 1, 2016; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An evaluation of the impact of the increased hours of operation of the branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The County Commissioners of Washington County shall be governed by the requirements and regulations pertaining to the Washington County Free Library as provided in Chapter 511 of the Acts of 1898 and any other laws applicable to the operation of public libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers and duties of the Board of Trustees of the Washington County Free Library are as provided in Chapter 511 of the Acts of 1898 and the Charter, Articles of Incorporation, and other laws applicable to the Board of Trustees of the Washington County Free Library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subtitle, employees of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System have the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their choosing as authorized by the Prince George’s County Charter, Section 908, as of July 1, 1986.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Such employees shall be covered under the provisions of the Prince George’s County Labor Code, as provided in § 13A–116 of that Code, as of July 1, 1995.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a certified bargaining agent or employee organization that represents employees of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System may not call or direct a strike.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any certified bargaining agent or employee organization designated as an exclusive representative of the employees of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System that violates any provision of this paragraph shall have its designation as exclusive representative revoked by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and the certified bargaining agent, employee organization, and any other employee organization that violates any provision of this paragraph is ineligible to be designated as exclusive representative for a period of 2 years after the violation.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If a certified bargaining agent or an employee organization violates any provision of this paragraph, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System shall stop making payroll deductions for dues of the organization for 1 year after the violation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Bonus points” means established bonus or percentage points used during the bid evaluation process to adjust the bid price submitted by minority business enterprises for the purpose of ascertaining the lowest bidder.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Mandatory set–asides” means a procedure designating a certain percentage of total contract dollars for award to minority business enterprises.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>“Mandatory subcontracting” means a procedure mandating that a certain percentage of the dollar amount of designated contracts be subcontracted to minority business enterprises.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Minority business enterprise” means any business enterprise:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="A"> <text>That is at least 51 percent owned by 1 or more minority individuals; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>In the case of any publicly owned corporation, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by 1 or more minority individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by 1 or more minority individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>“Percentage points” means established percentage points given for minority business enterprise participation in a sealed proposal process.</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>“Restrictive bidding” means competitive bidding of designated contracts that are restricted to minority business enterprises.</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>“Restrictive price quotations” means negotiated small procurements that are restricted to minority business enterprises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Trustees of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System shall undertake and complete an internal and market fact–finding process by January 1, 1990, to assess the appropriate scope of a minority business enterprise program for the Board. The results of the fact–finding process, including statistical data, supporting documentation, and reports, shall be reported to the Prince George’s County Delegation of the General Assembly by January 31, 1990.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the fact finding required by subsection (b) of this section demonstrates a compelling governmental interest to adopt a remedial minority business enterprise program, the Board of Trustees, by resolution and by implementing rules and regulations, shall establish a minority business enterprise program to facilitate the participation of certified minority business enterprises in contracts awarded by the Board. The program shall include specific goals and the definition of “minority individual”.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In establishing a minority business enterprise program, the Board of Trustees is authorized to use incentives to achieve the designated goals of the program, including but not limited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Mandatory set–aside procedures;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Mandatory subcontracting procedures with reasonable waiver provisions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The application of bonus points;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The application of percentage points;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Restrictive bidding;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Restrictive price quotations;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The reduction or waiver of bonding requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Incentives to encourage maximum participation by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Small businesses;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A variety of different businesses; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Businesses located within Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Board of Trustees may appoint a minority business enterprise officer to administer any minority business enterprise program established, who shall submit reports to the Board of Trustees.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>It is the responsibility of the minority business enterprise officer to conduct outreach programs to assist the minority business enterprise community in participating in any minority business enterprise program established under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Board of Trustees shall advise the Prince George’s County Delegation of the General Assembly regarding the substance of any minority business enterprise program that it establishes.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The program shall be evaluated every 2 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The results of any evaluation under this paragraph shall be submitted to the Prince George’s County Delegation of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In Garrett County, the public library system operated by the Board of Trustees shall be known as the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-403" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection and subsection (g) of this section, each board of library trustees consists of seven appointed members appointed by the county governing body from nominees submitted by the board of library trustees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A board that existed before 1945 under a corporate charter may continue as constituted if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>It has at least seven appointed members;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The appointed members are chosen on the basis of character, ability, and demonstrated interest in library matters; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The appointed members meet the qualifications required under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In Harford County, the Board of Trustees consists of at least 7 appointed members, but not more than 11 appointed members, appointed by the county governing body from nominees submitted by the Board of Trustees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The appointed members of the board shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Representative of the area the library serves; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Residents of the county that the library serves.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, an appointed member of a board serves for a term of 5 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms of the appointed members serving on the board as of July 1, 1978.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, an appointed member may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive terms.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An appointed member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is eligible for appointment to serve two additional consecutive terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An appointed member of the Board of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System may serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms of office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In Charles County, an appointed member of the Board serves for a term of 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In Harford County, an appointed member of the Board serves for a term of 5 years, beginning on July 1, and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each member of a board serves without compensation.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>A board may provide for the selection of a student member of the board in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A student member shall be selected by a process established by the board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The student member of a board shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be a junior or senior year student enrolled in a public or nonpublic high school or a home instruction program in the county that the library serves, who is of good character and, in the case of a student enrolled in a public or nonpublic high school, is in good standing in the student’s high school;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be selected in the student’s sophomore or junior year by a method established by the board;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Have an interest in library matters; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Serve a term of 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A student member selected to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is selected and qualifies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is eligible for selection for a full term if the student meets the eligibility requirements under paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a student member of a board may vote on all policy matters before the board.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A board may adopt a policy or bylaw to authorize a student member to vote on additional nonpolicy matters before the board.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-404" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>Each year, each board of library trustees:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall elect one of its appointed members as its chair; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May elect any other officer it requires from among the appointed members of the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The treasurer of each board of library trustees shall be bonded adequately.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each board of library trustees may determine the time and place of its meetings and may adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings. However:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each board shall meet at least once every 3 months;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any final action of a board shall be taken at a public meeting; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The minutes of board meetings shall be open to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Any member of a board of library trustees who fails to attend at least half of the scheduled meetings of the board during any calendar year shall be considered to have resigned from the board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chair of the board of library trustees shall report the member’s name and nonattendance to the county governing body by January 15 of the following year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The county governing body may reject the resignation if the member explains his nonattendance satisfactorily.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The resignation is effective from the date of the final review by the county governing body, which shall be within 10 days after it receives the report from the chair of the board of library trustees. The county governing body shall fill any resulting vacancy as provided in § 23–403 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-405" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any other powers granted or duties imposed by this subtitle, each board of library trustees has the powers and duties set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each board of library trustees:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall establish and operate the library to provide free services to residents of the county in which it is located; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May permit persons outside of the county to use the library facilities on the terms and conditions it determines.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Baltimore City and Baltimore, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, the board of library trustees in each of these counties may permit a library to charge fees for the rental of media.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each board of library trustees may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish and operate libraries at any location in the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine the policy of the library; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and bylaws for the use of the library and the conduct of its business.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each board of library trustees may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Advise in the preparation of, and approve, the library budget;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receive, account for, control, and supervise, under the rules and regulations of the county governing body, the spending of all public funds received by the library; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Use the services of the fiscal agencies of the county governing body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each board of library trustees shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide for an audit at least annually, by an accountant approved by the State Librarian of its business and financial transactions and of the accounts of its treasurer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make public the results of the annual audit; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make an annual report to the county governing body and the State Librarian on or before November 1 of each year, except that a county having a population of more than 500,000 and having a county library agency as provided by § 23–401(b) of this subtitle shall submit their report by January 1. The report shall show:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amounts of money received from the library fund and other sources;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The itemized expenses;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number of books and periodicals the library has;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The results of the annual audit; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any other information the State Library Board requires.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each board of library trustees may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Accept any gift, grant, or appropriation for library purposes from any person under any appropriate terms and conditions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Own and dispose of these gifts, grants, and appropriations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recommend to the county governing body the acquisition, use, or conveyance of property, for any purpose valid under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of library buildings, subject to the approval of the county governing body;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Make contracts for any library service with any person; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Do anything else necessary for the proper control and development of the library.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-406" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>Each board of library trustees:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall select and appoint a professional librarian eligible for certification as director of the library to serve at the pleasure of the board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May delegate to the director its authority to appoint any other necessary employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each board of library trustees shall establish policies for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Staff classification;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Salaries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Work conditions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Suspension with pay;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Grievance procedures;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Benefits, including vacation and sick leave;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Hours of work; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any other personnel procedures and practices necessary for the efficient operation of the library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each professional public librarian appointee to the professional library staff:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall hold a certificate of library qualifications issued by the State Superintendent; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be eligible for State certification as a professional public librarian; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall apply for certification within 6 months of starting employment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The director or the director’s designee may suspend a library employee without pay for a specified period up to 10 working days, for the following reasons:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Misconduct in office;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Insubordination;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Incompetency; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Willful neglect of duty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The director or the director’s designee shall give the suspended employee a written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The director or the director’s designee shall place a copy of the written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension in the employee’s official personnel file.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The employee shall have the opportunity to reply in writing to the director within 10 working days after the employee receives notice of the suspension.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The employee may request a hearing before the board of trustees within 10 working days after receiving notice of the suspension.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period, the board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If an employee is suspended without pay and found not guilty of the reasons for the suspension, the board shall refund all pay benefits lost by reason of the suspension to the employee.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Suspension of an employee with pay shall be as provided by the library’s personnel policy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>On written recommendation of the library director, each board of library trustees may dismiss any library employee under its jurisdiction for any of the following reasons:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Misconduct in office;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Insubordination;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Incompetency; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Willful neglect of duty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Before removing an employee, the director shall send the employee a written copy of the charges against the employee and give the employee an opportunity to request a hearing before the board within 10 working days.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period the board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The employee shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly before the board in his own defense, in person or by counsel and to bring witnesses to the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the board votes to remove the employee and:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The decision is unanimous, the decision of the board is final; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The decision is not unanimous, the employee may appeal to the State Library Board through the State Librarian.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If the board of library trustees adopts a written policy consistent with the State standards for libraries, an employee may not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, demoted, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against for performing their job duties consistent with the adopted written policy.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The director of each library shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Act as the general executive officer of the library and be responsible for the management of its operations in accordance with policies approved by the board of library trustees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prepare the annual budget of the library, and present it to the board for approval;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nominate for appointment all library employees in the county library system; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish reasonable rules and adopt regulations for the use of the library system subject to approval by the board of library trustees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-407" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <text>The board of library trustees of any library may use volunteer aides. These volunteer aides may not replace library personnel but shall assist regular personnel in carrying out their duties. Each board of library trustees shall develop guidelines for the selection and use of volunteer aides in its library system. Volunteer aides shall be considered agents of the board of library trustees for the limited purpose of comprehensive liability insurance coverage.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-408" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure, or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250, imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-409" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Overdue fine” means any amount charged by a public library to an individual for failure to return library materials by the end of the loan period.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Replacement fee” means any amount charged by a public library to an individual for the replacement of library materials that have not been returned or have been returned in a damaged condition at the time the fee is issued.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Reserve fee” means any amount charged by a public library to an individual for failure to collect library materials that have been placed on hold or reserved.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Special collections” includes library materials such as cake pans, tools, framed art, and other groups of library materials that possess unique value and requirements for use, as designated by the public library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to special collections.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A public library may not charge an overdue fine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To a minor; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For library materials intended for children or teens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A public library may not charge a reserve fee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To a minor; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For reserved library materials intended for children or teens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies to previously borrowed library materials that were:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Borrowed by a minor; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Intended for children or teens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A public library may not prohibit an individual from borrowing library materials because the individual failed to return previously borrowed library materials until 21 days or more after the date the library materials were due.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A public library may not charge a replacement fee until 21 days after the date on which the library materials were due:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To a minor; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For library materials intended for children or teens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If overdue library materials borrowed by a minor or intended for children or teens are returned in a nondamaged condition after a public library has charged a replacement fee, the public library shall cancel the replacement fee.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If overdue library materials borrowed by a minor or intended for children or teens are returned in a nondamaged condition within 6 months after a replacement fee has been paid, the public library shall refund the replacement fee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each board of library trustees shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-410" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="County Public Libraries"> <text>Each public library must offer at least one of the following services alone or in partnership with units of government or nonprofit organizations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A program designed to increase early childhood literacy and learning, school readiness, literacy proficiency, and student success;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An educational program that advances information literacy, technology instruction and skills, and economic, career, and workforce development;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An initiative that increases digital equity and access to the Internet;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Serving as a community resource and distribution site during public emergencies; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Support for mental health and personal well–being.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-501" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Adjusted assessed valuation of real property” means the most recent estimate by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation before the State budget is submitted to the General Assembly, of the sum of 100 percent of the assessed valuation of operating real property of public utilities and 50 percent of the assessed value of all other real property for State purposes as of July 1 of the first completed fiscal year before the fiscal year for which the calculation of State library aid is made under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Capital expense” means principal and interest payments, or current capital spending or accumulation for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The purchase of land for libraries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purchase and construction of library buildings;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Remodeling and adding to library buildings; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase of equipment and furniture for these library buildings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Net taxable income” means the amount certified by the State Comptroller for the second full calendar year before the fiscal year for which the calculation of State library aid is made under this subtitle, based on tax returns filed on or before July 1 after that calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Population” means population determined from figures available as of July 1 of the calendar year before the fiscal year for which the calculation is made, from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The latest decennial census; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Estimates prepared by the Maryland Department of Health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Real property” means all property classified as real property under § 8–101(b) of the Tax – Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Wealth” means the sum of net taxable income and adjusted assessed valuation of real property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-502" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a county-State minimum library program for the support and growth of public libraries.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State shall share in the current operating and capital expenses of the county public library systems that participate in the minimum library program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-503" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The entire capital and operating cost of the minimum library program for this State as a whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the State shall provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Not less than 20 percent of the cost of the minimum program in any county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The counties participating in the program together shall provide through local taxes approximately 60 percent of the total statewide cost of the minimum program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, each county public library system that participates in the minimum library program shall be provided for each resident of the county, to be used for operating and capital expenses:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 – $19.10;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For fiscal year 2028 – $19.50;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>For fiscal year 2029 – $19.92;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>For fiscal year 2030 – $20.32;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>For fiscal year 2031 – $20.74; and</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>For fiscal year 2032 and each fiscal year thereafter – $21.15.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the State shall share in this amount.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Receipt of State funding for a county library system that participates in the minimum library program under this section is contingent on the board of library trustees adopting a written policy for operation of the county library system that is consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Comptroller shall withhold all State funds from a county library system that the State Library Board certifies has failed to meet the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Comptroller shall continue to withhold funds under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph until the State Library Board certifies that the county library system has adopted a written policy consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-504" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a public library shall reimburse the State annually for the employer contributions made by the State for an employee who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is a member of the Teachers’ Retirement System or the Teachers’ Pension System under Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is receiving a salary funded by a source other than State or local aid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the extent that an employee’s salary is funded in part by sources other than State or local aid, the public library shall reimburse the State a pro rata share of the State’s payment based on the percentage of the employee’s salary funded by a source other than State or local aid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To ensure that each public library is properly reimbursing the State as provided under subsection (a) of this section, the State Library Board or, at the State Library Board’s request, a public library may at any time examine the records of public libraries to determine whether the State’s payments for retirement contributions for employees of the public libraries are in accordance with the provisions of Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An audit conducted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Included with an existing annual financial audit as a supplemental part and tested independently;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Conducted in conjunction with a supplemental federally mandated single audit of federal financial assistance programs and tested independently; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Conducted as a separate independent audit.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If an examination of the records of a public library shows that the State has paid more than is required under Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, within 30 days after the date of the notice to the library of the State overpayment, the public library may appeal the notice of State overpayment to the Secretary of Budget and Management who shall appoint a hearing examiner.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The hearing examiner shall make recommendations to the Secretary of Budget and Management who shall make a final determination regarding the amount, if any, of the State overpayment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a public library does not appeal to the Secretary of Budget and Management or if the Secretary of Budget and Management determines that the State is due reimbursement for excess payments as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, at the request of the State Library Board the money owed shall be deducted from any other State funds that would otherwise be paid to the public library.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act, an appeal taken under this section is not a contested case.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Any reimbursements under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be applied first to the cost of any audit or portion of any audit relating to subsection (a) of this section to reimburse either the State Library Board or the public library for the expenses of the audits; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After reimbursement to the State Library Board or public library under item (i) of this paragraph, shall be credited to the General Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an audit under this section is performed by a public library, before the public library is reimbursed under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the public library shall provide documentation to the State Library Board that the incremental costs of the audit incurred by the public library are reasonable.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-505" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>To be eligible for its State share of the minimum program, a county government shall levy an annual tax sufficient to provide an amount for library purposes equal to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The wealth of the county; times</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A uniform percentage, rounded to the fifth decimal place equal to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>60 percent of the total minimum program for current and capital expenses to be shared for all counties; divided by</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The total wealth of all the counties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State share of the minimum program for current and capital expenses for each county is the difference between the county share calculated under subsection (a) of this section and the minimum program for current and capital expenses to be shared under § 23-503 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Not more than 20 percent of the county and State shares may be applied to capital expenses.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The county appropriation for capital expenses may include funds from any source except the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-506" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the board of library trustees of each county that has a board of trustees; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In each county that does not have a board of library trustees, to the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Current operating funds shall be administered by the county board of library trustees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Capital expense funds shall be administered by the county council, board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library purposes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The adoption of a written policy for operation of the county library system consistent with the State standards for libraries by each board of library trustees or, if the county does not have a board of library trustees, the county government; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other conditions specified by the appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-506.1" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Child pornography” means a violation of § 11–207 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Obscene” has the meaning stated in § 11–203 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before January 1, 2001, each county or board of trustees of a county library shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt and implement policies and procedures to prevent minors from obtaining access through the library, by means of the Internet, the World Wide Web, Usenet, or any other interactive computer service to materials that are obscene or constitute child pornography; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit the policies and procedures required under this section to the State Librarian for review.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Librarian or a designee of the State Librarian shall regularly monitor the county libraries to determine whether each library is complying with the policies and procedures adopted for preventing a minor from obtaining Internet access to obscene materials through the library.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-507" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State funds from any county that fails:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for operating the county library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Comptroller shall withhold all State funds from a county that the State Library Board certifies has failed to operate the county library system consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall continue to withhold funds under paragraph (1) of this subsection until the State Library Board certifies that the county has adopted a written policy for the operation of the county library system consistent with the State standards for libraries.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-508" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <text>Remuneration of an employee on account of sickness or accident of the employee shall be paid and treated as sick pay and not as continuation of salary.</text> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-509" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Financing for County Public Libraries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Capital project” means the:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Acquisition of land or buildings for a county library; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Construction or improvement of a county library.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Construction or improvement” means planning, design, engineering, alteration, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, expansion, extension, improvement, replacement, rehabilitation, renovation, upgrading, repair, or capital equipping.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“County library” means a library in a county public library system in the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a State grant program for county public library capital projects in the State Library Agency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The grant program is in addition to the county–State minimum library program established under § 23–502 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Agency shall develop and administer a grant program to assist in the funding of county library capital projects.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the grant program is to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide a uniform and objective analysis of proposed capital projects; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Support projects that address the library needs in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Grants under the program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Require a matching fund from any combination of county, municipal, or private sources; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be for an amount less than $20,000.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 15 of each year, a county public library system may submit applications to the State Library Agency to receive grants for county library capital projects for the next fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In order to apply for a capital project grant, a county public library system shall have:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A countywide library plan that includes a mission statement, needs statement, and multiyear goals and objectives on file with the State Library Agency; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A master plan that includes a description of the capital project approved by the applicant’s governing body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An application shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A description of the scope and purpose of the project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A building plan that includes the estimated total cost of the project; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other information required by the State Library Agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A county public library system may not apply for more than three capital project grants in a fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Library Agency shall review grant applications submitted in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before October 1 of each year, the State Library Agency shall make recommendations to the State Library Board regarding capital project grants for the next fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In making its recommendations, the State Library Agency shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The public necessity and urgency of a project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The need for additional sources of funding for a project;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The estimated cost and timeliness of executing a project;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The viability of matching funds for a project; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Geographic diversity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>On or before November 1 of each year, the State Library Board shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Approve capital projects for funding in the State budget for the next fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Forward the list of approved capital projects to the Department of Budget and Management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2021, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget submission $5,000,000 for county library capital projects.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget submission $7,500,000 for county library capital projects.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The State share percentage for a county library capital project approved under this section shall be calculated by dividing the State share of the minimum program for a county calculated under § 23–505(b) of this subtitle by the library program amount for a county calculated under § 23–503(b) of this subtitle, and multiplying this quotient by 1.25.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The minimum State share of a county library capital project is 50%.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The maximum State share of a county library capital project is 90%.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The State Library Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on or before October 1 of each year, on State grants awarded for county public library capital projects for the prior fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The State Library Board shall adopt regulations to implement the grant program established under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-701" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Electronic Literary Product Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Electronic literary product” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A text document that has been converted into or published in a digital format that is read on a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An audio recording of a text document, read out loud in a format that is listened to on a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Publisher” means a person in the business of manufacturing, promulgating, and selling books, audio books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or other literary productions, including those in digital form, that consist of text, imagery, audio recordings, or any combination of text, image, and audio recording.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices” has the meaning stated in § 13–301 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-702" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Electronic Literary Product Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a publisher who offers to license an electronic literary product to the public also shall offer to license the electronic literary product to public libraries in the State on reasonable terms that would enable public libraries to provide library users with access to the electronic literary product.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The terms of a license under subsection (a) of this section may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A limitation on the number of users a public library may simultaneously allow to access an electronic literary product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A limitation on the number of days a public library may allow a user to access an electronic literary product; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The use of technological protection measures that would prevent a user from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Maintaining access to an electronic literary product beyond the access period specified in the license; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Allowing other users to access an electronic literary product.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The terms of a license under subsection (a) of this section may not include a limitation on the number of electronic literary product licenses a public library may purchase on the same date the electronic literary product license is made available to the public.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A violation of this subtitle shall constitute an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice and is subject to enforcement in accordance with Title 13, Subtitle 4 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-801" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Baltimore County Public Library Board of Trustees.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Certified exclusive representative” means the employee organization that has been certified as the collective bargaining agent for a bargaining unit.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Confidential employee” means an employee who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has access to confidential information, including budgetary and fiscal data, subject to use by the employer in collective bargaining or in the adjudication of grievances; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Works in a close and continuing confidential relationship assisting or aiding a management employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“County Council” means the Baltimore County Council.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“County Executive” means the Baltimore County Executive.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Director” means the Director of the Baltimore County Public Library, or the Director’s designee.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employee” means a full–time or part–time employee of the library.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employee” does not include a confidential employee or management employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Employee organization” means an organization that admits employees of the employer as members and has as a primary purpose the representation of the employees in their relations with the employer.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Employer” means the Baltimore County Public Library and the Board.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Management employee” means an employee who generally has authority and who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Formulates policy that is applicable throughout a bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has a significant role in personnel administration, employee relations, or the preparation and administration of budgets for the employer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May reasonably be required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Assist directly in the preparation for and conduct of collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the employer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have a major role in the administration of resulting collective bargaining agreements.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Supervisory employee” means an employee who is authorized to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Responsibly direct employees for more than 50% of the employee’s working hours; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Address and resolve the grievances of employees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-802" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>There may not be more than two bargaining units established under this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One bargaining unit for employees who are not supervisory employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One bargaining unit for supervisory employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to modify or terminate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bargaining unit that was recognized or in existence on or before June 30, 2026; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A collective bargaining agreement entered into on or before June 30, 2026.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-803" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>An employee who may effectively recommend an action listed in § 23–801(k) of this subtitle may be deemed a management employee if the employee’s exercise of the authority requires the exercise of independent judgment and is not merely of a routine or clerical nature.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The exercise of any single function listed in § 23–801(k) of this subtitle may not necessarily require the conclusion that the individual exercising that function is in fact a management employee within the meaning of the definition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In differentiating a management employee from a nonmanagement employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A class title alone may not be the basis for determination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The nature of the management employee’s work, including whether or not a significant portion of the management employee’s working time is spent as part of a team that includes nonmanagement employees shall be considered.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-804" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <text>Employees of the employer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Form, join, and participate in an employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bargain collectively through a certified exclusive representative of their choice;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Engage in lawful concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Refrain from any activity covered under items (1) through (3) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-805" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative have a responsibility to engage in good faith bargaining over matters required by law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative jointly shall be responsible for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect, communication, and cooperation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The goal of collective bargaining is the delivery of quality public services to the residents of the State in a manner that is consistent and compliant with law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-806" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The employer shall recognize the right of the certified exclusive representative to represent the employees in the unit in collective bargaining and in the grievance process.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The certified exclusive representative of a unit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serve as the sole agent for the unit in collective bargaining; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Represent all employees in the unit fairly and in good faith, in a manner that is not arbitrary or discriminatory.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-807" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee organization seeking certification as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit of employees may file a petition with the Director indicating this intent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The petition may only be filed in the month of September.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The petition shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A request that the Board recognize the employee organization as the exclusive representative of the employees in the bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that the employee organization is one in which employees participate and that has as one of its purposes the representation of public employees in matters of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement that the employee organization has no terms or conditions of membership that discriminate with regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A statement that the employee organization has in its possession written proof dated not more than 9 months before the day on which the petition is filed establishing that at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Before a petition may be processed, the proof of interest submitted shall be verified as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The employee organization and the employer shall equally bear any costs associated with the verification.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When an employee organization or employees in a bargaining unit file a petition with the Director, the employee organization or employees shall submit to a neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service the authorization cards signed and dated by at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit not more than 9 months before the day the petition was filed indicating, as appropriate, that the employees have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the library system administration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employee organization shall copy the Director on the request for a neutral decision maker in order for the library system to receive notice of the selection of the neutral decision maker for the certification process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Not more than 7 calendar days after the day on which the Director receives notice of the assignment of a neutral decision maker by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Director shall submit to the neutral decision maker a list of employees in the bargaining unit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Director fails to submit the list of employees to the neutral decision maker within the required time, it shall be conclusively deemed that at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit have indicated a desire to be represented by the employee organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall check the written authorization cards submitted by the employee organization or the employees against the list of employees submitted by the Director.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the neutral decision maker determines that at least 30% of the employees on the list have indicated a desire to be represented by the employee organization or to decertify an exclusive representative, the neutral decision maker shall notify the Director of the determination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Director disagrees with the petitioning employee organization or the petitioning employees as to the inclusion or exclusion of specific employees in the bargaining unit, the parties shall refer the issue immediately to a neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to resolve the issue.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall hold a hearing on the issue referred under paragraph (1) of this subsection with the interested parties presenting evidence with respect to their positions on the issue of the inclusion or exclusion of the employees in question.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The neutral decision maker’s findings shall be final and binding on both parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An election may not be conducted in a bargaining unit unless at least 1 year has passed since the last election held in the bargaining unit.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>After a decision on disputed employee inclusion or exclusion, if required, the Director shall notify all employees within the bargaining unit that an election will be held and request a neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to oversee and conduct an election by secret ballot.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ballot for an election shall include the following choices:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with the issues presented by the petition or petitions, exclusive representation by any employee organization seeking to obtain or continue representation rights; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No exclusive representation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>An employee organization may intervene in the election and have its name placed on the ballot if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The employee organization files a petition not more than 15 calendar days after the date on which the original petition is filed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employee organization certifies that at least 30% of the employees of the unit have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the library system administration; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The showing of interest is verified as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The election shall be conducted according to the procedures established by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service neutral decision maker conducting the election.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employee organization shall be certified as exclusive representative following an election if the employee organization has received the vote of a majority of the valid votes cast in the bargaining unit in which the election is held.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If an election includes three or more choices and no choice receives a majority of the valid votes cast, the neutral decision maker shall conduct a runoff election between the two choices that received the largest number of valid votes cast.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The choice receiving the majority of the valid votes cast in the runoff election shall be certified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The neutral decision maker conducting the election shall issue to all the participants in an election a certification of representation, if an employee organization is certified, or the results of the election, if no representative is chosen.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>If employees are represented by an employee organization, employees may file a petition with the Director that contains the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An assertion that the majority of the employees no longer wish to be represented by the employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that the employees have in their possession substantive documentary proof, dated not more than 6 months before the day on which the petition is filed, that at least 30% of the employees within the bargaining unit approve of the decertification of the employee organization; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement explaining that the employees are seeking decertification of the employee organization as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The petition shall be processed as described in this section, including verification of proof of interest and an election.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An employee organization shall be decertified as exclusive representative following an election if the majority of the valid votes cast in the unit in which the election is held are for no representation.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-808" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>If an employee organization is certified as described in this subtitle, the employer and the employee organization shall enter into a collective bargaining agreement that contains provisions regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The orderly processing and settlement of grievances regarding the interpretation and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Other topics that the parties may mutually agree to that were suitable for bargaining.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer automatically shall deduct from the paycheck of an employee, who is a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative, dues authorized and owed by the employee to the certified exclusive representative if the employee submits to the employer a dues deduction authorization card that has been duly executed by the employee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any dues deducted from paychecks under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be remitted to the certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The employer automatically shall stop making payroll deductions under paragraph (1) of this subsection on behalf of a certified exclusive representative if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The certified exclusive representative is decertified;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The certified exclusive representative’s right to dues is revoked;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The employee ceases to be a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The employee resigns from membership in the employee organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section may not be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Authorize or otherwise allow an employee to engage in a strike as defined in § 3–303 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Restrict the authority of the County Executive or the County Council to determine the budget of the employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A collective bargaining agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall be effective on ratification by the majority of votes cast by the employees in the bargaining unit and approval by the Director and Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A single year or multiyear collective bargaining agreement shall expire at the close of Baltimore County’s fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-809" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall reach an agreement by March 1 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative mutually may agree to extend negotiations for a period not to extend past June 30 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An impasse is reached during the negotiations between the employer and the certified exclusive representative if the employer and the certified exclusive representative do not reach an agreement by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>March 1 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If negotiations were extended, the date to which negotiations were extended under subsection (a)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If an impasse is reached under subsection (b) of this section, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall submit a final offer to the other party within 48 hours after the impasse is reached.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the impasse reached under subsection (b) of this section has been resolved, the dispute and the final offers shall be submitted to the mediator selected by the parties in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 30 days after a mediator is selected by the parties, the mediator shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meet with the Director and the certified exclusive representative; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make written findings of fact and recommendations for the resolution of the dispute in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the parties are unable to agree on a mediator, they shall request a list of seven mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 3 working days after receiving the list under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the parties shall alternately remove one mediator from the list until only one mediator remains, who the parties shall agree will serve as the mediator under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mediator shall act as an intermediary in bringing the parties together and shall actively assist the parties in resolving the dispute by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conducting proceedings in accordance with this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reviewing the final positions of the parties;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Identifying the major issues in the dispute between the parties;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Reviewing the positions of the parties; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Recommending a resolution for the agreement of the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A resolution under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall address matters such as wages, hours, or terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not include health care benefits; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not exceed 1 fiscal year, unless agreed to by the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any resolution under this subsection regarding pension benefits shall be construed as a recommendation to or consideration for the appropriate pension administrator of the State or Baltimore County.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Before issuing a final decision, the mediator shall take into consideration, among any other relevant factors:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The wages and pension benefits, not including health care benefits, of the employees of the bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The wages and pension benefits of other similarly situated employees performing similar services in libraries of comparable jurisdictions to Baltimore County in the State, taking into consideration the cost of living index for the area in which the comparable department is located;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Wages and pension benefits of similarly situated Baltimore County employees;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The last published annual U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for All Items in the Washington–Baltimore area;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The special nature of the work performed by the employees of the bargaining unit, including:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Physical requirements of employment;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Educational requirements;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Job training and job skills; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Shift assignments and the demands placed on the employees compared to the demands placed on other similarly situated library employees in comparable jurisdictions to Baltimore County;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>State and county mandated expenditures;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, availability of funds, including financial sources of revenue; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The interest and welfare of the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In considering the availability of funds for wage increases, the mediator shall consider the general fund revenues of Baltimore County and the Baltimore County Spending Affordability Committee Report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A mediator may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Recommend a wage increase without approval of the County Executive and County Council;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend a pension benefit increase without approval of the appropriate pension administrator of the State or Baltimore County; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Consider testimony regarding funds for capital improvements, surplus contingency, or reserve funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The parties are strongly encouraged to reach an agreement on all issues whenever possible.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If no agreement can be reached by the parties, the mediator shall issue a report with the mediator’s decision, including written findings of fact.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The mediator may adopt a package of final positions or rule on each matter separately.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Copies of the mediator’s written findings and recommendations shall be submitted to the Director and the certified exclusive representative on or before the immediately following April 2.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Any costs associated with this subsection shall be shared equally by the employer and the certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to interfere with any efforts the parties may undertake to reach an agreement at any time.</text> </level> <level label="13"> <level label="i"> <text>The County Executive is not bound by any decision made under this subsection and shall act in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The County Council may accept or reject the recommendation of approval by the County Executive.</text> </level> </level> <level label="14"> <text>This subsection shall be the exclusive procedure for resolving disputes between the parties, unless the parties, by mutual agreement, determine to use another method of dispute resolution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Director shall submit the findings and recommendations of the mediator to the Board in a timely manner consistent with the timing of paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall approve all recommendations and findings of the mediator that do not relate to a financial issue or require an appropriation of additional funds within 5 days of the mediator’s decision.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-810" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall submit a term of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding entered into under §§ 23–808 and 23–809 of this subtitle to the County Executive with the Board’s recommendation regarding whether the agreement or the mediator’s decision requires an appropriation of additional funds.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The County Executive may approve or reject a request for additional funding under subsection (a) of this section, in whole or in part.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the County Executive approves a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the County Executive shall submit the request for additional funds to the County Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The County Council may approve or reject a request for additional funding, in whole or in part.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If any part of a request for additional funding submitted to the County Executive or County Council under this subsection is rejected, the request for additional funds shall be returned to the employer and the certified exclusive representative for renegotiation within the limits of the funding allocated by the County Executive and County Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The renegotiation shall be completed within a timetable established by the County Executive.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If an impasse is reached, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall submit a final offer, within the limits of the funding allocated by the County Executive and County Council, for the review of the County Executive.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The County Executive shall select one of the offers submitted under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The selection of the County Executive is binding on all parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative are mutually obligated to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meet at reasonable times in consideration of the county’s budget submission date; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Negotiate in good faith on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Drafting a written collective bargaining agreement that contains all matters agreed on and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The obligation to negotiate in good faith under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Requires that an effort be made by both parties to arrive at an agreement and reduce the agreement to writing within a reasonable period of time; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not require that any concession be made by either party.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-811" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The employer may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interfere with, coerce, unduly influence, or restrain an employee’s exercise of rights under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Dominate, interfere with, assist in the formation, administration, or existence of, or contribute financial assistance or other support to an employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Encourage or discourage membership in an employee organization by discriminating against an employee through hiring, tenure, promotion, or other conditions of employment; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Refuse to bargain in good faith with an employee organization that is the exclusive representative of the employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An employee organization may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interfere with, coerce, unduly influence, or restrain an employee’s exercise of rights under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cause or attempt to cause the employer to discriminate against an employee because the employee exercises a right under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Discipline or fine a member of the employee organization as punishment or reprisal;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discipline or fine a member of the employee organization for the purpose of impeding the member’s work performance; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Refuse to bargain in good faith with the employer or to participate in good faith in a procedure under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee who is a member of a bargaining unit with a certified exclusive representative may, without the intervention of an employee organization, discuss any matter with the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not waive the right of the employee organization to be the exclusive bargaining representative for issues related to wages, hours, and working conditions and is not intended to create an alternate path to alter terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the parties.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-812" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, it is the exclusive right of the employer to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Determine the purposes and objectives of each of its constituent offices and departments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Set standards of services to be offered to the public;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Exercise control and discretion over its organization and operations; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Determine the methods, means, personnel, and other resources by which the employer’s operations are to be conducted, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The use of volunteers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The contracting out of work if considered necessary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to applicable provisions of a collective bargaining agreement and in accordance with the Baltimore County Charter and other applicable laws, the employer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Direct its employees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hire, promote, transfer, assign, or retain employees;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish reasonable work rules; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Demote, suspend, discharge, or take any other disciplinary action against its employees for just cause.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section shall be deemed to be part of every agreement executed between the employer and a certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section may not be construed to deny the right of an employee to submit a grievance with regard to the employer’s exercise of its rights under this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, if employees have entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the employer under this subtitle, the collective bargaining agreement entered into supersedes any conflicting regulation or administrative policy of the employer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-813" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Baltimore County Public Library -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lockout” means the temporary withholding of work, by means of shutting down an operation or function in order to bring pressure on employees or on their representatives to accept a change in compensation or rights, privileges, obligations, or other terms and conditions of employment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Secondary boycott” means an activity by an employee organization or its members that is intended to induce, encourage, or coerce persons doing business with the employer to withhold, withdraw, or in any respect curtail their business relations with the county.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Strike” means the refusal or failure by an employee or group of employees to perform their duties of employment as assigned if a purpose of the refusal or failure is to induce, force, or require the employer to act or refrain from acting with regard to any matter.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Work stoppage” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The willful absence of a group of employees from their positions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The engaging in a slowdown by employees; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The refusal of employees to perform job duties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In general, strikes, work stoppages, lockouts, and secondary boycotts are prohibited.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Employees and employee organizations may not engage in, sponsor, initiate, support, direct, or condone a strike, work stoppage, or secondary boycott.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employee organizations may not engage in, initiate, sponsor, or support, directly or indirectly, picketing of the employer, its property, or field or office facilities in furtherance of a strike, work stoppage, or secondary boycott.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If an employee organization violates this section, the Board, after a majority vote, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revoke the employee organization’s designation as certified exclusive representative;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disqualify the employee organization from participating in representation elections for a period of up to 2 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Terminate immediately the payroll deductions for the employee organization’s dues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An employee who violates this section is subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may include permanent dismissal from the employment by the employer for just cause.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer may not direct a lockout against employees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to prohibit the employer from exercising its managerial rights.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-901" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Certified exclusive representative” means the employee organization that has been certified as the collective bargaining agent for a bargaining unit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Certified exclusive representative” includes an employee organization certified to exclusively represent public library employees before July 1, 2024.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Confidential employee” means an employee who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is required to develop or present management positions with respect to employer–employee relations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whose duties normally require access to confidential information that contributes significantly to the development of the management positions with respect to employer–employee relations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Director” means the director, chief executive officer, or chief officer of the applicable public library system, or the designee of the director, chief executive officer, or chief officer.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employee” means a full–time or part–time employee of a public library system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employee” does not include a confidential employee, management employee, or supervisory employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Employee organization” means an organization that admits employees of the employer as members and has as a primary purpose the representation of the employees in their relations with the employer.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Employer” means a public library system and, where applicable, the board of trustees for the public library system.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Funding body” means:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>For a charter county that does not have an elected chief executive officer, the county council;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a charter county that has an elected chief executive officer, the governing body of the county, as provided by the county charter; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For a code or commission county, the county commissioners; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For Baltimore City, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Management employee” means an employee who generally has authority and who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Formulates policy that is applicable throughout a bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has a significant role in personnel administration, employee relations, or the preparation and administration of budgets for the employer; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May reasonably be required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Assist directly in the preparation for and conduct of collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the employer; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have a major role in the administration of resulting collective bargaining agreements.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Public library system” means a county public library system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Public library system” includes the Enoch Pratt Free Library.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Public library system” does not include the public library system of Baltimore County, Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Supervisory employee” means an employee who is authorized to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Responsibly direct employees for more than 50% of the employee’s working hours; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Address and resolve the grievances of employees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-902" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>There may be not more than two bargaining units at each public library system including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One bargaining unit for employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One bargaining unit for supervisory employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a bargaining unit may contain full–time or part–time employees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A bargaining unit may not include volunteers or temporary employees with less than 90 days of service in a 12–month period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to modify or terminate a bargaining unit that was recognized or in existence on or before June 30, 2024.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If an employee organization has been certified under State or local law on or before June 30, 2024, to be an exclusive representative of employees of a public library system, the employer shall accrete all eligible positions into the existing bargaining unit in accordance with this section on request of the exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An accretion under this subsection shall be subject to a showing of interest and election by employees in the accreted positions in accordance with the procedures under § 23–907 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-903" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>An employee who may effectively recommend an action listed in § 23–901(i) of this subtitle may be deemed a management employee if the employee’s exercise of the authority requires the exercise of independent judgment and is not merely of a routine or clerical nature.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The exercise of any single function listed in § 23–901(i) of this subtitle may not necessarily require the conclusion that the individual exercising that function is in fact a management employee within the meaning of the definition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In differentiating a management employee from a nonmanagement employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A class title alone may not be the basis for determination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The nature of the management employee’s work, including whether a significant portion of the management employee’s working time is spent as part of a team that includes nonmanagement employees, shall be considered.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-904" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <text>Employees of the employer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Form, join, and participate in an employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bargain collectively through a certified exclusive representative of their choice;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Engage in lawful concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Refrain from any activity covered under items (1) through (3) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-905" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative have a responsibility to engage in good faith bargaining over matters required by law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative jointly shall be responsible for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect, communication, and cooperation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The goal of collective bargaining is the delivery of quality public services to the residents of the State in a manner that is consistent and compliant with law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-906" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>The employer shall recognize the right of the certified exclusive representative to represent the employees in the unit in collective bargaining and in the grievance process.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The certified exclusive representative of a unit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serve as the sole agent for the unit in collective bargaining; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Represent all employees in the unit fairly and in good faith, in a manner that is not arbitrary or discriminatory.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-907" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee organization seeking certification as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit of employees may file a petition with the employer indicating this intent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The petition shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A request that the employer recognize the employee organization as the exclusive representative of the employees in the bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that the employee organization is one in which employees participate and that has as one of its purposes the representation of public employees in matters of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement that the employee organization has no terms or conditions of membership that discriminate with regard to race, color, creed, gender, age, political affiliation, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A statement that the employee organization has in its possession written proof dated not more than 18 months before the day on which the petition is filed establishing that at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the employer; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Are members of the employee organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Before a petition may be processed, the proof of interest submitted shall be verified as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The employee organization and the employer shall equally bear any costs associated with the verification.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>When an employee organization or employees in a bargaining unit file a petition with the employer, the employee organization or employees shall select a neutral decision maker from a referral or list of arbitrators provided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The employee organization or employees in the bargaining unit shall submit to the neutral decision maker selected under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph the authorization cards signed and dated by at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit not more than 18 months before the day the petition was filed indicating, as appropriate, that the employees have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the public library system administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employee organization shall copy the employer on the request for a neutral decision maker in order for the public library system to receive notice of the selection of the neutral decision maker for the certification process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, within 2 calendar days after the day on which the employer receives the petition, the employer shall submit to the employee organization and neutral decision maker:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A list of employees in the bargaining unit that identifies each employee that the employer contends should be excluded as an eligible voter or from the bargaining unit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement explaining the reason for each exclusion.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a neutral decision maker has not been selected when the employer is required to submit the list required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the employer shall instead submit the list within 1 calendar day after the neutral decision maker has been selected.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the employer fails to provide an explanation as required under item (i)2 of this paragraph, the employer may not challenge the eligibility of an employee’s vote in an election or the eligibility to submit a showing of interest form for purposes of subsection (d)(3) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the employer fails to submit the list of employees to the employee organization or neutral decision maker within the required time, it shall be conclusively deemed that at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit have indicated a desire to be represented by the employee organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall check the written authorization cards submitted by the employee organization or the employees against the list of employees submitted by the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the neutral decision maker determines that at least 30% of the employees on the list have indicated a desire to be represented by the employee organization or to decertify an exclusive representative, the neutral decision maker shall notify the employer of the determination.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the employee organization submits a showing of interest of at least 50% of the employees in an unrepresented bargaining unit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall issue to each participant in an election a certification of representation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The employer shall recognize the employee organization as the certified bargaining representative of the employees at issue.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An election may not be conducted in a bargaining unit unless at least 1 year has passed since the last election held in the bargaining unit.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer shall notify all employees within the proposed bargaining unit that an election will be held and request a neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to oversee and conduct an election by secret ballot.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ballot for an election shall include the following choices:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with the issues presented by the petition or petitions, exclusive representation by any employee organization seeking to obtain or continue representation rights; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No exclusive representation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>An employee organization may intervene in the election and have its name placed on the ballot if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The employee organization files a petition not more than 15 calendar days after the date on which the original petition is filed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employee organization certifies that at least 30% of the employees of the unit:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have designated the employee organization to represent them in their employment relations with the public library system administration; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are members of the employee organization; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The showing of interest is verified as provided in this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 15 days after a neutral decision maker is selected, the neutral decision maker shall hold a conference with the parties during which all objections to the petition and the conduct of the election must be raised.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The election shall be conducted:</text> <level label="1"> <text>According to the procedures established by the neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service conducting the election;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in consultation with the parties that attended the conference required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 90 days after the day of filing the petition with the employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee organization on a ballot may request a preferred method of voting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall designate the method of voting based on the request of the employee organizations on the ballot.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If there is a dispute between two or more employee organizations on the ballot over the method of voting, the neutral decision maker may designate the method of voting.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An employee organization shall be certified as exclusive representative following an election if the employee organization has received the vote of a majority of the valid votes cast in the bargaining unit in which the election is held.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>If an election includes three or more choices and no choice receives a majority of the valid votes cast, the neutral decision maker shall conduct a runoff election between the two choices that received the largest number of valid votes cast.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The choice receiving the majority of the valid votes cast in the runoff election shall be certified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The neutral decision maker conducting the election shall issue to all the participants in an election a certification of representation, if an employee organization is certified, or the results of the election, if no representative is chosen.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>If the employer disagrees with the petitioning employee organization or the petitioning employees as to the inclusion or exclusion of specific employees and classifications of employees in the bargaining unit, all the employees in the petitioned–for group shall have the opportunity to vote in the election.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the ballots of challenged employees shall remain sealed and be set aside until the ballots of employees who are not in dispute have been tallied.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If the total number of ballots of challenged employees does not have an impact on the election result:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The parties may not count the ballots of challenged employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall resolve the dispute over the challenged employees after the election is certified through a hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the total number of ballots of challenged employees does have an impact on the election result, the parties shall immediately refer the dispute to the neutral decision maker from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to resolve the dispute through a hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall hold a hearing on the dispute referred under paragraph (3)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With the parties presenting evidence on their positions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 30 days after the election has concluded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the neutral decision maker finds that challenged employees are properly included within the bargaining unit, the ballots of the challenged employees shall be counted in the total tally for the election.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>The neutral decision maker shall issue a decision within 30 days after the hearing concludes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The neutral decision maker’s findings shall be final and binding on the parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>If employees are represented by an employee organization, employees may file a petition with the employer that contains the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An assertion that the majority of the employees no longer wish to be represented by the employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A statement that the employees have in their possession substantive documentary proof, dated not more than 6 months before the day on which the petition is filed, that at least 30% of the employees within the bargaining unit approve of the decertification of the employee organization; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A statement explaining that the employees are seeking decertification of the employee organization as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The petition shall be processed as described in this section, including verification of proof of interest and an election.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An employee organization shall be decertified as exclusive representative following an election if the majority of the valid votes cast in the unit in which the election is held are for no representation.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-908" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>If an employee organization is certified as described in this subtitle, the employer and the employee organization shall enter into a collective bargaining agreement that contains provisions regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The orderly processing and settlement of grievances regarding the interpretation and implementation of the collective bargaining agreement that culminate in final and binding arbitration; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Other topics that the parties may mutually agree to that were suitable for bargaining.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer automatically shall deduct from the paycheck of an employee who is a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative dues authorized and owed by the employee to the certified exclusive representative if the employee submits to the employer a dues deduction authorization that has been duly executed by the employee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any dues deducted from paychecks under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be remitted to the certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The employer automatically shall stop making payroll deductions under paragraph (1) of this subsection on behalf of a certified exclusive representative if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The certified exclusive representative is decertified;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The certified exclusive representative’s right to dues is revoked under § 23–913(d)(3) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The employee ceases to be a member of the bargaining unit represented by the certified exclusive representative; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the employee revokes the authorization for payments to the exclusive representative in accordance with the procedures provided in a dues deduction authorization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The procedures provided in a dues deduction authorization utilized under this subsection shall allow for a revocation of the authorization for payments to the exclusive representative at least annually.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section may not be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Authorize or otherwise allow an employee to engage in a strike or work stoppage, as those terms are defined in § 23–913 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Restrict the authority of the funding body of the applicable county to determine the budget of the employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A collective bargaining agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall be effective on ratification by the majority of votes cast by the employees in the bargaining unit and approval by the director and the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A single–year or multiyear collective bargaining agreement shall expire at the close of the county’s fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-909" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall reach an agreement by February 1 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the employer and the certified exclusive representative mutually may agree to extend negotiations for a period not to extend past June 30 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any extension must acknowledge any relevant county budgetary deadlines in writing to ensure that parties meet crucial funding deadlines.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An impasse is reached during the negotiations between the employer and the certified exclusive representative if the employer and the certified exclusive representative do not reach an agreement by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Stating they have mutually agreed that they are at an impasse;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>February 1 of the year in which a collective bargaining agreement will expire; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If negotiations were extended, the date to which negotiations were extended under subsection (a)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If an impasse is reached under subsection (b) of this section, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall each submit a final offer to the other party within 48 hours after the impasse is reached.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the impasse reached under subsection (b) of this section has been resolved, the dispute and the final offers shall be submitted to the mediator selected by the parties in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 30 days after a mediator is selected by the parties, the mediator shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meet with the employer and the certified exclusive representative; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make written findings of fact and recommendations for the resolution of the dispute in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the parties are unable to agree on a mediator, they shall request a list of seven mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, within 3 working days after receiving the list under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the parties shall alternately remove one mediator from the list until only one mediator remains, who the parties shall agree will serve as the mediator under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The parties shall select which party removes the first mediator from the list by using a selection method that is random and of equal chance for both parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mediator shall act as an intermediary in bringing the parties together and shall actively assist the parties in resolving the dispute by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conducting proceedings in accordance with this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identifying the major issues in the dispute between the parties;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reviewing the positions of the parties; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Recommending a resolution for the agreement of the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A resolution under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall address matters such as wages, hours, or terms and conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Except for costs assessed to employees for health care benefits, may not include health care benefits unless the benefits are contracted directly through the public library system; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>May not exceed 1 fiscal year, unless agreed to by the parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Any resolution under this subsection regarding pension benefits shall be construed as a recommendation for consideration by the pension sponsor of the State or respective county.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A change may not be made to pension benefits unless an appropriate plan amendment is adopted by the plan sponsor of the State or respective county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Before issuing a final decision, the mediator shall take into consideration, among any other relevant factors:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The wages and pension benefits, not including health care benefits, of the employees of the bargaining unit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The wages and pension benefits of other similarly situated employees performing similar services in libraries of comparable counties in the State, taking into consideration the cost–of–living index for the area in which the comparable county is located;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Wages and pension benefits of similarly situated county employees;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The last published annual U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for All Items in the Washington–Baltimore area;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The special nature of the work performed by the employees of the bargaining unit, including:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Physical requirements of employment;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Educational requirements;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Job training and job skills; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Shift assignments and the demands placed on the employees compared to the demands placed on other similarly situated library employees in comparable county jurisdictions;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>State and county mandated expenditures;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, availability of funds, including financial sources of revenue; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The interest and welfare of the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In considering the availability of funds for wage increases, the mediator shall consider the general fund revenues of the respective county and any related county reports on revenues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A mediator may not consider testimony regarding funds for capital improvements, surplus contingency, or reserve funds.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The parties are strongly encouraged to reach an agreement on all issues whenever possible.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If no agreement can be reached by the parties, the mediator shall issue a report with the mediator’s decision, including written findings of fact.</text> </level> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The mediator may adopt a package of final positions or rule on each matter separately.</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The mediator shall submit copies of the mediator’s written findings and recommendations to the employer and the certified exclusive representative on or before the immediately following April 2.</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Any costs associated with this subsection shall be shared equally by the employer and the certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to interfere with any efforts the parties may undertake to reach an agreement at any time.</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>The funding body of the applicable county is not bound by any decision made under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>The procedure in this subsection shall be the exclusive procedure for resolving disputes between the parties, unless the parties, by mutual agreement, determine to use another method of dispute resolution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The mediator shall submit the findings and recommendations of the mediator to the employer in a timely manner consistent with the timing of paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employer shall approve all recommendations and findings of the mediator that do not require an appropriation of additional funds within 14 days after the mediator’s decision.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-910" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the employer shall submit a term of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding entered into under this subtitle to the funding body of the applicable county with the employer’s recommendation regarding whether the agreement or the mediator’s decision requires an appropriation of additional funds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The submission required under this subsection shall be made before the first meeting of the funding body of the applicable county that immediately follows an agreement being reached to ensure any relevant county budgetary deadlines are not missed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The funding body of the applicable county may approve or reject a request for additional funding under subsection (a) of this section, in whole or in part.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the funding body of the applicable county approves a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the funding body of the applicable county shall take all actions necessary to process the request for additional funding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If any part of a request for additional funding submitted to the funding body of the applicable county under this subsection is rejected, the request for additional funds shall be returned to the employer and the certified exclusive representative for renegotiation within the limits of the funding allocated by the funding body of the applicable county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The renegotiation shall be completed within a timetable established by the funding body of the applicable county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If an impasse is reached, the employer and the certified exclusive representative shall each submit a final offer, within the limits of the funding allocated by the funding body of the applicable county, for the review of the funding body of the applicable county.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The funding body of the applicable county shall select one of the offers submitted under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The selection of the funding body of the applicable county is binding on all parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer and the certified exclusive representative are mutually obligated to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Meet at reasonable times in consideration of the county’s budget submission date; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Negotiate in good faith on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Drafting a written collective bargaining agreement that contains all matters agreed on and is signed by authorized representatives of both parties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The obligation to negotiate in good faith under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Requires that an effort be made by both parties to arrive at an agreement and reduce the agreement to writing within a reasonable period of time; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not require that any concession be made by either party.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-911" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>An employer may provide to a representative of the exclusive representative:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Release time; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Access to routine services and facilities of the employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The employer or its officers or agents may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interfere with, coerce, unduly influence, or restrain an employee’s exercise of rights under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, dominate, surveil, interfere with, assist in the formation, administration, or existence of, or contribute financial assistance or other support to an employee organization;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Encourage or discourage membership in an employee organization by discriminating against an employee through hiring, tenure, promotion, or other conditions of employment;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Refuse to bargain in good faith with an employee organization that is the exclusive representative of the employees; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Spend public money, use public resources, or provide assistance to an individual or group for a negative campaign against efforts by employees or an employee organization to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Gain or retain collective bargaining rights or to certify an employee organization as an exclusive representative; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Certify an employee organization as an exclusive representative.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An employee organization may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Interfere with, coerce, unduly influence, or restrain an employee’s exercise of rights under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cause or attempt to cause the employer to discriminate against an employee because the employee exercises a right under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Discipline or fine a member of the employee organization as punishment or reprisal;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discipline or fine a member of the employee organization for the purpose of impeding the member’s work performance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Refuse to bargain in good faith with the employer or to participate in good faith in a procedure under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Unfairly represent employees in collective bargaining or in any other matter in which the employee organization has the duty of fair representation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee who is a member of a bargaining unit with a certified exclusive representative may, without the intervention of an employee organization, discuss any matter with the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not waive the right of the employee organization to be the exclusive bargaining representative for issues related to wages, hours, and working conditions and is not intended to create an alternate path to alter terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the parties.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-912" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, it is the exclusive right of the employer to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Determine the purposes and objectives of each of its constituent offices and departments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Set standards of services to be offered to the public;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Exercise control and discretion over its organization and operations; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Determine the methods, means, personnel, and other resources by which the employer’s operations are to be conducted, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The use of volunteers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The contracting out of work if considered necessary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to applicable provisions of a collective bargaining agreement and in accordance with the respective county charter and other applicable laws, the employer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Direct its employees;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hire, promote, transfer, assign, or retain employees;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish reasonable work rules; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Demote, suspend, discharge, or take any other disciplinary action against its employees for just cause.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section shall be deemed to be part of every agreement executed between the employer and a certified exclusive representative.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section may not be construed to deny the right of an employee to submit a grievance with regard to the employer’s exercise of its rights under this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, if employees have entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the employer under this subtitle, the collective bargaining agreement entered into supersedes any conflicting regulation or administrative policy of the employer.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A collective bargaining agreement may include a provision for arbitration of disciplinary actions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ged" article_name="Education" number="23-913" title_number="23" title_name="Libraries" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Public Libraries -- Collective Bargaining"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lockout” means the temporary withholding of work, by means of shutting down an operation or function in order to bring pressure on employees or on their representatives to accept a change in compensation or rights, privileges, obligations, or other terms and conditions of employment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Secondary boycott” means an activity by an employee organization or its members that is intended to induce, encourage, or coerce persons doing business with the employer to withhold, withdraw, or in any respect curtail their business relations with the county.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Strike” means the refusal or failure by an employee or group of employees to perform their duties of employment as assigned if a purpose of the refusal or failure is to induce, force, or require the employer to act or refrain from acting with regard to any matter.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Work stoppage” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The willful absence of a group of employees from their positions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The engaging in a slowdown by employees; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The refusal of employees to perform job duties.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In general, strikes, work stoppages, lockouts, and secondary boycotts are prohibited.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Employees and employee organizations may not engage in, sponsor, initiate, support, direct, or condone a strike, work stoppage, or secondary boycott.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Employee organizations may not engage in, initiate, sponsor, or support, directly or indirectly, picketing of the employer, its property, or field or office facilities in furtherance of a strike, work stoppage, or secondary boycott.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If an employee organization violates this section, the employer may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revoke the employee organization’s designation as certified exclusive representative;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Disqualify the employee organization from participating in representation elections for a period of up to 2 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Terminate immediately the payroll deductions for the employee organization’s dues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An employee who violates this section is subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may include permanent dismissal from the employment by the employer for just cause.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The employer may not direct a lockout against employees.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection may not be construed to prohibit the employer from exercising its managerial rights.</text> </level> </level> </section>